tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54383327941210650382024-03-21T04:23:22.614-07:00It's Mission Time!Sister Gretchen Edyth Schillemat, California Riverside Mission, September 2011-March 2013Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-49441487214876787122013-03-18T19:05:00.002-07:002013-03-18T19:05:56.634-07:00Miracles for Gretchen's Last few Days of Her Mission<br />
This is the last blog post for Gretchen's mission. Next week, she will be returning home on Tuesday, March 26. I hope that you have all enjoyed her letters and that her experiences have been inspiring and uplifting to you. Thanks for sharing this experience with all of us. <br />
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Hello family!</div>
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It sounds like a wonderful week for you! First, Congratulations to Danielle! I am so excited for her and for all that is ahead. This is just the beginning of living the beautiful Gospel. I love this Gospel so much and I know that this is what brings happiness now and for eternity!</div>
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Let me tell you about our miracle yesterday!</div>
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Yesterday was wonderful! There is a part member family, the Kintighs. Brother Kintigh is not a member, is 92 or so years old, and is very supportive of his wife, who is a member. A couple of weeks ago we went to leave a blessing in their house. There was a beautiful Spirit there. He was about to go to the doctors that week and we asked if he would like a Priesthood blessing and he accepted. He was given a blessing and just a couple weeks ago, his hometeacher came up to us and said Brother Kintigh seemed to be more open since the two blessings. He has cancer right now and is undergoing radiation and chemo.<br />Well, we went by yesterday and invited him to be baptized this <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363657425_0">upcoming Sunday</span>. At first he said, "I'll think about it." Then we testified that we are here to represent Jesus Christ and we wouldn't want to wait if the Savior invited us to be baptized. He then asked, "Can I say the Lord's Prayer?" He recited the Lord's Prayer and you can tell the Spirit was working in his heart. We invited him again and he said, "I think I will." The Spirit was so strong and we can see how our Heavenly Father has prepared this man for baptism. The Spirit of the Harvesting Blessing and Priesthood Blessing softened his heart.</div>
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That was absolutely a miracle! We told our Bishop, his hometeacher and our WML right after and they were all shocked and excited! He will be baptized <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363657425_1">on March 24th</span>. :)</div>
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Also, there is a man that we have talked to many times. He is out running a lot and we have seen him maybe 3 or 4 times. Well, everytime we see him, he says he'll come to church. And yesterday, he did! And he brought 3 other family members! They stayed for sacrament and gospel principles and we are just so excited! We are going to teach them this week. They said they really enjoyed church. :)</div>
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Yesterday was such a crazy Sunday, but great! Sister Boyd and I spoke in sacrament because it was a missionary farewell. The young man goes into the MTC<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363657425_2">on March 27th</span> for Washington, Kennewick Mission. :) I was asked to speak on Enduring to the End. Andrea, I used your email from when you ran a marathon! It was perfect for the talk. I spoke last, so I didn't have too much time, so your email was certainly a highlight for the talk. :) </div>
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Then we went to the Kintighs home and invited him to be baptized. Then we went to a baptism for a little girl that we taught. Sister Boyd and I sang "When I am Baptized" for that baptism.</div>
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Busy, but wonderful day! The week was pretty busy as well. I got the 24 flu Wednesday night through Thursday, but will team-ups, it all worked out! I felt pretty much normal <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363657425_3">on Friday morning</span>, so I am good now. :) I think it was pretty funny how I have dodged getting sick for almost all my mission and then it hit me now...haha</div>
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I love this work sooo much! I know that this is the work of the Lord. There is no greater work. I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ restored through the prophet, Joseph Smith. I know that we have a living prophet here on earth that leads and guides us. I know that the Priesthood is God's power on earth and I am thankful to be a receipiant of that. I received two blessings this week, one for health, one for comfort, and I am just so thankful for that power here on earth. I know this is Jesus Christ's Church! </div>
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I love you alll so much! This is my last email to you, so I will see you soon! Love you soo much! </div>
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Love, Sister Gretchen Schillemat </div>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-49950417205949260372013-03-15T18:08:00.001-07:002013-03-15T18:08:46.664-07:00Countdown to Gretchen's Return-but Don't Tell Her That. <br />
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Family!</div>
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This week was filled with miracles. I am going to just write what I wrote in my journal this past week about a couple of them.</div>
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1) First, about a month ago or so, Sister Fia and I talked to a man who went by the name Superman. We asked Supoerman who else he knew that was in need of a blessing. He told us about his neice, Melissa. Well, we tryied to go by once or twice with no luck. But Thursday when I was with Sister Dominguez, a 19 year old team-up, we went over and Melissa was home. She allowed us to come in. Her uncle who referred us to her actually past awaywithin the last couple of weeks. Heavenly Father had a plan.</div>
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We gave Melissa a blessing and invited her to be baptized. Before we finished inviting her she said, "When?" We invited her to be baptized <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363395643_0">on March 31st</span> and she accepted. We gave her a Book of Mormon and left her with the Introduction. She is a new investigator! I am just so grateful we asked her uncle Brett (Superman) who he knew that need a blessing. Ask everyone for referrals!</div>
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2) Sister Boyd and I sometimes go oym at the gas station. Well, that ius where we were and talked to a young man named Andrea. He wasn't interesting in a blessing but we asked him who he knew or if he knew anyone else who need a blessing. He told us his dad could probably use one and gave us the address, which was thankfully in our area. </div>
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We tried the house once, no answer. But we went back <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363395643_1">on Thursday</span>. George answered the door, Andrew's dad. We explained who we are and he let us in. His wife and two younger daughters were there as well. Letty, who just turned 5 in February, suffers from Tuberculosis. She has been suffering with this since she was 12 months old. This family truly needed a blessing. We left a blessing and invited them to baptsim, George said he didnt know enough, but he agreed to missionaries coming back. The Spanish Elders will be taking over. :) </div>
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3) We had another referral from a man on the street. We were driving and just pulled over to talk to him. He gave us his phone number and we asked if he knew anyone else who needed a blessing. He said his sister, Sheila, We went <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363395643_2">on Friday</span> we went to his sisters house and miracle after miracle happened. We knocked. No answer. Then we tracted in the neighborhood for a little while. We went to a house and we left a blessing. Then we came out and there were people outside Sheila's house. It wasn't her but she came to meet us and let us in. When we asked what she was in need of, she said she wanted to get closer to God and a couple of other things. We left the blessing. We invited her to be baptized and she realized that was what was missing in her life! She committed to<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363395643_3">April 6th</span>! :) Her friend was also there and we are meeting with them both again tomorrow.</div>
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4) We were oyming on Friday and a woman named Linda came up asking for a quarter. We talked to her for a while and found out that she has been struggling a lot. She was drinking right before talking to us and has addictions. We asked if we could meet with her again the next day and she said yes. she kept asking if we were really coming and we reassured her we would be there. Well, we met at her apartment complex and she was there. We taught her a lesson about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Then we set us another time and a ride for church. Sunday morning came around and Sister Boyd and I went to make sure Sheila was ready. We came to the complex and she was all dressed and ready to go early! She was so excited to see us! We told her her ride was coming soon. :) She said for all of church and then also came back for a baptism last night. She is making huge steps in her life! She is truly using the Atonement of Jesus Christ in her life to overcome her struggles and challenges. She is preparing for baptism <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1363395643_4">on April 14th</span>.</div>
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5) We had a baptism yesterday! It was the Montiel family! I just love them sooo much! Hilda and Izaiah were baptized by Omar, husband and father. It was a great turn out from the ward. And a wonderful Spirit!</div>
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6) Amy was confirmed as well! She is just soaking in everything she can and doing so well!</div>
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Life is so good as a missionary! I just love being here and I feel so blessed. Miracles are happening everyday and I know that the Lord is blessing us all as we are obedient. I love serving the Lord and being here!</div>
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Sister Boyd is such a huge blessing in my life! I love her soooo much! She has taught me to be more bold and compassionate. She loves to work hard and we are just having fun working hard together!</div>
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I love you and am so grateful for all your support and love. I am excited for you to see and hear Elder Ballard. :) Also Danielle, Congratulations! I am so excited for you. It is the best decision that you can make in your life and in the eternities. Send me pictures please!</div>
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I love you all and talk to you soon!</div>
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Sister Schillemat</div>
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Montiel Family! :)</div>
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Yes, that is a giraffe. :)</div>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-46017395060156584462013-03-08T20:06:00.001-08:002013-03-08T20:06:03.152-08:00Miracles in Jurupa<br />
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Family!</div>
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This past week was wonderful and we saw miracles happen! First of all, we had a baptism yesterday for Amy! She is the most solid investigator that I have taught. We met with her three times last week and she was just so ready for her baptism. We only met her about 3 and a half weeks ago..I think...maybe a little more, but she was just great from the start. Her baptism was wonderful and her mom said a beautiful prayer at the end. Her mom is coming back to church after being less-active for a long time, so it was just wonderful. Amy was about to have both her grandmother and grandfather on her mom"s side there. It was a wonderful day!</div>
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Then we had a miracle happen! We have been fasting and praying for new investigators because our teaching pool is pretty slim right now. Well, yesterday we were leaving Gospel Principles and a member asked if we were free that night. We said yes, and we went to teach her boyfriend that evening. He had already come to church with her twice and started reading the Book of Mormon. We taught home part of the Restoration and left him with 3 Nephi 11 to read. He has been Muslim for the past 4 years, so teaching about Jesus Christ and who he is, is going to be a focus for the next couple of lessons. We invited him to be baptized on Easter Sunday and he said, "Yeah, I think that would be good." :) He is ready and really is eager to learn. We are excited for him and meet with him again tomorrow. He was an answer to our prayers for new investigators. We are so excited to keep teaching him.</div>
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Peder, Congratulations on your baptism! You are so happy and I do love it!</div>
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Well, thank you for all the Birthday wishes! It was a great birthday. The Chandler family fed us <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362801087_0">on Tuesday</span> and threw a birthday party for me! It was with decorations and cake and ice cream... :) Then <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362801087_1">on Thursday</span> we had some ice cream cake for my birthday. Overall it was wonderful and I loved your card Mom! Thank you! I have received wonderful letters over the past week, so thank you everyone! :) I can't believe how old I am...23?! ;) Time is going tooo fast!</div>
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Well, I love you all soooo much and this is the Lord's work. We have another baptism for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362801087_2">this Sunday</span> for Hilda and her son Izaiah! We are so excited for this family. Omar, the father and husband, is baptizing them both, so we are so excited! :) I know that this family is going to one day be sealed in the Temple of the Lord. More pictures to come next week! </div>
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I love this work and am so happy to be here! I know that missionary work is directed by the Lord's work and he is aware of all of us! Danielle, keep being strong. Baptism is the gate to so many blessings from the Lord. :) </div>
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Have a wonderful week! Love you!</div>
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Sister Schillemat</div>
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picture of the baptism! </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;">This is me and Israel, who were birthday buddies! He turned 6 on the 28th. His mom Hilda and his brother Izaiah are getting baptized this</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362801087_3" style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;">upcoming Sunday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;">. :)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's wrong with this picture. It took Gretchen and her companion a couple of days to see it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know where they got the snakes but isn't this cool? ! </td></tr>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-69763887212821949022013-02-28T07:22:00.002-08:002013-02-28T07:22:28.070-08:00A Good week in Jurupa<br />
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Family!</div>
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This week was a great week in Jurupa! Sister Boyd and I were able to teach 20 lessons and have 7 of them with a member-present. OVerall things are going well and life is good!</div>
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Well, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362064711_0">on Friday</span>, President Smart emailed us and told us that California, Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga are going to becoming a new mission and that in July that will affect us as a mission. There are 58 new missions that were announced throughout the whole world! That is just amazing! I am so excited for this great work! That will definitely change our boundaries quite a bit with these two missions, plus the Carlsbad mission. I will send you President Smart's email and you should check out the website. It is such an amazing time to be a part of this great work. The Lord truly is hastening his work!</div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Amy is progressing so well! WE taught her Saturday, yesterday, and we are teaching her tonight and tomorrow. She is on date for baptism for </span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362064711_1" style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">this Sunday</span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">! We are so excited and she is too. She was prepared to hear this message and accept it in her life. </span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362064711_2" style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">On Saturday</span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">, she asked, "What way do I have to be living? I have been doing things and wondering if that is wrong." She was so concerned that she was making mistakes and she is just eager to learn. We went over the baptismal interview questions right there even though we hadn't taught most of lessons yet, but she was put at ease. I really love teaching Amy because she is just so eager to learn and the Spirit is guiding the lessons through her questions. She just wants to know everything she can and it has been wonderful for us to be a part of. We showed up at Church yesterday at 8:30 and Amy was already there because she wanted to get a good spot for 9:00 church. :)</span></span></div>
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I love this work and I feel so blessed. Sister Boyd has been a huge blessing and teacher to me over this past week. She is full of energy and we work hard, while having fun. I love it!</div>
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This is a great work! I love you all!</div>
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SIster Gretchen Schillemat</div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-27687226163814790842013-02-19T18:17:00.000-08:002013-02-19T20:23:02.374-08:00Staying put but with a new companion<br />
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Hello Family!</div>
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So it was transfers this last week and I didn't leave! YAY! But sadly, Sister <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1361325977_0">Fia</span> left, but my new companion is Sister BOYD! She is from Maryland and I lived with her when I was in Riverside. I probably told you all about her and she is amazing! I never thought we would have the chance to be companions, but I am soooo excited! She is a hard worker and she is just a ball of energy and love. We are excited for the work that is going on in the area and know that miracles with continue. I was really sad to see Sister Fia leave, but I know that she will be great with SIster Larsen, who was my MTC companion. :) Sister Fia and Sister Larsen are going to do wonderful things in Corona! Hopefully Sister Fia will be able to come back to some of the baptisms coming up as well!</div>
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Life in Jurupa is going well. :) We are seeing lots of miracles and we are excited for all that is in store. Sister Fia and I had three mini-missionaries are Saturday for the day. Let me tell you about one miracle that we saw. I was out with one sister and we didn't have much success getting in anywhere, but we had a referral to contact. Well this referral was (get ready for this one): Our homeshare's (Monica) daughter's (Alisha) husband's (Brandon) parents. Anyway, we went to the house and it turned out that Alisha and Brandon were actually there, which was perfect! Absolutely a miracle! Brandon is not a member and Alisha is. Brandon has investigated the Church on and off for years. We offered to leave a Harvesting Blessing with them and they accepted. We left a blessing with them and I knew that it was for Brandon, just as much for his parents. We invited Brandon to be baptized and he declined, but it was a good visit nonetheless. It was a miracle that we were there. We went back to our homeshares right after that and told her about it. She talked to her daughter and found out that she was already back home and that they were only there for a short time. It was absolutely the Lord's timing.</div>
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We have been so blessed as missionaries. I love this work sooo much! I am excited for all that is ahead.</div>
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We have an investigator named Amy, who is on date for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1361325977_1">March 3rd</span> and she is progressing well. She came to Church again this past week and we are so excited for her. :) Hilda is on date for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1361325977_2">March 10th</span> and Hannah as well. We are just going to keep working hard!</div>
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Congratulations Geoff on BYU-I! Amber's home! I am excited for her!</div>
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I know this is the Lord's work! I am so blessed to be a part of it. We talked about Christ-like attributes today in our District Meeting and I am excited to focus on a different attribute of my Savior, Jesus Christ for these next weeks. I have grown in my knowledge and testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and loves us so much. He is aware of our lives and all that we are doing. I know that He can heal us spiritually, emotional, physically. </div>
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I love you all! Have an amazing week! Talk to you soon!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat</div>
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This is a picture of Sister Boyd and I four or five months ago at the temple. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gretchen and Sister Gonzales, who often comes along with the sister missionaries.</td></tr>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-86347557442980225122013-02-16T18:37:00.000-08:002013-02-16T19:00:54.066-08:00Life is good!<br />
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Family!</div>
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So excited for Danielle! That is definitely an amazing blessing! I can't wait to see pictures of the baptism. :) I will keep her in my prayers as she continues to take the lessons.</div>
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This week was a good week. We taught 20 lessons, which was sooo exciting! Finally. I feel like we are trying to all we can and are more on top of it than in other areas, but it has been a atruggle to get our lessons. It was really exciting to teach so much last week.</div>
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We met with a new family this last week. It is three generations in one house. The daughter, Amy, mom, Charlene, and grandma, Pat living together. Well Charlene and Pat are both members of the Church but have been less active for a long time. Amy is not a member, but is so excited about the gospel. We met on Wednesday and Amy was just so excited to be learning. She told us she wants to come to church and she was there on Sunday, for all three hours. She seemed to really enjoy it as well. We are teaching her again on Wednesday and are excited for her.</div>
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Life is good as a missionary! I am happy. :)</div>
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One thing that I was reading this morning was in Helaman 12. It talks about not setting at naught the guidance and counsel of the Lord. How often in life, do we think that we know what is best for us? Or we want certain things and don't seek the guidance of the Lord? I know that as we seek the Lord's guidance and truly follow it, we are blessed in all things. I know that His plan for us will always bless us, where our plan for ourselves is not guaranteed. I know that the Lord lives and loves us.</div>
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Thanks for all you do and all your love. Happy Valentine's Day. :)</div>
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Love you,</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat</div>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-51334887385449553942013-02-04T18:36:00.001-08:002013-02-04T18:36:07.704-08:00Ether 12:27<br />
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Hello Family,</div>
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This past week was an interesting one. We had a not so good week for lessons, but here is the highlights.</div>
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We are teaching Hannah, the girlfriend of a member. She is doing soo well! She is on date for February 17th and came to all of Church yesterday. We are really excited for her!</div>
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We also continued to teach a family of four this week. We gave them a harvesting blessing a little over a week ago and we had a really good lesson with them. They all could feel the Spirit and were grateful for our visit. We are excited for what is to come.</div>
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I loved Peder's email today. That was just what I needed to hear. Sometimes we do feel like we are always failing and that we are kind of alone. But we are never alone. We always have the Savior, Jesus Christ, our loving Father in Heaven, and the Holy Ghost. I am so thankful for that. This past week we had one lesson that didn't go as we, I should say, as I, expected. We were on splits that night, so after the lesson I felt like I had really failed. That whole night and the following day it was really bothering me. And I think this was an opportunity for me to learn and to grow. I didn't depend on the Spirit like I should have. I didn't prepare for that lesson like I should have. Although, I wish it didn't have to go that way, I am grateful for that experience because it was an opportunity for me to really change what I am doing to be more prepared in lessons. It was an opportunity for me to see my weaknesses and depend of the Lord more, so that they can become strengths. I am hoping and praying that the next lesson with that family will be more filled with the Spirit and that I will be a better conduit for the Spirit.</div>
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Missions are hard. But they are the best time of our lives. I am so thankful to be serving a mission. I am so thankful for the people that I meet and the people that I come in contact with. I love this work. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. This is His work.</div>
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Thank you for your love and support! I love you all! Geoff, Congratulations on being an eagle scout!</div>
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Love you all!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat</div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-9685826425742851562013-02-02T18:51:00.001-08:002013-02-02T18:51:53.491-08:00Gretchen's good week! One of many....<br />
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Family!</div>
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This week was full of miracles and I feel so blessed. As I wrote last week, we prayed for a family and we ended up teaching two new families this past week. One was the one that I wrote about last week. The other was a Harvesting Blessing that we had <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1359859860_0">on Saturday night</span>. That was really a miracle. We were tracting just a few houses and we had no success, again until the last house. The Lord often works that way. :) Then we knocked on the door of this house and they let us in. They told us that we had already talked to them at a gas station a couple of weeks ago, so they knew who we are. We offered to give a Harvesting Blessing and they gladly accepted. After we offered the blessing, one of the two daughters was crying. The mother was explaining her feelings and it was truly the Spirit. We invited them to be baptized, but the father was not very open to that. But we asked if we could come back on Sunday and they agreed. We came back again and had a lesson with them. They have not committed to baptism, mostly because of the father, but we are going to meet with them again this week. The daughter, who is a senior in high school, has a spark in her eye, and you can tell the Spirit is working with her. It may not be the father who is baptized, but his children are feeling and recognizing the Spirit. We are so excited for this family! </div>
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We also had Hannah, who we started teaching last week, commit to be baptized. We taught the Plan of Salvation on Wednesday and after the lesson, Hannah said, "So I didn't give you a clear answer about being baptized <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1359859860_1">on February 17th</span>. But I want you to know I accept the goal." :) We were so excited and are seeing the Spirit work in her. :)</div>
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Then Sister Fia, while we were on splits, went and taught the Montiel family. The wife committed to be baptized on February 17th along with one of her sons, who is 8 years old. The father received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday as well. :) We are so excited for this whole family! They are progressing so well and we feel so blessed to be a part of this great work. </div>
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Life is good here in Riverside! I love this work and I am so happy to hear all is going well with you! Poul and Mom, who are doing wonderful things as missionaries. I want to keep hearing about Danielle and how she is progressing. :) Poul, where'd you meet her? Is she from Keene? Fill me in a little more on that. I am so excited for her to be reading the Book of Mormon and feeling the Spirit of the Restored Gospel. This truly is the Savior's Church. I know it without a doubt. I know that The Book of Mormon is true. I love to read it! </div>
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I love this work. I love serving the Lord. We had multi-zones this past week and it was just what I needed. It was sadly my last multi-zone conference, which is unbelievable to me. Time is going too quickly. I loved the conference though. President Smart emphasized that we need truly act on the feelings that we had at the conference. He compared it to investigators who feel good at lessons, but don't act on the things that are shared. We may have felt good at multi-zones, but if we don't act then it doesn't help us progress. I am excited to act on the things that we learned and reviewed at multi-zones. </div>
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Thank you so much for all you love and support. I feel your prayers every day. Thank you for all you do! I love you!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat </div>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-79192405349609964272013-01-22T13:53:00.001-08:002013-01-22T13:53:05.451-08:00A week of miracles again!<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Family!</span><br />
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It is always such a treat to hear from you and I look forward to emailing you every week. I am sorry that I have been soo bad at getting hand-written letters out! Andrea and Roland, I hope you had a wonderful anniversary! (a little late...)</div>
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So first off, the miracle of the morning. Sister Fia and I prayed this morning and have been praying for the past couple of days that we would be able to find a family to teach. About a half an hour after we prayed this morning to begin our companionship studies, we received a referral on our phone for a family that another set of missionaries had taught. Then we received a phone call from one of the senior sisters that went to the lesson. She said that the family was prepared and receptive to the Gospel. We are so excited and grateful for the answer to this prayer. I know without a doubt that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. I know that no matter how small it is, that if we pray, the Lord will bless us with an answer. It may not be when we expect, but he will hear and answer our prayers. :) I will keep you updated on this family! </div>
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We also taught another girl last night named Hannah, who were are super excited about. She is dating a member of our ward and has come to Church a couple of times already. The Spirit was wonderful at the lesson last night and although she didn't accept the date for baptism yet, we know that Lord will hear and answer her prayers and she will be ready for that date if she reads and prays. We have another lesson with her tomorrow and we are really excited to be teaching her. </div>
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Randy was confirmed <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1358891284_0">this Sunday</span>, which was wonderful! Then an 8 year old, Zach, who we taught was baptized. :) It was such a great baptism. We also had another Part-Member Family come to the baptism and they all enjoyed it. We are excited for their family as well. </div>
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The work is truly moving along in this area. I know that the Lord is hearing and answering my prayers every day. I know that He is aware of my desires and as we are obedient, we are blessed with our righteous desires. This is a great work. </div>
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I love you all and hope that you have a wonderful week! </div>
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Love, </div>
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Sister Schillemat</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This is Ollie, a recent convert. She reminds me soo much of Grandma Haehnel and she even calls us her granddaughters. :) </span></div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-45725263829775569972013-01-14T18:28:00.002-08:002013-01-14T18:28:52.113-08:00Randy got baptized!<br />
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Family!</div>
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This week was really great, but like Peder we too had a lot of cancellations. But all is well! Randy was baptized! Randy was just wonderful and it was a great baptism. He said two days before his baptism, "It had abeen coming for a long time, but the time wasn't right." Now was the time for Randy. He had just been beaming over the last week. Sunday came and he stayed for all three hours, which was wonderful! We were so excited to have him there. Then he came back to the church for his baptism at <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1358216113_0">4:00</span>. He said that he was so nervous that he couldn't button his shirt at home. We assured him all would be well. :)</div>
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The baptism went really smoothly, except for Randy hitting his head to pull the plug to the font. He came back from changing with a bandaid on the cut from the hit. But Randy is tough and it didn't really phase him.</div>
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The Spirit was wonderful as we closed with "How Great Thou Art." It was a wonderful baptism. :)</div>
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The picture is: Me, Sister Fia, Randy, and Brother Hernandez from our ward. Brother Hernandez and Randy went to high school together over 40 years ago. Very cool!</div>
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We also moved out of our apartment today into a homeshare. We are soo excited! We are staying with a wonderful woman in our ward boundaries and are excited to be in a home. Our apartment wasn't too "homey", so this is an improvement. :) We are really excited to be there!</div>
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The work is moving along. We had two part-member family come to church on Sunday for the first time! It was wonderful! We were so glad to see them all there. We also had another mini-missionary with us this week. Sister Castro was wonderful. She had an amazing Spirit and Spanish is her first language so she helped us out a lot! We were able to talk to a lot of people and be much more effective. Wonderful week. But a lot of appointments seemed to fall through. But such as missionary work. It seems like we have one good week and then a harder one, but I know if we are just doing our best, the Lord is pleased. I just keep trying to work hard and do all I can. Sometimes it is hard, but then I remember this is the Lord's time, not mine. This is where he wants me to be. This is his work and I must do my best.</div>
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I love being a missionary. I am so thankful! I love you all and know this is the Lord's work! Have a wonderful, safe week! Love you!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat</div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-36871061547402511562013-01-07T18:33:00.003-08:002013-01-07T18:33:42.562-08:00A Good Start to the New Year<br />
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Family!</div>
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This week was escpecially wonderful! We had a lot of great lessons and we worked hard and saw miracles.</div>
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This past week was one of the best weeks that we have had and one of the fastest as well. We had Sister Morris, a mini-missionary, with us and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to go out and get more contacts and make more visits.<br />Randy, who is on date for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1357611783_0">this Sunday, January 13th</span>, is just doing so well. We saw him nearly every day and had amazing visits with him. We fasted with him on Sunday for him to stop drinking coffee. As we started our fast with him <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1357611783_1">on Saturday night</span> he was glowing. You could see the Light of Christ radiating from him. We started our fast and he was just so happy. We told him that for baptism, he needs to not drink any coffee for the week before his baptism (and after). After we said that, he replied, "Well, I guess I just drank my last cup today."<br />Then he came to church and it was fast and testimony meeting. He really enjoyed it. When we came to end our fast with him after church, he said that he felt like one lady who bore her testimony. She said when she met the missionaries, she wanted to be baptized right away. Randy said that is what he felt like. He wanted to be baptized today! It has been truly amazing to see the Spirit work in Randy. He has truly changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know also that when it is the Lord's time, all will work out. Randy has been taught for years, but this was his time and the Lord's time.<br />Randy is certainly my ultimate highlight for the week.</div>
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But we just had a really good week. We taught the most lessons since we been in Jurupa, which was great since it was the holiday. We also had some really great lessons. We are teaching another guy named Jonathan. He was also taught in the past, but next was baptized. He is 21 years old and is really striving to follow Jesus Christ. We had three lessons with him last week. Two of them were with members, which was great. The second lesson was with a recent convert, who comes from the exact same background as Jonathan, so it was perfect. The third lesson was with a pre-missionary and a return missionary of about 3 weeks, which was also great because they were the same age. I have a strong testimony of the importance of members, They truly are the way to see investigators progress towards baptism.</div>
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Our New years eve was full of activities because we couldn't proselyte that evening. We hiked Mt. Rubidoux in the morning (Thats my fourth time...), went out to lunch as a zone, and then played volleyball that night. It was fun, but I really like proselyting. It was almost too much for me. haha I can only hang out for so long. I was exhausted by the end of the day and ready to get back to normal. I loved the holidays, but as a missionary, I am ready for the normal schedule again. :)</div>
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I truly love this work. It has been wonderful to see miracles and see the Lord's hand in this work. I am excited for this upcoming transfer. Sister Fia and I aren't going anywhere! :) Nearly every companionship (except Sister Fia and I and one other) are getting changed this transfer. We are excited for all the work here!</div>
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Well, I love you all soo much! This is going to be a great year! I am so thankful to be serving here and to have the opportunity to serve the Lord. This is the true Church! I know it. :)</div>
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Love you!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat</div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-33673553093643292972012-12-22T12:26:00.000-08:002012-12-22T12:26:03.719-08:00Christmas is coming!<br />
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Hello Family!</div>
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I am so excited to be able to see you next week! :) I am going to skype at about noon here, so it will be 3:00 pm there. I hope that works with you! I am excited to see you! :)</div>
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We had a good week last week! Lots more lessons and lots of people to talk to! It was wonderful as well because there are so many sisters that are willing and want to go out with us! On one day we had 3 different team-ups which was wonderful! We take out several sisters who are preparing for missions, which is great for us and them! We love having people with us and they enjoy it too. :)</div>
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Last night was one of my highlights. On Saturday we were out talking to people and we saw a man cleaning the rims of his car. We walked up to him and asked if we could leave a blessing with him and his family. He said that he had recently lost his family and was living with his mom, but we could come over and leave the blessing with him.<br />
So we went over last night and gave a Harvesting Blessing. The Spirit was wonderful and we invited him to be baptized on January 12th. He accepted! We are meeting with him tonight at 7:30. His girlfriend, who was also there, lives in Long Beach and wants the missionaries to come visit her there. It was such a wonderful way to end the week!</div>
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We also have Randy, a former investigator that we started meeting with again, on date for January 6th. We are excited for him! Our WML already made out the program for him and we are excited! He is really a great man and we are excited to see him continue to progress.</div>
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So funny story of the week: We had the RS Christmas Party on Thursday night. There was a white elephant exchange. One of the first gifts that was picked and opened were these really cute dish towels. I was excited because we really needed dish towels, so I was hoping I could some how get them. Well, they were getting passed all around and finally it was my turn. Well, I was able to pick from anyone and I went straight to Sister Graham, who had them. I took them, sat down, and looked closer. They weren't dish towels! They were Baby Burp Clothes! I was soo bummed, but everyone got a good laugh! (I did end up keeping them since I was towards the end of choosing...)</div>
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Well them the next day, Sister Herbert gave us a call and said she had something for us. Well, we stop by and she says, "Heres your Christmas present!" We open it and it is full of dish towels! What I have always wanted! ;)</div>
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It was a really good week! We also were able to help out at a community Christmas party at a local high school. We were able to pass out blankets and presents for over 500 children in the area. It was so fun! We had our whole zone there and it was just wonderful!</div>
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Well, the work is going well and I love it! Christmas is right around the corner and I can't believe it! I am excited to see you all! I love this work! I am so thankful to be a missionary. I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be. I know that I was called to California, Riverside Mission to meet all the wonderful people I have met! I love it. :)</div>
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Sister Fia continues to be amazing! I love her!</div>
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I know Jesus Christ lives. I know that He loves us all. He is the reason for this season. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.</div>
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And I love you!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat </div>
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PS. This is the cutest boy I have ever met! Little Marcus! Marcus and his sister made us that welcome sign!</div>
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We also were able to help decorate a tree yesterday! It was just like home. :)<br />
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-85190198358621085282012-12-22T10:42:00.003-08:002012-12-22T10:42:35.972-08:00Miracles in the Doctor's Office<br />
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Let me tell you about the miracle of the doctors appt!</div>
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So, I went into the doctors at 10:30 for a 10:45 appt. I told them I was a new patient, so they gave me paper work. They asked for my insurance and I said I was just going to pay the $100 for the visit. Well, I started filling out the paper work and they called me up again. They asked what I was there for. I told them a prescription. Well, the doctor happened to be right there and she said, "I am not worth $100 for just a prescription." She asked what it was for and I explained the insurance thing. She said, well, I'll just fill it out. And that's what she did. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes and I didn't have to pay anything! It was a miracle! I talked to Sister VanVleet and she said she has never heard of that happening before! I knew Heavenly Father was answering prayers. :)</div>
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Things are going well! I hope that 3:00pm your time works for you on Christmas! I am excited to see and talk with you!</div>
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Love you lots Mama!</div>
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Sister Schillemat</div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-63089630646539975952012-12-10T18:35:00.002-08:002012-12-10T18:35:58.647-08:00It's Christmas Time!<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gretchen with the Williams the night before she left Riverside. The Williams joined the Church in June.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters Schillemat and Fia with Hailey, a new convert. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ward Members taking down decorations after the Ward Christmas party. Yes, this is positioned the right way. </td></tr>
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Hello Family!</div>
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Oh how wonderful is this time of year! I just love it so much and I love being a missionary during this time!</div>
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My highlight for the week was our Ward Christmas Party. It was one of the best I have seen! We had over 200 people there and many non-members! There at least 5 part-member families there and then several other non-member friends. It was soo wonderful to be there. The Primary did a nativity play and it was perfect. They would do a little bit and then we would all sing a Christmas song relating to the part of the play. Then they would say a little more and then we would sing. It was perfect length, a wonderful Spirit, and we just loved it! Plus, the ward members and everyone loved it. :)</div>
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Sister Fia and I have had a busy week, which we love, but didn't teach as much as we would have liked. This week should be better! We will be teaching a lot more, hopefully, and we are pretty excited about it. We have so many part-member families that we are hoping to teach. It is certainly a wonderful thing. :)</div>
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I feel like there isn't much else to talk about today, but I am just so thankful to be here on a mission. I am thankful for the privilege it is to wear a name-tag that has the Savior's name on it. I am thankful for all that Jesus Christ has done for me personally and for the world. I know that He is my Redeemer and Savior. I know He lives. And I love this work that is His!</div>
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I haven't done little notes in awhile, so here I go:</div>
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Dad, I would love to see a picture of you as a wiseman! I hope you are happy and healthy and all is good at work!</div>
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Mom, Thank you for your weekly emails! I truly look forward to them and to hear what is happening at home and with the family and ward. Keep being wonder-woman, Mom!</div>
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Kirstin, Jimmy, and Lucy, How are you all doing? When are you home for the holidays? And what time to I need to skype, so that I can see Lucy awake? :)</div>
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Poul, What have you been up to? Work? Are you going to school right now?</div>
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Andrea, Roland, Liam, and Landon, Those pictures are too funny! Little Landon is a peanut! I can't wait to see those boys all grown up! :)</div>
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Johanna, How's school going for you? How long off do you have for Christmas break? Hope you are well! </div>
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Peder, You are amazing Peder! I tell everyone that I have a younger brother on a mission and that you are in an exotic part of the world. :) Keep working hard! When do you skype with the family?</div>
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Geoff, How is senior year going? I can't believe my "baby" brother is so old! What happened? Can't wait to see you on Christmas</div>
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<br />I love you all! This Church is true! Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. Thank you for being such an amazing family! And wonderful support! I love you!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat</div>
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ps. I forgot! I had interviews with President Smart this week and I found out that I am coming home a week earlier than expected because of the missionary age change. Well, the MTC time is getting cut by a third, so the English missionaries will be only there for 2 weeks instead of 3. So that means that they will be here a week earlier. And this is taking place my last transfer. So...my last transfer will only be 5 weeks long and I will be coming home March 26th instead of April 2nd. Easter will be the first Sunday that I am home. :) </blockquote>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-8987977264580043752012-12-03T18:13:00.001-08:002012-12-03T18:13:45.246-08:00Wonderful week in Jurupa<br />
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Dear Family,</div>
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Well what a wonderful week we have had here in a new area. First let me tell you about my wonderful companion! Sister Fia is from Tonga and is just wonderful! It is only her, her mom, and younger sister that are members of the Church. Her dad and other siblings are not. She is a convert and was baptized when she was 17 years old. She has such an amazing testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and just loves to serve a mission. I feel sooo blessed to be her companion. I think of the huge sacrifices that she has made to be on a mission and how her family is excited, but not completely supportive, and I am so humbled. She tells people that she has two missions: the one the Lord called her to here in Riverside and her family back home. I am just so thankful to be with her. She makes me smile!</div>
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Well, the work is moving right along here in Jurupa. We came into a ward that has already had 13 baptisms this year. It is one of the highest baptizing in the whole mission and it is because of the wonderful members here. The Ward Mission Leader is just amazing and willing to serve. The Bishop and Stake President are also so wonderful and we are already seeing referrals come from the leaders and members. We feel so welcomed!</div>
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It is really cool because there are two people in the ward you told us that we are an answer to their prayers. First is Sister Scott. She is planning on serving a senior mission in about 5 years. She set goals and plans to achieve that, and one of the goals was to go out with the sister missionaries. Well there were no sisters in Jurupa Stake...And so, she still hadn't been able to go out with sisters. And then last week, we called her and she came out with us. She told us how grateful she was to be out and she bore her testimony yesterday about it being an answer to prayer. The other sister is about to serve a mission! She is 21 and leaves in about a month. She has been praying for help to prepare and now that we are in the ward, she is excited to go out with us! It is reinforces my testimony of this work. This is the Lord's work and he puts you exactly where you need to go. I am so thankful!</div>
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One of the cool experiences that we had the other day was with a woman, who grew up Jewish. The Elders told us to visit her because she didn't believe that there are sister missionaries. Well, we went by on and she opened up to us right away. She told us the struggles she has been having with the death of her oldest son. She has been going through a really dark time. We all just sat there crying for the whole lesson. We testified that God knows her and that Jesus Christ is the Savior. The Spirit was there and we just felt God's love for her. It was truly amazing. Again another testimony to me that I am supposed to be here. :)</div>
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So How are you doing? How is the weather? We have been getting some rain which makes for a sick Sister Schillemat... I always get a cold when the weather changes, so my voice is currently not there. I sound awful, but luckily feel okay today. Yesterday was hard, but I am feeling better today. :)</div>
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That's all to report for today I think, but I love you all and am so thankful to be serving a mission. I know this is where the Lord wants and needs me to be. I know this is the true Church and I just love it so much! I know the gospel blesses families and I am excited to see miracles continue to happen.</div>
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Life is so good! Jesus Christ lives and loves us all so much!</div>
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And I do too!</div>
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Ofa Atu! (I love you in Tongan)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gretchen and her new companion, Sister Fia from Tonga</td></tr>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-31047405237865395782012-11-26T18:12:00.001-08:002012-11-26T18:12:16.403-08:00Am I Staying or going? Well....<br />
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Hello Family!</div>
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Well, I am getting transferred! Crazy! It was actually kind of a crazy surprise for me because on Saturday night when they do normal calls, they told me that I was staying in Riverside. I was shocked, but excited to be staying here for the Holidays. I didn't say good-bye becuase I was told I was staying!</div>
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Well, this morning, I got a call from President Smart and was asked to train again. My new companion will be from Tonga and I am really excited to meet her tomorrow! What I am most scared about is that I am training and being doubled-into a new area. I have never done that before. Thankfully Jurupa, where I am going, is really close to Riverside, so I will be able to still see the Riverside zone often. Plus the Jurupa zone seems great. I need lots of prayers this week though! Lots and lots. New companion. New area. Training. Ahhh... Little scary, but I know that I will be okay with Heavenly Father's help. I know that with Him, we can do all things. And I certainly know that I will need His help these upcoming weeks. Lots to do and lots to learn. .</div>
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Well, this week in Arlington was reaslly good. We had Damarrius, who was baptized two weeks ago, pass the sacrament yesterday for the first time. We also had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had two meals that day. One was with a family in the ward and the other was with Sister George, Sister Nelson, and Elder and Sister Price, all senior missionaries. That was really a great time to be able to just sit down and chat with all the missionaries. I love them so much and will miss them a lot.</div>
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We met this amazing family last Sunday night and went back and visited them on Tuesday night. We started talking with them and the father was pretty hestitant because he is very involved in his Christian church. Well, we kept talking with him and his three children, who are young adults and we taught the Restoration. It really made them think. They were asking questions and then would say, "That makes sense. God would speak to all of His children." At the end, we committed them to read from the Book of Mormon and the father said they only needed one Book of Mormon. We told them we had more, but he siad only one was enough. Then one daughter said, "I want one." And the son said, "Yeah, I'll take one too." So we ended up getting four for all of them to have their own. It was really a wonderful Spirit and they kids were more receptive. I think with time, the father will come around. We are just excited for that family!</div>
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We had good lessons this week with lots of people, despite the holidays. :) </div>
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I love serving a mission. I love being here in Riverside, California and meeting all the people that I do. I know that I was called here for many reasons and I am just so happy to be here. I know this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. I know that Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet on earth today. </div>
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I love you all and am thankful for this wonderful Gospel that blesses our family so much! </div>
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Love, Sister Schillemat</div>
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ps. Mom, my straightener broke a couple of months ago but have had companions with one. But now...I think I will need one. You could either put money in my account or buy one...It might be easier to just put money in my account or something...Just let me know!</div>
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Also, any stationary or letter writing stuff is good! </div>
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pss. Also to add to the excitement today, as we were driving to email, someone bumped into the back of our car. It didn't do any damage, but it was not my favorite part of the day. Worst part was that the guy didn't even pull over. He hit us, and we pulled into a parking lot very close by and he didn't follow, but went straight through the light...That was the most frustrating part of it all...</div>
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But I am happy! I love being a missionary! There is always excitement and surprises! </div>
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Love you! </div>
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psss. Pictures: Tim Tams! Sister Gilmer's first experience. :)</div>
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Out District :)</div>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-61251553325347276052012-11-20T19:13:00.001-08:002012-11-20T19:13:27.639-08:00A Former Missionary returns for a visit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Jones comes back for a visit</td></tr>
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<br />Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-71605577526269154442012-11-20T18:43:00.002-08:002012-11-20T18:43:33.319-08:00Hello, week six of the transfer....<br />
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Hello Family!</div>
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This is the last week of this transfer...Next week may bring change for Sister Schillemat...</div>
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But, what a great week it was! We had the 3 boys confirmed yesterday and Damarrius received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained a Deacon. Things are going well with them and they are very happy! It is wonderful to see the blessings that come from living the Gospel.</div>
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Yesterday was a particularly good day! We met two new families and prayed specifically for their needs. We have return appointments with both of them <span class="ycalshortcuts" data-action="calevent" fid="Inbox" id="lw_1353465703_0" mid="2_0_0_1_269975_AOwIw0MAAK+PUKp8SA1T1iIqh7E" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;" title="Add an event at this date">on Tuesday</span>. :) The father of one of the families said, "You came at the right time. I am now separated from my wife for a time." The son in the family said, "Please pray that my family will stay together." It was a wonderful experience. The Spirit was very strong as we met together last night. We are praying that all will continue to go well as we meet with them on Tuesday. The other family, we met <span class="ycalshortcuts" data-action="calevent" fid="Inbox" id="lw_1353465703_1" mid="2_0_0_1_269975_AOwIw0MAAK+PUKp8SA1T1iIqh7E" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;" title="Add an event at this date">on Friday</span> and set up a return appointment. I had actually met one of the daughters, probably six months ago, with Sister Toala. We both remembered our encounter and it was amazing to see how we were able to meet again. Heavenly Father leads us to specific people and puts us in their paths.</div>
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We are excited for Tuesday! :) We have one other family that the Elders referred to us that we are meeting that day as well. :)</div>
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One investigator Luis is doing well! We had a good lesson with him this past week and he came to Church. He is progressing well. :)</div>
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This Gospel truly blesses families. I have seen how happy and blessed families are when they live the Gospel. And on the other end, I have seen how tough things can become when we begin to lack faith and disobey. I hate to see that happen. I feel so blessed and happy from the Gospel, and sometimes I wish that I could just tell everyone that! I know that obedience brings blessing and if we would just obey, life would be much better. Even though trials still come, we would know that we will make it through. I know that Living the Gospel is the only way to be truly blessed in all aspects of our life and to have never-ending happiness in the eternities.</div>
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I love this work and I am so thankful for the blessings that I receive everyday. I am so thankful to be able to say, "We are representatives of Jesus Christ." That is an amazing honor and privilege. I know that this time that we have been given as missioonaries is so short, and that we have to remember that this whole year and a half is the Lord's time. P-day, lunch, dinner, every minute is the Lord's time. I know that blessings come when we lose ourselves in the work and remember who's work this is.</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving my dear family! I am so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ and for his love for me. I am thankful that I can repent and be forgiven. I am thankful for you! A wonderful, supportive, and comforting family that is always there for me, as a missionary, a daughter, a sister. I am thankful for the blessing of serving a mission and seeing the joy that the Gospel brings to families. I am thankful for the blessings that come through prayer. I am thankful that I have a testimony that sustains me through trials. I am thankful for my loving Heavenly Father. I know He lives. I know He loves us and knows us individually.</div>
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Thank you for being wonderful! I am thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I know that it true!</div>
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Love you siempre,</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat </div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-47943099376513277762012-11-13T19:30:00.001-08:002012-11-13T19:30:48.404-08:00Wow, what a great week! <br />
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Hello Family!</div>
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<br />We have had some couple of crazy days including today! Sorry for the late email. With Veterans' Day, we didn't email until today and with a crazy afternoon, we didn't get to the library until after 4:30. What a great thing to be busy though!</div>
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So first off, we had the baptism of the boys! They are so wonderful and the baptism went well! We had many of the ward members there, which is such a wonderful part of the baptisms here in Riverside. I just love how supportive the ward is. All the boys were excited to be baptized and a little scared, but it went well. Damarrius, the older, is kind of scared of water. He went first and he looked nervous, so Sister Gilmer and I were saying silent prayers while he was getting baptized. But it went well and his two younger twin brothers followed right after. It was a wonderful Spirit. Their great uncle, who is a member, bore his testimony and told about their younger brother Donovan, who is 7. Donovan asked, "Uncle Sherman, am I going to recognize them after they are baptized?" Uncle Sherman replied, "Of course!" Brother Sherman White had told the boys that they would be different and new people after they were baptized and Donovan thought they would look different as well. :) It was so cute to hear about Donovan's questions. He will be 8 in February, so we are excited for him to be baptized as well!</div>
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We also had an investigator, Louis, at the baptism of the boys. We had invited him to be baptized, and he siad he would have to pray about it. But we also invited him to come to the baptism for the boys. He really enjoyed the Spirit there. He also went to the Veteran's program that our ward did that evening. We didn't go, but Louis told someone that he felt like he was home while he was there with the ward. Louis is a Veteran, so he was also recognized along with others with the ward. We are meeting with Louis tomorrow and are excited for that!</div>
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Victor, who was baptized last month, passed the sacrament for the first time this Sunday. It was great to see him use the Priesthood. He will probably bless the sacrament next week, I imagine. He is only two months older than you, Geoff. :)</div>
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Last week we had a wonderful multi-zone with a new approach for finding. It is about using our sacred calling as missionaries and representatives of Jesus Christ to bless (in the form of a prayer for us sisters, but using the Priesthood for Elders) others' homes. It has been really amazing to see then miracles that come from it and we are excited to see the success that comes from this in the future! </div>
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Things are just going really well here in Riverside! I love this work and love being a missionary. I know that the Lord is preparing many to hear this great message and we have to just open our mouths! I am so glad to be a part of this great work. I love it! :) </div>
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Here are messages for you all:</div>
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Mom, Kaysville? That is where Christa Schank is from (The girl who stayed with us during Sarah's wedding). That's cool! Christa's family has six kids too... :) I would definitaly know if it were her family though. :) Very cool pictures as well!</div>
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Dad, How hsa work been? I haven't heard from you lately. I love you!</div>
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Kirstin, How is the semester going? How's Jimmy and Lucy?</div>
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Poul, How is work? Are you in school right now?</div>
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Andrea, I loved those pictures you sent! You all look so good!</div>
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Jo, Are you excited for Thanksgiving break? Are you coming home?</div>
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Peder, Keep working hard and being great! I love you!</div>
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Geoff, Congratulations on contacts! They are a life saver. :) How is everything going with school?</div>
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I love you all so much! I pray for you often and just love you with all my heart. Being on a missionary and being away for so long, makes me more grateful for you all! </div>
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Love you lots! The Church is true!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat </div>
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Picture: Deiontae, Darian, Uncle Sherman, Damarrius, and Donovan at the baptism!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqmcxTxaWgQXtfui-m0Ry9P0evVPumzo9prz-xf5JXZKS2BOnHMsOo5tGeB_3TbVHYjFchJJXPV41oQVC-nRDLixLxUgw2e-3v9g6gGyZbTcVRLZt9luTlzYMWRaTW2RgiFaRnc4WL1Q/s1600/DSC01095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqmcxTxaWgQXtfui-m0Ry9P0evVPumzo9prz-xf5JXZKS2BOnHMsOo5tGeB_3TbVHYjFchJJXPV41oQVC-nRDLixLxUgw2e-3v9g6gGyZbTcVRLZt9luTlzYMWRaTW2RgiFaRnc4WL1Q/s320/DSC01095.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRdx_Ch78kWVDr_7VT8q-ieNCzBV_16FseZBhbPLdX5eRHAHmLgsZSR1QMbsLc4wqUtkR97SxPzsYStrIo5y4US1t37EEeSVWxvaiq6mEOL1rWkW6k29BsA05zACfg-GEXH9vih9vHl8/s1600/DSC01067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRdx_Ch78kWVDr_7VT8q-ieNCzBV_16FseZBhbPLdX5eRHAHmLgsZSR1QMbsLc4wqUtkR97SxPzsYStrIo5y4US1t37EEeSVWxvaiq6mEOL1rWkW6k29BsA05zACfg-GEXH9vih9vHl8/s320/DSC01067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Me with Elder and Sister Haygood! They are the senior couple in our ward. Sister Haygood had to go home for surgery, so this was the day they were driving home last week. I love them!</div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-29836961336734550162012-11-05T13:48:00.003-08:002012-11-05T13:50:37.000-08:00Hello from Sunny California!<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Hello Family!</span><br />
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It is good to hear that you are safe and sound! Everyone was talking about the storm over here on the west coast, so it is good to hear you were all right. </div>
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Things have been going well out here! We have 3 boys preparing for baptism <span class="yshortcuts ycalshortcuts" data-action="calevent" fid="Inbox" id="lw_1352151207_0" mid="2_0_0_1_258333_AOYIw0MAALtJUJgv4AFzXymcHxk" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;" title="Add an event at this date">this Sunday</span> and they are pretty excited! (We are too!) They love Church and are excited for this! I'll send some pictures next week. :)</div>
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Also, <span class="yshortcuts ycalshortcuts" data-action="calevent" fid="Inbox" id="lw_1352151207_1" mid="2_0_0_1_258333_AOYIw0MAALtJUJgv4AFzXymcHxk" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;" title="Add an event at this date">on Saturday night</span> we got a call from a former investigator and he wanted to come to Church! We hadn't heard from him for the back two or three months, so this was great! Our ward mission leader went to pick him up and he also brought his neighbor. It was great! Then there was another man that lives across the street from the Church that just moved in and he just showed up to Church. He really enjoyed it. While in Gospel Principles, someone asked him if he was a member and he said, "Well, I guess I am now..." We will have to teach him about how he really can be an official member of the Church, but he was a great member of the class yesterday. :) </div>
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Last night we stopped in at a woman in our wards' home. We were looking at her family pictures and as I looked at all her brothers and sisters, I was like, "I know her!" Her younger sister was in my BYU ward freshmen year! It is such a small world in the LDS Church. </div>
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I feel at a lost today for what to say. The computers are down at the library, so we are at the Mission Office. I think I am just not in my normal spot, so my brain isn't working too well. But things are going well! I love this work! Peder is right. There is a limitless amount of people out there for us to help and to share the Gospel with. </div>
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I love you all so much and can't wait to hear from you next week! Love you! The Church is true!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat</div>
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PS. We were at a less-actives home <span class="yshortcuts ycalshortcuts" data-action="calevent" fid="Inbox" id="lw_1352151207_2" mid="2_0_0_1_258333_AOYIw0MAALtJUJgv4AFzXymcHxk" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;" title="Add an event at this date">on Friday</span> and for some reason the pumpkin festival came up and they watched the show about the two cities battling. They knew about Keene's Pumpkin Festival! </div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-5294936403420232072012-10-22T17:53:00.000-07:002012-10-22T17:53:02.002-07:00I love you all!<br />
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Family,</div>
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I feel so uplifted by your emails. Thank you so much for your support and prayers. Andrea, wonderful job on your marathon! I was about to cry as I read that Liam ran with you. That is so wonderful and would have most certainly cried if I had been you. :) Mom, that sounded like an amazing conversation with Geoff. I am so thankful for his faith and am so excited for what the Lord has in store for Geoffrey's two years as a missionary. He is going to be a powerful servant of the Lord. Poul, good to hear from you as well! Mom told me about the Pumpkin Festival as well. That must have been a busy weekend for Keene. :) Peder, another transfer? I am still in only my 2nd area... You have a lot of people's lives to change in a lot of areas! Keep being wonderful!</div>
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Well, thank you so much for your emails. It truly uplifts me to hear about how you all are doing well. :) Things are going well out here. We have been talking to many more people who are interested in the Gospel, which is a blessing. We finally taught some new investigators, so things are going very well. Victor is just amazing and is such a strength to the ward. He really is doing well.</div>
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Let me tell you about a new family that we are teaching! They are truly amazing. They have so much faith! So they are not from this country and don't speak a lot of English, but have amazing Spirits. So this family lives a couple of apartments down from us. They came to our door one night and asked if we could meet with them. We don't actually live in our boundaries, so we contacted the Mt. Rubidioux Elders and they came with us. The first lesson was great! The Spirit was there even though there was a little bit of a language barrier. But they asked all kinds of questions and wanted to know about baptism. Then we met with them the next day. Again another great lesson. Then we met with them again <span class="yshortcuts ycalshortcuts" data-action="calevent" fid="Inbox" id="lw_1350952352_0" mid="2_0_0_1_183946_AOsIw0MAAR1xUIWhDAQkUFQPh8g" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;" title="Add an event at this date">on Thursday</span>. One of the Elders asked if we could sing a hymn. We sang, "I am a Child of God." They all bowed their heads and just sat silently listening. One of them said their hairs on their arms were standing up. Everyone said they felt it in their hearts. It was an amazing Spirit! Just amazing. They asked us to sing it again and again it was an amazing experience. We taught them again <span class="yshortcuts ycalshortcuts" data-action="calevent" fid="Inbox" id="lw_1350952352_1" mid="2_0_0_1_183946_AOsIw0MAAR1xUIWhDAQkUFQPh8g" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;" title="Add an event at this date">on Friday</span>, then they came to Stake Conference yesterday and are now committed to baptism <span class="yshortcuts ycalshortcuts" data-action="calevent" fid="Inbox" id="lw_1350952352_2" mid="2_0_0_1_183946_AOsIw0MAAR1xUIWhDAQkUFQPh8g" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;" title="Add an event at this date">on November 11th</span>! Also, this started out as one family, but they invited friends, so now it is a family of 4 (3 will be baptized), a couple, and another friend! It is truly amazing.</div>
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Yesterday at Stake Conference, President Smart spoke and talked about how some people have "believing blood". When I think of this family, I know that is what they have! They have such amazing faith and just want to follow Jesus Christ. They truly know that this will bless their families. They have been prepared to accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.</div>
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Life is good over here in Riverside. I know this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. I know that people are prepared for this Gospel and are searching for it, but we have to do all we can to find them. I know that miracles happen all the time and that with our Savior, all things are possible. I love this work! This is the best work in the world! :)</div>
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I love you all so much and am so grateful for a loving and supportive family! I am so thankful for eternal families!</div>
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Have a wonderful week!</div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-8443273737812091922012-10-16T20:20:00.001-07:002012-10-16T20:20:31.873-07:00Pictures, pictures, pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijud_vrQW0sTjzSgzs5ZOxRTqF-MV-cLG8G1nJEbOECcPBMkwZPPBrrizBlRzxyswizIGBXq9OJZ3H3S_VjYFiYcMiT7hnmZDdjiDoMlc_uzzNrOKbxBBlt2dGFdxHPKU1nIzm83MYQ1k/s1600/DSC01043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijud_vrQW0sTjzSgzs5ZOxRTqF-MV-cLG8G1nJEbOECcPBMkwZPPBrrizBlRzxyswizIGBXq9OJZ3H3S_VjYFiYcMiT7hnmZDdjiDoMlc_uzzNrOKbxBBlt2dGFdxHPKU1nIzm83MYQ1k/s320/DSC01043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor's Baptism</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguW_TH2dsx34pcHrJwRThoohemVIQDRwS0XZhDDOlF8rKnfR_ucKmZ9cc7zbA3t9IEHBMlyEOwu4WYxIr4UU2OxmMzDnYz60d3GfO3QhCi8GYj6SKp6SPiMhtxVePvhKDXKGKz-4GjSng/s1600/DSC01035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguW_TH2dsx34pcHrJwRThoohemVIQDRwS0XZhDDOlF8rKnfR_ucKmZ9cc7zbA3t9IEHBMlyEOwu4WYxIr4UU2OxmMzDnYz60d3GfO3QhCi8GYj6SKp6SPiMhtxVePvhKDXKGKz-4GjSng/s320/DSC01035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gretchen's District-seriously</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBeLcfVof-uBFOsDyFktTGaX0rEQVC0dfUXeq-fCi7kSkNZtU-kggZqyHN5Hgz2yqixviggg1ShVguvauiKAQ4qCk5UUKynuxV6J3lCP5-BqvHVtPj-Nsc5K5AOwLuRbU1F7U6Ur9a1Q/s1600/DSC01037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBeLcfVof-uBFOsDyFktTGaX0rEQVC0dfUXeq-fCi7kSkNZtU-kggZqyHN5Hgz2yqixviggg1ShVguvauiKAQ4qCk5UUKynuxV6J3lCP5-BqvHVtPj-Nsc5K5AOwLuRbU1F7U6Ur9a1Q/s320/DSC01037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gretchen's District-not so seriously</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9Y1LtLQ2BtiRE27DEdCzTiMuURnUnCSyKqh3yxtfIkfboVhwfZf2IcNBsMXN55F0MtShR-SRuoDuuohUD4fKjQ-g6atr8NjMfifw-AJp4LuGk8o_e9eB7cRQMQn58-aJ5EXgR0eRFg0/s1600/DSC01049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9Y1LtLQ2BtiRE27DEdCzTiMuURnUnCSyKqh3yxtfIkfboVhwfZf2IcNBsMXN55F0MtShR-SRuoDuuohUD4fKjQ-g6atr8NjMfifw-AJp4LuGk8o_e9eB7cRQMQn58-aJ5EXgR0eRFg0/s320/DSC01049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor's Family</td></tr>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-82371126699414231722012-10-16T19:53:00.000-07:002012-10-16T19:53:10.267-07:00Lots of Changes but Not for Us!<br />
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Family!</div>
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Well this week is transfer week and most of our Zone is getting new companionships. Sister Gilmer and I, plus two Chinese-speaking Elders, are the only two companionships that didn't change! Crazy! Sister Boyd and Sister Moea'i, who live with us, are getting doubled-out and we are so sad! I will miss them dearly, but the Lord needs them in other parts of His vineyard, so it will be okay. We know that lots of great things will happen for them. But changes all around for the Riverside Zone!</div>
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I almost forgot, Elder Linzey from our stake, is the new Assistant to the President. Very cool!</div>
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VICTOR WAS BAPTIZED! Victor was baptized yesterday and it was wonderful! We had so many of the ward members there, it was wonderful! He was baptized and confirmed by two of the YM leaders, which was amazing. Victor is 17 and is already excited for a mission. He came out from his baptismal interview and was talking with Elder Opeda, our District Leader, about being a missionary. At the baptism yesterday he said, "Next is the Priesthood, then a mission." It is amazing and he was most definitely prepared by the Lord. Most of his immediate family, his aunt, and his grandma came to the baptism! While Victor was changing, there was time for bearing testimonies. His Sunday School teacher stood up and told how the Spirit was very strong in class that day. She couldn't understand why. Then at the end of the class Victor told them that he was fasting for his baptism. His teacher knew why. He had brought such an amazing Spirit to the class and was preparing through fasting. We didn't even mention fasting that day, but Victor had felt impressed to do that. He is a miracle for us as missionaries. He is going to be a great missionary!</div>
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We also had four younger boys at the baptism and they are just so excited to be baptized. Some of them were scared about the water, but after seeing it done, they aren't nervous anymore. Three of them are old enough to be baptized, but one will be 8 in February. We are so excited for them! We talked to their mom, who is not a member, and explained that baptism is a commitment and covenant with God, so we don't know exactly when they will be baptized, but we are hoping and praying for next month!</div>
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Things are going very well here in Riverside. We didn't teach as many lessons as we would have liked, but we were able to talk to many people this week! We had 6 investigators at church and things are going well. We have a lot of finding to do right now, but that is part of this great work!</div>
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I have been thinking about the importance of a positive attitude today. Missionary work is not easy, we all know that, but even when things are going well, we must be positive. Satan wants nothing more than to get us discouraged and disappointed. We can choose to be positive in this work, and then great things will happen. I know that we need to always strive to smile and be happy. Again, I know that is not always possible, but even when we are sad, we can be positive. A positive attitude brings blessings. And those blessings are often miracles.</div>
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I love this work so much. I love serving a mission. This is the greatest experience that I have had. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know this is His Church. This is a work that will continue to go forth. We can either be with it or against it, but no matter what it will move forward. I am honored and privileged to be with the Lord in this great work. I am so thankful to have been called to this wonderful mission and be blessed with wonderful companions, roommates, leaders, and people to serve. I love it!</div>
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And I love you! Have a wonderful week!</div>
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Sister Gretchen Schillemat</div>
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Picture: Victor's baptism!</div>
Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-66988393859502838692012-10-09T19:26:00.001-07:002012-10-09T19:26:19.828-07:00A Couple Pictures from Riverside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqF9CKda3Dg-U_tUVvGrsVIRco8-Pbuyv5gM2jjrcfNbyp7ziR604o0WVgqXcxohJ3mQR6s6ZO4bq21x_g7GvqxoRLk_U1fpJv8f87pjdi8AcrxS4izSDYilcgeGT5F7jQF_h_AUSlkE/s1600/DSC01021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqF9CKda3Dg-U_tUVvGrsVIRco8-Pbuyv5gM2jjrcfNbyp7ziR604o0WVgqXcxohJ3mQR6s6ZO4bq21x_g7GvqxoRLk_U1fpJv8f87pjdi8AcrxS4izSDYilcgeGT5F7jQF_h_AUSlkE/s320/DSC01021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSROsCXW2oujRxAeHmCs43uYP6Zi-BJr-ZPkN8h0u1LXBSyKAef7RICECq25hkohLtXZuQFZxrwaJVjf4wRRnIO7dNxPt3a-AYWOmUgiquk6jxP16PhBwfyJFP0vTUHcHEXXpPvfbpRgc/s1600/DSC01025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSROsCXW2oujRxAeHmCs43uYP6Zi-BJr-ZPkN8h0u1LXBSyKAef7RICECq25hkohLtXZuQFZxrwaJVjf4wRRnIO7dNxPt3a-AYWOmUgiquk6jxP16PhBwfyJFP0vTUHcHEXXpPvfbpRgc/s320/DSC01025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438332794121065038.post-68029612305720249632012-10-09T19:16:00.001-07:002012-10-09T19:16:43.124-07:00Hello Family from Sister Schillemat<br />
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Hello Family!</div>
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This past week was a good week, especially with General Conference at the end! Wow, what an amazing revelation for the Church. I am so excited for all the future missionaries. This is going to be a wonderful thing for the whole world. As he announced this <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1349834213_0" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">on Saturday morning</span>, I thought about how these are truly the last days and Heavenly Father needs many missionaries. Plus there will be more areas opening for the Church to continue to grow. I am especially excited for the Sisters and know that this will be a great blessing! Reflect on the age, I am grateful that I am here when I am. I know that I was supposed to come when I was 21 and am so very grateful for the experiences and opportunities that prepared me for this time in my life. I wouldn't trade it! But I am excited to see this great work move forward and more young men and young women join the "ranks" of missionary work.</div>
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Riverside is a happy place right now! It is cooling down and there are many more people outside for us to contact. We are really searching for those who are prepared and willing to hear our message and come unto Christ. We know that with God everything is possible and we must put our trust in Him. Matthew <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1349834213_1" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">19:26</span> and Mark <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1349834213_2" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">9:23</span>. This is an urgent work and we have to take it seriously every day. I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful work! There are many people prepared, and we need to find, teach, and baptize those people. :)</div>
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One of my miracles of this week is called: Gray-haired man. Since I have been in Riverside, I have seen this one man who walks in the mornings. We would often see him <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1349834213_3" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">on Sunday mornings</span>, since Church starts at <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1349834213_4" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">9:00am</span>. Well, I would see him quite often, but we would be driving and on our way somewhere. Well over the past couple of weeks, everytime we would see him, I would tell Sister Gilmer that we need to talk to him. We tried once and we pulled over, but he walked past the street already... (Lame excuse...) Then we would see him and be in a hurry... (Another excuse...) Well, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1349834213_5" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">this Sunday</span> we were leaving for General Conference and I really hoped we would see him walking. I told Sister Gilmer, no matter what, We are going to talk to the gray-haired man today. Well, right before we turned left on California Ave, we saw him walking! And after legally pulling a U-turn or two, we were able to be in a position to meet him! We explained who we are and although, he didn't accept any cards or pamphlets, I felt so good! I knew that it was set up by the Lord for us to talk to him. Had we left a minute or two later, he would have been past the intersection for California Ave, and we wouldn't have seen him. I know that when we have righteous desires, the Lord blesses us. Although, he didn't seem interested, it was planting the seed. :) I love this work!</div>
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Sorry for the long story, but I love how many miracles occur if we are just looking for them. We are doing the Lord's work and following the Spirit, there will be miracles all around us.</div>
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Well, Victor is still preparing for this Sunday and we are excited for his baptism! He has truly been prepared from the Lord, so we are excited for that day.</div>
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I just loved General Conference and was so excited to hear from our Living Prophet, President Monsons, and the First Presidency and 12 Apostles and other General Authorities. It was a wonderful weekend. I loved Elder Holland's talk: "Do you love me?" and President Uchtdorf's talk about having no regrets. Mom, you mentioned Elder Bednar's talk as well, which I loved about testimony and converson. It was all wonderful!</div>
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Well, the work is moving forward and I am excited for the miracles ahead! Mom, Dad, Andrea, Roland, Liam, and Landon, it sounds like you had a fun week! I would love to see pictures. :) Geoff, what do you think about the age changing for missionaries? </div>
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I love you all and am so grateful to be a part of this work! This is a marvelour work! Jesus Christ lives and loves us. Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. "God is in the details of our lives." -President Thomas S. Monson. </div>
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Love you all! </div>
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Sister Schillemat </div>
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We had a Sisters' Gathering yesterday. :) Most of the Sisters in the Riverside Mission</div>
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Sister Gilmer and I really enjoyed this doorbell. :) (I hope you can read it. :) )</div>
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Missionary Mom and Hiker: Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603190290555949225noreply@blogger.com0