What a wonderful world of technology......

This was one of the best Christmas's EVER!!! Less gifts and more time to spend together!!! We went to the Young Single Adult ward with Kristi and Kati...Kristi directed her ward choir and they did an AWSOME job....amazing! Then we got home and got the turkey going, grandma came, Staci Trevor and Max came and we opened more gifts for them....we read letters sent by our Elder Rob, we got our skype ready for our phone call from our elder...and then it was 3 o'clock..our long anticipated call from our elder!!! WOW!!! We got to see him, on Kati's Ipad...we passed it around and each got to talk to Elder Rob....he looks sooooo good and sounds even better!!! He LOVES his mission, his area, serving the Lord...it shows in his countinence .... he really is so happy and we were able to talk for an hour! I just love technology, what a blessing it is to be able to have our son in the same room as our family for one hour of his mission on Christmas Day, the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ who sacrificed so much for us.....His love for us and the Love of our Father is why we are able to be together and have these moments with each other. Elder Rob was spending this day with some great member families, he said they are teaching a couple people right now and that one lady is pretty "solid" as the missionaries put it, you can feel his spirit and the love he has for teaching the gospel to others,,,we asked him where they live and he said they live in the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric's basement...one small bedroom and a bathroom then they share the kitchen with the family upstairs ... can you imaging how nice it would be to have the missionaries live in your home, what a blessing that would be....We asked him about his Christmas and he said he loved having the 12 days of Christmas this year....loved the gifts and being able to open one up every day....he is just HAPPY!!!! Did I mention he looks GOOD!!! He has really grown up...we are so proud of him and the Love he has for our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ....he wants to share this message to everyone and have them feel the things he is feeling with his testimony....he is such a great example to us....it was hard to close our hour and say goodby, but we are excited to do it again on Mother's Day...what a blessing it is to have our missionary son serve...what a great young man and example to all...

Missing our son for the Holidays.....

Our Gift this Year
(adapted from a poem by Anonymous)

Our son’s presence won’t be felt Around our home this year.
He won’t be watching for Santa Or listening for reindeer.
Because our boy is now an elder, Out teaching with his clan
But he’s doing something different, Turning from a boy to a man.
His presents this year will be white shirts and pants
Some socks a tie or two...no fun.
Yes, this year it will be quite different
Cause we’ve given Christ our son.

We’ve spent more time in prayer for him, Felt strength coming from His words.
We’ve read the scriptures more frequently And our testimonies have stirred.
As parents our prayers are for his protection, Our tears are quick to run,
Our thoughts are with him everyday
This year we’ve given Christ our son.

We wonder how those Lamanite moms Gave their sons to fight the war.
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, As their sacrifices were much more.
He tells us how his mission is, All the work and all the fun,
For two years we will pray for him
We’ve given Christ our son.

Our Christmas's seem so long ago How he loved traditions and family
So creative are we, we send him a tree And hope that he might have snow.
The stories and lessons we always read, His choices and ours are one.
We put our trust in God's hand this year.
We’ve given Him our son.

The gifts we give aren't as important now We learn these truths every day
Christ's birth should be our celebration We should worship more then play
We know Christ lives and reigns on earth He's our Savior, the Holy One...
Our gift has taken 19 years to make.
We’ve given Christ our son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make.

This year...I'm giving Christ my

I found this poem and really liked it....I have been thinking about the Holidays this year...Thanksgiving passed, we had a great meal with family and friends...but my thoughts were with Elder Rob and what he was doing at that time. He said he was having dinner with a great family and looking forward to spending time with them...I guess we will find out in his email on tuesday, something I am looking forward to reading. Tonight we are putting together his twelve days of Christmas gift...tomorrow we send it off. I hope and pray he knows how much we miss and love him...seems so empty without him this season but he is Serving the Lord and like the poem...We've given Christ our son this year. Merry Christmas Elder Rob...Keep working hard and loving the Lord...

Oh his aching feet....OUCH!!!!

Wow! Elder Rob has not only gone through 2 pair of shoes in 10 months, but he has been hard on his feet too!! He has inherrited his dad's toes which are prone to hangnails....well, he got a pretty bad hangnail and last month the doctor decided to remove it!!! He said it was the most painful thing he has ever endured, and he only took off one day to recover...back to walking and riding bikes to those investigators..."the work must go on" and he didn't want to lay around...so last week, a month later, he had to return to the doctor since his toe is continuing to bleed. We, of course haven't heard from him yet, but hopefully the doctor was able to correct the problem....feet are so ugly but very important to get us around and especially a missionary! LOL...he better take good care of these feet.

Elder Rob is doing really good as a trainer and he and his companion continue to have great experiences together. Last week Elder Day had the great experience of using his Priesthood and gave his first Blessing. He felt those feelings that come from the Lord while speaking His words...it was amazing for him. Elder Rob has also had those same feelings and talked with Elder Day about them...he said he will never understand why a Priesthood holder who has had those experiences and felt the spirit while using his Priesthood would fall away from the Church....it is unimagionable to him. Amazing to think our 'boys' are now 'men' and using those keys that have been given them to teach and bless others...This Gospel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is so True and such a fulfilling Faith. If we let ourselves grow and be strengthened by His spirit we feel such a power of Love and Accomplishment in His plan. Daily growth is such a rewarding feeling. It is such a blessing to have our son on his mission...to hear his successes, his preceived failures and the strength and growth he goes through every day. Almost a year now....amazing to see his growth and Love for the Lord.

This is a message that came from his Mission President....

Elder Schroeder, Thank you for your letter. I had to chuckle when I read about getting mad at times when speaking with non-members who misstate the scriptures or are disagreeable. It reminds me of myself when I was on my younger mission. One time my junior companion (after a difficult tracting experience) simply quoted the verses from 3 Nephi---"the spirit of contention is not of me." The quoted verse completed changed my approach. I simply refused to be contentious. Maybe it will help you. Anyway, we sure love you. Keep up the good work. President.


Such a sweet good reminder to a young Elder who is lost in his mission and wanting all to hear and understand. I had to chuckle myself when I read this from Elder Rob's mission President...such a good reminder to all of us...patience is key in everything we do....It is good to see our son keeping up the good work spreading the word of God to all who will hear....hopefully he will continue to wear out his shoes and not his feet LOL.....the life of our Missionary....

Called to serve as a Trainer.....

I thought I would add to Elder Rob's blog his letter from his mission President in regards to his new calling as a Trainer....

13 September 2011


Elder Robert Schroeder
3858 Pennsylvania St. #259
Longview, WA 98632

Dear Elder Schroeder,

Congratulations on your call as a Trainer of a new missionary. This assignment of responsibility and trust is among the greatest that a missionary can receive in the mission field. The privilege to train is a sacred trust and responsibility.

Many are counting on you. First, your new companion has high hopes and expectations that his first companion would be one that would help him learn what the Lord would have him do to be effective and successful in the mission field. Second, the parents of your new companion have been praying that their son's first companion would be one that would help him have a trememdous start to his mission. Third, your companion's bishop and stake president at home are equally concerned that this new missionary get a first companion that will be hard working and obedient so that their missionary can be happy and successful in the field.

In their instruction to Mission President's, the leaders of the church have taught "one of the highest compliments you can pay to a missionary is to assign him or her as a trainer of a new missionary. A missionary's first companion will have a profound, lasting influence on the development of the missionary's attitude and habits....Choose only outstanding missionaries to serve as trainers." (Mission President's Handbook, 2005).

As a trainer, you have certain responsibilities that are outlined in the "in field Training for New Missionaries." Always remember that as you faithfully fulfill this trust that the Lord has placed in you, your new companion will remember you all the days of their life for the contribution that you made in helping them get a good start on their mission.

May the Lord bless you for your faithful service and for conducting yourself in such a way that you would be worthy and prepared to serve as a Trainer of a new missionary.

Faithfully Yours,
President Leonard D. Greer
Washington Kennewick Mission





Elder Schroeder and his new companion Elder Day......
Service is a good thing....good luck on this new endevor on your mission Elder Rob.

LDS Missionaries Coming Home Mix

New transfer.....Same area....

9 months out!
Elder Rob is doing really good...He had a recent baptism which was really exciting for them...apparently this man they baptised had family already in the ward that he didn't know...they are now getting to know each other and be that family they are. Also, there was another transfer on Wednesday, Elder Rob stayed where he is in Longview (which made him very happy because he loves the people in his area) and his new companion is a greenie that he now gets to teach. This is his first experience as senior companion....he was concerned about not knowing who this companion would be, but the looks of it, they look like they are compatible and will do just fine.

We had a nice surprise email from a member of their ward that fed them dinner...this is the email (pictures as well)

"We just had the pleasure of having these two wonderful young men in our home for dinner. What a delightful time we have had listening to them tell of the love they have for their families and the incredible experiences they are having while serving the Lord. You must feel very proud of your son--and you should. He is certainly an outstanding young man. Thank you for sharing him with us as well as the people of our area.

We thought you might enjoy these pictures of your son and his brand new companion. Elder Day just arrived today. I'm sure your son will be a wonderful influence on him.

Brother and Sister Johnson"

And the work goes on in Longview Washington...............

"Long weeks and very tired"

Just got our email from Elder Rob yesterday....quote "Longest week of my life/mission!" He said he is very tired and exhausted...that "their mission is picking up quite a bit and he and his companion are buckling down"...One of the missionaries in their area went home for 6 months and so they have Elder Webb with them and are doing 2 areas....no wonder they are tired!!! That being said, Gary and I were at our mission at the Genealogy Library last night, when I was done, I noticed I had a voicemail. It was from a sister Peggy Atkins...Here is her message.."Sister Schroeder, your son is ministering to us, we just became new Mormon's but he has a problem with his shoes and wants to know if you can put money in his card or if he should send them home to be fixed" I returned her call and she was the most adorable sweet lady EVER! She and her husband are retired, they are in Elder Rob's ward and LOVE to take care of the missionaries! He was on his way to her home when I called her..apparently she does their laundry, and feeds them ice cream and huckleberry pie!!!....hmmmmmm.....lucky elders!!! Anyway, it was so cute...apparently his shoes are totally worn out! The heels are gone and he wanted to know what he should do. I told her that I would put money on his card and he could get new shoes...then she told me she would take him in the morning to buy the shoes...she is ADORABLE! Just as I was writing this blog I happened to look down at my phone that was on silent, I answered it and it was Peggy Atkins! She has Elder Rob at the store and they wanted to know if he could get two pairs of shoes since one was regular price and the other half off...she is more than ADORABLE and I am so grateful to those who take good care of our missionaries! I told her to tell him he has plenty of money and to get both pairs....if they are covering 2 areas they will need the shoes to walk the distance! What a great Mission Elder Rob is in...it brings tears to my eyes to know that he has such good people to take care of his needs....it is amazing to me to see how our Heavenly Father takes care of our guys....he knows that us mom's are worrying all the time about them, and this is just one of many examples of the love, peace and comfort he has shown me while Elder Rob is serving....I will always be so grateful to these wonderful people who are selflessly serving our young men making it easier for them to serve those in the Kennewick Mission. Tears are falling and my heart is full right now....my son is working hard and wearing his shoes out....this is a good day!

Grandma Schroeder R.I.P 8/26/1925 - 7/15/2011

When Sis Greer told me i didn't know what to think....

Last night we taught a lesson to a gentleman named Rodney. He has been meeting with missionaries for a while now, his dad has been in poor health for a long time and on the 4th passed away. He's torn up. No prep no knowledge of anything. He forgets about almost everything. We taught him the plan of salvation last night we had no idea what he had already been through. It reminds me of how lucky the Saints are, to know! We have this WONDERFUL plan! It reminds me of what Nephi says "my soul delights in plainness" (2n 31:3)

Our father has laid it all out for us in plain English! That before we were born he knew us. He tells us in Jeremiah 1:5 "I knew thee before I formed thee" it boggles my mind how many sons and daughters do not know of this plan. We know why we're here. Alma teaches us "today is the day for men to preform there labors" 34:32-33 as well as to gain a body. We know where grandma is just as we know where grandpa is. Alma 40:11-12 then after a time if we've lived the best we can we will have eternal life with our families I love what Paul told Titus 1:21 it is a PROMISE we shall see our families again. Joseph Smith taught the saints before the Kirkland temple was built "all our Losses WILL be made up"

I Love this Gospel! I love my eternal family! I love my grand-parents no matter what side of the veil they're on. I love our GOD! That's why I'm Here. I love the scriptures! In closing, I'm gonna leave 5 more with you too look up in the order shown...

D&C 6:36, 2N 2:28, Moses6:62, 1:39 and Alma 34:17

I leave this testament of the plan of salvation in the name of the Holy one of Israel Even Jesus Christ. Amen.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!
Elder Robert D. Schroeder

Words from our Teacher/Missionary....love you Elder Rob

Elder Schroeder's 4th of July update......

Elder Rob had to change his P-day to Monday this week due to the 4th of July....he didn't know what he would be doing on the 4th, and so we didn't know either and since they use the computers at the library we didn't get an email from him...but, while sitting in the Magna park waiting their fabulous fireworks I did get an email on my phone from Elder Rob and Elder Stewart's Bishop...YES! They were able to eat dinner at the Bishop's house and he was kind enough to send us a little email about it plus...BONUS pictures! Here is the email.....

Sis. Schroeder --

My wife and I had the pleasure of having your son and his companion, Elder Stewart, over for dinner tonight. We had a great visit with them and thought we'd share with you.

Elder Schroeder is doing a great job in our ward and we are happy to have him assigned here. He has been working hard and doing all that he is supposed to be doing. As bishop in the ward, I have the opportunity to work closely with him and his companion and am happy to report that he is honoring his priesthood, his call and his family. And on top of that he is alive and well and appears to be happy in the work!

Thanks for sharing your son with us. He is a great missionary!

Doug & Linda Taylor
















Hahahahaha....guess this is supposed to represent their dramatic picture...LOL




They both look really good, a little burned from the earlier days activities, but looking good. Guess the next thing I need to send is a bottle of sunscreen hahahaha.
Anyway, we then were pleased to hear from Elder Rob yesterday! Wow! This was a great week...he sounded so good....here is a little of what he said in his email...


I asked if Elder Rob remembered the plate lady...she sent us some pictures of the Elders at dinner..she always has them hold a plate from their area...his response was..
Yes, sister Huggins, she was very nice and she has a cute daughter too (not that i was looking)...... hahahaha

We spent most the 4th of July at Lake Sacajawea (the Indian lady who helped Lewis and Clark) they had all manner of things there, a parade, a lumberjack, array of sports, little shops and at 10pm an amazing fire works show... (from what I heard, we had to be in at 8)! But we opened our back door and watched the less than legal fire works from our apartment... it was awesome! Most of them come to find out aren't illegal.

We ate at our bishops house! We had ribs ice cream and brownies... it was AWESOME! We eat dinner's at members homes and we have had alot of barbeque's, its been WAY WAY GOOD!!!

Our new apartment is way cool! There is only one set of Elders here..me and my companion ... it only has one bedroom and one bathroom so it is just us. It's the nicest that I've lived in so far! It's way nice!! I really enjoy living there. No heat and no A/C..people here are ignorant when it comes to stuff like that.. their like what?? they make those for normal people??? WHA? hahahaha. The mission office does every thing with paying the rent, it all goes through them. We rarely cook, actually we don't have much time for that. We get an hour so and it has to be quick. Hmmmm, let's see....mac'n'cheese and top raman...specialties right? That's why I like eating with members cause then they sit and talk to us, maybe a little too long but hey its nice.
Normally we might eat cereal for breakfast.. tomorrow I might feel like making something but then I also don't wanna clean up that much. A bowl of cereal is like two things.....my comp likes things clean....I like things clean too but it doesn't happen more than once a week :) but hey that's all the time we have. It's not to bad to keep things clean, easier than just one room like I have had in the past to be honest because your not trying to cramp every thing in one space with another dude who has the same amount as you....We have had a good week so far, its kind of hard to get back in the swing of things after a holiday but we're managing...we might have a new investigator maybe today!!! I hope I hope!! That's the hard part, members are so not inclined to help us out..no new baptisms so far, maybe next transfer. This new area is HUGE!!! Definitely NOT a walking area or biking area!! ITS LIKE HALF OF LONG VIEW, it goes from our church to the Wakiakum county line.. it's way hard to get around.....but we manage.

love you all!!
Elder Robert D. Schroeder

He sounds so good and enjoying his mission...I think he is kind of getting used to these transfers too...this last transfer he left several baptisms behind and that made him kind of sad...he wasn't able to follow through with the work he had already done...but he has a good attitude about it..as long as the work is done it's all good. Love that young Elder!!! These are our Missionaries...work hard and love the Lord!

Transfer.......AGAIN!!!!!

Elder Rob was transferred... again... after his last one 6 WEEKS AGO!!! In the same area just new companion (this companion is struggling right now) new appartment, and over a new Ward...he was a bit dissappointed, but ok ... worried about this new companion though....please keep them in your prayers if you would....his new address: 3506 Pennsylvania Street Longview, Washington 98632

He sent us a letter explaining what was going on....he is a bit concerned about this new companion. Elder Rob is afraid he will end up going home and he feels it is his responsibility to try to convince him to stay on his mission and work things out...Elder Rob also had to leave the Ward he was working with and move to another...he was really enjoying where he was and his previous companion..they worked really well together...but he knows this is how a mission works and will have the faith that he needs to make the new companionship work. Letters of encouragement would be great for him right now....he said they are really busy and working hard...lots of prospective baptisms....and the work goes forward!

"Curb Hopping?" Oh dear......

Direct quote from Elder Rob......

"I'm good I had a bike crash a few days ago and I got a nasty bruise on my knee but I'm ok. We were doing curb hops and my tire didn't go the correct direction.....it went right.. it was supposed to go up and I went down".......

What? Curb Hopping? Hmmmm....boys will always be boys lol. A few weeks later his direct quote when asked about any more curb hopping...

"Haven't done it in a while, we ride alot but I don't curb hop any more" Smart missionary...learned his lesson for now anyway hahaha....

Missionary Update

Elder Schroeder updade: Doing really good, loving his mission, teaching a lot of great people, covers a really big area in Long View, decided to stop curb hopping on his bike for the time being (good idea) and was able to enjoy the Portland Temple Tuesday morning and declared it as BEAUTIFUL! He's happy and loving all the neat people in the Kennewick Washington Mission.
He sounds really good....tired and always on the go, but that's good for him and he's growing in leaps and bounds. He just loves the people in Long View....just as he loved those in Hermiston.....he did say Long View weather is bi-polar though...one day its really nice and sunny then all of a sudden it's raining....hmmmm, sounds a bit like UTAH! Crazy weather
He said they cover an island out there called Puget Island, and that it's the only island in their mission with people on it. He said they can drive there from the main land, that it has a bridge, and that they have two investigators out there that they are teaching...the drive is nice. He is having lots of good experiences....working hard, sleeping little and loving the Lord...the life of a missionary.

The phone call.....................

WEll, it came, 3:30pm the call came in...Elder Rob..."Hi mom!" Oh how I missed hearing those words...it was so good to hear them again. It has been exactly 5 months...he is happy and enjoying his mission, and he really likes his companion..SHOCKER...he hasn't had the best luck with companions, until now...Elder Applegate from Tooele. They are both new to the area in Longview...and they love the area. He said they still are in 'car' areas...too much distance in their area so riding bikes is not very easy. They are in one ward and one branch...he said the branch is really small and the church tiny...lots of inactive members in the branch, in fact, their Elder's Quorum President is in active...how's that. Anyway, we put him on speaker phone and all talked to him for an hour..all of us....throwing questions at him right and left....it was such a nice phone call....thanks for Mother's Day...now...looking forward to Christmas (well, maybe in 7 months)....love that boy!

First Transfer!!!!!

Well, it happened! Elder Rob had his first transfer! He is now in Longview Washington about an hour from the coast. He left behind some great experiences and wonderful friendships. I have talked with one sister who is now my friend on facebook...Jeanette Goldie, as well as others...Elder Rob got close to her in their ward for the last 4 months and was sad to say their goodby's last tuesday night...but on Wednesday, he headed out for a new place, new companion and new people in the area of Longview. He will do great. I did get a wonderful phone call on Friday night from Glenda Henthorn...the elders live in a room at their home and she is a delight! She has made herself an extension of the elder's families and takes such good care of our young men. It was such a nice conversation with her. She also has a son serving in the Farmington/Ogden area and has been out just a month after Elder Rob...his name is Elder Brett Henthorn. It is such a nice comfort to know these young men are taken care of so that they can spend their time sharing the gospel and serving the Lord...today is Mother's Day and we are expecting our phone call from our missionary around 3:30pm and are soooo excited to talk to him...it is certainly a blessing to have a missionary in the mission field. Elder Rob has been out on his mission exactly 5 months today....19 more to go lol.

His address is 3506 Pennsylvania Street
Longview, Washington 98632

Living in the home of the Henthorn's

Elder Rob is "Having Fun"

Elder Rob is doing really good and loving his mission. He has a new companion who is actually from Magna area and graduated from Cyprus High School a year before Rob...that's kind of crazy...they are busy spreading the gospel. He has really experienced his share of door knocking...he said at one time they knocked on about 300 doors and spoke to about 30 people of the 300....WOW! He has experienced a lot of anti mormon sentiment, and that has been hard to deal with, but still, he knows they move forward with the gospel regardless. They have had about 6 baptisms so far, love their wards (I think they are over 2 or 3) and especially loved General Conference a couple weeks ago. He mentioned that he wished it could of gone on....the missionaries hung out at the Stake Center all day long...it was great as he put it. He really enjoyed President Monson's talk at the Priesthood session as well as others....

We got an email from a member of his ward, Sister Renee Ransom. She fed 4 of the missionaries dinner and sent us pictures of the guys. It was a great experience for her to bring these young men into her home and share a meal with them. She said "The ward enjoys taking care of "our" missionaries and I especially do since we have a missionary out at this time"....they are really being taken good care of by the members in Hermiston..that makes me happy, and it was good to hear from her and see these current pictures. It's a great day in Hermiston Oregon...we love our missionaries.

General Conference....oh how we need thee......

Hey, I'm taking just a moment to let you all know that I am planning on updating Elder Rob's blog this weekend! Sorry with a capital "S"! Just been busy, but rest assured, he is doing fantastic and "having fun" on his mission.....he especially LOVED Conference weekend and wished there were more sessions to watch...they spent the entire weekend at the Stake Center watching, eating treats, eating pizza and being filled with the Spirit of our Lord...as he said, good preparation for the missionaries to have fresh messages to share. He said they are having success, but that the ward members need to help with that success giving them people to teach as well as fellowshipping newly baptized members after they are baptized...he mentioned how importand we as members are to our missionaries in the field...it is our responsibility to help our missionaries and their responsibility to teach and baptize.....they have baptized I think 6 new members so far...great success! Like I said, this is just a small note, I will completely update this weekend!

All in the day of a missionary.....

This is the other Elder Schroeder Rob met at the MTC...I believe he came from Vernal Utah. They are both in the Washington Kennewick mission and that is why we have to make sure when we mail Elder Rob something, we use his entire name.....he said there is a crochetty old lady in the mission home who gets upset if we don't put the complete names on the mail....hahahahahaha....notice the green tie Rob is wearing....that signifies him being a "greenie" he also had to eat green eggs and green pancakes...LOL...

This is another missionary I think Elder Rob knew at the MTC....it's been fun looking at Rob's pictures.......

....I will try to catch up with some of the things Rob is doing in Hermiston Oregon. Elder Rob's cold is gone (YAY!!)...health wise Elder Rob is doing really well...He said he took a "sick day" as they call it and had some time to rest up, then it was off to teach the gospel to those good people of Hermiston. My Aunt recently passed away (actually my only aunt) As Elder Rob put it, we all know where she is and of course we also know she is happy and healthy again, with those family she loves and missed, but I'm sure she is missing uncle Leon terribly right now..our knowledge of the plan of Savation is a great comfort at times like these. Elder Rob is concerned about Uncle Leon and how he is doing, but knows he will be just fine. When the kids were younger we would go to Eva Jane and Leon's house for a family Christmas/Santa party...this left some fond memories for my kids and will always stay in their hearts as one of those memorable times growing up.

Well, on to Elder Rob's mission experience...he and his companion were scheduled to baptize a man names Rick, at the last minute Rick backed out...he had some questions about the doctrine. The Zone Leaders, Elder Rob and his companion talked to Rick and they again schedule another date..that of March 19th. He said that there is another possible baptism that day and they are really praying and excited for both. They also are teaching a young lady named Kaylee...Rob was able to give her the BofM from Kati, she put her picture and testimony in the book so it was a little more special....Rob said that Kaylee really liked getting the book. Everybody thinks they are getting close to being transferred...Elder Rob actually has not been transferred yet...hopefully it will wait until after the baptims since they are invested with these people and their making the choice to be baptized...but, like he said if it happens there is nothing they can do about that...just part of the process of serving a mission and it does happen.
Quote from Elder Rob: "No, shocker.....he fell off date. Not gonna lie it was the saddest feeling of my mission so far, And I did what the other missionary’s do. Beat themselves up about his choice. But we took our Zone Leader over there and he put him back on track. He had some DEEP Doctrine and some Basic Doctrine issues So no worry’s he's back on date for the 19th" Elder Rob and his companion are teaching another girl named Tiffany who is also on track to be baptized on the 19th.....all in the day of a missionary.

He's got a cold!

Got our email today...Elder Rob sounds really good except he has a cold! He said he is really congested and wants to know what to do.....this 19yr old young man is on his own, no mom to help him out, and he's got a cold! Hmmmm, I guess it's time to rely on himself...hahahaha...his question was I don't know what to do and I quote "I want to rip my face off" hmmm...that sounds pretty serious, sooo.... my advise (which he won't get for days due to only be able to communicate with letters and emails once a week)would be to get some kind of decongestant like Musinex

etc, drink lots of water, rest and chicken soup! Hahaha...then he told us that they are teaching a 17yr old young lady at a members home....the member has a rope swing..












yes, Elder Rob decided to swing, in his suit no less...and he turfed it...or might I say Face planted himself on the ground (LOL) His comment was...there were no broken bones, no concussion but a few scrapes and scratches on his face...he did mention they didn't record the incident hahaha...that is just too bad...in this day of technology...we could of had it on YouTube hahaha!! Anyway, he didn't go into detail about his "condidtion" or the condidtion of his suit :( so I am hoping both are ok.

He really sounded good...He said they have 2 solid baptisms coming up...I think he really likes this mission thing *sigh* That's our missionary.

Does anyone have a Book of Mormon?

Sorry, I have been a little slow in updating this blog. Things are going really good for Elder Rob. His first comment in my email was "I'M DOING REALLY GOOD"...whew! So nice to hear since the week before we not only got a, shall we say, discouraging email from Elder Rob....but one that concerned me a little. Apparently his companion has a bit of an idea that hanging out at members homes and being a little less than a hard working missionary is ok....poor Elder Rob...excited about serving the Lord and wanting to really do what it takes to press the work forward.. It was nice though because that week they went out on exchanges with the Zone Leaders...that was a good experience for Elder Rob. He really enjoyed it. We flooded Rob with letters of encouragement and ways to work things out with his companion. Probably before he even got our mail, he had things already worked out. Hahaha...isn't that the way it goes. He said things are good and he is thrilled that they have a man who has set a date for baptism. He is around 55-56yrs old and is so excited about being baptized. Rob is so excited....he said he will keep us updated.

Elder Rob has a favor for anyone who wants to help him out. He has asked that we get a Book of Mormon, write your testimony in the book with your picture and send it to him so that he can pass them out. How fun is this. If anyone wants to participate...you can either mail him directly the Book of Mormons, or get them to us and we will send them for you. I will post his address at the end of this blog. What a nice way to spread the gospel to those in Kennewick Washington. And the work goes on.

Elder Robert David Schroeder
Washington Kennewick Mission
8656 W Gage Blvd Ste 205
Kennewick,WA 99336

And the work goes on......

Wow...what an amazing experience .... serving the Lord on a Mission. It has been extremely enlightening to listen to Elder Rob talk about the family they are teaching, that they are a partial member family, that they love to have the missionaries in their home (hmmm I wonder if they know the feeling the missionaries bring is from the Lord?) that in their eyes they know what they need to do....but, they are just not ready to commit to even attending meetings...how the members need to start to fellowship this family...they need to feel the strength and support of the members in their area...how important it is for all of us to help out the missionaries....they can't always do it by themselves...it takes love and support from all to help these families know and commit to changing their life styles and living the gospel in its fullest. You know, for us, we are used to the routine...VT and Home teaching,teaching lessons, attending 3 hours of meetings every Sunday instead of working in the yard, camping, shopping etc...paying one 10th of the hard earned money that we make to the Church....well, to the Lord...to us it is something we do, to new members, it is a sacrifice of huge proportions ... Faith....practiced daily...no even min by min .... changing habits that might be a struggle like smoking, drinking etc...this sometimes is a hard thing because it is something they have never thought of as "bad" or "harmful" .... following local church leaders....listening and doing those things that will help us find Joy in the Gospel in our daily lives....Wow! So much! These young men teach these families, but we as members need to fellowship, love, be examples to and help new members love the gospel and the Lord...Elder Rob has noticed the importance members are, and he is a little disappointed in their examples so far...many get involved in their own daily lives and forget other responsibilities. We all need to be missionaries...bottom line.

Elder Rob says it's beautiful in Hermiston....spring like weather. He does love the people...the wards. He is loving his mission. He still gets a bit homesick, but knows he is doing what the Lord wants of him and he will be blessed for it.


And the mission goes on....prayers are always appreciated for these young men..and the people in their missions, that their hearts will be softened and prepared for His teachings brought to them by selfless, hard working young men who give their lives to the Lord for 2 years as teachers of the Gospel. I'm excited for the growth I am seeing in Elder Rob, in his Testimony and maturity...

D&C 16:3-6
3 And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone—

4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given unto you according to my commandments.

6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

Mission Possible..........

So....guess I better catch up just a little because we will hear from Elder Rob tomorrow on his pday....last week his first comment was "It's just amazing" he is really enjoying his mission...there are some challenges..of course..but he is really loving it. He was telling Kristi that it is hard to tract a family...see in their eyes that they really feel something and want to know more, but make the decision for whatever reason not to listen to the discussions. My prayers have been with the people in the Kennewick Mission..that they will be prepared by the spirit and ready to listen to these young men... listen to their message of our Savior Jesus Christ and His love for them...listen to the way they can become Eternal Families....ways they can find Joy in the Gospel...I am anxious to hear from him tomorrow...this is a growing experience for him though....he is such a great guy and has such a love for others...stay tuned and I will post what he says tomorrow...

P-DAY................

We got our emails from Elder Rob today....he is really loving this mission and as he says "I'm having fun" isn't that great? I am so glad he is "having fun". He said they taught their first investigator the first lesson and the guy they taught would like them to come back...Rob was really psyched about that...missionary work is so exciting. He said that they live with an older couple..they have a room, bathroom, microwave and micro refrigerator....that's how he put it anyway...he also said that the people in Hermiston where he is right now don't generally lock their doors during the day or at night, that they have had some break-ins in his area in the last month, but the Poly's caught them in the act and they were probably scared to death...watch out for those Poly's...you know they will take good care of you anyway. It's good as a mom to hear your son enjoying serving the Lord...and the work moves forward in the Washington Kennewick Mission.....