HE'S COMING HOME!!

YES, HE'S COMMING HOME!!!  December 11th at 3:15 pm we will be reaching for, and holding our son in our arms once again!!  I am such a proud momma of this wonderful young man.....through diversity and challenges he has served the Lord with all his courage and strength.....a mission is not the easiest thing a young man will do in his lifetime, but it is the most rewarding and memorable experience he will EVER do....we have watched our son grow in leaps and bounds not only in the Gospel and his Testimony, but within himself....I think he now knows his own strengths and abilities, and especially patience and love for others....he went out as a timid young 19 yr old boy and is coming home a strong courageous Man.  This has proven to be such a great experience not only for him, but for our family.....in his words....this was an EPIC experience.  We are so proud of him.  He is finishing this mission in the Vancouver area....La Center to be exact.  He has made some wonderful memories, and we are going back with him to meet some of those memories....we are also going to do a session in his favorite temple...the Portland Temple....this should be a great experience.  Lots of logistic things to work out....one being, we need to get his bike home....get his registration completed for LDS business College etc.....his life will take off so to speak when he gets home....but keeping busy is a good thing after a mission.  I just can't wait to see him come down the escalator ..... It will be an EPIC day!  Our family has been so blessed by his service, and I am so grateful for him and the sacrifice he has made to serve those in the Kennewick Washington Mission....love you Rob.

WE HAVE HIS DEPARTURE DATE!!!!

Did you find out if your departure date was Dec 11th for sure...."YES! It's the day before the next transfer... so that is the day I'll be coming back so mark it on your calendars!"

December 11th!!!  So excited to see our son come down the escalators at the airport!!  Our big plan is to surprise Max....we plan on taking him to the airport to just see how it will be when Elder Rob comes home....then BAM!!!  He will see Rob come DOWN THE ESCALATOR!!!  We also want to make T-shirts to wear and signs....this will be "EPIC" but we will see if we can pull it off or not....hahahaha....we will give it the old Schroeder try!  Now, back to the mission....it's not over yet and there are still 3 good months of teaching/experiences left....here's one....

How has this week been?
"Been ok. We didn't get many lessons or any investigators of our own this week, it's been getting frustrating... there is someone I am supposed to find here, but their not being very
forth coming.  We had another lesson with Allie and Danielle, and Danielle came to church which Allie came the week before, i wish they both would come, but maybe this week.  We're teaching them the the doctrine of Christ tonight so we shall see what happens."

And the work goes on.....

How are you?
"I'm doing ok, I got my wart on my hand removed so hopefully this time it will be gone permanently."

What are you guys doing this Labor Day?
"We are going shopping and doing some bowling later, it should be a remotely fun."
How is everything going for you?
"The two bright spots, Allie and Danielle that's all that's going on.... we have nothing else going on, its kind of dead. :/  it's ok, I don't think I'll be here long.  I dono what I can do, but I guess complaining about it won't do any good."  Sometimes there is discouragement with missionaries....they want to work so hard, that is why they are there....once again satan doesn't want the work to move forward....pray for our young elders that they will find and teach those willing and ready to hear the gospel....they want to work so hard.

This was exciting...I am a member of Moms of Missionaries which is an email site....I made a comment and I got this response back...

Dear LuAnn,
It was Longview. I think your son was my son's first companion and trainer. Daniel had a great time learning from your son and he will be exited that I connected with you. He is in Herminston right now. He struggles in the areas where the prominent language is Spanish, but he keeps knocking doors and asking Hablo English. That is exciting that you get to have your son home for Christmas.


Kathleen C. Day

Dear LuAnn,

Yes, I got the pictures. My other children were amazed at how much your son and mine looked a like. Glad to hear that your son liked Herminston. Last week mine was a little discouraged because all their appointments canceled, so hope he has better days ahead.


Kathleen C. Day
What fun it is to hear from other mother's and people in Elder Rob's mission!!!  It's a great world to be the mom of a Missionary....loved every minute, every up and down, every success and failure....there is nothing more gratifying than to hear from your son and the love he has for those he is serving!

Missionary Fun......and 21st Birthday

"We had a fire side for new converts and people who are less active, they bore their testimonies and shared their stories, they really are active members and every thing, it's cool.  There was this Spanish guy who bore a powerful testimony in Spanish and I felt the spirit,  that was before I knew what he said."  These types of experiences are memorable and great......when we asked Elder Rob about his next Temple trip.....his comment was "we have one on the 24th of this month, it's gonna be amazing... I really need it, I can't wait to go to the tri-cities and enjoy.  "It the Columbia River Temple... it is so pretty inside, it's super small though, only enough for one endowment room and 4 sealing rooms.... it's got a really pretty font."

We have one investigator that is gonna get married and then hopefully soon there after he'll be baptized...  I don't know how soon he will be able to be baptized though his name is Jason, he's been attending church for almost two years now.   The ward is kinda neglecting him a little bit, it makes me sad. We're working on that.  The lady he's getting married to is named Jessica, she and her 5 kids are all members.  They're kinda rambunctious, but there all really fun.

"So this week was special a part member family Jason and Jessica got married! It was a great wedding! They looked so good too! It was a wedding at the church because Jason isn't a member. yet. not even saying that to be cocky or anything he's totally planning on getting baptized we just need to work on coffee and one more personal thing and he's golden. He's the most active non-member I know, like seriously, he's got everything down... knows the book of Mormon mostly and goes to class gets involved its great!

"Then, two young men I've been working with for 4-1/2 months got the Aaronic Priesthood last Sunday and I got to ordain the oldest one to a priest... it was legit!   This will be the third transfer with my current companion and I'll have spent at least 6 months in this area by the time I leave...It's pretty crazy, if there is only one reason to be left here,  it was those events happen!"

What did you get to do for your birthday?
"I worked!  I think I worked harder that day then I have in a long time, it was nice, we helped some people set up their wedding and it was awesome.   Their 11 year old daughter is my little buddy.  She sang and they were practicing, I got to see her kinda go from scared and timid to loud and proud!  It was soo cool.  One time she was having a hard time belting it out and I looked down at my planner to see what was next for the day and all the sudden she belted out ..... it made me look up and she looked at me like hey pay attention!  It was soo cool.  Our Bishop went to Dairy Queen and they bought me an ice cream reeses cake! It was soo cool! I was surpised when the bishop showed up at 9:30 that night and said you called to have him get a cake or some thing like that, I was stunned.  It was soo nice and  I was happy!  I loved my gifts! I am using the Jesus the Christ CD's now, I'm learning a lot!  Happy Birthday Elder Rob....sounds like you had an "epic" birthday with lots of great things to do.....21yrs ago you came into our lives and we have loved every minute....you are the man!!! and the missionary!!!

District Leader in Yakima!!!!

We got a letter in the mail from Elder Rob's mission president....he has been made District Leader.  He is not sure how long it will be, but as long as he is in Yakima he will serve as District Leader...his comment in his email was "so we found out this week that I'm gonna be the district leader. at least for this transfer, those change all the time so it could be only a one shot deal..but so far so good"  what a humble comment from him....he will make a great District Leader and learn a lot about organization and leadership.  This will be good for him and I think he will enjoy working hard.  Another comment he made was "It's pretty fun so far, it makes me feel like I have allot to work on... it's gonna be good though, I kinda wish I was gonna be a regular missionary but it's what I'm needed to do as of right now."  Yes, Elder Rob, the Lord knows what you need to do and who needs to benefit from your service....you are going to be great and grow in leaps and bounds ..... another comment from Elder Rob when asked what do you do?  "
What do you do?  "I conduct District meetings, do exchanges (we switch companions for 24 hours and work with them in our area's and in theirs) I collect numbers from the district and give them to the zone leaders and report to the mission president on how their each doing."  He continues to work hard and grow throughout this mission....it's great to hear!
Max is really mission his uncle....it is fun to hear him pray....it always is "bless that Rob will be a good missionary,  I told Rob and his comment was " awe he's definitely my best bud!"  It will be a great day to see those two together again...they are best buds.

Epic bike crash!!!! WHAT???

In Elder Rob's July 2nd email we asked him about his baptism....his comment "Yep, it went good, went off without a hitch and it was really good! Nothing happened bad at all... something always goes wrong" This was a great baptism without any problems....satan really doesn't want anyone to make such a great decisions in their lives to become members of the church...so even to the very minute something usually happens to try to stop or delay the baptism....nice to have one go off without a hitch. We got an interesting message on this PDay....Elder Rob had yet another bike crash!!! Geezzzzz Elder Rob hahahaha....the only victim in this crash was his camera, "my camera is TRASHED"....NOOOO not the camera!!!

Thanks to Grandma Bahr....it was replaced in epic time...you can't have a missionary without a camera! Oh yeah, the bike crash...WHAT HAPPENED!!!

"I'm doing really well. I crashed my bike, I broke my back axle and I smashed my camera... I'm gonna get a new wheel today. The only thing I walked away with is scrapped up palms and a big-ol bruise on my knee....but it was an epic crash! I was going down a hill and my back brakes went out and I had to use my front and I was on gravel and I slid sideways and landed on my side....epic!" Only a young missionary would consider a bike crash "epic" hahaha.... my bike's ok though i got the new wheel i might need to take it in for a tune up here in a few weeks maybe next month We sent a little package...when we asked, "did you get your little package?" his comment was, "I did, I made a wallet out of my candy boxes." Really? Hahaha...now that's thinking and recycling LOL....When asked "What do you get to do for the fourth?" his very simple comment was "proselyte!" Way to go Elder Schroeder...

Hanging out at the Pres house playing catch.....

Elder Rob has been working in Yakima for a while now. He is still teaching a couple people and plan a baptism July 7th...."I'm so excited for her" is his comment. Sometimes the people they teach are back and forth with decisions to be baptised, but it seems that the decision has been made and a baptism will happen. Horray for Alexia....good choice! Welcome to the church.

Talking about PDays...."I'm probably just gonna hang out with and talk to the other missionaries, I'm excited to just do that" and "last pday we hung out at our Stake Pres. house all day we played catch (its weird how fun that game is) ultimate Frisbee and badminton." These are fun breaks in a busy week for our hard working missionaries....have a fun day!

Holy Cow!!!! I have no excuse for not keeping up this blog for Elder Rob except I HAVE BEEN BUSY!!! I will repent and try to catch everything up....where do I start...Elder Rob is in Yakima Washington right now and has been for the last two or three transfers so he probably will see a new area in his next transfer. His first companion in this area was Elder Parsons....he really had to work hard with this Elder, just a few conflicts I guess he had only been out 4 1/2 months and as Elder Rob put it "he's soooo green" .. let's just say he was excited to have a new Elder from Lehi Elder Robert Greaves....he says right now he is kind of quiet and "a little bit country" hahaha...they get along really well though. The area Elder Rob is in is a little rough...rough enough that when they ride down the streets police will pull them over and ask them if they know where they are...their comment is "um yes" and they go onto teaching. The people are extremely humble and great...dogs on the other hand are out of control!!! Lots of rotweilers and pit bulls....andddd the dreaded chiwawa's....the ankle biters! Elder Rob describes them as "PACKS" OF VICIOUS LITTLE CHIWAWA DOGS who chase them when they are on their bikes and try to bite their ankles LOL....he says he wants to drop kick them...hahahaha...Elder Rob has been able to attend the temple about every 3 months...that is amazing in the mission field...two temples in his mission help with this. He says the Portland Temple is so beautiful...quote "We visited the Temple I feel so much better than I did last week. It's hard doing missionary work when you only visit the Temple once every 3 months, I do not know how the other missionaries who do not have a temple in their mission do that! It would be so flipping difficult (flipping is my new word ... we had some "Mormon swears" banned from our mission recently) Some of the people Elder Rob is teaching in this area are Alexcia who is 11 and super smart..she reads and comprehends the most amazing things. Isabella (Bella) Davis...she was getting Baptized. The Sharps are a nutty family that remind Elder Rob of our family...Mom Melissa is raising the kids since the dad is in jail right now...Destiny 14, Bailey 13, and Gage 10.."they are the coolest people, they love us and want to learn"....then there is Alexis and Fidel...Elder Rob's quote "I've taught them since I've been here, they seem to now be understanding why reading and praying is so important...I dono why they all of a sudden got it, but hey, they did". "We have TWO BAPTISMS coming up...Alexia 10yrs and Christina 19yrs...exciting. "I'm doing pretty good, Happy just tired" Seems to be the theme of a missionary...they work hard and study long. Love hearing from Elder Rob and knowing some of the experience he is going through...even more excited for his future in the Kennewich Washington mission...oh, he only has 6 months left.....until he "Returns with Honor" A bunch of good looking missionaries on P-day Elder Rob's companion from Lehi Ut Bella and her little sister...Bella got Baptised

YIKEES!!!! He crashed on his Bike!!!

Geezzz!!!! Just got word that Elder Schroeder crashed on his bike!!! He said he is fine and it only hurts when he takes the bandage off his knee....what! This was his comment to me "that was the first crash that involved blood, and only the third one in 13 months :)" I like his positive attitude lol. He was having an exceptionally great day with his bike...he said he crashed twice in 5 minutes...the first time in a bush..which he climbed out of, then the bloody knee crash...hmmmm...maybe he needs to focus more while riding his bike, or even BE CAREFUL!!! Oh, and I think it also involved his new pair of pants that we sent him for Christmas...yes, hole in the knee! I told him to send them home and I will see what I can do...it might be he will need another new pair of pants...oh well, this is the price you pay as a parent of a missionary hahahahaha. The life of a missionary...

This week is transfer week and Elder Schroeder and Elder Nielsen are staying in Walla Walla...they are excited to have time to really teach people in that area. His home address, which is a room and bathroom in the basement of the 2nd counselor's home is 32 Francis Dr Walla Walla, WA 99362.

They are currently teaching a man and a couple right now... he said they are working on teaching others. He ended his email with his experience at dinner "we had a really fun time at dinner last night. We shared a thought and I felt the spirit way strong. I love being a servant of Heavenly Father!" That is a missionary...crashes on his bike, hole in the his pants but all that matters is his love for being a servant of Heavenly Father...it's fun to hear his love for his mission...

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.