week 76 - A Baptism in Selma

  Hayden was excited to tell us that he was able to return to one of his former areas to witness the baptism of one of his previous investigators this past weekend. He seems like he is keeping busy and doing well right now. Here is his email-

  "Wow Mom, sounds like a busy week! I've got to go somewhat fast because I took a long time to write President Mackay, but sometimes I can get a lot out in time. I'll start with the highlight: Saturday night at 7:00 pm! Baptism of Sandra B! I don't do an incredible job of telling you about all the people we teach, because these emails would become "the large plates," but regardless if I mentioned her or not, here is the story:

  A 90 degree or so day with the sun high in the sky. Elder Derbidge and I are riding through Parlier on our bikes. It's probably 12:00 or 1:00. We crossed the 4-way stop in town, Mendocino and Parlier. Right at the corner there is a woman with a parasol. She looks like she isn't Spanish speaking, so I continue at my normal pace; then the Spirit kicks in and I feel the need to stop. I stop! Elder Derbidge almost crashes into me because it was a bit abrupt. We talk and she turns out to be a good investigator.

  Later her son was baptized, but she was not.

  After this, she had a personal spiritual experience where the Holy Ghost warned her not to do something, really bad apparently. She heeded it at the last minute, and kept most all commitments from that point and progressed to baptism.

  The Elders called and said she was being baptized, so I got permission to attend the baptism. It was awesome to see the changes that took place and how much faith she now has. The Selma Spanish Branch has also had several other baptisms since then, and plan to have more. There is great hope for that area and it surely "has blossomed like a desert rose" like the promise to the Lamanites in Doctrine & Covenants 49. The groundwork I laid with Elder Derbidge and Elder Ennis was indeed significant, and now there is great success there.

  There were so many missionaries and members there. There was also another girl baptized that night, about 16 years old, that others were involved with as well. There was a baptism for the English ward at 6:00 too. There was an extremely strong Spirit present and it was a wonderful day!

 

President Mackay and missionaries at the baptism

Multiple missionaries with Sandra

Elder Schaff and Sandra

 

  All of these are the baptism pictures, except the one of me in the apartment. Elder B loves working out and we visited the gym today. I thought my hair looked funny before we left so I took a picture. It's dumb really, but ha ha.

  This week was interesting. Each day we had more visits, and talked to more people, but the ultimate result was no new investigators and 3 potential investigators. We also tried to visit a Ward member that lived 10 miles away out in the country. It was like 7:00 and dark out, and as we got there we were 3 roads off the main road. The last two roads were dirt roads with a bunch of potholes. It was kind of hilly, so the lights didn't shine too far out. There were shrubs and trees to the left and right, so it was looking pretty creepy. As we got closer, fog started to set in. We arrived at the house and it was blocked with a metal gate poorly painted red that said "no trespassing." We tried to find a way in, but it was all locked. It was very creepy and to be honest I really thought something might jump out at us. If anything wanted to, it was a good spot. We left, but Elder B had an impression that we needed to turn back. We returned, but nothing happened again, only that dust had risen into the air since we had last been there and the visibility was even worse. But the delay ended up allowing us to catch a less-active Melchizedek priesthood holder right as he got home. So there were blessings from an odd adventure. 

  President Mackay has also asked me to report on what is happening in Chowchilla and help him make a decision if the area should stay open, so that's a big question I've been asked to help with! I'll be fasting and praying to get the right answer!

  That's the week! We gave 6 prisethood blessings in one day as well, which was also intriguing.

  I've gotta go, but I love you family, have a good week!"

--Elder Schaff 

Week 75 - My Mission Conversion

  I was surprised to get a nice, long email from Elder Schaff this week because he and his companion had made plans to visit Yosemite National Park with some church members this last Monday. Unfortunately, the day trip was canceled because of the federal government shut down. The park service was affected and the bathrooms locked up and there was only limited access in and out, so that was postponed. Hopefully they can go on another preparation day before he leaves this area. Here is his email from week 75-

  "Well, once you get this you will already know the news. Our trip to Yosemite was cancelled. It's a bummer, but we'll hope to go the last week of the transfer if possible. Of all the reasons why, it was politics. When does politics affect missionaries? "Someone's got a frowny face!" --One guy at theme park in Despicable Me.

  Anyway, yes, because of the government shutdown that happened. The government shutdown affected all workers, and thus, state parks and staff. Half of Yosemite is now blocked, and difficult to visit, save it be foot trekking. Additionally, the bathrooms are all locked and will not be opened until the shutdown ends. As such, the members that were willing to take us were turned off by those conditions. We were still willing, but it didn't work out for us this time. So that was too bad, but it's okay.

  What exactly is The Melting Pot? (I wrote to him that we had celebrated his sister's birthday at that restaurant.) Something new? Now there are kids showing us the new Nintendo Switch or Xbox when we're in member homes and I marvel to see that I don't know what the world is like anymore. It's a blessing for now!

  That's too bad to hear about Charlie. (Our dog has had some health problems lately) It seems that things are getting better and better for the family, but he isn't fairing too well!

  I'm glad Sydney enjoyed the card. I sent a box of excess stuff back home today. It was $60 though! Fortunately I can charge that to the Mission Card and have had an excess this month. I guess I made it too heavy. I got rid of a bunch though, so it should help out when I make the final trip home to not lug it around. I thought for sure they were up selling me, since boxes you send me are usually $20-30, but who knows? I did agree to faster shipping because the price difference was $3 with that size apparently.

  Moving on, last week we got permission to watch the broadcast of the new first presidency announcement, which was super exciting! So I did see that and it was wonderful. I liked the invitation to stay true to the covenant path. In the end, that's the greatest thing we can do in this life. It's important to remember that. It was interesting that President Nelson called Elder Oaks to be a counselor, as he would have been the President of the Twelve, but I could feel the Spirit of the decision. Elder Oaks' wisdom makes sense for these latter days and troubling times. Especially when the press attacked with the two questions on LGBT and diverse leadership in the church. Those were some bitter sounding questions. I liked the answers though: between the lines it seemed to say: "That's not really a problem at all because you are trying to conform Christ's church (approved by God) to the world's standard. That's a bad idea!"

  Yesterday I gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting about the "small and simple" things.  Two Sister Missionaries also returned home from their missions to our ward here in Chowchilla. They served in Arizona and Honduras. The one from Arizona offered her help anytime to visit investigators. She must have really enjoyed her time! I know once I finish I will definitely try to help the missionaries out. Of course, time always runs short, but it can be found.

  I would like to share some spiritual experiences once again as well, I feel like I haven't conveyed too many lately. So the highlight of this week was visiting with Brother D, a member that hasn't attended church since the 60's. He is Irish and a big-time family man. He said he was convinced he cannot find the back-door to heaven, and knows he needs to come back and set his life straight again. Problem is, like many less-active members, he has a bit of the defeatist outlook and doesn't think he is even worthy to return. He wants to learn more and apply it first. But he is determined to do that, so we started from there. Now he is praying and reading the Book of Mormon again. He wants to teach all of his family the Gospel as well, but once he has returned. (They are Catholic.) So if we can connect him with the Spirit and let the Holy Ghost heal him, some miracles might take place. Elder B asked him if he still believed that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and if he still had the faith to follow Christ. He agreed that he did. The Spirit was so strong there as we testified that there is a way back for him, and a great hope with that as well. Truly the Savior desires to forgive us, and this man, and so many others, so that we can all return to Heavenly Father one day. This is why the church ministers to its members. There is hope for the lost sheep and the prodigal son. Think what you can do to find one!

  I've also reached Helaman 6 in the Book of Mormon where I am recording things learned from every page. If only I had done it when I was at home. Now I can take joy, comfort, and relaxation from reading the Book of Mormon. That was previously filled with games typically. The Scriptures are now quite precious to me. If one will read them with real intent, conversion is inevitable.

  Thus I see that my mission really has never been glamorous. I haven't really converted people with powerful miracles and preaching. Yet, I have converted myself with miracles of the Spirit. Though my work and legacy may be forgotten, there are those few individuals, such as my companions, and those I was a part of converting, that will remember my heart and love. I have learned to lift as Christ did--with intent to do good, instead of to receive a reward.

  I hope things will continue to go well back at home! We'll have to wait on Yosemite!

--Elder Schaff

Week 74 - Rain, Fog and Interviews

  Not much news from Elder Schaff this week, that's just how it goes sometimes. It would be really exciting if he were able to go to Yosemite next week, he has seen very little of his mission area and never gone anywhere of interest that I can recall, I hope that works out for him. It would be worth another limited email week. This is what he managed to write with the time that he had.

  "Well the schedule for today didn't work out too well. As such I've had a full 30 minutes to email. I'll cover as much as I can."


  "Alright, here I go. I have a photo of Elder Baconawa this week. It should be the last one.

  Well, things got better this week. We didn't meet any bitter people and we did manage to find some people to teach. On Monday and Tuesday it was raining all day. The valley really needed it, but it got our car and apartment a bit dirty. After it cleared up things got clean again though. There was also some thick fog this morning and I think Thursday. It was like see 20 ft away from you thick. When I turned on the brights in the car they looked like laser beams!

  Last Tuesday feels like it was forever ago, but thus is the manner of time passing in the mission field, paradoxically short and fast.

  Trust is building with the Ward members as well. I think this area will slowly progress. It won't be easy. It never is easy. I always think that somewhere out there is an area that just always does well, but I don't think that's the case. Usually things are difficult.

  There were interviews with President Mackay on Wednesday. He gave some good counsel, but other than that, he really just told me to get to work and I'd be blessed. He said he trusted me with the area.

  Peace in Christ is the trending song amongst the missionaries right now. #2018YouthAlbum

  Sorry it's short. next week will probably be bad too, but for a good cause, we managed to set up a trip to Yosemite for next week. Ask questions I guess! So long! 

(I wanted to share a spiritual thought, but I had no time to think, next time.)

Love you all!

--Elder Schaff

Elder Schaff with Elder Morales Aguayo at the transfer hub on January 2nd.

With Elder Rogers at the transfer hub.

Saying goodbye to his companion, Elder Noyes, at transfers.

New companion, from the Philippines, Elder Baconawa.

Transfer Hub on January 2, 2018

  These photos are also from the mission blog that President and Sister Mackay post to at https://californiafresnomission.blogspot.com. The transfer hub is a complicated event, missionaries pull in, they unload luggage, and say their good byes. Then they find their new companions, load up bikes and gear into a different car and pull out to head for their new destination. It all happens in a short span of time. Elder Schaff has completed his assignment as mission secretary. He was transferred from Fresno to Merced and was assigned a new companion this transfer. Five more transfers to go and he will be home!

District Leadership Conference December 2017

  I pulled some photos from the mission blog, I am grateful to President and Sister Mackay for posting them. They capture moments that Elder Schaff cannot. The California Fresno Mission is divided into several zones, and each zone is divided into districts. Elder Schaff has been a district leader for a full transfer now. These photos are from the District Leadership Conference on December 21, 2107. To see the full mission blog, go to https://californiafresnomission.blogspot.com.

 

DLC on December 21st, Elder Schaff is third from the left in the back row.

Week 73 - New Year, New Companion

  Happy New Year! I am personally thrilled that it is finally 2018, because this is the year that Elder Schaff comes home!! In fact, he will most likely be back around August 1st. That doesn't seem very far away, so I am excited.
  I was also excited to hear from Hayden this week. It was a long wait though, as his preparation day has switched back to Monday. So, he wrote on Saturday, December 30th and he knew that he would be leaving the mission office and going back to teaching in the field, but he did not know where he would be transferred to. Nine days later he wrote again, on Monday January 8th, and he sent 41 photos and a short email. He told us a little about his new companion, but doesn't say where he was transferred to, sometimes he forgets important details. Some of the other missionary moms on Facebook are telling me that he is north of Fresno now, up in the Merced area. Here is his email this week-

  "This contains everything from Hmong New Year to the New Year's Eve Bonfire Devotional we had in Fresno North, all the way to Transfer Hub. 

  I'll miss Elder Noyes and the missionaries of that Zone. We were unified and there was a great Spirit there. That Bonfire night was wonderful. President shared some remarks with us that were uplifting.

New Years Eve 2017 Bonfire

  Also, the Hmong Elder haggled for us so we could get a little bit of Hmong stuff at a good price. The Hmong New Year Celebration was interesting. They run it just like a Bazaar.

  I don't have a picture with my new companion, Elder Baconawa, yet, so sorry! He's from the Philippines, 5'2'', wears glasses, black hair, soft-spoken, quiet, and very obedient. He's had some tough transfers recently, but we are getting along well.

Packing up for transfers on January 2nd

Looking sad about leaving, after living 5 months here.

  The area is pretty tough. Pray for me! Nobody wants to listen to us, and we only have a few investigators. The members are really kind and welcoming though. Also, President makes it seem that I'm destined to train a new missionary next transfer, so I may be here until May. I'm going to have to make it count! I will have yet another area to turn around.

  I may also get the chance to get up to Yosemite, since this is the closest I've ever been. 

  The area is 80% English 20% Spanish. However, there are a lot of Spanish members. English non-members are always really rude though, I wish there were more Spanish-speakers. It's been challenging to teach Spanish. It's come right back to me, the vocab hasn't been a problem, but Elder B doesn't speak any Spanish, which is quite the hurdle. That's all I've got, I meant to write more, but I had to catch up with Joel (Elder Christopherson) and Nathaniel (Elder Burnard) a bit.

  I hope all is well.

Love ya!

--Elder Schaff

Hayden didn't write about it, but looks like he and some of the missionaries enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner on preparation day this week at Tahoe Joe's. Happy New Year indeed!

 

Week 72 - Christmas Week 2017

  Christmas Day was a wonderful day for our family. We enjoyed opening gifts and being with our girls in the morning, then cooked our traditional Christmas brunch. In the afternoon, we were able to Skype with Elder Schaff for about 45 minutes and it was great to be able to see and speak to him. I have a few photos from our Skype session, and he sent about 50 photos and two videos from Christmas week, I won't upload all of them, but I will try to share ones that he mentions in his email from December 30th.

Christmas Day Skype Session with Elder Schaff

  "Alright, so I have given you everything that happened during Christmas, plus the interior of the Surf-thru car wash from today, because why not? We also took pictures in the phone booth that is right next to our apartment complex. All these months and I finally got over to it! If a picture is worth a thousand words, I gave you a 50,000 word essay.

Car Wash

Elder Schaff in phone booth near his apartment

Elder Noyes and Elder Schaff 

Looking cool in the phone booth

  The pictures tell most of the story, but there is one in the dark from the movie night that is a bit odd. You see, the Sisters used their flashes on their cameras to blind me, so I fired back and caught Sister P dealing gummy frogs...anyway.

Watching Moana on Christmas Day

Sister missionaries with their gummy frogs

  So, Elder Noyes and I enjoyed our Christmas together. We went over to President's house as is documented, and then we joined Brother B to call you and have Christmas dinner with their family. Elder Noyes made some home-made egg-nog that was right on point and tasted like regular egg-nog. However, it was not featured here. It would be economical if cream wasn't so darn expensive!

Elder Schaff opened a CFM tee shirt on Christmas morning

Some of the items from their stockings

Elder Noyes opens his Nerf gun

Christmas breakfast at President Mackay's

The Ward Mission Leader hosted Elders Schaff and Noyes so they could Skype on Christmas- thank you!!

  Then we had a white-elephant as a Zone. You'll see some of the photos of us in a ring playing it. The Assistants brought all their junk food as their gifts, so they could get rid of it. Because of the stealing aspect of the game, they almost ended up with it again, which was super funny. (The Assistants are on a "low-carb [snax]" diet.) I ended up with a box that said, bean-bag toss desk game, but the Zone Leaders had actually put two Nerf guns inside, which was a pleasant surprise, since Elder Noyes got a Nerf gun Christmas morning and I was defenseless.

Zone White Elephant Gift Exchange, Elder Schaff got a Nerf gun

  So, the whole deal about Moana was...well, the Zone Leaders got us all together to watch it, but the member they got it from had actually pirated it. *Facepalm.* There were some technical difficulties. Anyway, the member was watching it with us and realized he had a Netflix account and that we could watch the non-pirated version. So we did that and made it to the part right after they escape the crab, but couldn't finish the movie. Biggest cliff hanger of my life! I'll have to wait 'til I finish my mission to resolve it!!! That was the only non-ideal part of Christmas, but I'm over it at this point.

  Also pictured is Elder Nate and the whole group at President Witt's house for a breakfast this morning, since the Fresno North Zone had the most December baptisms. President Witt taught us at the end of it all to repay us for our teaching, and taught about personal 1-on-1 ministering and how we must always continue to live that purpose as the Savior did, rather than focus on baptisms. The Spirit was there and I was grateful that he understood the reason he decided to celebrate with us.

Breakfast at President Witt's with the Fresno North Zone

  Let me know if you want to hear anything else. That's what I've got for you! We're going to try to visit a bit of the Hmong New Year today, before it ends on Monday!"

--Elder Schaff