Week 88 - "I Got Hit by a Car"

  I think I am a typical parent in that I pray for my children each day. I pray for their success at school, that they will be watched over and protected and return home safely, etc. Well, one of those prayers was definitely answered this past week. Unbeknownst to me, until reading the weekly email, Elder Schaff was hit by a car while riding his bike last week! Thankfully, he sustained no injuries, and his bike is fine as well. Our family is extremely grateful, we realize that it could have been much, much worse. I am very grateful to a loving Heavenly Father for watching over and protecting my missionary son, and for the power of prayer.

Met an old friend at DLC, Elder Derbidge and Elder Schaff

"Social Justice League" graffiti

Elder Murray had a birthday, and as is Mexican tradition, got his head shoved into a cake

  "Well it was a great week! Here's the highlights:

  I finished exchanges with all the Elders. I got "hit" by a car. We'll get there. In that process I lost my phone. Our investigator, Roberto, prayed for himself! I recovered my phone 3 days later, and on Sunday, Bishop taught some impressive teachings--they brought the Spirit and really helped the ward to understand the significance of the Gospel better.

  I exchanged with my old companion Elder Corless, as well as Elder Lilly. Both seem to have grown since the last transfer and are doing well. On the exchange with Elder Lilly, we began teaching one of their investigators at about 4:20 pm, and finished near 5:00, so we had to hurry to dinner to meet up with the other 4 Elders. On the way there, we passed by an alleyway. I had never been to that part of town, so I was unfamiliar with the existence of this alleyway. Elder Lilly made it past the alley, saw a car in his peripheral, and slowed down enough to see my destruction as he tried to warn me.

  From my perspective it went like this: (in mind:) "alright, we're almost there, I'll catch up to Elder Lilly." "Path is clear!" <<Car pulls out of alley>> "!?!?!" *Hits brakes in vain* <<Crthunk!>> *flops on hood of car.* *Climbs off car.*

  All was roses, and then in about 3 seconds my life changed. Fortunately, I made a seamless transition from the bike to the hood of the car. I didn't smack any knees or scrape any limbs. I was totally fine. I just got right up after I stopped moving and addressed the situation. Unfortunately, all the contents of my pocket spilled out on their car. I picked up my planner and pass-along-cards, but I didn't notice my phone, it blended in quite nicely with the gap, it was in between the hood and the windshield. So I gave these people a pass-along-card and rode off. The bike didn't even take damage! I just put a small dent in their car, but they said they would fix it and not charge me. Then they drove off.

  Elder Lilly and I traveled the next minute, arrived at dinner, and then I discovered I had no phone. We looked everywhere, to no avail. That was embarrassing. I was the first in the California Fresno Mission to lose my phone. (they just received new phones, and his is borrowed, so we didn't have to buy one for only 3 months) Well, I wasn't going to just give up, so the next day we went back to the place where I got hit, because it had 8 apartments there, and the guy that was in the passenger's seat of the car that hit me was there. His girlfriend (the driver) found the phone and had it. He gave us her number. She responded to one text message, which only said "I told him to tell you I'm in Fresno today and can't give it to you." Subsequent trips to the location of the crash were required to eventually get the phone in her boyfriend's hands, and then to ours, 3 days later. These were the flakiest people I've ever needed to contact. Even worse than former or non-progressing investigators! They never responded to calls or texts, and it was a mess. I had hope I would get the phone back, but Elder Wyne later told me he thought I had no chance of getting it, so I guess it was a miracle.

  The moral of the story? I forgot to pray for that "basic" blessing of protection. All day! You know, the line we usually just throw in there. I'm not sure that necessarily made the difference, but it was an interesting note we made. Regardless, God was still merciful in helping me out.

  Aside from that mess, there was also District Leadership Council. President clarified rather precisely the bounds of technology use. I had to teach my district to use it more wisely, because we weren't doing the best job in following all the rules. Fortunately, with clarification, most of the problems were fixed up.

  Roberto learned to pray, which was amazing. I wasn't there though, it was the day that I was out with Elder Lilly. Other than that, Elder Wyne and I have been working hard to talk to more people and find new people to teach. We found a basketball tournament that is apparently held every Sunday at a local park. Lots of Hispanos allí. We tried contacting some of the crowd, some went well, others not so much, but it's a good place we know about now!

  At sacrament meeting, Bishop taught about the Restoration clearly and powerfully. During second hour, they combined all the classes, and he taught about the importance of tithing, which became a discussion on conversion. It was filled with the Spirit, and best described like Nephi's words: after the manner of plainness. If you were in Madera Spanish ward, you would have liked it. Ha ha.

  This week I was given several commitments in the District Leadership Council to study about leadership. I had a wonderful opportunity to grow from this experience. I will expound on these later--Ezekiel 33 and 34, as well as Doctrine and Covenants 104:13,16.

  The whole district is going to lunch, and for the first time ever, I just was given permission to pause email time, so I will return and tell you more!

--Elder Schaff

  Alright, well the remainder of what I was going to say:

  Ezekiel 33 is, as we know, the teaching of the watchman on the tower. It was  a good chapter to help me to understand more clearly the responsibilities of being a leader. I feel like I have understood them well, but these passages made it even more clear. The chapter teaches after the watchman example that: if the righteous [turn] to iniquity, all his [past] righteousness shall not be remembered." Additionally, it says: "If the wicked turn from his sin...he shall not die." The Lord wants us to be consistent, to repent constantly. We are to set the example for others to make those changes, by living that constantly. Doing so will help others to bring the wonders of repentance to their lives, and we will fulfill our role as watchmen.

  Chapter 34 teaches of the "Shepherds of Israel." The chapter chastises the false shepherds that had blessed their own lives from the flock, rather than helping the sheep. These could be those who exercise unrighteous dominion, or those who attempt to exercise power without the priesthood of God. Though they seek to guide, they lead astray. The words of Christ then enter and explain that he himself will reclaim the sheep."I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick." No mention of other shepherds is made. It dawned on me that if we are to contribute to leading Zion at all, then we had better have some Christ-like character and attributes, and be willing to sacrifice to bless those around us. If not, we cannot be those shepherds.

  Finally, I enjoyed Doctrine and Covenants 104:13 and 16. The verses in between aren't bad either. The Lord describes that stewards are part of his plan to make all accountable. Accordingly, in verse 16, we learn that stewardships "provide for the saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low." Thus, stewardships establish the harmony and consecration of Zion, bringing peace and joy to all. I found that interesting, as it is marked as Christ's way to provide for his people. I am engaged in a part of that. Some things to consider next time you have anything to do with teaching or working with anyone else in the church. Or even in life. We have an example to watch over people.

  That's all I have this week for events. Have a great week everyone!

--Elder Schaff

Week 87- Exchanges, Teaching and a Big Dog

  Last week my husband and I were able to register Elder Schaff for classes for fall semester. This week we had the opportunity to pick his dorm room and bed assignment, so we had some questions on that for him to answer. We are trying hard to meet all of the deadlines on this end, while he works hard and continues to focus on what he should be focused on- missionary work! He seems to be working diligently and had a good week in Madera.

  "Alright, here's a copy of what I've mostly sent today, but I'll add the details:

  Well, I had a good week. Any troubles in the District were resolved via exchanges. I killed off all the pride problems. It was a miracle. The Spirit did most of the work.

  The Mission got technology, and everyone has been obsessing over it. The craze should calm down now, after this first week. We've had to make the adjustment though. When used properly, it's been a huge blessing. My companion and I have been visiting members uber fast.

  I used Duolingo today to learn a bit of German. I've got to honor my ancestors!

  We met with our Bishop and made a better plan to work with the ward. He wanted us to work better with members to teach more people in member homes. In ward council though, we didn't stick to that, and we kind of got wrecked by members not wanting to support us. But it's okay. I counseled the Elders to stay positive and continue ministering to the members so we can build greater trust in this ward.

  I caught a dog... that I accidentally let loose some how.​

​  I think that's my companion playing with it. We were barbecuing with a member and then we were throwing the dog a football and it broke off of its chain. We chased it around the yard for a good five minutes trying to pin it down again.

  We taught an English class too, and helped some Mexicans learn the days of the week in English and how to set and accept appointments.

  I put together a pretty sweet District Meeting for today. I hope it goes well. I'll be talking about why we serve: Because we love Jesus Christ. I studied a lot for it, so I hope that it will be successful in helping the Elders see a greater purpose in their callings.

  And we played 4 square today. It was a good investment to buy the ball for five bucks. Brought back the days of the MTC!

  So that's my week. Here's the rest of my pictures:

Some of the Elders in my District

How to Make Guacamole

Mexican Powerade- ElectroLIT! Hahaha. 

  As for the other things, out of nowhere, Elder Royce and Elder Austin were asked to move to the other District and live in Fresno. It makes sense, because they spend more time in Fresno than Madera. I guess President and the assistants realized it used a lot of miles. One of the assistants also approached me in Zone Conference about the fact that my district had 11 Elders, so I suspect that was part of that move too. It will lighten my load, but I was actually excited to work with them and teach them.

  Since a big house is lonely with two Elders, they are moving Elder Lilly and Elder Murray in with us, which will be good. They've become friends of mine. Elder Lilly is in the picture with the filter. Then he and Elder Murray are in another picture as companions.

  We visited a less-active member whom we thought was Hermano B, turns out that was his cousin. He is not on the directory, and under a different name! He is excited to come back to church though, and we had a good lesson with him and his family.

  Overall, it was a good week. Let me know if you have questions, but I think that does it!!!

The Vineyard

Love you mom! (and family.) 

--Elder Schaff

Week 86 - Scripture Study and Samsungs

  Unfortunately, I had a lot of information to run by Elder Schaff by email this week, and so he didn't have much time to write about his week, after addressing all of it. His Dad and I need to register him for fall semester classes this week, so we had a lot of questions for him and information to pass on after I spoke to his academic advisor. It feels like I am a freshman majoring in biological engineering, and for now, I am. However, when he returns home, I will be happy to let him take over and complete the online modules, orientation, take his math placement exam and his foreign language exam for credits, etc. I don't think that I would score well on a Spanish language exam! I took Spanish in high school, but that was a long time ago and I only remember random vocabulary words and key phrases like, "donde esta el bano?" ha ha. I love that Hayden is teaching in Spanish though, and he had a good week, here is his news, and a bonus- a toilet photo!

  "I had a pretty normal week, so I don't have much to write really. Elder Wyne and I are still doing great. We've had some good lessons with the people we found to teach last week, the Spirit has been there, they just haven't reacted to it yet. Most of our week was spent visiting members, or trying to do so. We found about 15 households that had moved away!

  My studies were also really good this week. I've continued my Book of Mormon challenge into the index, and I am finding a lot of spiritual patterns and small gems that I looked over when reading it through. It's harder to read than just straight scriptures, but it's worth it.

  I also finished Ecclesiastes this week and started Isaiah on Saturday. It was interesting. Ecclesiastes has no real mentions of the Atonement at all, but it does teach that promises/oaths (covenants anyone?) with God are the most important things to keep. And though all physical things are temporary, there is still a lot we can and should do in this world to have joy, which includes: family life, doing things you enjoy (that don't harm others!), gaining wisdom, creating things, obeying God, etc.

  I have read the first 10 sections of Doctrine and Covenants, and have started reading some Conference Talks! When proselyting doesn't work out, I love my studies!

  The Zone Leaders and I are working on addressing the pride/gossip problems in the district. Things seem to be better than last week though, some misunderstandings were clarified.

  Alright, that's about all I've got!

--Elder Schaff

  Also, I just remembered that I forgot about trainer/trainee. The meeting we have after 2 weeks of training. Elder Wyne and Elder Austin, (The trainee of the other missionary in our house, Elder Royce) were the only ones to not raise their hand that they "were having a tough time with their trainer" when they had separated the trainers and trainees for a break-out session. They told us about it that night and said that they were grateful that things were going well. It's been a blessing to serve with Elder Wyne. It hasn't been hard at all!

  The only hard thing is that the missionary work is a bit slow, but we get new phones tomorrow, so that's a plus. Maybe it will help us work faster and better!"

Also, that's how my toilet works! We are going to get Elder Tardiff from the mission office
 to help us fix it hopefully.

That will be the phone change. That is the Zone Leader's.

Extra Photos

Eating at Mc Donald's with the Zone leaders

Heavy rain that finally broke

Thick fog outside the apartment

An orange from the church Vineyard, Tropicana worthy

California sunset with palm tree silhouettes

And the bird from the laundromat art: The best caption we have is:
"When President lets you stay with your companion at transfers."

Zone Basketball on Preparation Day

Elder Schaff with a member, Brother Bitter

Week 85 - Easter 2018 and April General Conference

  Many months ago, when Elder Schaff first arrived in Fresno to begin his mission, the very first weekend in California, was October 2016 General Conference. I realized then, that 4 conference weekends would pass before he returned home, and here we are, at number 4! I love General Conference weekend because I know that somewhere in California, Elder Schaff is watching it at the same time that I am watching. Somehow that is just comforting to me. This last Sunday was also Easter, so I was happy to hear that he received his orange milk chocolate sponge candy and other treats to enjoy over the holiday weekend.

  With about 16 weeks, 4 months and a little less than 3 transfers to go, Hayden's mission will be over before he knows it. He has lots of responsibilities as a trainer and a district leader, and many things to schedule each week. He has always been extremely conscientious and determined to do all things with his maximum effort, and this week, I can see that this is all stressing him out a little. He is fine, just being challenged.

  "Hey mom, here's my portion I sent to Dad. I'll cover your questions in another one, but this sums up most of the week. I'm feeling quite tired right now!"

Dear Dad-

General Conference, Salt Lake City, UT

  Interestingly enough, Elder Bednar's talk on meekness is also my decided favorite! I had always dismissed meekness as a part of humility, which was an error. The talk brought me significantly greater understanding, and a vision of what I could accomplish in becoming more like my Savior.

Meek and Lowly of Heart by Elder David A. Bednar

  It's been a bitter afternoon though. Nothing terrible, but sports in the district got too competitive. Pride and taunts started to increase and the Spirit noticeably weakened. It's not fun to lead or be required to teach a meeting in three hours without the Spirit, but I won't dwell on that. It's something to address as a district leader though.

  Additionally, I enjoyed Larry Y. Wilson's talk about prayer, the Spirit, and revelation. The theme of asking God what part you must play in His work to get an answer really struck me. It's a proactive way to pray instead of solely hoping that something will take place to benefit you. Though sometimes we do pray on those conditions, if we can act we should.

Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide by Elder Larry Y. Wilson

  Of course, President Nelson's remarks on personal revelation deeply struck me also. I could deeply feel the Spirit in his words, and knew them to be true. I believe the 5 promises he extended in that message will come true as I will heed his 6 invitations given.

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives by President Russell M. Nelson

  The changes were interesting, but needed. As a missionary, I've seen those programs fail time and time again. Madera 1 had 4 Elders in the Quorum, and Chowchilla had 5-7. Both had more High Priests. That was a good inspired change. (this in reference to the announcement in General Conference that the Elders Quorum and High Priests would be combined for weekly Sunday meetings)

Introductory Remarks by President Russell M. Nelson

  The Spirit of home teaching has been changed to better function as the Savior would have it work, but now is the crux of the matter. I read the guidelines to it after conference. It invites more revelation to who is ministered to, which is expedient and needed. Ultimately what will determine it's success is whether Zion will be idle and be at ease with itself, or if Zion will be striving to make valiant efforts and accomplish the Lord's will. For even if revelation indicates who is prepared, if nobody acts upon it, save the previously faithful home and visiting teachers, no  additional work will be accomplished. That's what I see. It's a great chance to heal the Lord's work for saving Zion. Because those ministering visits really do save souls. It's a shame how neglected it has been.

Ministering by President Russell M. Nelson

  I love everything about my work right now except being a district leader. Planning exchanges is a nightmare with all the meetings we have had for the new missionaries. To do 10 exchanges in 6 weeks, I need to do 2 a week for 4 weeks, and then 1 a week for the other two. But since no exchanges were able to be accomplished week one, as I had just barely gotten Elder Wyne, it's looking chaotic. I've got one done. I really enjoyed being able to minister as a district leader last transfer, but the burdens of the call have caught up to me.

  We found a family to teach this last week, which has been good. We're getting the ball rolling as far as work in our area goes.

  Everything passes by so quickly now. I'm working to leave my mark on the California Fresno Mission and Madera, because now is my time to strengthen the Lord's servants in this part of the Vineyard, and then I'll be forgotten! Which is okay and part of the cycle.

  I leave you with a picture of Elder Austin and I. (Elder Royce's trainee, they live in the house with us.)

  I think this is all I have.  Thanks for your love and support! I send mine.

--Elder Schaff

Week 84 - New Companion and Training Opportunity

  Hearing the alert on my phone signal that Elder Schaff's weekly email had hit my inbox was a relief this week. I was very anxious to know who he had been teamed up with to train and wanted to know all about his new companion and area. I was so happy to learn that he is once again serving in a Spanish speaking area and will be able to train and teach in Spanish. All in all, everything sounds great for him.

  "This week was crazy. I miss Elder Laughlin a bit. Elder Corless is still nearby, so that wasn't as big of a loss. I got put into Echo for Tuesday and Wednesday while we awaited our trainees. I was with Elder Wake during that time. (He came in near the start of my office time.) We were able to learn and grow a lot together, and I also got to meet with Matilde (she was Elder Schaff's first baptism) again, which was awesome, because it really seemed to give her a boost to be more committed to the Gospel and to make the efforts to get to church consistently. I didn't even have to crack down, she set a plan with me to improve. Elder Wake was shocked because he and the other Elders there haven't had much success with Matilde. A lesson to follow up with your converts I suppose!

Elders Schaff and Mendez with Matilde on her baptism day in 2016 

Missionaries waiting to hear who they have been paired up with to train for the next 12 weeks

  Then I met Elder Wyne! Fortunately, in the line of meeting companions President called all the other Elders first, so we had a normal hug and didn't go crazy. No glasses were broken. (in the past, several of the missionaries have sustained small injuries or broken glasses, etc when they are introduced to their trainee and have their first hug)

  Elder W and I have been doing great ever since we left the Mission Office. I have learned more about his story and told him mine, and we feel united and determined to do the Lord's work. Elder W is pretty incredible actually. He is a convert of a year and a half! He was baptized in 2016. He explained to me that the moment he was baptized (and even before apparently) he knew he was going to go and serve a mission. He says the change was so immense in his own life and brought so much joy that he had to go and share that with others. This is an Elder of a lot of faith. He's already starting to get the hang of things, and it's just day 5. He really knows what he's doing and what he is in for, and I couldn't ask for anyone better to work with at the start.

  He was baptized, and then had to stick out his year before he could apply to be a missionary. So he finished high school and went to BYU Idaho. He likes to sing. We'll have some good times for sure!

Elder Schaff's Companion/Trainee, Elder Wyne

Elder Schaff is paired with Elder Wyne

Trainer/Trainee Meetings 

Trainers and Trainees March 2018

Elders Schaff and Wyne with other missionaries at the Training meeting in March 

  As for the work once we got to Madera, the goal has been to meet the members! We talk to everyone we can in our path, and bike when we can as well. When we drive around we try to knock some doors in the vicinity. I haven't knocked doors in forever, but it works in Spanish areas. They are way nicer than us English speakers. Ha ha.

  As I write this out, it's shorter in writing. There was a lot of spiritual experiences during this week, which have safely been recorded in my journal. Other than that, I'll tell you how things go as we go into week 2 of training! We have interviews with the President tomorrow. Other than that, just know I am loving my mission! It's a bit stressful to plan each day, but other than that, everything is grand! I'm living the dream here!

  I finished reading the Book of Mormon again this week! Oh Elder, I nearly forgot that! The President Clark challenge Book of Mormon was finished Tuesday morning, around 10:12 am or so. I then prayed about the truth of its contents once again, that my faith in that promise could be strengthened as I testify of it to people. I testify to all that read this that the witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon came again. You can get it more than once. I really appreciated Moroni 10:32-33. 

  

32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

  That's the fullness of how the Atonement works in two verses. It's wonderful. No better way to end that inspired book. I know this is God's work! I am a disciple of Christ, the son of God.
Love you all,

--Elder Schaff

​P.S. Also, I forgot the ward activity: we got to help cook the tacos and work the grill. This is all of us Spanish Elders.

Madera Spanish Elders

Week 83 - Transfer Calls

  This was the news from Elder Schaff for this week. I had written to him and asked several questions that I needed him to answer regarding packages we had sent, whether he had received his replacement driver's license, etc. So after he responded to all of that, this was his update.

  "Ok, now that I've answered questions, here's what happened this week:

• Our companionship started doing better than ever before
• We had a temple trip
• We did service in the Vineyard, pruning and tying grape vines.
• I had district leadership council
• We had an exchange with the Madera Spanish Elders.
• We helped a member move out of her house
• TRANSFER CALLS----Elder L and I got transferred.
• President called and told me I will be opening another area of work in the Madera Spanish ward
• Also, I'll be training a new missionary while I do that....

Signs of spring at the temple grounds

Elders from the Zone at the Fresno Temple

  

Eating with the Zone at Buffalo Wild Wings after the temple trip

  That was the week. It passed by incredibly fast. I have no fears concerning time, it will all be over too fast! ¡Asi es con misiones! Once you get the hang of it, and aren't struggling to survive, well then it passes by faster than the Olympic 100m dash. But that's alright, I'm in a full-on sprint here. As long as technology doesn't trip me up (smart phones coming April 10th or so), I'll be leaving a good mark on the California Fresno Mission.

  Our biggest successes were teaching Unique about the Plan of Salvation and the Doctrine of Christ. She accepted an invitation to pray about if she should be baptized. Another young man named Robert, also accepted the invitation to pray about baptism. Both these two feel the Spirit when we visit, and are working on discovering for themselves if it is the missing piece their soul is looking for. Elder C will have to keep me updated.

  Our leadership council was on obedience and adhering to the Missionary Handbook to uplift and edify oneself and others in missionary service. This was important, because as missionaries have been trusted with more agency on their decisions, they must also understand that some things cannot ever be stepped over--the rules of the handbook. As President Mackay put it: (paraphrased, but close:) "Unwritten rules are for you to be an agent unto yourself about, but as for the missionary handbook, those standards cannot be compromised." I know that's true. I have strived to live my mission that way, and I feel like I have been exceedingly blessed.

 Our companionship resolved all of the unspoken conflicts this week and as a result we really came together. Of course, we pulled that off the last week and then got transferred, but we learned our lesson! I was able to help my dear companions. I learned a lot this transfer, but I seem to learn a new lesson everywhere I go. Ultimately, being Christ-like always wins. I'm not perfect, but I've had a lot of success working with other missionaries when I remember to be Christ-like.

  I'll miss my companions, but it'll be alright. We'll find each other again in days to come.

Saying good bye to Elder Corless at the transfer hub

My companions- Elder Corless and Elder Laughlin

At the transfer hub, farewell to Elder Laughlin

Silly hats- Elders Laughlin and Schaff

Elder L's famous catch phrase printed on a taco sauce packet, "and...that happened"

  This week I'll be with an Elder in Echo Ward until Thursday, when I meet my trainee. I'm sure I'll have some crazy stories to tell by next week. If not crazy, at least interesting to me, to see what comes from training a new missionary.

Love ya family!

--Elder Schaff