Week 94 - Yosemite!

  I am always amazed by the photos that other missionaries post of spots they have toured and visited. It is awesome that some are able to take in the history, culture and scenic locations within their mission. Elder Schaff has never really had that opportunity, but this week he was able to go to Yosemite National Park on his preparation day. He was so excited to have a change of scenery. I challenged him to take a lot of pictures, he told me that he took about 90! He sent one, of the group that went to Yosemite, so far. I am so happy that he had the opportunity. Of course, Yosemite covers more than 1,100 square miles, so I am sure he would love to return in the future. You can only see so much in a day.

  "Well, I finally made it to Yosemite. What a trip it was! It's a lot of driving for us poor missionaries, since we had to go up and down in a single day. It's 5 hours of car time. Despite that fact, it was well worth it. It was a nice adventure! I feel energized and fulfilled. It was also very peaceful.

   There was so much to do up there though! We hardly did any of it! The park is so huge you could go there dozens of times and hike new trails or do new things. I attached a few pictures. I took 90!

   This week has been one of growth and reflection. We had the Temple trip on Tuesday, my last one before departing. I felt impressed that we needed to work with our members more to find the success we are seeking. We are working on employing that.

   I did two exchanges with our Elders in Madera, Elders Meyer and Vargas. We had some good experiences growing together as we served. Elder M just began his mission, and we had a good discussion on how to make it worth the while and enjoyable. The first exchange was Wednesday, the second Friday. Elder V was on Friday.

He did a nice job with his teaching, and we discussed being motivated by charity instead of just duty. This and many more things did we do, but I grew from it.

  On Thursday we did yard work for a member, because her husband's job makes it hard for him to be home. We mowed her lawn, weed whacked, raked grass clippings, and pulled weeds. She was quite grateful for our service.

  Friday was Mission Leadership Council, and we had some excellent teachings come from the Assistants and President. Also, a training from the Sisters on how Elders and Sisters can better serve together without being awkward or inconsiderate. (President assigned the topic.) It is now being called the "How to talk to girls teaching." XD"

-Elder Schaff

Yosemite National Park
June 4, 2018