Dec 13

Well this last week I had to get used to my new comp. It has been a hard week On friday I went on exchanges and it was nice to work. We set up a couple of apptointments and were able to teach a couple of lessons. It is different we are working with two people that have really big drug problems. They are really addicted. This is so different from anythiing I have ever experienced in my life. I m not sure what to say that can help them to see that they are a slave to the habit. They are both really nice people and I enjoy getting to know them. The one guy keeps bailing on us but we teach his brother when he is not there. His brother seems interested to. I just love teaching. I am just going to try and be a good support system.

I cant believe Christmas is right around the corner. it is going by so fast. It seems like I am still new at this stuff but I have almost been out a year. I hope I have made a difference here

I love you all

Stay Classy

Elder Schmidt

Dec 6

Well I have a new comp his name is Elder Elkins he is from Draper. How do I say this well. He is a hyocondreact. and I did not know that anyone could snore as loud as he does. He is even worse than dad. It is akward because he has been out 18 months and I was made his senior companion. He is pretty upset about it. But he dosnt work and President Cook thought maybe I could help him with his attitude. Im nervous being a senior comp I dont feel like I know what Im doing.

I am driving now and I finally got the package with the gps in it. Thank you so much.

I will keep a look out for Elder Hancock. It would be cool to have a fellow Lone Peaker out here.

So you guys can skype that will be awesome for Christmas. I dont know what I want maybe a watch maybe a t shirt for pday something like that. Whatever will be great.

Not much work happening this week because of the holiday.

I love you all

Stay Classy

Elder Schmidt

Nov 29

 Well for Thanksgiving we went to the Sand Deigo Zoo Safari park. It was so cool we saw a 5 month old gorilla it was so cool. We road the tram all around the park. There was like a breeding progam there.

 This weekend we had to pour concrete steps for the family we live with. Missionaries are not the most carful workers. lol..

My comp is leaving so we will see how this new guy is. I love this area though the ward has a sense of hummor the Bishop has a tie that says Im to sexy for this tie. He has every missionary get his picture taken with him before he leaves.

Hope you guys all had fun for Thanksgiving.

I love you all

Stay Classy

Elder Schmidt

Nov 22

 Well not much has happened in this area but we had a dentist hook me up. I have had a tooth ache for a while and we have 5 dentists in the ward. So I had one check it out and he ended up doing a root canal. Dont worry mom he said he does this kinda stuff for free for missionaries all the time. It feels a lot better now .

We have been working with one of our recent coverts and he got peacocks mom you would freak out. these birds are kinda aggressive.

My comp is a little burnt out. he has been here for 6 months and the fact that he went home for 2 and half weeks i think he is gone with this transfer.

Elder Moses is kinda bugging me. He keeps trying steal my food. I had to yell at him in Mcdonalds to give back my McGriddle.

This area has so much potential I just dont know how to get at it. We have had one baptism but I would like to get another date set. I would like to have at least one a month.

 I love you all

Stay Classey

Elder Schmidt

Nov 19

Temple Trip today

I love the San Deigo Temple it will always be one of my favorites. T

This week has been kinda slow. But the members are so great we still havent had to knock ata single door in this area. Alot of that has to do with the inactives we are working with.

I forsure want to come back down here with you and dad and go to this temple it is just amazing.

We had a zone conference with President Cook. It was great really deep doctrine stuff. It made my brain hurt. lol.. anyway he lectured all the missionaries pretty hard about how messy we are. I guess some Elders that live in apartments have gotten in trouble by the land lords because their apartments stink. But not us we live in a members basement and we have to keep it clean.

Well next week I have to teach a training on how to use the Book of Mormon in teaching. Its as bad as talking in church. I am so nervous. Dont worry mom I will be fine.

McKay was transfered into my area I see him every week now. He is in my district.

Well gotta go

Love You All

Stay Classey

Elder Schmidt

No 8

Well this week we had the opportunity to go to an Emmanual Faith church it is an Evangelical Church. It was more like a rock concert. We had head aches when we left. Alot more music than we are used to. The sermon was totally directed to us. It was all about grace and that we are all saved by grace. We thought it was just going to be bible study. We are not going to do that again.

We have another investigator we are working with she has also set a baptism date. It seems like we are on fire right now. It is nice to have this kind of success and see people so excited about the gospel. We have Zone Conference this week so I will se McKay. It always fun to see some of my old companions its like a family reunion.

I cant believe in 2 months I will be half way done. Time is going by so fast.
Have you watched that talk by Brad Wilcox yet. It is a BYU devotional. Its called his grace is sufficent.
Well Sunny California has had rain . It is supposed to rain again all day. I'm glad I have my trench coat. It helps on the wet days.

I love you all
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Nov1

Well in this are it just seems like people fall into your lap. Dont take that wrong I am not just about numbers mom. I want to teach but it seems like we are having some good success here. The Zone Leaders called us today.This lady started out just wanting to quit smoking and now she has a baptism date set. This ward is great at being member missionaries. So we have a lot to work with.
I have a couple of things I would like to know. I was wondering if you still have my GPS . Did it survive the crash in the truck, I could really use it. Also mom is it ok if I share your story with investigators. It was a time when my testimony grew a lot and I when I share it the spirit is so strong.

How was Halloween? Send me some pictures.
I Love You All
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Baptism

Oct 25

I had a good week so far. Well we now have the whole area. It is a lot of ground to cover. I went on an exchange with a greenie. Wow that was different. he was so different so motivated. He was surprised that we didnt teach a dissusion every night. I remember being like that. Funny I had forgotten I was like that.
I am sending some pics from the baptism.
This area is my favorite so far. This ward is so funny they are a bunch of jokers. Even the Bishop is always cracking jokes. This is definatly a place I want to come back and visit afterwards. I have really grown to love the members here.
So who is Kyle getting married to. Go Lone Peak. so cook that you guys are undefeated. Not to much to say.

I love you all
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Oct 17

Elder Thompson is back,

It is so nice to have my comp back. I was feeling so stressed and working so hard so it is nice to have him back to help me. Transfers are coming up and we might actually get the car full time. I would be so happy to have a car. If we ever worked in a flat area the bike wouldnt be such a big deal.
Well the baptism went great and we set another baptism date .
This investigators dad is fighting pretty hard against his son getting baptized. I know the gospel is true but it is hard to watch a family get torn apart. There wasnt really to much of a family to start with but I dont like feeling the contention that is coming from his dad. The thing that is cool about this investigator is that he was at work and his co-worker didnt swear at work so he got courious and his friend turned him over to us. The guy also worked out with him and challenged him to live the word of wisdom and he would be able to get bigger. They are into body building. Because of this guys example Kevin is going to join the church. It just goes to show you never know who is watching you.

Gotta go
I love you all
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Oct 11

It was just another week in a tri-partnership. Ha ha. The other Elders I am working with have an investigator and since my comp is still gone I go with them. Anyhow their investigators name is Peaches and she has a son who has a dog that is driving her crazy. So we voluntered to clean her carpet. Peaches was really upset with her son and his wife because this dog was making a mess of her place. So since I have some janitor experience we rented a steam vac and went to work. It was awful. The water was black and thick very sick. But I think she will get baptized. It dosent hurt to do some service.

Yesterday we gave three blessins one to a lady who came to church because its the closest church to her house and she rode her scooter.
Next we went to the hospital to give a blessing that someone requested and a homeless lady stopped us. She was a member but has fallen away. She was abused as a child and dosent seem to with it. Then we got to the hospital and found the lady who requested the blessing but she had a seziure and was not up to it . So we went back to our area and found out a lady in our ward needed a blessing she had fell out in her garden and had broken a rib. Isnt it amazing how the Lord works. He seems to always have us were he needs us the most. I love being a missionary

Well that was my week. It was nice to do some service and feel like I helped some people. Tell Brady to be a good boy.

I love you all
Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

Oct 4

Hey Everyone,

Well our baptism is on the 16th we are really excited. The person we are baptizing is super ready. Her dad is going to do the baptism and the conformation. And the other guy we have been working with is getting close also he hasnt commited to a baptism day yet but we know it will be soon. I just get nervous untill they actually get in the water sometimes people get scared and dont make it all the way.

I feel like a senior compaion with my companion gone. I feel like I am running my area all by myself well not quiet I have the other Elders helping but I know the people better . But dont worry mom your prayers are helping I am doing great.
I loved conference. President Monson is just the best. I loved his funny hello. He has the best stories and the way he draws you in as he tells them. I didnt get to watch it in my pajamas like you guys did. We watched all the sessions in the church in our church clothes.
Ok so Elder Stander is from Blackfoot and he says he worked with Aunt Patti. We have had fun sharing Aunt Patti stories. He said she is the only one that is cool there. I laughed because I know she is the only cool one.. ha ha.

I love hearing about the football season sounds like it is a lot of fun this year and how cool is it that Lone Peak hasnt been beat. Do you really think they will be undefeated this year? Tell Ethan not to hurt anybody and tell Brady to quit being a sissy. Just kidding Brady. But a girlfriend really that is not like you at all. Tell Alyssa thanks for everything and I tried to send her an email. Let me know if she got it.

Well I have to run. Not much time on the computor in this area.

I Love you all
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Sept 27

Hey everybody. How is everybody doing. So here is the news for this week.

Well my companion had to go home for a week to get a plate taken out of his shoulder. He was really stressed about going home for a week. It is weird we get in the missionary mode and we don't want to stop for nothing. So I am with two other Elders for a week while he is away. It is a little bit harder with there only being 3 of us. It is a good thing that we only cover one ward between the two sets of Elders. It is keeping us busy. Its funny how much you miss just one person. I realize how important every person is to missionary service now. One of my companions is from Blackfoot mom his name is Elder Stander. Do you of any Standers?

This area is really different. The living conditions are really different I have been apartments for the last 7 months now we are in a members home. Its just an older couple and they work a lot. But it is cool because he has a pool table in the living room for us. We think it is awesome.

We have a baptism on the 15 we are really excited about that. We have been teaching a lot here. Last week were eating lunch with a Less Active who is disable. Anyhow we were showing him the video about the church and there was a scene about the Navoo temple being burned down. He got a really upset by that and screamed who ever does something like that to good people should just burn in H___. It was a little shocking to hear that. It took us all by such surprise we laughed really hard.

That is crazy to hear about Bryton. What a cool mission. I worked with the Pres in my last area he is such a good guy. A spirit of the law kinda guy. I really think if they asked he would let McKay go home a week early so he could see Bryton before he left. I really admire and respect Pres. He is just an amazing guy.

Well everyone take care and remember that I love you all.

Stay Classy

Elder Schmidt

Sept 20

Hey everyone I forgot to tell you about the black out we had a couple of weeks ago. I guess some guy in Yuma unplugged something and it didn't turn back on all the way. We had to be home by dark . So we had an extra hour of free time back at the aprt. I was glad I had that lantern. Thanks for the updates on Brady and Ethans game. It sounds like they are tearing up.
We picked up a new investigator the other day. We call him a gator. We have a family that tried to have a family home evening. They tried to do it on repentence but this guy had never heard about the atonement. So we have to teach him about that. Them maybe he will understand the concept of repentence.

Thanks for the water balloons you sent for my birthday. Two of the missionaries went for a jog. Me and my companion didnt go jogging we waited at the apt. And when they came back we bombed them with waterballons. Im still a guy mom.

Sounds like everything is doing so good.

I love you all
Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

Sept 13

Hey I am in Escondido. It is at the very southern point of the mission. It is warm here so glad it will be cooling down and not heating up. I think this is going to be a great place to spend the winter. My companion is Elder Thompson. He is from the Teton Valley in Idaho. He is really cool not a square.
This is something new for me. We share with another set of Elders so we have 4 in our apprtment. It is a little more loud and we talk a little more at night before bed. I am sure we will settle in a little bit more as time goes on. In this new apt. I have to pay for my laundry . My last two apts. had a washer and dryer in them. But we have to go to the laundry mat now.
My companion is a take charge kinda of guy. He has a great plan for the ward. We do a lot of service for people in the ward. My companion is a very good teacher. He is always teaching. I am going to learn a lot from him.
Sorry dont have time to write a lot today. So much going on. So much is happening and we have a lot to do on our P-Days.
I promise to write more next week.
I love you all
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Sept 6

Well I got the news I am getting transfered. Not a lot happened this week. Everyone was either out of town or had company. It was the last week of summer and a lot of people where having a good time here in California. I found some great vacation spots when I come back here.
Both my companion and I are being moved from this area. It has been such a hard area for me and my companion they are closing it for a while. Both of us are frustrated and wish me had more success. Its not that we didnt work our tails off. So many inactives here make it hard . I was glad to hear that I am getting transfered. I feel like I need a fresh start.
I cant believe it is already Sept. I will soon be out a whole year I heard that Boise won and BYU. How about the Utes . How they doing in the pac 12.

I always get nervous with transfers. Its hard getting to know a new area and get to know a new person. I have learned to appriciate my companion and all his knowledge of cars. It is a good topic for us to talk about. He is nervous about getting transfered to. I just really hope that my next companion is not a square..

K mom two things I need. Alyssas email address and Dad telling me about the games. Dont take this wrong but he knows football a little better than you.
Still love ya just need dads perspective.

Gotta go
I love you all
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Aug 30

Well everyone this is the last week before transfers. I have mixed feelings about transfers, I really dont want to go to Temucla it is super hot there, that is what the other Elders have told me. I feel like I have tracted this whole area though. So it would be nice for a change i have been here for a while. My comp and I are getting along really good lately to. They say it always happens this way. Just when we are working good together it is time to move on to a new area.

I got letters from Alyssa , Uncle Grant and the Goodwins. Tell Alyssa super thanks for the gift cards I am planning on using one of them today. Uncle Grant told me how proud of me he is. That was nice to hear. I guess everyone is staying up on what I am doing through my blog. thanks mom for doing that. And the Goodwins letter was so fun I can't believe that Jess is old enough to swim. It made me jealous I want to go swimming. When I come home I am going to spend a week at their house and swim everyday.
Thanks for the picture of my Ellie girl and dad. She looks like she is getting so grown up. As long as she is still silly when I get home and she remembers me it will be all good. I have some pictures on my SD card I want to send do you want to trade SD cards again.?

We are working on reactivating some of the members in this area but have been striking out lately because the couples both work. They spend a lot of time working down here. Alot of people dont get home till after our cerfew. So its a little hard to catch them at home.
We worked with the Myrical family again this week. The first appt was great well this second one we brought the ward mission leader with us. He got a little deep for them. And they need someone who speaks spanish. The husband speaks perfect English but the wife dosnt speak it or understnad it as well. We get to meet with them one more time before transfers. I hope that I can see some success with them.

That is cool about Cory Hancock coming to my mission. I dont remember him that well but it will still be fun to have someone from home. He can update me on all that has happened there since I left. What the heck Brady is ranked 4th in the state for wrestling how does that work ??? He only knows one move. Sorry Brady that is good way to go little brother.
I love you all
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Aug 23

I got the package. The cookies are so good mom thanks so much it was a taste of home. I had to go straight to the store and get some milk to go with them. I gave my comp a few but I didnt want to share. This was to good.

I got my debit card so now I can get my sunglasses. If we have a chance to go before transfers. I feel like I am going to get transfered so not sure if I will be able to go.

We had our conference with Elder Gibbions he talked a lot about working with members and using them to set appointments up for us. That would work if we had any active people on our side of the ward. No worries we will find someone. We set a new goal this week and we are going to have some success.

Sorry my email is late we went to the New Port Beach temple today . It is nice to go to the temple and relax. Believe it or not being a missionary is hard work and a little stressful. But you know me mom I dont get to stressed out.

We had a guy named Shawn come out to a gospel doctrine activity. He says he wants to come to church so cross your fingers for us.

Sorry to hear about Bradys injury tell him I say to endure. He is going to have a great season. Tell him to get good grades or he will be living in a van down by the river. I am so funny.

Gotta Run
I love you all
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

Aug 16

We are finally done with exchanges . Yeah it seems like it takes forever. My companion is a district leader so he goes on splits with the other Elders in our area it usually takes about 24 hours per person. I still havent got my package yet. I need my new debt card. I want to get some sunglasses from the Oakly factory. They wont send the package on. So unless we have a reason or they have a reason to come here i wont get it untill Zone Conference, I went to the bank and got some cash out so I will be fine for a while.

Dont worry about it mom I am sure the cookies will still be good. Your cookies usually stay soft for a long time.

We have Elder Gibbins coming next week for a conference his whole talk is supposed to be about reactivation. Our area really needs this. Our whole half of the ward is inactive. We spend a lot of our time with them. I know its important to reactivate them but I want to convert people also.

Tell Darci I am proud of her and I want a wedding announcement.


So football is starting. When do you guys play Bingham?? and what about Highland don't they have a lot of starters returning? Keep me updated. I hope everyone has a good season.

I love you All
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

August 9

Slow Week
We had a slow week this week. We did a lot of tracting. It is muggy every morning and then hot all day. We ride the bikes everyday. I don't think I will ever get used to riding bikes. I have nick named mine Frankenstein because I have had to piece it together with different parts. And well its green.

I got my birthday package! Thanks for everything you are the best. I was really wanting to go to the Oakley Factory again but we have been so busy even on P-Days. My companion and I worked all week in our area. He didn't go on exchanges all week last week. We have such a big area to cover it takes a while to get places while we are riding our bikes. In the last ward council meeting the ward mission leader asked us if we were really doing all we could. It was a little frustrating because we have been working our tails off. The other side of the ward were the other missionaries are serving had a baptism. They had someone fall into their lap, so it looks like we are not doing anything. We met with some members and asked them to be member missionaries. The problem is our side of the ward is full of less actives so we spend more time trying to reactivate them then finding new converts. I am venting a little. I have a hard time understanding how someone could have the gospel and then become less active. Thanks mom and dad for always being faithful. I know I am so lucky that I have had the gospel the whole time I was growing up.

So football season has started. Tell Ethan to be nice and not hurt anyone. and tell Brady to play some defense. He is a smart kid with a thick head I am sure he will figure it out. Wow Ellie playing soccer huh that is kinda funny. She is such a goof ball. There is a family in our ward that has 5 little girls in their family. On Sundays I see them and it always makes me miss her.
I don't know how much longer I will be in the area. I think I have the Moses ADD because I am getting tired of this area. I guess the ADD is like diarrhea it runs in the genes. That was my joke for the day.
Well this last week was slow so that means this next one is going to be great right!!!!

I love you all
Stay Classy
Always Faithful
Elder Schmidt

Aug 2

Hey everybody. Well this week we did a lot of service. We did what they call a hogs head in a car. Let me explain this to you. We worked on a 1919 Model T Ford the transmission was leaking. So mom this a once in a lifetime experience. We took the top off the transmission that is what we call the hogs head. Then we put some sealant in there the guy that owns the car is called Bob Robb he is not a member so we worked in a discussion while we did the hogs head. After we finished he started asking questions I don't know if he was just doing it to be nice because he worked out tails off. We were feeling good about our service and as soon as we got home someone from the ward called and asked us to help them move. We were so tired when we got home. I had a hard time with the moving because of my wrist and the bike wreck. Well the day after we did all this service we got to visit with President Cook. He is a great guy. His wife tries to be the mom to all of us. She took a look at my wrist and told me to take it easy for a week and not do any heavy lifting. I told her I have a high threshold for pain. But she did wrap it for me and it feels better to have it wrapped. Its doing a lot better.
It was a fun week it was nice to mix it up a little this week with some service.
Hope everything is going good for you guys.

Love you all
Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

July 26

Well transfers were today and I'm staying. i was kinda of thinking I might be moving on but the Lords needs me here a little longer.

We met a guy from LA his life is messed up he served a mission to England but has lost his way a little. We are working with him. He is humble right now and that is the first step.
Remember how I was talking about the Born Again preacher that is in the area. Well we have been working with a family that has been influenced by his preaching. Well we met with them again. So glad that we had Brother Anton there it was a very humbling experience I need to study alot more. But at the end we challenged them to be baptized. They said no. But they are willing to do the Moroni Challenge.
We are in an area that has a lot of less actives. There are 4 missionaries per ward and we cant visit all the less actives on this side of the ward. We have this guy that works in the Oakely factory he is going to work us a deal on some sunglasses. I am so excited. He is a recent convert so he like spending time with us. He also helps us with the less actives. I think it is as frustrating for him as it is us. How could you forget the gospel.

Well everyone I love you
Stay Classey
Elder Schmidt

July 19

Hey everybody I have a funny story to tell you all. I had to put a tire on Old Green. that is my bikes name. Its working great now. Anyhow we had dinner with this Poly guy and his cousin. Well it is their custom to shake hands and then kiss both cheeks. Well I was a little shocked by this old lady kissing both my cheeks that as we left I wrecked pretty good on my bike. I grabbed the wrong brake and hit the front one instead of the back one and went right over the front of the handle bars. My comp was laughing really hard. But I now have a cool scar and story to go with it.. ha ha

I had a PMG training all day Saturday. And then we have meetings all day on Sunday. Hey Dad I go to Ward Concil meetings just like you. Some people really need to keep their comments to themselves.

Also Cali is a fun place to be. It is hot and a different climate. We caught a black widow spider and we are keeping it as a pet. I know Mom its not a pet. We already let it go I just had to tease you a little bit.

Hope everybody is doing ok.
Love you all
Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

Rugged looking tank

Oakley Factory

July 12

Hey everybody it was a great week!!
I was on exchanges with a different Elder and I was looking at my planner and for some reason I had written in there "new carpet" and then erased it. My companion for the day asked why I wrote that and why I erased it . I couldn't remember then when we went back to the apartment we saw an apartment getting new carpet. I immediately thought that was it so we went to see if we could help them. They didn't need our help and weren't very interested. I was discouraged. Then as we were out by the street the guy installing the carpet was out in his van he called us over and asked us if we could help him. He wanted us to tell him about our church and how we lived. He asked why we didn't drink. We told him about the word of wisdom. He was so excited. He has a drinking problem he knows it is a problem but didn't have a reason to quit. The spirit was so strong while we were teaching him. I know we were led to him. His name is Geston. We have an appointment to go visit him tomorrow. He has a long way to go. I am not sure how long it will take him to make the changes he needs to but my experience was amazing. I totally felt directed by the Lord. It felt so good to be an instrument in the Lords hands. It is so cool to see how this all works. The Lord puts us where he needs us. I love being a missionary.

I am including some pics of the Oakley factory we went to. They had a rugged looking tank and a man operated torpedo. My companion is the tall one with the dark hair.

Hey mom if you could send me some new shirts that would be great. I have stains on 3 of them I for some reason they are in the same place. so I am down a couple of shirts.

Brady sent me his video. My comp is kinda strict and he looked over at the wrong moment. I think it was hilarious what a dumb head.

Glad you guys had fun at the cabin. I can't believe Ethan is going to be 13. A teenager. Sorry mom. Now you have two teenagers in the house again. ha ha.

Gotta run. Lots of errands to do today.

Love you all
Stay Classy

The fourth

The 4th

My fourth started out on comp exchange. My companion is district leader and he has 8 Elders he is in charge of so when he goes out with them I go out with their companion. It is nice because I get to be with alot of different people the hard part is that I have to pack my stuff up everyday and head out to a different area. Its not going out to the same place everyday. But you know me I am just going with it. Anyway on the fourth we went to a ward part and played soccer it was fun. It was hot but is twas fun to just kick around and play for the day. Missionary work is hard work. That night on the way home all of us stopped for ice cream and of course we found a guy with a cool old car . It was a model t speedster. He was fun to visit with and then his friend showed up and he was pretty buzzed so we headed out. The fireworks started to late for us to stay out to see them but they were set off so close to our apartment that they shook the apartment.

Its hard going on so many exchanges I feel like I don't know what is going on in my area. I want to get back with some people so hopefully I will get that chance this week. Have fun at the cabin.
Tell everyone I love them and yes mom I am doing good I am happy and doing well.

So did the kitty's survive getting bathtized? she is so funny I miss her cute little personality.

Gotta run get the oil changed in the car. We are going with the other Elders the one is hilarious he can make a joke out of anything he even made a joke about going to Pep Boys today. He is fun to be with.

Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

June 28

Hey Everything is going great we have plans to teach the plan of salvation to a young couple today. He asks all the right questions.

Hey Dad sorry I forgot to say Happy Fathers Day to you. I just want to say I appreciate all you do and am starting to realize the responsibility you have as a priesthood leader.
President Cooks wife set a face book page for our mission. There might be a picture of me and my companion on there.It is called. Mission:Carlsbad California Mission-president cook.

We have been talking alot about emergency preparedness lately. They are wanting us to have a 72 hour kit . The problem is we don't have a lot of that stuff laying around the apartment. So anything you could send would be great. I could really use a backpack to pack it in.

There is a preacher here who has made it his mission to preach anti Mormon literature here. It is pretty hard it seems like he has gotten to a lot of people. My companion is really good at it though. For everything they come up with that he has told them, my comp has an answer. We don't get into it very much but when we get hit with it he has great answers. I am learning a lot. I feel bad because these people are so faithful to their religion and they are such good people just confused. They are from the Born Again religion. I wish they would open their hearts so they could hear us., but this guy has done a good job at deceiving these people.

My companion and I are still having some great conversations about cars. We have started a lot of conversations with people about cars. My companion is a little strict. He asks me at night if my eyes are closed. I tell him "Elder my eyes close when they close". But he is a good driver and here with all this traffic that is important. I miss the slow traffic of Highland. Ok so there isnt any traffic in Highland.. ha ha..

I am doing good and learning a lot. I love the gospel and appreciate all of you guys so much.

Love you all
Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

June 21

I have a new comp. I am still in the same area but I have a new comp his name is Elder Christensen. He is a good guy. He has been out longer than me. I'm glad he is not a climber kind of companion. He is a clean kinda guy. So i am trying harder to keep up on things. Its good you learn different things from different people.

Elder Christensen is from Grantsville Ut. its in the middle of the dessert. He is cool though he likes cars just like me. He has an old Ford Model A that he is fixing up and always working on. We talk about cars a lot
He said I am good for him I am helping him not take himself to serious.
The work is picking up a little we handed out 6 Book of Mormons this week. The people that take the Book of Mormons are more curious than really wanting religion in their life. If we get into the gated communities and are able to teach these people in their homes its more likely we will get back for a second visit. We dont try big home neighborhoods we have found more success in apartment complexes. The people seem more open to the gospel. They dont seem to have a crazy perception of us.
I am right in the middle of Orange County. People think a lot differntly down here. But we are learning how to get our message across to them. The people are really great to us.
Did you get the SD card I sent with the pictures.
I am doing good... life is good

I love you all
Stay Classy
Love Elder Schmidt

Have fun with no Brady next week, It will be more quiet for you.. If you want you can send some a Subway Card or a Pizza Hut card. I ride my bike by those everyday and they smell so good..
I love you Mom

June 14

I'm not getting transfered. But Elder Blakley is. Its going to be hard we really connected. I am glad that his home town is Lindon Ut. So we can see each other after we get home. We think our moms should get together because we have been sharing stories and we think you to are alot alike.. Mom I just talked to you on Mothers Day. Don't take that wrong dad. Mom just makes me laugh. Sorry no call on Fathers Day. I am really nervous about transfers it seems like there are a lot of missionaries that are what we call ladder climbers. They push others down so they can climb higher. I am nervous that my new comp will be like that.

Hey Alyssa I got a scripture section for you it is 2nd Nephi. I think it might help you love those people you work with. I forgot your email address so email me again.

My companion and I have been having some indepth scripture study. We were studying in Revelations and realized that Joseph Smith recieved the gold plates on Rosh Hasanah a Jewish Holiday. Its in Revelation 14:6.
It is nice that we are having these great discussions because the work has been a little slow. That second appointment is hard to get people to commit to. Its hard they seem so excited to get the first message but not the second. But I am learning so much.

I miss you all and love you all so much

You Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

June 7

Hey Everybody,

Everything is going great here. We had a lot of 2ND discussions this week. That was exciting for us when we get to go back and teach them a second time. Its nice to see who really want us to come back. The area still has its challenges. We are not letting that stop us from getting our message to those who need to hear it. Its funny sometimes when we are out trackting . People will say yeah I had you guys over once you got a great message but I am just not into your church. The restored gospel is here and they are not ready to hear about it. Everyone is really into their career here and really busy so it is hard to catch up with them

One lady we are working with that is close to baptism is named Alma. That is for Ethan he said he wanted to be able to pray about the people we are teaching.

I am enjoying my mission though. I am learning so much. Not just about the gospel . My companion and some of the missionaries in my area have been out more than a year and all they can talk about is what they are going to do when they get home. It is funny our whole life we have been preparing for our missions. Now we have to figure out what to do when we get home.
The time is still going so fast. I cant believe transfers are next week. I have really learned to love my companion. I feel like I just got here.

I got the package you guys sent. Thanks so much for the new pants now I can wear some of the ties my companion and I found at the thrift store. Hey Ethan I love the CD you made me. It is awesome. I loved the pictures I cant believe how long mom and Ellie's hair is getting . Ellie is looking so big and grown up .. And she is going to Pre Kindergarten next year .
I got a letter from Sheena she said she is not going to Alaska but going to open a Snow Cone Shack. That made me laugh really hard. It just sounded funny.

Well everyone I love you all so much.

You all Stay Classy

Elder Stephen Schmidt

I know we are playing with our food

The Big and the Small of Missionary Work

We all love the car

With the Elders

My First Baptism

May 31 Whats up Brady

OK next time you tell me something like that don't wait till the end of the letter. That scared me a little. Wow Brady I never totaled a car. I guess you are now in the same category as Alyssa. I am glad he is OK. He has one hard head and it pretty indestructible. I want to see a picture of it if you have one. Hey Brady don't try to tackle the truck save it for football. Try to hit people not cars. lol..

Well this week was slow again. But we did hear a story from a guy we were working with. His name is Jeff. Jeff is a member that has kinda been on the wrong path but we have been teaching his girlfriend. Well Jeff was riding his motorcycle he had a prompting to keep riding he went around a corner and saw a little kid playing in the street on the other side of him and a car coming right at the kid. He could tell the other guy wasn't paying attention and didn't see the kid. So Jeff started waving and everything but the other guy wasn't paying attention.. Jeff had a feeling to lay the bike down and it would get the drivers attention. So he did . The guy finally looked and stopped . He still didn't see the kid he almost hit. Jeff started pointing then the guy finally saw the kid. Jeff had some scraps on his knee but he didn't care. He felt so good to help the kid and how he felt prompted to help the kid. We helped him to understand how Jesus works through us here on the earth to help others. It was cool because he learned how good it feels when you get to be a part of something like that. He is really changed because of this experience he wants his girlfriend to get baptized so they can married and sealed in the temple. It is really cool to see people get it, when the light turns on for them.

So glad to hear everyone is OK. Wow Ethan it sounds like your doing great in baseball. So Brady is starting football. Hope he stays safe and healthy.

Everyone stay healthy and happy.

Love you All

Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

Its All Going Good May 24

Its all going good. I hit my 4 Month mark and I feel like I'm getting the hang of things. Me and my companion are getting along well. This new area seems to be a little bit slower the gated communities make it a lot harder with track ting. I am hoping the work will pick up soon. We have a lot of part member families we are working with.

We have been doing a lot of service at a senior center close to our apartment. There is one old lady that is really grouchy. We were worried it was us. Then we saw her get angry at one of the workers. My companion and I looked at each other and both started laughing and said well its not just us. It feels good to do service for these guys they are so lonely.

I have been studying alot lately and I have a different companion. I am trying to learn from both of them what kind of missionary I want to be. One of them was really up tight and really strict. The other is a hard worker and gets a lot done but not so uptight. I think I want to be a combination of the two. I know how important it is to follow rules but I am not an uptight kinda guy. Just because I am not uptight does not mean I don't work hard or don't follow the rules. I have been thinking about this a lot lately and think you would call me a laid back hard working kind of missionary.

How is everyone. I am sending some pictures on a SD card in the mail of the baptism in my last area. And some funny pics of me and my companions messing around.
Love all you guys. I cant believe I miss the weather in Utah.. You guys are talking about all the rain its the same everyday. Hot.

Same old missionary stuff going on.
Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt

The Temple

Hey Everyone
We just got back from the New Port Beach Temple. I love to go to the temple it is fun to get to visit a different one. Out of the two I've been in i like the San Diego one the best, But the New Port is pink and looks like the Solomon temple or some would say

The work is still moving on there is a lot of less actives in this ward. So that is what we have been assigned to work on right now is bringing those less actives back to the fold.

I have to drive the car today not looking forward to that!!! Now I have to worry about crazy cali drivers!!!!

This last week i did a Preach My Gospel thing. It had alot of deep stuff in it I guess when you study something this much you get more out of them, but we learned how to use them better . We can always do better and try harder. So that is what I am going to do is try harder to understand it more and be able to teach to the best of my ability.
Not a lot else happened this week
Stay Classy
Love, Elder Schmidt

Mothers Day Phone Call

We were able to talk to Stephen I mean Elder Schmidt on Sunday. It was so good to hear his voice. He sounds so happy and he is doing great.
He did get transferred to Lake forest. He said the area is not very big but a lot of people, it is by Orange County. He said a lot of gated communities. Makes tracting hard. Alot of apartment complexes. But everyone thinks they are soliciting. So they get kicked out of the apartment complexes also.
He told us this story.. The Mission Office told them that someone at a Veterans Hospital had requested a blessing so they went and had a hard time finding him but gave him a blessing. When they got home the Mission Office was contacting them again to go give the blessing to the man in the hospital. So they went again and found out they had given the blessing to the wrong person. But he must of had a lot of faith because he was doing really well after their blessing. So now they have two people to visit and teach at the Veterans Hospital. ha ha.
He said it is really warm. But every time they get super hot and thirsty people stop and give them bottles of water. Most of the time these people are not LDS. He said a lot of members stop them on the street and give them food. They always say I have a family member serving somewhere so I have to feed you guys so someone will feed my brother or whoever.
He said his new companion is from Lindon and he doesn't like to jog in the mornings this was the best news for Stephen. Riding his bike all day is enough exercise for him. He said he is happy to do some sit ups and push ups in the morning and save his cardio for his bike.

He said he is learning a lot and enjoying meeting new people all the time. He said he has learned how to say "Whats your name ?" in Spanish. alot of Spanish speaking people in his area and a different language I had never heard of it sounds like a combination of English and Chinese.

Alyssa and Wes were visiting while he called and Alyssa was able to give him a hard time for not writing her. He said that the one letter he sends a week to mom answers every bodies questions. Stephen is not a big talker. But he did say he is getting packages from people but they do take a while to get to him. Everything goes through the mission office, and there are 200 missionaries in his mission so it takes a while for his mail to get to him.

We asked him if there was anything he needed and his said new music and he also wanted conference on CD so he could listen to it. He has a Del Taco close by and a Walmart. He asked me to send him some cold cereal. The members are feeding them great. The boy that they baptized in his last area cooked the Elders a special meal the night before his baptism. It was a fish. His companion got the head and Stephen got the tail. He was so glad he got the tail. He said he didn't care that he had to pick out all the bones he was just so glad he didn't have to eat the head.

Its was amazing to all of us how mature and grown up he sounded. It was evident that he has a testimony of the restored gospel and relys heavily on inspiration from the Lord in his day. He feels guided and directed to teach people. He is still very up beat and is loving his mission.

It was so good to hear his voice and know that he is doing good but made me miss him. I know he is in the best place for Stephen and I am so proud of him. Well this week we should have another great letter.

Looking forward to talking to you

I'm getting transferred!!!!! I finally won't be getting trained anymore. Yeah.
They say the next comp is the opposite of your trainer. That makes me nervous. California is such a beautiful place where ever I go it will be warmer than you guys.. Ha Ha. The only bad news is I'll start having to pay for laundry now .
I got a tote for all the stuff I've accumulated. The last Elders left a stereo so it's mine now ha ha.
My last day in the area was good we taught 3 lesson that day. One let us in and we set a soft b-date with him.
We taught Micheal and Zeth we taught them the plan of salvation it's to bad i wont see them finish the discussions .
I might get a full time car because the mission boundaries are changing we lost more south and gained a little north Pres, Cook said we keep the car down here
I don't know what time church is on Sunday in my next area so i don't know what time to tell i will call but plan for the afternoon i hope
I might need a new pair of pants for my favorite suit. You know the one with the design in it.
I can receive attachments to emails so please send some recent pictures of you guys. I want to see how tall Ethan is getting
I love you all
Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt
P.S. I think I might finally get my package today.

April 25

Hey to day is my pday for this week because Elder Perry is coming tomorrow. We are all so excited to hear him. It is going to be amazing to hear from an apostle of the Lord.
Did we celebrate Good Friday or what. I had Alaskan king crab legs it was awesome.

I hope you all had a good Easter. Did you guys do a Easter egg hunt with Ellie
I might get transferred next Tuesday, so I bought a tote (a tub) to haul all my stuff that doesn't fit in my bags.
We set a baptismal date with a person that originally set a baptismal date with the old Elders. She kinda goes back and forth . The weird thing is her boy friend is a less active member but when he is around she doesn't investigate.
Did you have fun in on Spring Break? lol...your last e-mail was a little short
Can you send me some music ?Mo-tab is getting a little boring. Movie sound tracks are OK. like star wars or pirates of the Caribbean. stuff like that alot of missionaries have stuff like that
I want you all to have fun !
Stay Classy
Love Elder Schmidt

April 18

Can you believe it ?? The work is picking up. Just two weeks before transfers.
We recently tracked and found a Hawaiian family. They are a part member family. We have just started to teach them. So I will keep you posted on how that goes. The baptism went great. I did OK on my talk. I'm glad its over with.. I don't know if i will ever get used to speaking in church.
So here is yours funny story. The new convert that we baptized on sat was talking in church on Sunday when he broke out into a quote from Waynes World. Yep it was over the publit. He said being converted 'is like a new pair of underwear at first it a little restricting but after a while it becomes a part of you'.....We laughed so hard..
lol that my funny for the day
Can you send me the SD card i have some pictures of the baptism
Happy Birthday Mom!!

I love you all
stay classy
Elder Schmidt"

April 12

We have a baptism coming up on Saturday for a Philippine kid. Its a part member family. His name is Carlo. I'm doing the talk on baptism, We are still working on his older brother. I think he will come around. My first story this week is a cool one, we went out with a member and all of our appointments fell through. But he had faith. He felt bad that we had a bad night and asked us to try his next door neighbor. So we went to see his next door neighbor she was a former Jehovah Witness and is very open to the idea of Christ coming to the Americas. She has had some problems with the Jehovah Witness religion. She finds the 144,000 concept a little weird that God only wants those certain ones with him. So we get to the appointment. and i get to do the first vision discussion. In Missionary lingo we are to say it slow so the spirit can really be felt we call it 15 mph. It was so cool. I could really feel the spirit and I could tell she did to. I got the package from Alyssa for St Patty day Have fun in Moab Take some pic and send them to me.. Look forward to talking with you all on the Mothers Day We are all so excited because Elder Perry is coming to the mission some time around Easter to speak to us. I wasn't here last time he spoke but everyone keeps talking about it. I guess his talks are amazing. I love you all , Stay Classy Elder Schmidt

April 5

Hello Everyone Not much is going on just work as usual. We heard a cool story, these two Elders were going to be exactly obedient and on time for every thing. At one of the appointments they had some extra time so they were making calls and one of them had a impression to smile at a man in a car passing by. The car came back and called them Elders so they knew he must know them. Then he gave them lots of refrences . For people they could make appointments with . The Missionaries were so excited they ask if he was one the three Nephites he said funny you should ask my name is John ... John P Cook. We thought it was funny but it made us all want to be exactly obedient because you never know how the Lord will bless us Conference was awesome. I loved most of the talks. Did you see all ten hours? My favorite was of course President Gibson and then my other favorite was President Holland. He always has a way of making you feel what he is saying. All the talks had such great messages in them. We went to the church building to watch all the sessions. I missed being able to sit in my pajamas and watch it in my living room. But I think being at the church in my suit made me pay attention a little more. Another little funny story. 2 gay guys called us faggs on our way into a 7 /11. We didnt really pay attention because people are always yelling stuff at us. Then they felt bad and came into the store said they were sorry and gave us 10 bucks. We laughed and said we were glad they had a guilty concience. ha ha . Its a funny thing people make fun of us all the time then they turn around and do something nice for us.. People buy us food or give us money all the time because we are missionaries. Most of the people that do this are not LDS. It makes you wonder .. I hope that someday they will want to hear this great message I have for them. I guess mom has been wanting more emails and longer emails. I will see what I can do. I love you all Stay Classy Elder Schmidt

Favorite hill to go down!!!

No Letter this week just some pics

March 22. 2011

Hello Everyone,

Wow i made it through my 1st transfer. Still in the same place not much of a change.
Alot of our appointments keep on canceling on us. I found out that the southern part of my area is crazy. They don't want or wont talk with us.
Some of my nice slacks ripped on my bike chain. It was my favorite pants. Oh well.
A funny story Sister Vargus invited her next door neighbor over for dinner with us she is a recent covert (rc). She was so stressed out because she thought she was doing something wrong (they said no). W e told her its kinda what happens to us. Now she is getting her gardner to listen. She said she will have some one for us to teach once a month, she is a very funny Mexican lady.
I recently learned that resisting the scriptures will lead to my destruction . read it !!! lol
Cool scrip 2Nephi 31 and 32 it's about having one bible.
Well that my scrip for the day
Stay Classy
Love Elder Schmidt
p.s conference yeah!!!!!!!!!!!"

March 15,2011

Hey I'm fine!!! The fact is I didnt know about the earthquake at all until someone told me about it So I guess you guys hearing that I had been moved for the day was not true. We went about our usual day. That is sad to hear about the people of Japan. So glad to hear all the missionaries are safe.

W e went to the temple today. I rented my temple clothes and a funny thing a 32in waist is a little tight on me i found out. I guess the members have been feeding us better than I thought. Ha ha. But the temple was realy cool I highly recomend this one in San Deigo. It is so beautiful not like Salt Lake of course but still really pretty.

So dad is getting shoulder surgery. Ok how did Dad hurt himself? There has got to be a funny story to with this.. There always is one when Dad gets hurt.

I heard something really cool that on mother day and christmas we can do skype, but i'll let u know if we can.

We were not abel to meet with any investigators for a couple days. And we haven't had the car for longer than normal ,so my legs are dead from all the riding. Tell Dad he can wait and send me the exercises later I am getting enough exercise right now with my bike . I need to remember to be thankful my bike is working especially now that we have had the car less.. It would really be hard if I was having to walk everywhere.
Just to let you know I am still just laughing stuff of and having fun. Sounds like everyone is doing great.
Stay Classy
Love Elder Schmidt

FUN STUFF

3/8/11
Fun Stuff

Well I got good news my bike is fixed. Yeah. The bike shop fixed it. I never heard from Bob about it. I couldn't wait any longer.
We set a new baptismal date with a kid name Nekko We are not sure if his dad is ok with it. So maybe you could say a little prayer for him and his family.
We go to the temple in San Deigo at 10 am they say it is beautiful inside. I can't wait to see it.
Maranda just vanished on us. She is not staying at her appt in our complex any more.
We are going on a tracting fast. Not tracting for 10 days. We found Nekko through a member.
I just got your card with the In and Out card. Thanks so much. I do not get packages until zone confrences which is every 6 weeks. Unless it United States Postal Service and then only if the Zoney feels like it.
It sounds like everybody is doing great !
Stay Classy
Love Elder Schmidt"

LAST OF THE MONTH

3/1/11
Last of the Month

Well the last month went by very quick. Months are like weeks and days are like hours.
Bob the bike guy hasn't got back with me yet. I've been walking everywhere. The gear changing thing broke. The good thing is we get the car Wed thur Fri.
W e traded the Book of Mormon for a Simeon Bible. We told the guy we dont read Simeon but he wouldnt take the Book of Mormon unless we took his. Maybe he will look at it.
We get food every night from members. They are very good to us. To answer your question. We have a Walmart and In and Out close by. I havent got any of that yet. No packages or letters only emails
My Comp. is from San Antonio Texas but no Texas accent.
Planing to get my bike fixed tommorrow at a bike shop. Still no Bob. It rained a little while the Lindholms were here. I hope that it didnt make them have a bad time.
All is going good
Stay Classy
Love Elder Steveo Schmidt

MISSIONARY LIFE

Feb 22, 2011
Well the golden one cancled on us 5 time in a row, Maranda. She was really ready a little disappointed.
My bike chain broke yeah 2nd week. And my watch is not working right but dont worry about me, I'm just laughing it off.
I went on exchange with Elder Jekins which was fun we taught a lady named Frann. S he i great just need to quit smoking and coffee.
We did alot of tracking all week havent found any one yet. But we are not discouraged the Lord has us here for a reason.
The Mission Presiden keeps telling us about packages he said to send packages it has to be United States Postal Service because he cant forward it if its anything else.
We also got rained on but we had the car that day. We felt really blessed that day.
Alot of NI, FNI [not interested or friendly not interested] or of course there are those that are NFNI not friendly not interested. But I'm good.

Stay Classy
Love Elder Schmidt

FIRST WEEK IN CALI

First Week in California
Hey everyone ,
I'm having a good time here my comp is Elder Manzara I dont know if i spelled that right. About my apartment it is ok except the toliet. I dont think its ever gotten cleaned. Yeah I know if I care and noticed its bad,
Its been about in the 70s all week. Which is very nice and way better than Utah.
We get the car about 1/2 the time. Which is nice. It's nice to have a break from the bike. The hills suck but I'm getting used to the bike and riding it.
Ok cool story we were tracting around the appt complex because we were white washed. Which means that there are not any other missionaries close by and its only us over here. So we are both new 2 the area. We found Marnda Buck (no relations to Jason) and when we got to teach her, We found out she is golden. She went to the Barnes and Noble and bought a BOM after our first discussion, and has already started reading it. We didnt have to tell her to, and she came to church
We also got run out of the appt complex by someone calling us a cult. Yeah but out on the street we found Eric. Who needed help. Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. We had to get thown out to find him We were able to teach him a little, but he didnt come to church this week oh well. So thats my story for you all.
The Mission President said something about not being able to change the package address. He said 1st class or priority US mail only.
Sounds like you are all having fun. Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. I'm in OceanSide

Stay Classy
Love Elder Schmidt

LAST WEEK IN THE MTC

2/7/11
Just to clarify I leave at 3am Tuesday. Im nervous about the trip but it will be ok. Excited to get to California just nervous about the trip.
Glad to here about the Green Bay Packers! Sorry about the Steelers mom. Ha ha I know thats your favorite team. Our flight takes off at I think 6 am. We go to Pheonix and have a lay over for a hour. I still have left over snacks and goodies from your last package. I am making friends sharing it before I go. My Mission Presidents wife or I will call you and tell you that I've arrived. I just want to get out of the cold . I saw Elder Chadwick and Elder Andrus before he left and Elder Craig Tellaroli thats a suprize but all is good. I will send more pics when i get the chance
Love all of you


Stay Classy
Elder Schmidt"

2nd WEEK IN THE MTC

1/31/11
Hey everybody its my 2nd p-day it seems like it went so fast. I only have one week left before I leave for California. I have to report to the travel office at 3am next wed. Yes 3am ! But Im getting anxious to get out to Cali. Tell brady good job in wrestling and thanks for the candy. So much I dont know if I will be able to eat it all. Everyone was so jealous.
I'm sill learning a lot. That that kid from Sandy that you told me about might be my district leader. We really dont know first names here but his last name is Spendlove.
My comp is from Rigby ID. I dont know if i told you that all ready.
I'm on such spirtual high all the time. Its going so fast. I hope I will be able to bring the gospel into someones home. Becaues they all have the light we just need to remind them what it is.
Let me know who wins the game? I do have a p day before I leave. Its such a great group of guys here we are all really close. Sister Missionaries I hear just make it hard because they are to serious all the time. But we dont have any thank goodnesss

Stay Classy
Love Elder Schmidt"

FIRST WEEK IN THE MTC

First Week in the MTC
"Thing are great in the MTC. I only have 30 mim to type. We attended a Fireside the talk was about pushing buttons. And trying to get along with others. I, we went to the temple it was so cool.
Today was ok and if you cant read my hand writing from my letter here is a recap. It is going good my companion is cool his name is Elder Hammer. He is tight.
Thanks for the cookies and I need some flip flops for the showers because of athletes foot, but other than that every thing is going fine. Sorry to hear about Brady feeling bad for hurting that kid. I met the kid from PG that beat him last year he is in my zone. We are all bonding pretty good. The food is ok. I would like to have some dr pepper but thats ok. We have fun here we do matrix jedi pics and did military drills and launched my socks down the hall with a work out band. The bands like Ethans WII game has with it. I'm learning alot. We have two pretend investigators its fun to teach them. I love you all.

You Stay Classy

Love Elder Schmidt"