Corban's email: "Well, needless to say that yes I did have a heart attack twice. in a row
Hello, family how are you all doing? well I presume? I was glad to receive the emails from those of you who were able to write me this week, and todavia estoy esperando la cartas de los otros miembros de la familia. But i hope to receive those next week. Yes I still falto packages, so don't worry I have not received anything. and yes, I'm still doing well, and yes. Still in the same area. we should be expecting to know where I am in two weeks from now, if I have moved from this location. Good to hear that some people are doing well also, and filling there time with others and loved ones. I'm grateful for you and let you all know that i am very grateful for the support that you give me. and would someone let Brenda know that I received her letter and am very grateful for the funnies. lol. well, gonna cut this one short, I love you all, and will be expecting some more letters next week.
love, Corban"
Monday, November 7, 2011
Week of October 31, 2011
Corban's email: "Hola familia como esta?
Happy Halloween, well first things first still doing well, here in Guayaramerín. And I'm loving it here, probably my last few weeks in Guayara. But I'm looking forward to a new area with some new faces to see. This is the area that I have been in the longest in my entire mission here in Bolivia. But hey I'm still doing great. Got a few pics this week and was happy to see that Lilly seems to be growing rapidly I was thinking the other day and made a list of things that I would like for Christmas, if you guys want to fight it out at who sends what you can do that.
List: camelback backpack
Gold bond foot powder
Ties polyester
New belt the one mom sent broke
Crest prohealth toothpaste
Shoe glue
Electric razor, other broke
If I can think of anything else I will let you guys know, other than that some are my needs and others not, just thought I would let you know what I want and need. Well, I hope that you are all certainly doing well and not trying to freeze your pompis off. Cause I'm not! Lol I love you all hope you all have a great week and will talk to you guys soon. I got all the pics that everyone sent me. Thanks for all of them.
Love,
Corban"
Happy Halloween, well first things first still doing well, here in Guayaramerín. And I'm loving it here, probably my last few weeks in Guayara. But I'm looking forward to a new area with some new faces to see. This is the area that I have been in the longest in my entire mission here in Bolivia. But hey I'm still doing great. Got a few pics this week and was happy to see that Lilly seems to be growing rapidly I was thinking the other day and made a list of things that I would like for Christmas, if you guys want to fight it out at who sends what you can do that.
List: camelback backpack
Gold bond foot powder
Ties polyester
New belt the one mom sent broke
Crest prohealth toothpaste
Shoe glue
Electric razor, other broke
If I can think of anything else I will let you guys know, other than that some are my needs and others not, just thought I would let you know what I want and need. Well, I hope that you are all certainly doing well and not trying to freeze your pompis off. Cause I'm not! Lol I love you all hope you all have a great week and will talk to you guys soon. I got all the pics that everyone sent me. Thanks for all of them.
Love,
Corban"
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Week of October 23, 2011
Corban's email: "Well, I'm doing well this week
How are ya'll doing back home, I heard that a few of you are getting ready to go camping, hey I'm kinda camping too! But I'm in the jungle and its hot. But it's not been too bad, because the rains are beginning to start, and yeah they don't stop till 2012. wewt! Well, happy to hear from those of you who sent me algo, pero I'll be happy to hear from you all later, I'm happy to know that the colts are doing great with there 6-0 season... wait I think that it is the opposite. LOL 0-6 I'm dying here. lol well I'm also happy to hear that it is beautiful there in the states, well, I love you all I'm gonna keep this one short, but I love you all and hope yo hear from you all next week.
Corban"
How are ya'll doing back home, I heard that a few of you are getting ready to go camping, hey I'm kinda camping too! But I'm in the jungle and its hot. But it's not been too bad, because the rains are beginning to start, and yeah they don't stop till 2012. wewt! Well, happy to hear from those of you who sent me algo, pero I'll be happy to hear from you all later, I'm happy to know that the colts are doing great with there 6-0 season... wait I think that it is the opposite. LOL 0-6 I'm dying here. lol well I'm also happy to hear that it is beautiful there in the states, well, I love you all I'm gonna keep this one short, but I love you all and hope yo hear from you all next week.
Corban"
Week of October 16, 2001 Hey! if the moon were made of spare ribs... would you eat it?
Corban's Email:"I would!
Hello everyone, from the southern hemisphere, I certainly hope that everyone knows that yes I struggle in writing in English. It is hard, especially when you think in Spanish not English. But I am sitting next to a woman, from Tennessee right now, she is a missionary too, but from a different church. Weird, she is in regular clothes and I'm not, and she can get on facebook, and she lives and uses dollars everyday, I use Bolivianos, but I guess she makes a little sacrifice too being gone from her family for 2 months. Well, just thought I would let you all know that I miss you all and hope that you are all doing well. I'm happy to hear that Mr, Sammy Schafer was brought into this world, and October 11th, que chevre! But I guess by the looks of it he is doing really well. Well, I guess I will cut this short, but I have a few requests, if any of you want to send me some pics of the states in fall right now, that would be great, and some family pics or pics in general I love em! I receive all the time, some you people around the world in the states, keep sendin dem pics! ya? muchos gracias! bueno, yo voy a terminar, I'm gonna finish this letter, well, I'm doing well, and have a good week, when you feel cold, if you do this week, just remember I'm burning up, so feel a little better ya? lol, Love yall!
Corban
ps, if you didn't write, write me next week."
Hello everyone, from the southern hemisphere, I certainly hope that everyone knows that yes I struggle in writing in English. It is hard, especially when you think in Spanish not English. But I am sitting next to a woman, from Tennessee right now, she is a missionary too, but from a different church. Weird, she is in regular clothes and I'm not, and she can get on facebook, and she lives and uses dollars everyday, I use Bolivianos, but I guess she makes a little sacrifice too being gone from her family for 2 months. Well, just thought I would let you all know that I miss you all and hope that you are all doing well. I'm happy to hear that Mr, Sammy Schafer was brought into this world, and October 11th, que chevre! But I guess by the looks of it he is doing really well. Well, I guess I will cut this short, but I have a few requests, if any of you want to send me some pics of the states in fall right now, that would be great, and some family pics or pics in general I love em! I receive all the time, some you people around the world in the states, keep sendin dem pics! ya? muchos gracias! bueno, yo voy a terminar, I'm gonna finish this letter, well, I'm doing well, and have a good week, when you feel cold, if you do this week, just remember I'm burning up, so feel a little better ya? lol, Love yall!
Corban
ps, if you didn't write, write me next week."
Week of October 9, 2011
Corban's Email: " Well, my day and week was good. I'm still in the same area after transfers, this will be my 4th month here in the same area, I will complete 4 monthes y media. and I have the first companion for 2 exchanges this change. And yes I'm still surviving the temps here, and just waiting to here the good news that my boy Sammy arrived. I'm happy to have recieved emails form those of you who emailed me this week and I am still expecting emails from others, UT! I just hope that ya'll are reading these and not just tossing them in the delete box of your emails, ya, I can imagine that, not really I know that you all love me very much, I hope... but I'm still lovin the work, and I realized the other day that I dont want to leave here, well, anytime soon. I'm lovin the mish and the outside world, its a little scary now, even though I'm in it everyday. lol. Well, I'm not in the states, so it is kinda like a different reality here. I'm livin in the 70's I know what it feels like to hand wash clothing, no A/C, no running water, sometimes, toilets in out houses, and eating things that I really dont want to know what they are. But it's the life of the mission I love you all and hope to hear from you next week.
P.S. general conference rules... (shout out to my Mormon peeps, if anyone wants to know)
love yall,
Corban
y ésta es una noticia por todas las personas que pueden leer español, ya español el mejor idioma del mundo, y tambien copa mundial 2014! viva bolivia! vamos a ir por brasil, y tener nuestros banderas de estados unidos y bolivia! gracias casey por su conocimiento de español, me gusta hablar contigo en este idioma."
P.S. general conference rules... (shout out to my Mormon peeps, if anyone wants to know)
love yall,
Corban
y ésta es una noticia por todas las personas que pueden leer español, ya español el mejor idioma del mundo, y tambien copa mundial 2014! viva bolivia! vamos a ir por brasil, y tener nuestros banderas de estados unidos y bolivia! gracias casey por su conocimiento de español, me gusta hablar contigo en este idioma."
Week of October 2, 2011
Corban's Email:"
Yes I had a good two days in conference, it was really cool and the first day, Saturday I got the chance to listen in English, what a treat! But I don't have any problem listening in Spanish, just a little weird not to hear the voices of the profetas themselves. Well, I'm not really going to be doing that much this week, transfers again. I'm hoping that I will get another round here in Guayara. Hoping that I can complete this work here that I started. But just know this Mom, I love you and will talk to you later. Also know this, I'm thankful for you prayers everyday and thankful for you prayers of proteccion.
love you,
Corban"
Yes I had a good two days in conference, it was really cool and the first day, Saturday I got the chance to listen in English, what a treat! But I don't have any problem listening in Spanish, just a little weird not to hear the voices of the profetas themselves. Well, I'm not really going to be doing that much this week, transfers again. I'm hoping that I will get another round here in Guayara. Hoping that I can complete this work here that I started. But just know this Mom, I love you and will talk to you later. Also know this, I'm thankful for you prayers everyday and thankful for you prayers of proteccion.
love you,
Corban"
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Week of September 25, 2011
Corban's email: "Hello family!
How are you all doing this week, I'm doing just swell. I got to have a day with the President Ayer Durante el dia, fue bien. chevre. But my president de la mision is in centro de la foto. el es muy bueno. But yesterday was sweet. got to have a reunion with pres, and play some football, latino futbol. I hope that everyone is doing alright. I'm still kickin, and lovin it down here. I'm glad to have heard from a bunch of you this week, but am still waiting for the rest to respond back, I hope that you all have a good week this week and enjoy the fall weather up there, where there is actually a difference in temperature. Thanks for everything y'all! Enjoy the pics. Oh yeah sorry if I don't respond very fast to your questions. I try to remember them, but its a little hard sometimes to remember everything.
Corban"
How are you all doing this week, I'm doing just swell. I got to have a day with the President Ayer Durante el dia, fue bien. chevre. But my president de la mision is in centro de la foto. el es muy bueno. But yesterday was sweet. got to have a reunion with pres, and play some football, latino futbol. I hope that everyone is doing alright. I'm still kickin, and lovin it down here. I'm glad to have heard from a bunch of you this week, but am still waiting for the rest to respond back, I hope that you all have a good week this week and enjoy the fall weather up there, where there is actually a difference in temperature. Thanks for everything y'all! Enjoy the pics. Oh yeah sorry if I don't respond very fast to your questions. I try to remember them, but its a little hard sometimes to remember everything.
Corban"
Week of September 18, 2011
No family email this week. Just my weekly I'm doing fine email! He is getting my packages and it seems to be taking about 4-5 weeks to get to him. Overall he seems very happy! Tell next week take care!
Sandy
Sandy
Monday, September 12, 2011
Week of Sept. 11, 2011 Craving Mtn. Dew!!
Corban's Email: "Well, thought I would briefly tell you all how I am doing great, and in the photo that I attached I'm eating hambergered liver. yeah it is wonderful. Just about as good as armadillo. But really armadillo is really tasty. I'm still doing well here in Guayaramerín, still kickin and still trying to help these people out. But needless to say time seems to still be flying. Hard to think that in just a few short weeks we will all be in the month of October, and I will be waiting for the rainy weather to start. Speaking of weather, it was a little better this week, not in the 100´s, in the mid 80´s it makes a difference when you are sitting in the humid heat of the jungle, and Brasilian border. But this week and today we (the missionaries of the zone) are going to a water tower to climb, we are going to sit on top and take pics, and drink some Triny, a wierd Bolivian brand of soda. Well, I hope that everyone is doing just fine back in the states. I have a favor to ask of you, drink some Mountain Dew, and eat some Taco Bell for me. lol I'm missin the Mtn Dew. well. Gracias por su ayuda y disfruten los estados ya, gracias.
chau,
Corban"
chau,
Corban"
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Week of September 4, 2011 its my mission birthday!
Corban's Email:
"Hey ya'll, estoy feliz!
Yeah I attached a pic, sorry a little low on the jpegs, but it is just a little faster to attach is all. The others I try and attach and really tiny. The pic is of my and my comp. from the Dominican Republic. and yeah the one on the left is me, not sure that you guys knew that or not. Haven't really changed much. Still me just wear funny looking clothes all the time. lol. Well. I hope you all are doing well. and I hope you all are enjoying your time in the states. Just think you guys are going to be getting a little cold with the coming time, and I'm gonna be getting a little hotter, or wetter, just depends on where I will be this next companion exchange. I certainly hope I'm still here in the jungle, but who knows. Well, how are ya'll doing? Heard some good news about, ¨Its a boy¨ but I have not heard a name yet. Well, I'm gonna cut this one short. Hope that you all remember that I think about you guys a lot, and hope and pray everyday for your safety. Well. chau for now.
Elder Schafer, (Corban)"
"Hey ya'll, estoy feliz!
Yeah I attached a pic, sorry a little low on the jpegs, but it is just a little faster to attach is all. The others I try and attach and really tiny. The pic is of my and my comp. from the Dominican Republic. and yeah the one on the left is me, not sure that you guys knew that or not. Haven't really changed much. Still me just wear funny looking clothes all the time. lol. Well. I hope you all are doing well. and I hope you all are enjoying your time in the states. Just think you guys are going to be getting a little cold with the coming time, and I'm gonna be getting a little hotter, or wetter, just depends on where I will be this next companion exchange. I certainly hope I'm still here in the jungle, but who knows. Well, how are ya'll doing? Heard some good news about, ¨Its a boy¨ but I have not heard a name yet. Well, I'm gonna cut this one short. Hope that you all remember that I think about you guys a lot, and hope and pray everyday for your safety. Well. chau for now.
Elder Schafer, (Corban)"
Week of August 28, 2011 What up, how´s everyone doin. you are now in a world im rulin...
Corban's email:
"Hello everyone.
I"m still in the area that I was in Guayaramerin. Still cookin. But I managed to get a new companion, and a little bit more responsibility. I'm now the compañero mayor. which means that I have just a little bit more responsibility. not too much. But what we lack falls in my hands, which is alright with me. But my companion is from the Dominican Republic. his name is Elder Santana. Yeah like Carlos Santana. But he is pretty cool and we seem to be getting along well. Well, not much to report from my end of the circuit, or world other than we are getting ready to enter into septiembre, which is pretty weird. Have about 3 months left till I complete my first year. kinda weird. Even weirder to think that I have been away from the states that long. but time seems to be flying. Well, I love you all. gonna keep this a little short. Just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing well and miss you all. peace have a goodin.
Corban (Elder Schafer)"
"Hello everyone.
I"m still in the area that I was in Guayaramerin. Still cookin. But I managed to get a new companion, and a little bit more responsibility. I'm now the compañero mayor. which means that I have just a little bit more responsibility. not too much. But what we lack falls in my hands, which is alright with me. But my companion is from the Dominican Republic. his name is Elder Santana. Yeah like Carlos Santana. But he is pretty cool and we seem to be getting along well. Well, not much to report from my end of the circuit, or world other than we are getting ready to enter into septiembre, which is pretty weird. Have about 3 months left till I complete my first year. kinda weird. Even weirder to think that I have been away from the states that long. but time seems to be flying. Well, I love you all. gonna keep this a little short. Just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing well and miss you all. peace have a goodin.
Corban (Elder Schafer)"
Week of August 21, 2011
Corban's email: "Hey just thought that I would let everyone know that I am still alive.
I'm doing well and still loosing body mass. I think I might be down to a size 36 pants, but I'm not 100% positive with that one. But I'm doing well. Gotta thank the 104 degree weather for that one. Still waiting for the rainy season to show up so I can never want to see rain again. Kinda hoping that I can see some flooded houses. jk. Not really looking forward to that one. hard to believe that I am almost done with my 8th month here in the mission. Time seems to be passing by like crazy, this last cambio has past by the fastest yet and they same that it just keeps going faster and faster to the point where you are questioning where you are. cause you are in your house. xD well. I'm gonna cut this one short I love you guys and hope that you all do well. Praying for each and everyone of you. As we say in español. cuidate!
Elder Schafer (Corban)"
I'm doing well and still loosing body mass. I think I might be down to a size 36 pants, but I'm not 100% positive with that one. But I'm doing well. Gotta thank the 104 degree weather for that one. Still waiting for the rainy season to show up so I can never want to see rain again. Kinda hoping that I can see some flooded houses. jk. Not really looking forward to that one. hard to believe that I am almost done with my 8th month here in the mission. Time seems to be passing by like crazy, this last cambio has past by the fastest yet and they same that it just keeps going faster and faster to the point where you are questioning where you are. cause you are in your house. xD well. I'm gonna cut this one short I love you guys and hope that you all do well. Praying for each and everyone of you. As we say in español. cuidate!
Elder Schafer (Corban)"
Week of August 14, 2011
Corban's email:
"Chello there,
just thought I would send a brief email to everyone at one time and if you could all do me a huge favor and tell Alex that I said happy early birthday that would be swell. I don't have his email, and his birthday is Sunday, so I wont be able to talk to him them. Well. I'm doing well, loving the heat and loving the weather here in Guayaramerin. Just thought I would let everyone know that very soon in the up coming months I will be entering my first rainy season here in Bolivia. They say that when it starts it does not stop, but luckily I will only have to go through one rainy season here in Bolivia, because it begins right around the time that I get to leave. So whew. Thank heavens. Other than that I'm doing well also, seem to be truckin along smoothly. Other than it is tough to talk English sometimes. not sure if you guys can notice it in my emails, but my words are not always the correct ones to use. How is everyone doing. I heard that people are managing to leave and are getting to be busy bodies again. I'm glad. well, I thought I would let you all know that I love you and hope that you all have a great week with much protección and love.
love,
Corban"
"Chello there,
just thought I would send a brief email to everyone at one time and if you could all do me a huge favor and tell Alex that I said happy early birthday that would be swell. I don't have his email, and his birthday is Sunday, so I wont be able to talk to him them. Well. I'm doing well, loving the heat and loving the weather here in Guayaramerin. Just thought I would let everyone know that very soon in the up coming months I will be entering my first rainy season here in Bolivia. They say that when it starts it does not stop, but luckily I will only have to go through one rainy season here in Bolivia, because it begins right around the time that I get to leave. So whew. Thank heavens. Other than that I'm doing well also, seem to be truckin along smoothly. Other than it is tough to talk English sometimes. not sure if you guys can notice it in my emails, but my words are not always the correct ones to use. How is everyone doing. I heard that people are managing to leave and are getting to be busy bodies again. I'm glad. well, I thought I would let you all know that I love you and hope that you all have a great week with much protección and love.
love,
Corban"
Week of August 1, 2011
Corban's email: "Como esta familia, yo soy en mi tercera semana aquí en bolivia, guayaramerin. Todo esta bien esta semana un poco radipdo, pero yo estoy lovin it. Well. Things are still going well here in Bolivia, not sure if I am going to have a baptism or not this cambio. I"m thinking no, but all things are good here, still happy and content. The work I'm doing now is mostly in active work. Helping the people here have there animos again. But this thing here is that it is a branch, it is a little different working with the members here, they are all really young and have a tougher time with getting the leaders to have animos too. The president of the branch has only been in the church for 2 years, which is really good considering the responsibility he has, but i love it here and i love supporting those who need help. I'm doing great and loving the heat now. I'm gonna freeze when i get back to Indiana in the dead of winter. xD well, love you all. keep cool"
Week of August 8, 2011 I'm in the middle of nowhere in a foreign country
Corban's email: " Captains log, August 8, 2011.... I'm in the middle of nowhere in a foreign country...hey,sup.
So yeah this week, a gooden. I would try and send another foto this week but yeah, the computer i am using is lackin a bit. but im proud to say that yes it is a little faster this week. Bueno, last week I went to a place called Cachuela, it is a little town next to a huge river where there are plenty of rocks and fish, really pretty. I wish i could show you guys all the scenery here in Bolivia, never thought that I would be so close to the jungle. Kinda weird to think that I am use to seeing parrots, monkeys, lizards, tarantulas, weird exotic bugs, and pretty much everything that you can think of. The only thing that I have not seen yet is a tiger, but they are a little deeper in the jungle. I did get the opportunity to eat armadillo the other day, it was actually really tasty. lol. But I hate to say it, the food is beginning to grow on me. I think when I go back to the states I'm gonna be eating rice for months before I get use to the food there. I did make up my mind that I'm gonna freeze my tushie off. Kinda hard to think that we are in the month of August, and that we are less than 2 months away from general conference again, seemed like just yesterday I was watching the other conference sessions. But yeah everything is all good. Droppin weight and savin souls. Well. if you didn't get a chance to write me this week, try and do it again next week. I may not respond to your emails, but I love to read them, just short on time sometimes. I love you all, cuidate.
Love Corban."
So yeah this week, a gooden. I would try and send another foto this week but yeah, the computer i am using is lackin a bit. but im proud to say that yes it is a little faster this week. Bueno, last week I went to a place called Cachuela, it is a little town next to a huge river where there are plenty of rocks and fish, really pretty. I wish i could show you guys all the scenery here in Bolivia, never thought that I would be so close to the jungle. Kinda weird to think that I am use to seeing parrots, monkeys, lizards, tarantulas, weird exotic bugs, and pretty much everything that you can think of. The only thing that I have not seen yet is a tiger, but they are a little deeper in the jungle. I did get the opportunity to eat armadillo the other day, it was actually really tasty. lol. But I hate to say it, the food is beginning to grow on me. I think when I go back to the states I'm gonna be eating rice for months before I get use to the food there. I did make up my mind that I'm gonna freeze my tushie off. Kinda hard to think that we are in the month of August, and that we are less than 2 months away from general conference again, seemed like just yesterday I was watching the other conference sessions. But yeah everything is all good. Droppin weight and savin souls. Well. if you didn't get a chance to write me this week, try and do it again next week. I may not respond to your emails, but I love to read them, just short on time sometimes. I love you all, cuidate.
Love Corban."
Monday, July 25, 2011
Week of July 24, 2011 ¡hola de guayaramerin!
We got a pic and an email!! Corban's email: " Hello everyone!
Well, what happened in my week this week that is interesting enough to share with you all... Ahh yes, the bull fight. There was a festival this weekend where people gather around to watch a bull try and run over another person, they call it a ¨bullrace¨ yeah I thought it was funny too. The people really just run away from the bull, that is about it. But if someone doesn't get the crowd gets angry. But the funniest part is that when the person needs to go to the hospital, they don't call an ambulance, they just put him on the back of a motorcycle and send him on his way. oh Bolivianos, gotta love em. I'm trying to attach some fotos that I took this past week. I hope that everyone enjoys them. It's probably gonna take the time that I have left to send them. So I hope that you all have fun with 30 mins of my time. Well, what else happened this week. not much really, just getting to know the area that i am in. just to let you all know, incase you missed it last week, im in an area called Guayaramerin. It's one of the farthest north places here in Bolivia. We are in the fronterra de brasil. brasileros come and go about everyday. So I am enjoying a little bit of Portuguese also. There is a chance that later on in my mission I could get to go to a part of Brasil, but I would definitely have to learn Portuguese. which would be cool to go back to the states having learned two languages. But as for that I am definitely loving it here. although it is hot my spirits are not down. The people are great here, almost always with a smile on there face. Time is flying here in Bolivia and I'm loving the speed that it is going at. Sorry only one of my pictures would attach. So have fun with the one. I love you all and hope that you are all doing well."
love,
Corban
Well, what happened in my week this week that is interesting enough to share with you all... Ahh yes, the bull fight. There was a festival this weekend where people gather around to watch a bull try and run over another person, they call it a ¨bullrace¨ yeah I thought it was funny too. The people really just run away from the bull, that is about it. But if someone doesn't get the crowd gets angry. But the funniest part is that when the person needs to go to the hospital, they don't call an ambulance, they just put him on the back of a motorcycle and send him on his way. oh Bolivianos, gotta love em. I'm trying to attach some fotos that I took this past week. I hope that everyone enjoys them. It's probably gonna take the time that I have left to send them. So I hope that you all have fun with 30 mins of my time. Well, what else happened this week. not much really, just getting to know the area that i am in. just to let you all know, incase you missed it last week, im in an area called Guayaramerin. It's one of the farthest north places here in Bolivia. We are in the fronterra de brasil. brasileros come and go about everyday. So I am enjoying a little bit of Portuguese also. There is a chance that later on in my mission I could get to go to a part of Brasil, but I would definitely have to learn Portuguese. which would be cool to go back to the states having learned two languages. But as for that I am definitely loving it here. although it is hot my spirits are not down. The people are great here, almost always with a smile on there face. Time is flying here in Bolivia and I'm loving the speed that it is going at. Sorry only one of my pictures would attach. So have fun with the one. I love you all and hope that you are all doing well."
love,
Corban
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Week of July 17, 2011
Corban's email: "Heeey yalll!
yep that is right I'm out of Santa Cruz and lovin it. I'm in the beautiful pueblo de Guayarmerin. It's in a state called Beni which the the most northern part of Bolivia that I can go to. I'm at the boundaries of my mission and will probably be here for 3-6 months. pretty wicked ey? That means I will probably be here until at least October, sorry for those of you who will be in school again. lol. but it is really beautiful here, I will take some pictures, but I'm sorry, todavia yo no puedo enviarselas. sorry. the internet here is a little slow if you are lucky I can reduce the format of the picture to a 1.2 mp ad sed that. but which is better a good picture of a bad one. good amirite? well. I'm doing well here. and sweating like a mad man. It never gets below 80 degrees here and yes we are in winter here. they say in the summer has a chance of getting up to 113 degrees. yep that is right I'm gonna come back looking like the burnt marsh mellow man. lol. Except a little skinnier. well. what else to say, there are people with monkeys parrots and almost every night here is a party. The brasileros come in during the weekend and buy all kinds of stuff here. oh yeah. I'm in the frontera with Brasil. I can literally see it from my area. there is a river dividing it called the Rio Mamoré. es buenisimo! yeah. It's beautiful to live in the jungle. just a little hot. the nights here are hot too because of the humidity from the Rio. only at like 5-6 in the morning is the weather nice. but hanging in there. just thought that I would let you all know where I am and what I'm doing. loving the work and the people. Just know that I think about you guys often."
love,
Corban
yep that is right I'm out of Santa Cruz and lovin it. I'm in the beautiful pueblo de Guayarmerin. It's in a state called Beni which the the most northern part of Bolivia that I can go to. I'm at the boundaries of my mission and will probably be here for 3-6 months. pretty wicked ey? That means I will probably be here until at least October, sorry for those of you who will be in school again. lol. but it is really beautiful here, I will take some pictures, but I'm sorry, todavia yo no puedo enviarselas. sorry. the internet here is a little slow if you are lucky I can reduce the format of the picture to a 1.2 mp ad sed that. but which is better a good picture of a bad one. good amirite? well. I'm doing well here. and sweating like a mad man. It never gets below 80 degrees here and yes we are in winter here. they say in the summer has a chance of getting up to 113 degrees. yep that is right I'm gonna come back looking like the burnt marsh mellow man. lol. Except a little skinnier. well. what else to say, there are people with monkeys parrots and almost every night here is a party. The brasileros come in during the weekend and buy all kinds of stuff here. oh yeah. I'm in the frontera with Brasil. I can literally see it from my area. there is a river dividing it called the Rio Mamoré. es buenisimo! yeah. It's beautiful to live in the jungle. just a little hot. the nights here are hot too because of the humidity from the Rio. only at like 5-6 in the morning is the weather nice. but hanging in there. just thought that I would let you all know where I am and what I'm doing. loving the work and the people. Just know that I think about you guys often."
love,
Corban
Week of July 10, 2011
Corban's email was rather short this week and I didn't see where he sent his usual group email...so here is what I heard from him. Corban's email: "Well, good to hear from you this week, just want to let you know that I am proud of you too. I hope that everything is okay, and siempre am praying for you. I love you a lot mom and want you to know that. I think about you guys at least everyday and always put in my testimonio que my family is the most important thing that I have here on this earth. I love you guys so much and will be very happy when this year and a half is up, so that I can return home in honor, and present the good name that I bare on my chest everyday. I love you mom.
Corban
Corban
Week of July3rd, 2011 Corban's first B-day away from home
Corban's Email: "Hey how's everyone doin?
So I guess that everyone is doing well. AndIi think that is a good thing xD. Well. I had a good birthday and thank you all for the birthday wishes. I also am still freezing my tail off. I am using two jackets. My suit coat and my other jacket that I brought for the rain. A long sleeve shirt my pants earmuffs, and gloves. I hate to say it but when you loose a little bit of weight you are a little bit colder. entonces I'm really cold. But other than that I had a good birthday. I'm still hanging in there and yeah I'm still loosing weight, even in the cold weather. The other day I was below 115 kilos. I'll let you guys do the math, but I was around 113. I'm still dong well, and loving the people and the service here. I'm gonna keep this short but I love you all and will talk to you next week, hopefully it will be warmer than 8 degrees..... and yes that is Celsius.
love,
Corban
So I guess that everyone is doing well. AndIi think that is a good thing xD. Well. I had a good birthday and thank you all for the birthday wishes. I also am still freezing my tail off. I am using two jackets. My suit coat and my other jacket that I brought for the rain. A long sleeve shirt my pants earmuffs, and gloves. I hate to say it but when you loose a little bit of weight you are a little bit colder. entonces I'm really cold. But other than that I had a good birthday. I'm still hanging in there and yeah I'm still loosing weight, even in the cold weather. The other day I was below 115 kilos. I'll let you guys do the math, but I was around 113. I'm still dong well, and loving the people and the service here. I'm gonna keep this short but I love you all and will talk to you next week, hopefully it will be warmer than 8 degrees..... and yes that is Celsius.
love,
Corban
Week of June 26, 2011
Corban's email: "well, how is everyone doing this week?
I am doing just fine, waiting for it to get a little warmer. Just thought to let everyone know that I never knew that 50 degrees could be so cold. I was walking around in a hat and my suit jacket, all week. Needless to say I'm freezing my tail off, but this cambio is going fast and I cannot believe that it is already half my first year in the field. Soon I'm gonna be talking to people at Christmas, which I am looking forward to. Other than that I had a baptism this week. It was nice. Not many people were there but it was a nice peaceful setting. Also I have to say that although I'm in the city now I think that I have seen the most monkeys here so far and not all of them are pets either. I'm doing good all around and I think the best part is that I have new shoes and am walking smooth now, thanks to good ole papa Schafe. Well, I have been trying to attach pictures for weeks now but they always seem to fail and do not attach so I'm sorry that you cant see them. But the pictures that I have are not all that good anyway. I never take my camera out of the house other than Mondays, I don't really want it to get stolen. Well, I'm gonna keep this short and not ramble on. But I love you all and hope you are all doing well this week.
ps. stay warm xD cause im not. ¡chiste!
love,
Corban
I am doing just fine, waiting for it to get a little warmer. Just thought to let everyone know that I never knew that 50 degrees could be so cold. I was walking around in a hat and my suit jacket, all week. Needless to say I'm freezing my tail off, but this cambio is going fast and I cannot believe that it is already half my first year in the field. Soon I'm gonna be talking to people at Christmas, which I am looking forward to. Other than that I had a baptism this week. It was nice. Not many people were there but it was a nice peaceful setting. Also I have to say that although I'm in the city now I think that I have seen the most monkeys here so far and not all of them are pets either. I'm doing good all around and I think the best part is that I have new shoes and am walking smooth now, thanks to good ole papa Schafe. Well, I have been trying to attach pictures for weeks now but they always seem to fail and do not attach so I'm sorry that you cant see them. But the pictures that I have are not all that good anyway. I never take my camera out of the house other than Mondays, I don't really want it to get stolen. Well, I'm gonna keep this short and not ramble on. But I love you all and hope you are all doing well this week.
ps. stay warm xD cause im not. ¡chiste!
love,
Corban
Week of June 19, 2011
Needless to say I am a bit behind in keeping up with Corban's emails. So here we are the week of June 19th Corban's Email: "hey everyone,
just thought I would give you all an update from here in SC Bolivia, I'm doing well and loving my new area and companion, the weeks are just speeding along here and I think that this is possibly my quickest cambio yet. I'm doing well and have been able to receive a few letters from people in the mail. Just to let you all know it usually takes 2 weeks for me to get letters and yeah I really enjoy them, so if you get the time sit down and write a letter, I would surely appreciate it. Well I'm probably gonna have a baptism this weekend, but it is not set in stone, gotta have an intrevista first. But if things go well it will all be good. I'm happy here and loving the work and the blessings that I receive from it, not to mention the pounds that I have shed are nice. But I hope and pray for you all everyday and hope and pray that you are all doing well and overcoming your trials with success. I love you and hope to hear from you all soon, till next week.
love, Corban (Elder Schafer)
just thought I would give you all an update from here in SC Bolivia, I'm doing well and loving my new area and companion, the weeks are just speeding along here and I think that this is possibly my quickest cambio yet. I'm doing well and have been able to receive a few letters from people in the mail. Just to let you all know it usually takes 2 weeks for me to get letters and yeah I really enjoy them, so if you get the time sit down and write a letter, I would surely appreciate it. Well I'm probably gonna have a baptism this weekend, but it is not set in stone, gotta have an intrevista first. But if things go well it will all be good. I'm happy here and loving the work and the blessings that I receive from it, not to mention the pounds that I have shed are nice. But I hope and pray for you all everyday and hope and pray that you are all doing well and overcoming your trials with success. I love you and hope to hear from you all soon, till next week.
love, Corban (Elder Schafer)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Week of June 12th, 2011
Last week we heard about Corban moving into his new area and his new companion. This weeks email was very brief stating that he didn't have much time. Please keep on writing him and as a reminder Corban's birthday is July the 3rd so please send birthday greetings and packages out now. It is my understanding that mail delivery has slowed going into Bolivia, so packages are taking 4+ weeks to get there, but don't let that stop you from sending anything and remember there is always DearElder.com. Corban sends his love this weeks and hopes to write more next week. I made request for more pictures, so until next time everyone take care!!
Love,
Sandy
Love,
Sandy
Week of June 5, 2011
Corban's Email: "Hey just thought I would let you all know what I have been doing this week. well, first of all I changed areas. I'm now in a place called Equipetrol, Barrio Mangales or Mangales is my ward. I also have a new companion named Elder Romero. We are both new in this area so it is a little weird. We are the first male missionary's to be in this area for almost a year, so the work is kinda new and yes we did get lost one night which was kinda funny. And we got to have a baptism on Saturday which is also cool. We have found some new investigators and have also found some new people to teach, which is cool. The area is also really different because now I am actually in the city where as before I was almost in the country. Before no roads or streets that were concrete and now all of them are, except for one or two. I'm liking my new area and my companion and hope to have a good 6 weeks here. Oh yeah yesterday I celebrated my 5th month complete here in the mission. Weird but time flies. I'm having a good time and hope to hear from you all soon and tell you of more experiences that I have had in the mission. Love you all.
love,
Corban"
In recent personal emails from Corban he has commented on enjoying everyone's personal emails to him. I do want to let everyone know about using DearElder.com a service provided online that will allow you to write a letter to him and it to be sent to him in letter form via mail pouch. So check it out and until next time take care!
Love,
Sandy
love,
Corban"
In recent personal emails from Corban he has commented on enjoying everyone's personal emails to him. I do want to let everyone know about using DearElder.com a service provided online that will allow you to write a letter to him and it to be sent to him in letter form via mail pouch. So check it out and until next time take care!
Love,
Sandy
Monday, May 30, 2011
Week of May 29, 2011
Corban's email: "Hello everyone and Happy Memorial Day from Bolivia Santa Cruz.!
Yes I know Bolivia does not have Memorial Day, but at least I can celebrate with a cheerful smile and a happy face to all those Bolivianos who do not know the joy of the holiday! Well, everything here has been just swell this past week, I am in my final days of this companion exchange and am ready for a new refreshed companion. I even had my 5th baptism this week. Her name is Antonia Suarez and she was baptized en dia de madre here in Bolivia, which was really special for her to do. I'm doing well here in Bolivia and shedding away the time, weird to think at the start of this month I will be in my 6th month here in my mission. Time is passing by really quick. I attached two photos and hope that they get to you guys. I hope that you all have a wonder day and wonder holiday as well. Keep sending me those letters which I love to read so much and I will talk to you all next week, maybe from a different part of Bolivia.
love, Elder Schafer
Does anyone else notice what is happening to our Corban....he is slowly disappearing, oh not really but it is more and more evident that he is continuing to lose weight. Now no one worry he has assured me that he is eating well, but I think it might be the 20 mile walks he takes each day. He does not travel by car...only on foot. Once again I encourage each of your to write him when you can! Until next week take care!!
Sandy
Yes I know Bolivia does not have Memorial Day, but at least I can celebrate with a cheerful smile and a happy face to all those Bolivianos who do not know the joy of the holiday! Well, everything here has been just swell this past week, I am in my final days of this companion exchange and am ready for a new refreshed companion. I even had my 5th baptism this week. Her name is Antonia Suarez and she was baptized en dia de madre here in Bolivia, which was really special for her to do. I'm doing well here in Bolivia and shedding away the time, weird to think at the start of this month I will be in my 6th month here in my mission. Time is passing by really quick. I attached two photos and hope that they get to you guys. I hope that you all have a wonder day and wonder holiday as well. Keep sending me those letters which I love to read so much and I will talk to you all next week, maybe from a different part of Bolivia.
love, Elder Schafer
Does anyone else notice what is happening to our Corban....he is slowly disappearing, oh not really but it is more and more evident that he is continuing to lose weight. Now no one worry he has assured me that he is eating well, but I think it might be the 20 mile walks he takes each day. He does not travel by car...only on foot. Once again I encourage each of your to write him when you can! Until next week take care!!
Sandy
Week of May 22, 2011
Corban's email this week was rather brief. In his personal email to me he was asking about everyone writing him...I got the feeling that he is missing everyone and would like to hear more from everyone. I do know that the one package that I sent him took about 2 weeks to get to the address and another couple of weeks for the district leaders to bring him his package, but he was happy about it! So please write him when you can!
Corban's email: "Brief email this week. Just letting everyone know that I am alive and still kicking. I'm doing good and have another baptism this week. It will have been my 5th person to baptize. Sorry if the English is bad, getting worse and worse every week. I love you all and pray for you often and hope that you are all doing well. miss you guys.
love,
corban
Corban's email: "Brief email this week. Just letting everyone know that I am alive and still kicking. I'm doing good and have another baptism this week. It will have been my 5th person to baptize. Sorry if the English is bad, getting worse and worse every week. I love you all and pray for you often and hope that you are all doing well. miss you guys.
love,
corban
Week of May 15th, 2011
Corban's email: "Well almost done with my second companion exchange. Have two more weeks left and these weeks are going to fly by faster than the ones before. Just think we are almost to June. Had my second baptism this week was nice to see the smiling face of a person who has just been baptized especially when you get the up and close shot. Just wanted to see how you are all doing and hope that everyone is doing well. From the letters I got seems like everyone is enjoying thereselves. Glad to hear that the people who are out of school are doing good as well. I'll attache some pictures of me and my baptism family. Hope you enjoy my ravaging pictures. So how is everyone? It got down to 62 the other night and I felt like putting on gloves. Goes to show how accustomed I am to the weather here. Usually gets up to 88 during the day here, but the people keep saying that the cold is coming and is usually here from mayo to junio. Yeah I have not seen the ¨cold¨ yet, but I am waiting. hope it does not get too cold. Don't know that I will be able to survive xD. Hope that everyone is doing well, and I hope to get letters from you next week seeing how you are all doing.
love, corban
(elder schafer)
love, corban
(elder schafer)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day phone call !!
Happy Mother's Day to all!!
Well the family and I had the chance to talk with Corban today. He only had an hour to talk and he splint the time between those of us here in Brown County and his Dad in Evansville. Casey started off the conversation with Corban and of course it was almost all in Spanish. To quote Casey in English of course Corban's Spanish was incredible. He spoke with each of his siblings, brother in-law, Ben and my self. Even Miss Lilly, Corban's niece, spoke with Corban telling him that she loved him.
I can report that he is well. He says that he has lost another 25 lbs. Of course as a mom I had to ask if he was going hungry and he said that no he was not. He said that the culture there has 2 main meals a day that the evening meal is usually just a snack if anything at all. We asked if he had received any of the letters or packages that we have sent in the past month and he said no he had not, which was very discouraging, but lets me know not to send anything too important in the mail. So I plan on doing a bit more research into a reliable means of getting things to him and will let you all know what I find out.
I asked if he needed anything and he said that he did not. He sounded good, but I could swear that I heard a slight Spanish accent in his voice..... lol !! So we will wait until Christmas to hear from him again. So everyone please continue to write Corban when you can! So take care everyone!
Well the family and I had the chance to talk with Corban today. He only had an hour to talk and he splint the time between those of us here in Brown County and his Dad in Evansville. Casey started off the conversation with Corban and of course it was almost all in Spanish. To quote Casey in English of course Corban's Spanish was incredible. He spoke with each of his siblings, brother in-law, Ben and my self. Even Miss Lilly, Corban's niece, spoke with Corban telling him that she loved him.
I can report that he is well. He says that he has lost another 25 lbs. Of course as a mom I had to ask if he was going hungry and he said that no he was not. He said that the culture there has 2 main meals a day that the evening meal is usually just a snack if anything at all. We asked if he had received any of the letters or packages that we have sent in the past month and he said no he had not, which was very discouraging, but lets me know not to send anything too important in the mail. So I plan on doing a bit more research into a reliable means of getting things to him and will let you all know what I find out.
I asked if he needed anything and he said that he did not. He sounded good, but I could swear that I heard a slight Spanish accent in his voice..... lol !! So we will wait until Christmas to hear from him again. So everyone please continue to write Corban when you can! So take care everyone!
Week of May 1, 2011
Corban's email: "!buenos dias de bolivia santa cruz¡
I hope that you are all doing well, this week will be my 4th completed month in the mission field, and glad to say that I am enjoying myself. The people here are growing on me and I am happy to say that so is the weather. It is mas o menos 60 degrees here in santa cruz and I'm dying, its cold. Hard to go from 92 to 60 in a week. But its all good. I hope that you are all enjoying the rain there xD. But other than that I'm fine. Happy to hear from you all, and hopefully you are all doing well and pushing forward. I'm preparing two more people for baptisms this week, and hopefully May 14th and 28th I will have two more people baptized, great people here. Well, I'm going to make this short this week. but you all know that I love and miss everyone of you. Talk to you soon, write you sooner... lol.
love,
Elder Schafer
On a side note this Sunday May 8th, Mother's Day we will have the opportunity to talk to Corban one of the 2 times a year that we will be able to talk to him. Will give you an update on that call!! Hope that everyone is well!!
I hope that you are all doing well, this week will be my 4th completed month in the mission field, and glad to say that I am enjoying myself. The people here are growing on me and I am happy to say that so is the weather. It is mas o menos 60 degrees here in santa cruz and I'm dying, its cold. Hard to go from 92 to 60 in a week. But its all good. I hope that you are all enjoying the rain there xD. But other than that I'm fine. Happy to hear from you all, and hopefully you are all doing well and pushing forward. I'm preparing two more people for baptisms this week, and hopefully May 14th and 28th I will have two more people baptized, great people here. Well, I'm going to make this short this week. but you all know that I love and miss everyone of you. Talk to you soon, write you sooner... lol.
love,
Elder Schafer
On a side note this Sunday May 8th, Mother's Day we will have the opportunity to talk to Corban one of the 2 times a year that we will be able to talk to him. Will give you an update on that call!! Hope that everyone is well!!
Week of April 24, 2011
Corban's email: "Hey everyone!
Just thought that I would send my weekly email to the fam. I am doing well here in Bolivia, had my first Latino companero. His name is Elder Dan Coca. He is from here in Bolivia, but a different part that our mission does not cover. Yeah, its a little tough because I have to use more Spanish now that I have a Latino companero. But other than that things are great. I am having a wonderful time here, I committed a person to baptism yesterday and another is thinking of a date. I think it will be May 7th and the other May 14th. It is better when I have baptisms, the week goes by quicker. The work here is great and I am teaching and working hard, and sleeping well. I have to say that I might need someone to send me a belt or I need to start making new holes in the ones I have. Even the small pants that I bought that were tight on me are now a little loose.Ii guess walking more than 20 miles a day kinda helps a little. xD. Not to mention the farmers tan that I got goin on. Its great ca´t wait to show everyone in two years. Well, how is everyone doing today, it is about 70 degrees here and the temperatura es perfecto! yo levanto en the mañana and fue un poco frio. si yo se, un otro dia hace calor otra vez pero, ahora está bien. you espero que ustedes conozcan que yo les amo. It is my privilege to be here and I love you all, I hope to see you all in the next 20 months. Time will go by quicker than you know it, I think... I love you all and hope that yo are all doing well.
love,
Elder Corban Schafer
Just thought that I would send my weekly email to the fam. I am doing well here in Bolivia, had my first Latino companero. His name is Elder Dan Coca. He is from here in Bolivia, but a different part that our mission does not cover. Yeah, its a little tough because I have to use more Spanish now that I have a Latino companero. But other than that things are great. I am having a wonderful time here, I committed a person to baptism yesterday and another is thinking of a date. I think it will be May 7th and the other May 14th. It is better when I have baptisms, the week goes by quicker. The work here is great and I am teaching and working hard, and sleeping well. I have to say that I might need someone to send me a belt or I need to start making new holes in the ones I have. Even the small pants that I bought that were tight on me are now a little loose.Ii guess walking more than 20 miles a day kinda helps a little. xD. Not to mention the farmers tan that I got goin on. Its great ca´t wait to show everyone in two years. Well, how is everyone doing today, it is about 70 degrees here and the temperatura es perfecto! yo levanto en the mañana and fue un poco frio. si yo se, un otro dia hace calor otra vez pero, ahora está bien. you espero que ustedes conozcan que yo les amo. It is my privilege to be here and I love you all, I hope to see you all in the next 20 months. Time will go by quicker than you know it, I think... I love you all and hope that yo are all doing well.
love,
Elder Corban Schafer
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Week of April 18, 2011
Sounds like if we were to send an air conditioner and spring water to Corban and maybe even a washing machine that he would think that he had died and gone to heaven. Corban's email:
"Hey ya'll,
Well, bout to have my first companion exchange this week, should be on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to it, but will miss my companion, that is if we have a exchange. Who knows. I was happy to receive letters this week, especially from Jeanette! Sounds like people are doing well in the life of the us citizen. Believe me when I say, central air and fresh water have never been so good. lol. But everything is going well. No one ever said that the mission would not be tough, and let me testify in saying, it is tough, xD. But I manage day to day. The baptism was great, I baptized two of the three brothers that were baptized. Santiago, and Ismael. 8 and 13. Other than that this week was pretty much spent just preparing for the baptism, and their mom said that she wanted to be baptized too, so if I stay in Guapilo that is one baptism for the next exchange. The picture of me standing next to the canal is my area. There are plenty of canals in this area, for the rain, but the clouds here are always big and puffy. It is beautiful here. If they had a beach, it would be more popular than mexico, lol, but I'm glad to here from you all. I'm not quite sure what exactly will go down on moms day. I get to talk for an hour I think, and I will get to call, dad and mom. So peeps, if you want to talk to me go to one of those places, lol. Well good hearing from you all, hope to hear from you next week.
love,
Elder Schafer "
Remember everyone letters and skittles...oh and of course fresh water and a/c. Corban would love to hear from you!
Take care,
Sandy
"Hey ya'll,
Well, bout to have my first companion exchange this week, should be on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to it, but will miss my companion, that is if we have a exchange. Who knows. I was happy to receive letters this week, especially from Jeanette! Sounds like people are doing well in the life of the us citizen. Believe me when I say, central air and fresh water have never been so good. lol. But everything is going well. No one ever said that the mission would not be tough, and let me testify in saying, it is tough, xD. But I manage day to day. The baptism was great, I baptized two of the three brothers that were baptized. Santiago, and Ismael. 8 and 13. Other than that this week was pretty much spent just preparing for the baptism, and their mom said that she wanted to be baptized too, so if I stay in Guapilo that is one baptism for the next exchange. The picture of me standing next to the canal is my area. There are plenty of canals in this area, for the rain, but the clouds here are always big and puffy. It is beautiful here. If they had a beach, it would be more popular than mexico, lol, but I'm glad to here from you all. I'm not quite sure what exactly will go down on moms day. I get to talk for an hour I think, and I will get to call, dad and mom. So peeps, if you want to talk to me go to one of those places, lol. Well good hearing from you all, hope to hear from you next week.
love,
Elder Schafer "
Remember everyone letters and skittles...oh and of course fresh water and a/c. Corban would love to hear from you!
Take care,
Sandy
Week of April 11, 2011
Here's Corban's email received April 11, 2011. Corban's Email: "Just thought I would let everyone know this week that I have my first baptism. It is with three brothers, one 15 other 14 and the other is almost 9. I have the opportunity to baptize one of them. I'm really pumped and looking forward to this weekend, but have a lot of work ahead of me this week. Have one week left of my first companion exchange. Sad to say that I might not be in the same area again. But I'm happy to go where I need to be. Things are going well here. Nothing too bad. Had some bad wind the other day and had some extreme sol the other day too. The sun is the hottest part here because it is so strong, I never thought I would be so grateful for shade(sombro). Believe me you need it here, especially with no ac to cool you down. Other than that things are great. Might get to eat my first pizza in months today, looking forward to that as well. Gotta do all my laundry today, and let me tell you it will take probably 3 hours to do it. Gotta love hand washing. Just thought I would let you all know that I love you all and hope that you are all doing well. I know that things are difficult, but our trails are what make us grow in this life. Hope that things aren't too hard at this point in time. Time is going by quickly here in Bolivia and I know that I will be home in no time. i hope to see you all soon. oh btw thank you Dakota for the letter Thursday. He was the first to send one here. I'll send picks next week. love you all
Elder Corban Schafer"
Until next time everyone take care and please write our missionary!!
Take care,
Sandy
Elder Corban Schafer"
Until next time everyone take care and please write our missionary!!
Take care,
Sandy
Monday, April 4, 2011
April 4, 2011 Post General Conference
Well we have the go ahead to send letters and packages!! Not to sure how much it'll cost but I know he'd like to have some skittles!! Corban's email: " Okay, so this week went by pretty dang fast. I think with conference and everything it went by to fast. Now I'm just waiting for the ensign, because I cannot look stuff up on the internet. Well, today will be tons of fun. I get to go to the zoologico de santa cruz. Yeah I'm going to take plenty of fotos and hopefully send some that I like next week. Oh btw, everyone can send any packages and letters now, just ask mom for the address, or mom... put the address on facebook. Just letting you all know that I am doing fine here in lovely Santa Cruz Bolivia. The people here are wonderful. and very compassionate. But needless to say that I do miss you all. I am very grateful to receive your letters weekly, they help me in the field and out of it too. Hopefully in two years when I get back I will be able to share more stories than I can right now. It is great here. only story I have now is I got to see some huge tarantulas the other day. And let me tell you thing. Panza is not the best thing to eat in the world. btw, Panza is the stomach of a cow(vaca). Yeah, and a family wants me to eat cow intestines this weekend. can´t wait. :) Hopefully I will be able to get back to you all about that. Yeah I think I am missing American food just a little bit. But the family tells me that intestines are Rico. They say that about Panza too. Hopefully my stomach will not be too bad when I get back. I'm ready for some chipotle. Well, what else is there that happened this week. Other than that I'm not really sure. It is cool to see the people here progress in the gospel. and I'm happy to see the changes that it has on there lives as well. We had a family come to the Saturday session of General Conference, it was awesome. They have three kids 9, 5,and 4. the 9 year old is awesome, but he cheats at board games. I will try and send some pictures of my area next week. to show you guys a piece of Bolivia. Well, I love you all and hope to hear from you next week.
love Elder Schafer
So it sounds like he would like to hear from everyone! So let's send those cards, letter's and Skittles!!
Sandy
Corban's address:
Mission Santa Cruz Bolivia
Calle Saavedra, esq. Cochabamba, Edif. Torres Cainco
Piso 7 Bloque empersial
Santa Cruz Bolivia
love Elder Schafer
So it sounds like he would like to hear from everyone! So let's send those cards, letter's and Skittles!!
Sandy
Corban's address:
Mission Santa Cruz Bolivia
Calle Saavedra, esq. Cochabamba, Edif. Torres Cainco
Piso 7 Bloque empersial
Santa Cruz Bolivia
March 28th, 20011 I think he has forgetten English....
I think that the boy is trying to forget all that he learned about English!! Corban's Email: "Buenos Dias de Bolivia!
Como estan? la clima aqui hace fria hoy. Hay mucha lluvia tambien. los tres dias en pasado hicieron muy lluvia. pero esta bien. un otra dia en la obra misional. entounces como estan ustedes hay mucha calor en los estados o no. bueno yo hablaré en ingles ahora. how goes it everyone. I hope that all is well. The language is coming along. Everyday it is getting harder and harder to remember words in English. I hope that it keeps up and i never remember. xD. Well how goes it. I hope that the weather is good there. It has been chilly these past couple days like 70 degrees. I'm getting use to all this hot weather and now I have to put up with cold weather. But all is well. I'm getting excited for this weekends General Conference. I hope that they show a picture of the new temple plans for Indy. I also have the opportunity to listen to it in English! What a treat I know. I have several roommates now. i have a cockroach named pancho. A gecko named George and a spider named Dave. I know Dave is weird cause it is not Spanish. But he´s a gringo what can I say. well. I hope that everything is peachy and that you are all enjoying the benefit of central air. xD well I think I'm gonna cut this short. Have a good one everyone and keep me in touch with everything that is going on in the outside world. But it is all good. I hope you guys are experiencing the blessings of a mission as much as I am.
love, Elder Schafer
Ok one has to worry when he starts making roommates out of bugs....lol...just kidding I think that he is doing great. Sorry for the delay in getting this out this week. Take care everyone!!
Sandy
Como estan? la clima aqui hace fria hoy. Hay mucha lluvia tambien. los tres dias en pasado hicieron muy lluvia. pero esta bien. un otra dia en la obra misional. entounces como estan ustedes hay mucha calor en los estados o no. bueno yo hablaré en ingles ahora. how goes it everyone. I hope that all is well. The language is coming along. Everyday it is getting harder and harder to remember words in English. I hope that it keeps up and i never remember. xD. Well how goes it. I hope that the weather is good there. It has been chilly these past couple days like 70 degrees. I'm getting use to all this hot weather and now I have to put up with cold weather. But all is well. I'm getting excited for this weekends General Conference. I hope that they show a picture of the new temple plans for Indy. I also have the opportunity to listen to it in English! What a treat I know. I have several roommates now. i have a cockroach named pancho. A gecko named George and a spider named Dave. I know Dave is weird cause it is not Spanish. But he´s a gringo what can I say. well. I hope that everything is peachy and that you are all enjoying the benefit of central air. xD well I think I'm gonna cut this short. Have a good one everyone and keep me in touch with everything that is going on in the outside world. But it is all good. I hope you guys are experiencing the blessings of a mission as much as I am.
love, Elder Schafer
Ok one has to worry when he starts making roommates out of bugs....lol...just kidding I think that he is doing great. Sorry for the delay in getting this out this week. Take care everyone!!
Sandy
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 21, 2011 No hot water in Bolivia!!
He has worn out one pair of shoes already and had no hot water and has to wash his clothes by hand....ok is anyone else having a hard time believing that this is our Corban... !! Corban's email: "Hey everyone how is it going. It is going well here in Guapilo. Yeah that is the area that I am in right now. My companions name is Elder Gerber and he has been out in the mission field only three months more than I have, and he is my trainer. It is all good. I think he is doing a wonderful job, even if we are only two gringos in a place full of Latinos. It is nice to have a companion who knows English also. So far I love it here. The work is hard and the weather is hot, but it is fairly nice as of right now. The time seems to be passing by pretty quickly. I can still remember when I left the airport like it was yesterday. But I'm lovin it. Had to sit out two days this week because I had a total of 13 blisters on the bottom of my feet. Yeah it was pretty painful, but I'm all better now and ready to work my tail off like I did the last couple of days next week. I'm getting pumped for April. Get to listen to those prophets and apostles talk in general conference. It is awesome to have the opportunity to listen to them every 6 months. Seems like just yesterday we were in the house listening to them speak in October. Weird to think that 6 months have past. Just thought I would let you all know that I miss you all and that my mailing address in Bolivia should be the return address on my letters that I sent from the ccm in Peru. If you don't have it I will try and get a hold of it and send it next week. I can only send mail once a month here. Which is weird, but I have no post office in my area, which is why I can only send once a month. So just expect to get emails from me for a while. My next cambio should be some time late in April and Mothers day is coming up in late may I think. I'm not sure the exact date. Let me know that. But everything else is chill right now. So let me know everything and like I said I have p-day on Mondays now so write me letters before now so I can read them all. I love you all and know that I miss you.
Elder Schafer"
Corban sent me an extra email that told more about his shoes and that he has worn out one pair so far and is in need of another already. He also told of no hot water and washing all clothes by hand and loving it...."where is my son and what have they done to him"...a mother can only laugh. I hope that everyone is well, so until next time take care!!
Sandy
Elder Schafer"
Corban sent me an extra email that told more about his shoes and that he has worn out one pair so far and is in need of another already. He also told of no hot water and washing all clothes by hand and loving it...."where is my son and what have they done to him"...a mother can only laugh. I hope that everyone is well, so until next time take care!!
Sandy
March 14, 2011 1st week in Bolivia
So far so good, Corban has been in Santa Cruz Bolivia for one week. He sounds happy to finally be in his new area. Corban speaks of hearing of the death of my father from the week prior to the email. Corban's email: "hola all, I hope that you are all doing well. I have made it through my first week in Bolivia. I have been here for 6 days and so far I'm becoming adjusted. Sorry if my English is getting worse as time goes by but all I'm talking is Spanish. So my first week has gone well. I'm talking and working with my new companion Elder Gerber. He is my first North American companion since Provo. It is nice to have a North American companion, but he wont speak English with me unless he absolutely has to. Which is better for me in the long run. I didn't hear about grandpa until Sunday. I was a little upset but I'm glad that I figured out before today. Yea it was really unexpected, but I know that is was for the best. I hope that you all are doing well, and I'm glad to have heard from you all. Oh btw. the return address on the cards that you guys got is my address here. Just thought I would let you know. oh by the way I attached a picture of my house. It is pretty nice compared to some of the other houses I have seen. So I am really grateful to have the blessing. The weather here is funny. The first day that I got here it was hot and then when I got to my area it was hot. The first day that I got to proselyte was bad, but it got better. Today it is roughly 70 degrees, and I am freezing. But I think that I will be fine. The food here is good. Saltiñas are the bomb. I'm sure that Casey will know what they are. All is going well. Monday is my p-day from now on. I hope that everything is going well there. Hopefully this picture will send. If not I'm sorry. I have roughly 1000 more pics left on my card, so I wont send it anytime soon. But maybe I will send it sooner or later. Oh I get to hand wash my clothes for 2 years. Isn't that awesome! Yeah I'm looking forward to it too. I'm humbled at the chance to be able to be here and glad that I can speak with you guys. I will find out what I need and report back to you guys next week. Love Elder Schafer "
So until next time everyone take care!!
Sandy
So until next time everyone take care!!
Sandy
Saturday, March 5, 2011
His last few days in Lima.....March 2, 2011
This weeks email provides another look into Lima with pics as well as insight on Corban's last few days in Lima before moving on to the Santa Cruz Bolivia Mission next week.
Corban's email: " Here are some more picks from my tour around Peru, which happened almost two weeks ago, but it is all good. I'm gonna send another email with some more pics so I will make this brief. Yeah that is a second story McDonald and if you look close you can see the wrappers in Spanish. The other two are of down town Peru. one is in the capital square and the other is a pic of a street that I was walking on. well. Send a second one in a bit."
Corban's second email: "Okay, so these are all my districts that I have been in thus far. One from Provo with all the gringos and the others are my last Latino district, and my last gringo district in the Peru MTC. Well, I have about 6 days before I leave for Bolivia. I'm getting really excited to know where my first area is. I hope I get stationed I the jungle first. I have heard some stories about all the things you get to see and do. So I am pumped needless to say. I really want to see an anaconda, which my teacher said that he saw a bunch of. So if I see one I'll try and shoot a pic. I'm looking forward to everything that I get to do, and serve the people. I'm not sure how good the mail is yet there, so I'll let you know later when I get there. I'm not sure what I need to expect from this place but the first day I spend with my mission pres so I'm sure that he will let me know what I need to do. Well, just know that I love you all and that I am anxious to get to Bolivia and do the work of the Lord. I love you all and I will talk to you later. "
So that's all for this week! He's doing great and soon he will finally be in Santa Cruz. I will provide updated mailing info as soon as it becomes available. Til next time take care!
Sandy
Corban's email: " Here are some more picks from my tour around Peru, which happened almost two weeks ago, but it is all good. I'm gonna send another email with some more pics so I will make this brief. Yeah that is a second story McDonald and if you look close you can see the wrappers in Spanish. The other two are of down town Peru. one is in the capital square and the other is a pic of a street that I was walking on. well. Send a second one in a bit."
Corban's second email: "Okay, so these are all my districts that I have been in thus far. One from Provo with all the gringos and the others are my last Latino district, and my last gringo district in the Peru MTC. Well, I have about 6 days before I leave for Bolivia. I'm getting really excited to know where my first area is. I hope I get stationed I the jungle first. I have heard some stories about all the things you get to see and do. So I am pumped needless to say. I really want to see an anaconda, which my teacher said that he saw a bunch of. So if I see one I'll try and shoot a pic. I'm looking forward to everything that I get to do, and serve the people. I'm not sure how good the mail is yet there, so I'll let you know later when I get there. I'm not sure what I need to expect from this place but the first day I spend with my mission pres so I'm sure that he will let me know what I need to do. Well, just know that I love you all and that I am anxious to get to Bolivia and do the work of the Lord. I love you all and I will talk to you later. "
So that's all for this week! He's doing great and soon he will finally be in Santa Cruz. I will provide updated mailing info as soon as it becomes available. Til next time take care!
Sandy
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pictures from Lima 2-23-2011
Yes it's time for our weekly email from Elder Schafer. Sounds like things are going well and to use his words..."he's pumped" and ready to get to work. Corban's email: "Well part one of the two part pic fest. Just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing well está bien. hoy tenía dos semanas más en el ccm. lo sea bien pero listo para voy a la tierra y hago la obra de misioneros. tenía divertido en esta tiempo en la ccm pero yo soy listo. Well enough Spanish. I think I get my point across. Spanish is fun my companion talks really fast but the best part about it is that I can understand him. It is way better than the gringo speed that Casey talks at. lol j/k Casey. Well, two more weeks left in the ccm and then I'm off to the field I am definitely so pumped and ready to make it out there. Right now since we have new companions and new teachers for these three weeks it is boring and review. But we learn subjunctive next week, and that is the only thing that I need to learn grammar wise. I have taught many times in español and will continue to teach. I'm waiting for mí primero sueño en español pero no pienso cuando atonocer. Sorry for the lot of Spanglish. Just thought that Casey would enjoy it. Since I picked on her and all. Well. I'm going to try and send this with four pictures, and send another email after with more. hope it makes it through. just know that I love you all and miss you. Elder Schafer "
Just a few pics were sent with the email...so until next time take care!
Sandy
Just a few pics were sent with the email...so until next time take care!
Sandy
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Touring in Peru 2-16-11
Today's email was rather short and sweet. Corban said that he was going to have the opportunity today to go shopping and go on a tour of Peru. He's hoping to get pictures that he will send later. He said to make sure that I have everyone hold off on sending any packages at this time that to send him a package now will cost him an arm and a leg...why he has to pay is beyond me and I will find out more about this later. I had asked him about the name of his companion featured in the picture from the last post and he said the his companions name was Elder Villagran. but he left for his mission on Tuesday. He will get a new companion today, his name is Elder Santiago and he is from Columbia. He stressed that he wanted me to let everyone know that he loves them and that he prayers for everyone daily. As I said it was a very short and sweet email. So until next time every take care!
Sandy
Sandy
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Pics from Peru
Yesterday brought with it a P-day email from Corban with our first accompanying pictures. Email 2-9-2011: "Okay, if there are not picks with this one I am sorry, but they will just not work. Okay. first off. I had my first missionary experience on Saturday. We went and proselyted to real people in the city of Lima. I went down town where there was un parque and hablé con hermanos. I taught one hermano who we asked in the middle of the lección. How do you feel, he responded. I feel at peace, and tranquil. When we were done he said that he would read the section we told him to in the BoM and that he would pray to know if the things we taught him were true. I was so pumped after that lesson. The spirit is so strong in all the lessons I teach. I also found someone who had left from Peru two years ago and had returned. He had taken several missionary lessons and even attended church before he left. He said that he stopped because he toured the us for two years and lost contact with the missionaries. He said that he wanted to continue the lessons and to go to church again. and asked if we could come back next week. I was so pumped on Saturday. We proselyted for 8 hours, so fun but so tiring. Well, just to let you know the español is going better. I'm pleased to say that I can keep a conversation and yes I have taught plenty of times in Spanish. The teachers here will not speak English with us and my companion does not speak English. Well, other than that my week has been well. I hope to hear from you all again next week and hope that you all know that I love you. Sorry for not being able to respond to your emails personally I just do not have enough time. Well 5 minutes left. Love you all." He sounds like he is doing well. He also sent an additional side email that has a different mailing address for letters. This will be placed in his profile!! So unitl next time take care!!
Sandy
Sandy
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wed. Feb 2, 2011 email from Peru MTC
This is the email that I received this afternoon from Corban. As you will note it is a mix of Spanish and English....way to go Corban!
Email 2-2-2011 "Hey all, just thought I would let you know that I am okay. I have completed my first week of Peru and let me say it is an eye opening experience for me. Sooooo much English. j'k español. todos en espanñol. yo tendrá mi primero leccion en español y era muy confusado. estoy bien ahora. pero yo amo la CCM in peru. lo está un bueno lugar y yo anizado por la oportunida estoy in peru. hace un poco oportunidad a llevar early. si mi español es muy mejor, yo llevo in febrero, pero yo sé que llevar in march. Well the picks, one is from my dorm window in Peru, one is of my old district buddies and the other is of my army style hair cut. It is really short. I got a haircut the day before I left, and they gave me one as soon as I got here. they pretty much buzzed it all. pero, está bien. está bonita aquí. I had the opportunity to go shopping hoy. The bus was so intense, traveling real fast down the road and all 14 missionaries were packed in like sardines. I get to go out and proselyte this Saturday. 12 hours of contacting real people and teaching them real lessons, it is really different. its all good though. As of Saturday I will have been away from Indiana for a full month, isn't that sweet. Well,I need to write some more emails, and go play some more futból. keep sending me letters through email. I probably wont get any letters while I am here. and do NOT send packages, send them to my mission if you are going to send them, it can end up costing me over 100 dollars to receive a package. Thanks again. Love Elder Schafer "
His email address is: corban.schafer@myldsmail.net .... sounds like this is going to be the best way to reach him for a while. A special note the pics that he spoke of were not attached with the email. So until next time take care!
Sandy
Email 2-2-2011 "Hey all, just thought I would let you know that I am okay. I have completed my first week of Peru and let me say it is an eye opening experience for me. Sooooo much English. j'k español. todos en espanñol. yo tendrá mi primero leccion en español y era muy confusado. estoy bien ahora. pero yo amo la CCM in peru. lo está un bueno lugar y yo anizado por la oportunida estoy in peru. hace un poco oportunidad a llevar early. si mi español es muy mejor, yo llevo in febrero, pero yo sé que llevar in march. Well the picks, one is from my dorm window in Peru, one is of my old district buddies and the other is of my army style hair cut. It is really short. I got a haircut the day before I left, and they gave me one as soon as I got here. they pretty much buzzed it all. pero, está bien. está bonita aquí. I had the opportunity to go shopping hoy. The bus was so intense, traveling real fast down the road and all 14 missionaries were packed in like sardines. I get to go out and proselyte this Saturday. 12 hours of contacting real people and teaching them real lessons, it is really different. its all good though. As of Saturday I will have been away from Indiana for a full month, isn't that sweet. Well,I need to write some more emails, and go play some more futból. keep sending me letters through email. I probably wont get any letters while I am here. and do NOT send packages, send them to my mission if you are going to send them, it can end up costing me over 100 dollars to receive a package. Thanks again. Love Elder Schafer "
His email address is: corban.schafer@myldsmail.net .... sounds like this is going to be the best way to reach him for a while. A special note the pics that he spoke of were not attached with the email. So until next time take care!
Sandy
Friday, January 28, 2011
He's arrived in Peru !!!!!
Much to my surprise I came home yesterday evening to find an email from Corban. It seems he made it to Peru without any difficulty and he is loving it already.
Corban's email from 1-27-2011 to mom: "hey hey hey! How are you doing? I'm in Peru and loving it. Español out the wazoo I have a companion from Ecuador. It is pretty neat. I will try and send some pics on next Wednesday. I think I have a while to email, next time. maybe an hour. Oh and the people here said that it would almost be better to not send packages, but instead just put money in my account. They said that you can have problems with customs here. Btw the people here are awesome so far. And no my comp does not speak a lick of English, and yes I have already played futbol. So far everything here is awesome."
So until next week!!!
Sandy
Corban's email from 1-27-2011 to mom: "hey hey hey! How are you doing? I'm in Peru and loving it. Español out the wazoo I have a companion from Ecuador. It is pretty neat. I will try and send some pics on next Wednesday. I think I have a while to email, next time. maybe an hour. Oh and the people here said that it would almost be better to not send packages, but instead just put money in my account. They said that you can have problems with customs here. Btw the people here are awesome so far. And no my comp does not speak a lick of English, and yes I have already played futbol. So far everything here is awesome."
So until next week!!!
Sandy
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Off to Lima Peru he goes !!
Today mark's 3 weeks since Corban left and went to the MTC in Provo, Utah. And today Corban left Utah headed to the Lima Peru MTC where he will be for the next 6 weeks.
I was really lucky to have received both a letter and an email from Corban yesterday. He spoke of the letters that he had received so far and wanted me to make sure that I thanked all of those that have taken the time to write him. He spoke of how beautiful that it was at the MTC. He said that he was surprised at how well he has adapted to the schedule at the MTC up at 6:30 am and lights out at 10:30 pm. Now this is the same young man that would stay up to all hours of the night playing WOW ( World of Warcraft) and sleep until Noon or later the next day. And speaking of WOW he asked how the family guild of WOW players was doing and how was everyone doing at reaching level 85. I had to chuckle at this!!
He wanted Jaclyn and Brian to know that he thought that the newest member of the family Emma was beautiful, after having received my email with her picture.
In preparing to leave for Peru this week he spoke in his letter about how it would be culture shock. He says that he has heard that the average temperature in Peru is 75 degrees F, so maybe the temperature won't be too bad.
It's funny to hear him speak about how he feels older than so many of the others that he is with because many of them have just turned 19 and he will be 21 in July. He's there because he wants to be and has worked so hard to get there, when he sees others that still want to act like they are in high school he is a little put off by it. He's growing up that's for sure.
So this morning bright and early I received a call from Corban calling from the airport in Salt Lake. All together there are 17 that are traveling together to Peru today. His companion Elder Donaldson is with him in this travel as well. He said that he was doing well and that he was excited about getting to Peru. Their flight was to leave Salt Lake go to Texas. Then from Texas to Miami and then from Miami it would be 6 hours to Peru. He will be in Peru until March 9, 2011 and then he will leave and go to Santa Cruz Bolivia.
He was able to talk with both Casey and Alex during his morning call. He wanted me to apologize for no being able to call anyone else because he didn't have enough money. So for those that he promised to call, he said he was sorry he was unable to. I told him that I would try to send him an International Calling Card for calls that he might be able to make on the 9th of March.
I asked if has seen Tyler and I am happy to let Sister Baldridge know that Corban saw Tyler about 4 times in the 2 weeks that they were both at the MTC and that he saw Tyler yesterday before he left. So Tyler is ok Sister Baldridge!!
I felt very lucky that I was able to talk to him a second time while he was at the Miami airport. He said that things were going well and that they were all getting tired and ready to be there. So as I type this I know that my son is in flight for one of the greatest adventures to an unknown land.
Just as an FYI to everyone you can continue to use the DearElder.com and choose the PERU MTC with a departure date of 3-9-2011. These letters will go out weekly or you you can use the previously posted MTC mailing address and go snail mail. Any package needs to be less than 4 lbs and go green label customs 1st call not priority. Priority flat rate boxes do not work.
In closing I ask that you write him if you can! And I'll keep everyone updated as I hear more!! So off to Peru he goes!!
Sandy
I was really lucky to have received both a letter and an email from Corban yesterday. He spoke of the letters that he had received so far and wanted me to make sure that I thanked all of those that have taken the time to write him. He spoke of how beautiful that it was at the MTC. He said that he was surprised at how well he has adapted to the schedule at the MTC up at 6:30 am and lights out at 10:30 pm. Now this is the same young man that would stay up to all hours of the night playing WOW ( World of Warcraft) and sleep until Noon or later the next day. And speaking of WOW he asked how the family guild of WOW players was doing and how was everyone doing at reaching level 85. I had to chuckle at this!!
He wanted Jaclyn and Brian to know that he thought that the newest member of the family Emma was beautiful, after having received my email with her picture.
In preparing to leave for Peru this week he spoke in his letter about how it would be culture shock. He says that he has heard that the average temperature in Peru is 75 degrees F, so maybe the temperature won't be too bad.
It's funny to hear him speak about how he feels older than so many of the others that he is with because many of them have just turned 19 and he will be 21 in July. He's there because he wants to be and has worked so hard to get there, when he sees others that still want to act like they are in high school he is a little put off by it. He's growing up that's for sure.
So this morning bright and early I received a call from Corban calling from the airport in Salt Lake. All together there are 17 that are traveling together to Peru today. His companion Elder Donaldson is with him in this travel as well. He said that he was doing well and that he was excited about getting to Peru. Their flight was to leave Salt Lake go to Texas. Then from Texas to Miami and then from Miami it would be 6 hours to Peru. He will be in Peru until March 9, 2011 and then he will leave and go to Santa Cruz Bolivia.
He was able to talk with both Casey and Alex during his morning call. He wanted me to apologize for no being able to call anyone else because he didn't have enough money. So for those that he promised to call, he said he was sorry he was unable to. I told him that I would try to send him an International Calling Card for calls that he might be able to make on the 9th of March.
I asked if has seen Tyler and I am happy to let Sister Baldridge know that Corban saw Tyler about 4 times in the 2 weeks that they were both at the MTC and that he saw Tyler yesterday before he left. So Tyler is ok Sister Baldridge!!
I felt very lucky that I was able to talk to him a second time while he was at the Miami airport. He said that things were going well and that they were all getting tired and ready to be there. So as I type this I know that my son is in flight for one of the greatest adventures to an unknown land.
Just as an FYI to everyone you can continue to use the DearElder.com and choose the PERU MTC with a departure date of 3-9-2011. These letters will go out weekly or you you can use the previously posted MTC mailing address and go snail mail. Any package needs to be less than 4 lbs and go green label customs 1st call not priority. Priority flat rate boxes do not work.
In closing I ask that you write him if you can! And I'll keep everyone updated as I hear more!! So off to Peru he goes!!
Sandy
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Departs on Wednesday Jan. 26th, 2011
Just a quick update that things are still a go for Corban to leave the Provo MTC on the 26th and head to the Peru MTC. This is the address that I have so far. Things are always subject to change as we all know. You can also continue to use the Dear Elder.com service and change the location to the Peru MTC keeping in mind that the service sends letters out per pouch service weekly. The last I heard from him was last Wednesday which was brief, but he is doing well.
Elder Corban Michael Schafer
Peru MTC
Centro de Capacitacion Missional
Melgarejo 159
La Molina
Amazonas 12
Peru
Take care,
Sandy
Elder Corban Michael Schafer
Peru MTC
Centro de Capacitacion Missional
Melgarejo 159
La Molina
Amazonas 12
Peru
Take care,
Sandy
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
My first snail mail.....
...Today I received my first real letter from Corban. I think that it is one of the first letters that I have ever received from him. In his letter Corban expresses how much that he is enjoying the experiences that he is having at the MTC, to quote Corban, "the experiences that I have had are phenomenal". He goes on to say that his companion in the MTC is a 19 yr old young man from Egar, Arizona named Elder Duskin Donaldson. He goes on to say that his companion has been very helpful and that they get a long very well. Corban says that he is very excited and looking forward to heading out for Peru on the 26th. He says that once he is there that he will be surrounded by the language which should help him pick up the language much quicker. He goes on to say that he has been looking for Tyler Baldridge another young man from our ward that also left on his mission as well. So far he hasn't seen Tyler but all of the missionaries are divided up based on where they are going to be going. He said he's on the look out for Tyler. The letter was brief but before closing he made a plea for more packages, and letters. He made a special request for Skittles of any flavor.
He has asked me to tell you about a wonderful service called Dear Elder.Com. While he is in the MTC in Provo you can email him a letter at dear elder.com by clicking on the write a letter, select the mission (Provo MTC ), then filling in the info regarding the return address and filling in to: Elder Corban Schafer MTC Box # 217 Mission BOL-SC. If you write these letters Monday through Friday by 1200 pm he will get them that same day. I have been using this and he has really enjoyed getting my letters. He has limited time to write back so don't always expect a response but he wants to know how everyone is doing.
I have checked into mailing letters and packages to Corban once he has left the country, it will be very costly. I have learned that once he has left the country that we can continue to use the Dear Elder.com and he will receive these letters weekly, they will be sent weekly by mail pouch service supplied by the church. I know that care packages can be sent through the Dear Elder service as well.
Tomorrow is Corban's p-day so I hope to get another email from him then. I ask that you keep Corban in your prayers and write him when you can. On a side note, any posts to this blog will not be seen by Corban until he returns home. He only has access to his church email once a week.
So until the next email or letter take care every one!!
Sandy
He has asked me to tell you about a wonderful service called Dear Elder.Com. While he is in the MTC in Provo you can email him a letter at dear elder.com by clicking on the write a letter, select the mission (Provo MTC ), then filling in the info regarding the return address and filling in to: Elder Corban Schafer MTC Box # 217 Mission BOL-SC. If you write these letters Monday through Friday by 1200 pm he will get them that same day. I have been using this and he has really enjoyed getting my letters. He has limited time to write back so don't always expect a response but he wants to know how everyone is doing.
I have checked into mailing letters and packages to Corban once he has left the country, it will be very costly. I have learned that once he has left the country that we can continue to use the Dear Elder.com and he will receive these letters weekly, they will be sent weekly by mail pouch service supplied by the church. I know that care packages can be sent through the Dear Elder service as well.
Tomorrow is Corban's p-day so I hope to get another email from him then. I ask that you keep Corban in your prayers and write him when you can. On a side note, any posts to this blog will not be seen by Corban until he returns home. He only has access to his church email once a week.
So until the next email or letter take care every one!!
Sandy
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Hola Madre Como le va?
My first email has arrived. He starts off by saying: " I have pdays on Wednesday and we are not allowed to write any other day. So sorry for the late contact. Just thought I would let you know that I love you first off, and that I have been praying for you night and day. The spirit is strong here and I love it. My testimony of the gospel has doubled since I have been here, and I think that it will only get bigger." Corban goes on to say that he has had the chance to hear a devotional talk from Elder Jeffery R Holland and was moved by the things that were said. He is anticipating his departure from Provo Utah on January 26th, when he will then go to the Lima Peru Missionary Training Center. He goes on to say that he wants me to tell everyone that he loves them and that he is doing great. He says that learning spanish is going very well. It was a short but very cherished email. So I'm sure that for anyone that is interested Corban would appreciate letters and packages....especially Skittles!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
MTC
2 days have passed since Corban's departure on the 5th. We haven't heard from him yet, but thanks to the kindness of my friend Don and Jane Carter we know that Corban made it safely later that day on the 5th to the MTC ( Missionary Training Center ) in Provo Utah. Corban will spend a few weeks at the Provo MTC and then he will go the the Lima Peru MTC where he will received his more extensive language training. I just hope Corban can recall the 2 years of high school spanish that he took. For those who would like to write Corban while he is in the MTC here's his address...
Elder Corban M. Schafer
MTC Mailbox #217
BOL-SC 0309
2005 N 900 E
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
Please keep Corban in your thoughts and prayers as he heads out on the greatest adventure of his life!!
Elder Corban M. Schafer
MTC Mailbox #217
BOL-SC 0309
2005 N 900 E
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
Off to Bolivia Jan. 5th 2011
Today I watched as my son walked off cross the airport towards security knowing that he was headed for one of the greatest 2 year adventures of his life. For the next 2 years my son Corban will be serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints in Santa Cruz Bolivia. To see him leave was so bitter sweet, I know that he will serve the Bolivian people well, but I can't help but miss him so. A poem was recently shared with me that may summon up the feelings in my heart right now and as I now share my son with many, I'd like to share this poem with you....it's called "Giving Christ my son"!
Giving Christ my son
I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts and ties, two suits and socks....no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.
I've spent more time in the Temple, my testimony stirred.
I've reread Novembers ensign, Felt strength come from his words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.
I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.
I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine. He's always hungered for the part of him,
that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, This year,
I'm giving Him my son.
Past gifts have lost their glitter. I think I finally understand Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving him a hand.
Its because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My Gift has taken years to make. This year...
I'm giving Christ my son.
I Know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give. The toll it will be taking.
for He has done it all before. Greater Love -there could be none.
for years ago God gave to me,
His only begotten son.
The Hands I washed, The hands I held, The hands I taught to pray; Now knock on doors to find the ones Who will
listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, Until all the gathering's done.
My gift has taken years to make.
This year...I'm giving Christ my son.
Giving Christ my son
I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts and ties, two suits and socks....no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.
I've spent more time in the Temple, my testimony stirred.
I've reread Novembers ensign, Felt strength come from his words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.
I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.
I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine. He's always hungered for the part of him,
that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, This year,
I'm giving Him my son.
Past gifts have lost their glitter. I think I finally understand Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving him a hand.
Its because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My Gift has taken years to make. This year...
I'm giving Christ my son.
I Know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give. The toll it will be taking.
for He has done it all before. Greater Love -there could be none.
for years ago God gave to me,
His only begotten son.
The Hands I washed, The hands I held, The hands I taught to pray; Now knock on doors to find the ones Who will
listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, Until all the gathering's done.
My gift has taken years to make.
This year...I'm giving Christ my son.
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