Thursday, December 25, 2014

The Last Log of Prague

(Sestra Carley Schoen arrived home Dec. 18, 2014, having honorably completed her mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Czech Republic)

Well, I have been home for about a week now and I think it is fitting to add some of the things that happened this final week  coming home and perhaps some tid-bits of what I have learned collectively from my 19 months away.

The plane-rides from Prague to London to Dallas were...looong. Seriously felt like sinking in molasses. My mind was racing like a derby-horse as I sat there for 17 hours of airport/airplane time feeling like a bump on a log. I am pretty sure all the A.D.D. of a year and a half kicked in as I sat there. I tried to take a nap, assuming the most comfortable position I could. Hands on and around the fold-down tray with the "pillow" under my ear. I wake-up again, groggy-eyed, drool on my face, turn to Sister Huggard and ask how long I was out (expecting to have killed at least half our trip)... She chuckled as she responded  "30 minutes." -_- We were sitting next to this really nice girl from Texas who was coming back from South Africa, having been gone for 6 months. We enjoyed talking to her and feeling the spirit as we talked about service, the importance of family, and prayer. We all knew we were meant to sit next to each-other. She also kept me sane on that plane. We even ended or trip with a heart-warming prayer together. I am very grateful for her kindness and service and look forward to our continued friendship.

As some of you have likely seen on my facebook, the welcome home was an exciting occasion. As I got off the plane, I melted hearing the warm greetings and southern drawls that echoed through the airport. Music to my ears. I looked up as I was exiting the plane and saw a woman with a camera pointed at me. It took me only a second to recognize our dear friend, Tami. And that's when I knew I was really home, where else would someone go out of there way so much to get a picture so that the rest of the family would know that I was a few minutes away? As I came out of the terminal, I saw my family and heard my mom scream my name (if I was at all unfamiliar with being called my own name, I think it was shattered in that instant.) I ran at her and hugged her and perhaps everyone in a 50m radius... I got a little carried away. ;)





Since then I have been loving my time with my family. Watching the movies and listening to the music I missed didn't seem as important as just being with them. I think everyone has asked me how the transition's been. It is all still familiar to me so its not like I am so out of my skin. I have been getting up early still and striving to keep up the same habits. I am grateful for my time as a missionary, I am still a missionary at heart:) So it has been an easy transition I think. I have loved chatting with my buddies from the Czech Republic and those that I haven't spoken to in a while. It helps me understand the true purpose of facebook, to unite people. Not to tear others down or start drama. Its a tool for friendship not judging. Anywho, that's a little rant that can be saved for another day. I love the Czech Republic and my friends there. I miss them a ton!!! But I know we will see each other again and it will be glorious:)

I want to thank you all for your love and prayers. It wasn't an easy experience, but my oh my, it was all worth it. :)

s laskou,
Sestra Sch.... Carley

Monday, December 15, 2014

Frydek the Halls!

Well.... The week has come... 
This weekend we enjoyed the baptism and confirmation of "M" our investigator which was a great feeling to the final last couple of days. He is definitely prepared and I am very proud of his decision and all that is in-store for him. The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly the most pure form of a life-enhancer one can find. I was asked by one of our investigators what I have learned on my mission and I think to sum it up in a sentence it would be...the love of God.

I have come to understand more how our Heavenly Father works with us, His children. The gospel of Jesus Christ is His gift to us so we can have more happiness and joy every day without a price nor expiration date. This stuff lasts for eternity. His love encompasses our heartaches, our weaknesses, our struggles, all of it. But not just covers- improves. He encourages us to rise after we fall, to continue after we stumble, to seek for perfection and find joy in the process. But it is not an easy path. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, forged the path for us to follow then offers us continued guidance and counsel so that we can achieve our goal of eternal life with Him. Like an all-star athlete becomes a coach and then during the game continues to help navigate the players collectively and individually so they can win. Not for His own glory, but knowing the feeling of achievement from a well-deserved win is more glorious than being handed a trophy from a game you never played. I have been soooo blessed these past 19 months to have been apart of the Lord's Work. I know I have come to know my Savior like never before, His love for the people, the frustration when people deny that love and the immaculate joy of seeing someone accept His help and change their lives. I know I have changed. Not so much that I have lost who I am. I am still the same dork I was before but now I think I notice more what's going on around me and within me. I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I know that He loves all His children. I can't imagine my life without all the experiences I have had here and the people I have met that are forever-friends. I am a blessed sister. And while I know I don't deserve even half the blessings I have been allotted, I hope to share them with others so we can all partake of the joy. Thank you all for your encouragement, counsel and love. I am so grateful to know you all and am excited to talk with you in-person soon. 
 
After I bear-hug my family for at least a couple of days and can keep make-up on my eyes for longer than a minute. 
s Laskou,
SESTRA Schoen  :)

Monday, December 1, 2014

(Response to Housing Option at USU)

I like the apartment, as long as it isnt too expensive. I will be happy anywhere. truly. buses...yay!!! :) at least something semi-familiar.
 
(too busy to send a detailed e-mail for the blog this week)

Monday, November 24, 2014

Blessings from out of the Blue!

So crazy how Heavenly Father lays things out for us perfectly. So I guess I'm going to USU?! (Carley got an amazing scholarship letter this week) I am so happy/a gigantic ball of nerves. Anywho. this week was great again and tomorrow I am going to Prague for training so hopefully it goes well. We met with the family from FM again and that was so amazing, we taught them the Plan of Salvation and they loved it. I am so grateful to know that families are eternal and that we are all sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father who wants nothing more, than for us to succeed in life and be happy now and for eternity. I know its all true, so its easy to teach:) Plus we met with the wonderful mother in Opava and met some truly amazing people this week. I love the Ostrava branch here and its almost surreal planning for Christmas here and knowing I wont see the "fruits" of it with my own eyes but I know that they are in for some Christmas miracles and a whole lotta joy. I love the Czech Republic!!!

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, I definitely feel the warmth of your support here in the cold. Its really not too cold though here. Still hasn't snowed! So Sister Schoen's prayers have been successfully answered. woop woop!!! :D
I love my companion, she's a tough cookie and sweet as can be :)
Everything is wonderful!!!!! WOOOO!!!!!!!!!
s laskou,

Monday, November 17, 2014

All Hands on Frydek!

Great week for sure! So since you asked what a sister trainer leader (yes, I don't get the name either... but as the 14th article of faith states, "We believe in the use of acronyms.")...so lemme try to splain. I call all the sisters every week to get an update of the area and interview them on how they are doing. I visit each companionship and do a 24 hour exchange with them, helping them in their area. I also talk to President weekly and attend Mission Leadership Council once a month while also preparing trainings for the zones. So basically... I just travel alot and talk on the phone and learn from all the amazing sisters. Hats off to my companion, in her first transfer she was definitely thrown into a whirlwind. We are loving the city and working hard towards Christmas. I love it here!!!! <3 
I love you all!!!!!
Have a great week!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Halloween FryDeckoratations :)

So Happy late Halloween! I love halloween. I couldnt dress up but all is well it was a blast! We had a halloween party and I think everyone really enjoyed it and it is always fun putting my event planning hat on (metaphorically)

We had no-bake monster cookies with gummy worms inside and since pumpkins here get pretty pricy we carved orange bell peppers and had salsa and ranch dip (thanks mom!) coming out the mouths in a similar fashion like I saw in Courts pics. We played games with the kids and all the adults and the missionaries sang a hymn... that wasnt too halloweeny but it was a hit so yay! Today we went to a WWII museum and even though they were supposed to be closed today the people were nice enough to let us have a private tour of the whole facility and it was great! Very very very depressing but great! I learned alot. This week I will be going to prague for Leadership training Council then to Mlada Boleslav on an exchange so alot of travelling but it should be great. Thank you all for your prayers! I love you and I hope you have a great first week of November!!!:)



Monday, October 27, 2014

Oct. 21 & 27

Oct. 21
So yesterday we were in Brno for 'progression training" for the new missionaries. It was great to see Brno again for like 30 minutes as we walked through the center but when we were leaving it was rainy and they were I guess working on the tracks to Ostrava so it was a mess with public transportation. We missed our train putting us way behind  but the on the way to Ostrava we talked to an awesome girl and taught a lesson about the restoration and exchanged numbers, so there is always a reason for these things. No need to fret. We were also coming home last night to Frydek-Mistek and met an awesome guy who used to live in Chicago, set up to meet with him again so that was awesome too. I absolutely love it here and really feel like there is so much to do! I love it! I hope yall are all having a great week! Don't have much time to email, we have free english tonight so gotta be there plenty early for that. I love my companion she is AMAZING!!! It is so funny how different training can be, no worse and not better just unique and amazing in their own ways. Sister Birkeland is a spiritual powerhouse and I am excited to see how she continues to excel and grow:)
Love you all!
Sestra Schoen

this was when we were in prague waiting for the new missionaries,cute halloween treats from an awesome member of the Prague branch.


Oct. 27
We are throwing a Halloween party this week. I am doing really well here and just loving the work! It is such a privilege to share what I know to be true and I know the knowledge truly blesses our family.


Monday, October 13, 2014

I am Frydek-in Out!

So we got transfer calls on Friday instead of the usual Saturday evening this time. After a moment of playing hot-potato with the phone, Sister D answered Presidents call. I promptly began plugging my ears and humming to myself, looking like a very capable servant of the Lord I am sure... anywho, she hands the phone to me with a bewildered look. President then tells me I will be going to Frydek-Mistek to re-open that city again to missionaries after about 10 years I think (not such a shocker, we have been anticipating this for a couple weeks) and I will be training again, but wait, there's more, I will also be Sister Trainer Leader. Okay. So since then, I have had waves of excitement and exhaustion. Feelings of inadequacy from Satan really try to take us down. But guess what! we can  conquer Satan. We are always stronger. Woo! Conference was perfect and I loved listening to the words of our Lord through His called and faithful servants. I am so unimaginable blessed!!!!!! I love absolutely LOVE being a missionary!!!!!! I already miss Sister D. I have been blessed by the bestest companions. The gospel truly unites us and helps us to reach our maximum potencial. I believe more than ever before that we can do ALL things through Christ, which strengthen us. I love this gospel, I love my Savior and I love you ALL!!!!!!! Have an amazing week! 
s Laskou, 
Sestra Schoen

Monday, October 6, 2014

Ostravalocity and Speed of God's Power is Amazing

Hey there family!!!
This has been a great week! Can't believe we are starting the last week of this transfer. ayayay! This morning I got to work-out and run on a treadmill and even do the elliptical for like a second (it was broken though so I had to get off--it is now an international pet-peeve). I know you would get my excitement with getting a good sweat. Not many understand it. Anywho! Back to the real work!

News on investigators... so we met with "N" again and she has been reading in the Book of Mormon but still not in love with it and feels like it is so different from the bible so that it seems strange to her but continues to meet with us and loved the idea of family home evening. We also met with someone new named "P", he is 21 and we had contacted him one of our first weeks of the transfer in Opava (a city outside of Ostrava where "N" lives) anywho, he had cancelled a few lessons already with us but finally we set up with him. The first time we contacted him we felt we had to talk to him and even though he was on the phone we just waited it out then went up to talk to him as he was getting in line for food. (You can't get away from us). We taught him about God and how pray but he didn't have any more time to talk then a month later we meet with him in the namesti (town square) and he tells us that his dad had died:( We taught him the plan of salvation and invited him to be baptized which he accepted:) he texted us later telling us how grateful he was for meeting us. We know our Heavenly Father wanted us to find him at this difficult time. Miracles!

We also had a guy who tried to just bash us with anti info he had dug up from the internet. Woo! Silly head. 
 
We met with a family in their home in Frydek-Mistek :) (that city that we "just happen" to be moving to for the next transfer) We met the parents and 4 year old daughter in Ostrava and talked to them for a couple of minutes but they were in a rush for a bus. When we came to the city the wife picked us up from the bus station and took us to their house. They are soooooo amazing! They are only in Ostrava once a year for a check-up for their daughter who was born prematurely (she weighed 2 lbs about)  and this was the last time they would need to go there! Miracles! 
 
They also have another son named "F" who is 10 and was so good in the lesson answering questions.  This is the first time a family has let me in to their home to teach them. I have been praying to teach a whole family this whole time and finally my dream has come true! We taught the restoration and ended with a kneeling prayer as a family. They made us dinner and wanted to take a picture with us. We are visiting them again this week. We also have been teaching this other YSA named "V". He has been reading in the Book of Mormon and for 3 years been trying to "find" himself and God. He knows that God is our Heavenly Father and we are His children and he loves prayer.

We are amazed with the preparedness of these people we are teaching. We are sooooo blessed to know them. They have progressed so much alone it is so exciting to imagine how their knowledge can grow by accepting  the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! I am so excited to watch conference and hear the messages from our living prophet and apostles. I am excited for our investigators to hear these words and feel the truthfulness for themselves.

I also have a funny story. Yesterday we were on the tram coming to the church building when a tram-pass checker guy comes up to us. This is normal and usually goes without a hitch but to my horror I couldn't find my pass (this has neeeeever happened). There is a huge fine if you don't have it with you. We were with a recent convert named "N" , I was going through my wallet and my bag over and over. but nothing. He checked some other people and kept coming back then he walked to the back. We came to the stop we were supposed to get off at, we looked at him and quickly started to walk towards him but to our surprise he just waved us away and we got off. "N" was baffled. She has never seen a tram-checker let anyone off the hook. They don't do that in this country. She was so happy for us and told us God really loved us. I already knew that haa. So then we said a prayer of gratitude and "N" suggested we buy a ticket for the next 30 minutes of riding. We did and got on the tram to our amazement the same tram-checker was there. He could have popped me for it then but he took my ticket and in English said, "thank you, have a good day," and got off with someone who didn't have one. We waved goodbye as we were leaving as if we were the best of pals. Everyone we have told has been flabbergasted. It was a great experience for sure and I am even more sure that miracles happen. My tram pass was in the my other jacket pocket for some reason so I hope to see him again and show him that.

I love being a missionary. I love the people here and I am so grateful for the increased understanding of our Heavenly Father's influence in our lives. The people need it here, even if they don't know it. I think of it as like when someone turns on the light and your eyes were adjusted to the dark and you wince from the contrast, not that it is bad or hurts, its just different and sometimes our first reaction is to turn away. So when people turn us away I don't fault them for it. But there are those that have recognized the darkness and are searching for more. Light is a beautiful thing. I love my Heavenly Father, I love my Savior, and I know that Joseph Smith restored the fulness of that light on the earth so that we might ALL feel of that heavenly love. I love you all and I know that Heavenly Father loves you! 
 
s Laskou,
Sestra Schoen

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Serving in a fairytale

I love my little companion. I do her hair and dress her up and we just make each other laugh and I see her take her first "steps" she solo contacted yesterday as we were singing and faced rejection after rejection but kept going and talking to more people and I was on the verge of tears watching from afar. We are buddies forever. She even tells me that she prayed for a good trainer and even though I don't feel like it all the time she says I am. so I am happy:)

We have had a good week this week and will be in Prague on Thursday. Our p-day today is us going to the building and watching the full length Joseph Smith movie. woo! I am actually strangely really excited for that. This morning my plans of a good long run were foiled by a torrential down-pour. bleh. My comp likes Diet Coke so we have Coke light here(the european edition of DC but I don't think quite as good)
I hope you have a great week and I keep you in my prayers!
s Laskou, 
Sestra Car <3
 
We are serving in a fairytale
 

Monday, September 15, 2014

Update on Mission Stuff

Hey Family! 
(This e-mail was sent in response to e-mail requests from family members requesting more info on investigators and ward/branch members and the YW she serves in Ostrava, Czech Republic. It has been edited with people's names changed/shortened)
Investigators- I don't often include specific info on investigators because we have been asked not to just in case they get on the internet somehow. But I definitely shy on the overly vague and not-even-mention them at all side, sorry! Ma bad. Anywho, we have several progressing investigators (which means they keep commitments and are progressing towards baptism) We have been meeting with someone named "M" for over 4 months now and he enjoys studying the church and knowing all the info, even coming to all the activities, but doesn't want to be baptized too quick. We are helping him understand the importance and he has been making much more progress lately so yay!

Then there is "L", he is one of our member's boyfriends who we gave a Book of Mormon to and have been meeting with him ever since this transfer started, he is going to school and working. He started out as an avid atheist who wouldn't pray. Now he is reading, praying, attending church and is on baptismal date for the 11 of October woo!!! We are very confident that he will make it. He is solid and will make a great member!!! It has been awesome seeing his faith and relationship with God grow.

Then we have "N", my beloved "N". She is the mom who I met a couple months ago then she texted us after our prayer, so we met her husband who remembered meeting the missionaries 12 years ago before he was a believer. He is really interested in how our church works and the doctrine of how the priesthood is received and used. Anywho, she came to church on Sunday! Woopeee!!! It is so awesome that she came all that way, also really stressful for me notgonnalie.

She got there late to the train station so we ran there to get her to bring her back then we walk back to the building with her and as we come in to go into the chapel, an older member straight-up starts waving at us through the door scream-whispering "go away! you're interrupting!!! ' over and over. I about had a conniption, with all the force of will I could muster, I looked him in the eyes and said "we are coming to church" and walked in. He caused such a scene and poor "N" felt immediately awkward and unwanted... the talks were wonderful but it was hard overcoming that. :(

I've decided I just think sometimes we need a workshop of what to do with investigators around. It isn't changing what we teach, but how we teach/say it. Like asking them if they are an investigator when you first meet them. lol I hope she gets back soon to us I have no idea what her overall view of it was. She is soooooooooo amazing though! Keep your fingers and arms crossed for her please!!!!!! She is seriously so golden. So that is some info on a couple of our investigators!
The YW are amazing. The practically teach us. 2 angels. "M" (15) and "V" (almost 18) we are working on Personal Progress with them so V has it finished by her birthday at the end of this month.
We as a duo (Sister Daugirda and I) are doing wonderfully. She has taught me a lot about simple faith. I was freaking out stressing about "N" on Saturday night and she just turned and said "How about lets just pray about it and put it in the Lord's hands.' Sometimes we get so flustered when we really don't need to be. I have a bad habit of almost thriving off a little stress to keep me going and feeling like I am doing things but! that isn't necessary. So I am still learning that. But I really had to humble myself and not respond back with a snappy remark (you know exactly what I mean) but really accept the obvious truth and be more Christlike. I am so grateful for her, she is a keeper. Plus we laugh all the time. So that is great :)
But if I could ask one thing, if you could from here on out not directly say how much time I have left. You can be excited but, I don't want to be tempted by any form of "trunky'' ness. Which does happen. So no numbers. Thankfully my entire mission, my incompetency with guesstimating has helped me feel oblivious to the approaching deadline of leaving, but kinda hard to ignore these decreasing numbers. I think it is also hard for my companion who just got here and is now thinking how much time I have left and comparing it to her's. We will all see each other and it isn't as long away as it was from day one and that day will come. No worries there:) and of course I am excited, but I also want to keep my eye on the prize and set a good example to my companion. So I would lovingly like to ask that we all become "obliviots'' until the final couple of weeks :) Thank you!
I love you all and I keep you all in my prayers!
s Laskou,
Sestra Schoen

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Ostravattitude of Gratitude!

What an amazing week I tell ya! We had an amazing training on Tuesday in Prague - Sister Kapora was there. She is one of the leading ladies, if not the leading lady in the development of the Church here in the Czech Republic. She has written a book about it, I am told. Anywho Sister D and I got to practice teaching her and it was so neat to talk to her one on one, she is seriously such a spiritual giant and so sweet! 

Sister D stops and smells the roses (zoom in on that beautiful, dew-drop rose!)


I also got your packages you all sent me, Mom and Court I love EVERYTHING!!! I nearly had a melt-down they were all so cute and thank you Grandma Kent for the cute shirt and note:) After training we went on exchanges with the Sister Trainer Leaders- I was in Prague and Sister Daugirda stayed in Ostrava for a day with my MTC Comp Sister H which was neat. It was cool to be in Prague for a little bit and seeing as this was my second time on an exchange there, I think that should suffice for saying that I served in Prague if I don't get the legit chance to. But, I am perfectly happy with that. :) 

It was really hard to be away from my beloved Ostrava, even for a day. When we got back, and came into the, for lack of a better adjective, "jank" train station, I felt oddly right at home, as my interim-companion commented on, "only in ostrava" features ie, an exposed water pipe and puddle of water=artistic fountain. side note: Sestra D and I may have had an epic run and embrace moment...  

On Thursday we taught the Book of Mormon study class again and got great reviews on it from the participants so that was fun. On Friday we saw a load of miracles. That morning we each, Sister D and I, studied faith and prayer and even the same talk without knowing it until comp study. We specifically prayed for people with whom we are meeting.
I think this is a picture of the YW in Sister Schoen's branch, as her and Sister D were called to be YW leaders.

About a month ago I met a wonderful Christian mom in a city outside of Ostrava and had the privilege of talking to her for a bit (it was actually on my year-mark anniversary in the country and before then I had been seeing a ton of rejection until her) then she went on vacation, then Sister D and I went out and had a wonderful lesson with her. But a few weeks had gone by and we had had no new contact with her and were feeling a little blue about it. So Sister D says the most heartfelt and beautiful prayer and no joke...within 15 minutes our phone goes off and she texted us saying she had been thinking about us and wanted to meet any day that week. WHATTT??? wowza. So of course we begin happy-dancing about our living room. It was such a glorious moment!!! Then we get ready to go, we made our bus to get to the tram stop and on that bus we notice a guy and a prolly 13-year-old girl reading our nametags from across the bus. The bus ride lasts maybe 5 minutes- they got off at our same stop and I ran to catch them. We talked to them for maybe a minute quickly and hurriedly explaining who we are and why we are here and he says he's not a believer, we say "that's okay! we can help with that!" we switched numbers then ran to catch our tram. Then on Sunday we had a lot of contacting time. We met and talked to this wonderful mom with two daughters, they were really interested in meeting, we exchanged numbers and I called the number while we were standing there but her phone wasn't with her. We walk away a ways and I get a text back from that number asking who it was...my heart sank. But I didn't want to tell my sweet companion that the lady gave us a fake number so I assure her that I likely typed it in wrong. But I was a little disappointed/confused that she did that... fast-forward to Sunday night- a random text...from the man on the bus asking when we could meet and then setting up with him for Tuesday. We were so happy!!! Still are! He contacted us first!  (that doesn't happen so often haha...)

Then this morning around 7am we went to our grocery store nearby our flat and as we are walking out Sister D starts elbowing me in the side saying "its the lady from yesterday!" And there is that woman, who had given us the wrong number...or so I thought. I was like "play it cool sis" and we strolled up to her, she was so excited to see us and we talked for a sec then I said how strangely that number was from some guy named Luke. With genuine surprise she looked at the number and said "its a 5 not a 6". So it really was my fault! It is so crazy-coincidence that it was definitely not an accident! I have never met her before and yet within 24 hours in completely different parts of a big city like Ostrava we *happen to meet again. (Insert angelic chorus here)

But wait there's more! This morning we wanted to go someplace to quickly print-off our emails so that we could devote more time to writing later so we went to find a local library closer to where we live. Welp, had no idea where to go so we just hopped on a bus and decided to ask the locals. We asked this older lady and she gladly offered to show us a great knihovna (library) near where she lived. So the angel walks us to the most random of places that I am sure you couldn't even find with google maps. So we offered service to this nice woman and had a great convo with her then went in to the library. This library was so cute!!! We walked in and the librarian was so nice and wanted to chat with us more. She was happy to see we were from a church (not common) and let us even print for free although we pressed to let us pay. She was a gem. We have been seeing so many miracles and being so blessed we just keep pinching ourselves. Of course I am loving my companion, we get along seriously a little too well and I am sooo grateful for all she is teaching me. I sometimes forget who is training.



I am not going to profess to be the most put-together trainer, sometimes I feel like a chicken with my head-cut-off, but thankfully she just laughs with me and we just make the spiritual-most of a crisis. We love the people we are meeting with, trying to get into the swing of things organizationally but always feeling like we are improving so I am a happy camper. I love the Czech Republic and I am so grateful to be having these faith building experiences and helping others recognize the influence of our Heavenly Father in their lives. It is truly an honor. I am so happy with the gospel and I feel like that should be a simple enough tell-tale sign that it is true. If you're not sure, pray about it. Even if you are sure, still pray about it. Your cup is never completely full! I love you all and I pray for you always. Have an amazing week and notice your own heaven-sent miracles!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

From Coast to cOstrava

Hello all!!! So yup. I am officially training! Its so easy when you have such an adorable and sweet companion. Seriously, I am so grateful for her fresh and optimistic view on everything. I absolutely adore her and am feeling very blessed. 
 
Sestra Schoen and Sister Daugirda
 
Missionaries in the Czech Republic
Our normal place to email is closed so we found this place but bad news is that we can only be on technically for 30 minutes and if someone boots us off we can't get back on... :/ so I am freaking out about now. But it is fine, if I don't get to tell you much more than that I am loving this transfer already and really excited about all the things we will accomplish, that should suffice. I want to send my love to you all and thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring emails. I love you!!!! I love being here and constantly finding more and more to learn. I am really growing so much closer with my Savior and my testimony is really deepening. 
 
I love the gospel! Faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, all we really need to know in order to be saved. It really simplifies a lot I think, but at the same-time it means we have more personal responsibility to progress. 
 
We are not just simply saved because someone blessed us, we have to use our agency, ability to choose, at every stage. To believe is a choice, to repent is a continual process of action, baptism must be cognitively decided (I may have made that word up...) and in order to keep the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we must stay worthy and follow its influence. And of course to continue that every moment for the rest of your life, ya that is alot. I guess that is why some would rather just ignore the existence of God completely. But they are missing out on soooo much! We know that when we learn to sacrifice a broken heart and a contrite spirit we are guaranteed, assured eternal life and all that our Heavenly Father wants for us. It is beyond worth it. I am so grateful to be here and work with these wonderful people. 
I Love you all and I keep you in my prayers always:)
S Laskou,
Sestra Schoen
 
THEN...in her e-mail to me (Courtney, her sister)...
Not much time to respond back much, I had to jump off for some guy then wait to get back on, had to coerce the librarian a bit to let me...kinda a ridiculous system and I could tell she was hesitating to let me pay again to get back on after his time had expired, but I love her anyway!!! grin and bare it. literally, I feel like we just grin and bare our testimony, I might have spelled that wrong. 
 
I love my little trainee, Sister Daugirda, the name is really throwin the czechs for a loop lol. She is really sweet, its like being with Giselle as a companion from Enchanted. She is from SLC Utah and this is the most opposition she as faced in her life, so I just want her spirits to stay up. We love studying together though from the scriptures so it is awesome. Looked outside just now...its raining. poop. no umbrella. yay!!!! haha my companion is going to love this. :) I love you all and I am glad you and mom are buying everything for me:) and the sleeper sofa sounds awesome. Excited to visit:)

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Shostravan my little one around :)

IM TRAINING!!!!  :D Dream come true! I am so stoked to train in Ostrava. I also am emailing from.... MLADA BOLESLAV!!!! Funness. I am here with Sister Smith, she is from Logan, Utah and shares my first name, her brother served in my home mission, and she knows the Brenchleys and the Warnicks (insert Courtney's note: the Warnick and Brenchley families were two families from our ward in Keller, Texas, that moved to Logan, Utah after spending years in Keller) Crazy right? She was follow-up trained by the amazing Sister Woodworth :)

So we have just been loving the past couple hours travelling back from Prague to my old stomping ground. She is a doll. I will miss Sister Senkane but she is off to bigger things and more adventures and we will still see each other around so its fine. She is in Pardubice opening up a Sisters area. So it was fun to talk to her about that. I am so excited to meet my greenie! I don't know her at all so it will be a surprise. She is getting in tomorrow and I will meet her on Wednesday and head back to Ostrava to do some WORK! It'll be awesome. 
 
Have I mentioned how excited I am about this??! We had a lot of investigators at church on Sunday and I am excited for them all to meet the new sister. We are going to see miracles for sure this transfer. I love Ostrava but it is really awesome that I can be in MB for a day and a half because Sister Smith is also waiting on her trainee so we are hitting it hard here until then. MB still has a huge part of my heart, like every city but I miss it still. I love the people in Ostrava too, they are so fantastic and supportive for the missionaries, I have never felt so loved by a branch. I love being a missionary, its so awesome.

This weekend we did service at an older members property. It was hard work...woooo!!!!! I have missed the "get in there and get your hands dirty" kind of work so ripping out weeds a mile-long and pruning hedges and clearing brush was much needed and therapeutic almost. All that was missing was some late 70's early 80's  classic rock from the Bose stereo in the background and I would have thought I was home. She was really grateful and we were soooo happy we could do it for her, we are going to go back out likely this Saturday to do some more. 

Yay! I am sorry these messages are so out of order, and scatter-brained. I just type what comes to mind. I love you all so so sooo very much!!!!!! I am beaming at the screen at this very moment. I am nervous for training but if there is anything my awesome trainer taught me, its to love the people, never quit trying and love the work!!!! So its exciting to remember this basic, foundational things. Let's go!!!

Monday, August 4, 2014

Ostravalue your time

Hello everyone! It is a rainy-day in Ostrava again! I thought Texas had bipolar weather...yikes! This is the last week of the transfer and who knows what will be happening next week. Stay tuned on that one! But this past week was awesome we have some new progressing investigators and even more miracles! I love how miracles are never-ending. Heavenly Father doesn't have a limit to how many He can give. He is truly a God of Miracles. I am finding this more and more every day.

I know that He loves His children and provides a means for us to accomplish whatever is for our good. I have also come to learn more and more why we refer to Him as our Father in Heaven so often. When we understand what that role truly means, we come closer to him. It is not simply a one-sided title, it implies a strong connection, you cannot be a father without children and you don't often refer to any man as your father... unless it is on accident, in which case it then hits the awkward-level rather quickly... anywho. The role of a parent is to nurture, protect, teach, and most importantly to love. So that means that the Creator of all things the infinite and eternal Being perfectly fills all those qualities. We know that His purpose is to bring to pass our eternal salvation, that does not sound like a lazy parent who allows His children to run a muck and cause havoc. So when we comprehend what His role is, we then must introspectively discover what our role as His children is. Because as children, we ultimately rely on our parents for more understanding and wisdom than we currently have, no matter how much of a prodigy-child we are.

I recommend to all to thoroughly contemplate how to better fulfill our roles as children of a Heavenly Father and then recognize how your overall happiness and satisfaction in life improves. I know this is true and I am so grateful for the knowledge that I am a daughter of God who loves me and I love Him. I love you all and I am so grateful for your examples of spiritual strength<3

s Laskou, 
Sestra Schoen

Monday, July 28, 2014

PICS!

Visiting castles, confusion looking at bus schedules, and more.


These hills were alive with the sound of music, interestingly enough.
This picture accurately demonstrates the confusion of bus schedules
Just walking about the castle. No big deal.
Sister Senkane and Sister Schoen (on P-day, thus the casual l

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Just a short note this week


We went to a castle today and it was a blast! Will send mo pics next week! And try to get some letters out soon! Thank you all for your wonderful support, I love you all so very much and I love it here in the great CZ. This truly is a great adventure!!!
s Laskou,
Sestra Schoen

Monday, July 14, 2014

Ostravalelujah!!!

Howdy All!
Great week this week and I absolutely loved all your emails. I am loving Ostrava, it is just go,go, GO! all the time. woo! We are doing really well together and I just adore Sistser Senkane, she is such a an amazing example for me. I love her insight on things and its great that we are just enough different that it is not boring, but also just enough similar that we get along really well. She is like the peanut-butter and I am like the jelly. :) I love you all sooo very much!!! Words cannot express it adequately. But just imagine I am squeezing all of you just as tight as I can!!! <3
s Laskou,
Sestra Schoen
PS. I have been making more and more jokes in czech:) And people besides me are laughing. That doesn't even happen in english haha. (insert Napolean Dynamite "YES...")

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Ostrava-lanche of Awesomeness!

First off. You all lose! I have gotten several brief mentions of Cassidy's 15 minutes of fame in reference to so you think you can dance but no actual information or a story.... You're trying to drive me mad aren't you??



 Haha I am so soooo excited to hear more about it as sooon as possible! This week was great, we had some awesome lessons and miracles of course. That group of friends are good, we talked to them for a bit again but the whole pulling out of the world is proving to be difficult. The world's influence is a very strong force here, as I am sure it is everywhere, but man it's irritating! We attempted to celebrate 4th of July in our own way... burgers and contacting people on freedom! (and that morning I may have blasted Celine Dion's God Bless Americe and Im Proud to Be an American by Al Green). My poor Latvian companion was I'm sure a tad annoyed with my cheesy, eccentric pariotism but #represent.

On the way to a training in Prague weeks ago with my new companion, Sister Senkane


We went contacting as a district (btw there are 6 missionaries total in our branch Cam) in a park and talked about how God has given us the ability to choose and he wants us to keep our freedom and also know how to use it wisely. That is something that is engrained in my heart and although I can't rant on politics persay, I can rave about what a blessing it is to be free to make our own decisions. Liberty is priceless. But some take it for granted or rather, dont thoroughly understand it. We have 100% control of what we do, what people forget is that we dont have control of the consequences. But if we know the outcome we want we can make the most of the decisions we make in order to achieve that outcome. Thereby using our ability to choose correctly. If we direct our lives to achieve a distant point we will achieve it and learn in the process. The quote, "aim small, miss small" comes to mind. The idea that we are tossed about by the many choices around us is absurd and in actuality robs us of the freedom to choose for ourselves. Opposite of popular opinion, we do not have to try everything even the harmful things the world has to offer. That is just pressure to satisfy a public demand. We have to make smart decisions so we are not held captive to negative consequences. If we know that doing something brings a less-than-desirable result, let us use our noggin's to direct us towards a new path that will help us actually grow. I feel like that is logical. Rant of the week again. Apologies. Just been on my mind. I love you all!

Monday, June 30, 2014

But Ostrava-l, I love it here!

Howdy Ho!!!

So we had a very miraculous week. I have really seen how increased faith directly affects the increase in miracles. Funny how it says that in the scriptures. When someone cancelled a lesson (which is fairly often) we would continue contacting and find someone and teach them a lesson and set up to meet again.

the YW in our branch
Love our YW, grateful to have my dream calling as a YW leader!

In one particular case we approached a group of 5 friends hanging out at a park. They were all around 25ish. We walked up and began talking to them, they were all laughing, finding their weak attempts to mock our strange topic of conversation comical. We pressed on, undeterred and asked the leader of the pack a simple question, "How do you overcome problems?". He couldn't lie and say he didn't have any, and began to think about it more, which led them all gradually to really listen to us. We continued talking to them, they payed more and more attention, we taught them how to pray and each one of them was excited to pray, acknowledging that God exists and would answer them. And we set up to meet with them all again. It was awesome! 
 
Sometimes I replay situations like this from a bird's-eye point of view and am happy with myself that what could have pushed me away before my mission, feeling silly for approaching them and running out of musto to continue, fueled me even more to say what we had to say. I think of the words of Paul "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" and I also truly know that I can do "all things through Christ which strengtheneth  me". 
 
It has been raining here really bad yesterday and today. I am not the biggest fan of the rain FYI but the work goes on, and there is something gratifying about running through the rain to catch a tram. I kinda wanna scream at the top of my lungs "MISSIONARY WOOORRKK!!!" Feeling all hard-core like but I refrain...most of the time ^_^ It's awesome. So yesterday we were everywhere in Ostrava visiting people, at the end of the day we had the choice whether to go home for dinner or continue... so we continued on. 
 
As we are walking through the rain (we didnt bring our umbrellas because we didnt see a cloud in the sky that morning) a car pulls over to us. (Bird's eye view moment- usually I would be a little scared by such a situation but I didn't feel any danger) the man asked us if we were from another denomination who also work in two's preaching. We replied no and said who we were then he was stunned that we were not from the CZ so he parks and gets out to talk to us more. He had seen us at the other end of town and was so confused why people our age would be spending our time doing such a thing instead of 1000's of other things we could be doing. We told him why:) Ended up teaching him a lesson. All goes to show what diligence can do. 
 
I know the Lord is behind us, who can be against us? Grateful for all the lessons I am learning here. I love you all and so sorry I don't have a ton of time to email you all back. Scraping for time always on this here computer. You are the bestest family ever!!! <3
 
 s Laskou,
Sestra Schoen

Monday, June 23, 2014

Make the mOstrava-t!

So this week has been awesome, a lot of highs and a couple lows. Great news! We got a ton of potential investigators. Not so great news... our phone got stolen. Great news! We had most all the numbers written down except for one (but I am praying we meet her again so it will happen). We got a new phone the next day at the specialized training with Elder Teixceira...still don't know quite how to spell his name but anywhos it was AWESOME!!! He really hit the nail on the head with what we needed to hear. We have had a miraculous week and I am so excited for more!

We are really thrusting in our sickles(<="you know you're a mormon when" moment much?) I love serving here and learning more and more daily. I am so glad yall have had awesome weeks on vacation traveling to different parts of the world like Court and Cam and even Cassidy (Six Flags counts), and I'd say Dal and I are on praycation at the moment. I really liked Dal's comment about praying at least 5 times a day. I think that is the habit that will absolutely never go away, just how often we need to pray for strength, courage, peace, energy, knowledge you name it, I've prayed for it. The best part is... I see the results!!! How awesome is that??! It is because God not only exists, He for some reason loves us despite our weaknesses.

That is why we teach people to pray first. That is like the life-blood of our testimonies and we want them to build that testimony and faith individually so personal, powerful prayer is vital. I love this gospel!!! I know it is true and I am learning so much being in a new city with an awesome companion like Sister Senkane. At first, not going to lie, I felt like one of those shrieking plants from Harry Potter (I cant believe I have forgotten what they are called!:P please write back what they are so I can sleep), uprooted from what I knew and loved but I think I am sinking in here and really gaining alot of knowledge and strength in the process. I love you all sooooo stinkin much and pray for you always! <3

Monday, June 16, 2014

Ostravan' about this awesome city!

Hey family, This is a special email to you all because I don't have too much time sorry, and I think I forgot my brain on the tram, so sorry in advance for the randomness of this email. Firstly, I'm a huge idiot. Dadio, I cannot believe I spaced last emailing and didn't wish you a happy father's day. You are the best dad in the WORLD. Everyday I am more and more grateful for you and your devotion and support to our family. Spiritually, emotionally, financially (which by the way I had to buy some new shoes, my other ones were beat... it seems my wardrobe is finally getting the wear and tear of a year out so I may do a little more shopping today too but not a lot and I promise that is all!) I am so glad girls camp went well without a hitch and that yall enjoyed yourselves (with some diet coke too!!!! woo! and glad no cars were damaged in the process;) i know that sonic well). I miss the Texas heat, though that is easy to say in cooler climate. Dal, that has gotta be tough sweatin' in the dress pants, you'll get a nice farmers tan though. That's what you get for reapin' and sewin' in the field for so long right? budump-ch!!! Speaking of drums, cool opportunity going to Uncle Walter's concert!
on the left is a recent convert, middle is Sestra Senkane of Latvia, and on the right is a very tired looking me.

So excited for Courts and Cams cruise and this Book of Mormon tour, I will want to see these pics please! How cool is that?? And speaking of unbelievable, wow Auntie Barbara! I will keep them in my prayers. That is tough stuff.

I am soooo excited about this cabin (insert Courtney's note: my parents are thinking about building a cabin at the family's property in Oklahoma)! Woah! And the reunion, neato. Sounds like a ton is happening over there.

I am doing well, hard to be away from MB, I know that city like the back of my hand, then coming here...humbling. But I love Sister Senkane she is so neat and a we get-along wonderfully. This week we have already seen so many miracles, we have gotten 22 numbers from people and a promising new investigator so we are excited. We plan on really working hard and dedicating ourselves 100% to the Lord. It is just taking me a bit to get into my skin here, but already I know it will come in time and effort.

some Ostrava architecture for ya. more to come!


This week some big-shot from the church is coming through the Czech Republic so we have training in Prague on Wednesday. All of us will be on our best behavior. I think his name is Elder Texiera or something, I am sure he is a spiritual giant but I am not so excited since it takes us all day by train to get to Prague and back. Cam, you noticed that- it takes almost 4 hours to get to Prague. So much traveling and there is so much to get done here, but I am sure I will love it. I am loving the work here and getting my feet under me but I have a good feeling about Ostrava (and Mom, don't worry we are safe I think they just call it the Czech Detroit because of the grim atmosphere of the city and they don't actually know what Detroit is like), Cassidia, glad you get along with those girls and won the dance competition, you are amazing!, Young Womens is so awesome.... :) I miss it...but not for long! Guess what? I got my dream calling in the branch here, we are over the Young Women Program!!! Woo! So we have 2 girls and our investigator sometimes comes. I am superdeedooper excited!!!!!  I am praying for yall always!!!!!!!!!!!

this is a panalok. They used to all be just gray but after communism they have gotten very colorful..

Monday, June 9, 2014

OSTRAVA!!!

Yup that's right. I am now in the far eastern city of the Czech Republic:) It is referred to as the "little Detroit of the Czech Republic"haha (shout-out to Cam!) I cried when I was told Friday night that I would be leaving. I absolutely adore Mlada Boleslav and all the wonderful people there, but here's to a new city with new adventures and friends! Saturday was pretty stressful, we had a concert that night in Jicin and were waiting on the infamous "transfer calls". We were on edge all day, but when our bus was late from Boleslav to Jicin we had an opportunity to talk to a fellow we over-heard speaking english. Long-story short, he came to the concert and to church the next day and is really awesome! But when we were teaching him in Jicin when we arrived there, President McConkie called to tell us where we were going, when sister Steglich told him we were in a lesson he told us to call him back...that was at around 3.30 in the afternoon. We tried calling him back but his phone was busy.

We go through the concert (which went swimmingly) still nothing. So we are on the way home and it is late- around 9pm (yes, my definition of "late" has definitely changed mom and dad). He talked to Sister Steglich then to me. Sister Steglich is in a trio (again!) and I am with Sister Senkane who is from Latvia and completely amazing. She is 21, studied bio-chemistry at BYU Provo and is two transfers behind me I believe, she served in Brno before this and served with Sister Huggard this past transfer. I am so stoked to be here and tram-contact again. There are sooo many people here so I am excited to go-hard in contacting. :)

We travelled this morning to Prague where I met with a young elder who was coming to Ostrava too. Man, packing all the stuff I had from this past half a year was not so fun, lugging it around the country, oddly-enough, even less fun. It reminded me of my first transfer though running with my heavy luggage in the heat and loving it:) (Shout out to Sister Woody!!!<3) In the train-station, we couldn't find Sister Huggard (who is now Sister Hicken's comp in Prague) so we were all trying to find her so I took the MB phone and Sisters Hicken and Steglich took the Prague phone (every area has its own designated phone that the missionaries use). We found her, no worries:) Transfer days are cray-cray. Let's send foreigners across the country with all their belongings and most-often without a phone....-_- The Lord truly is protecting us all that there are not more stories of MIA missionaries on transfer-days. So me and Elder Petty get on our train with a few minutes to spare, only to find the MB phone in my bag.

My heart dropped and though I didn't think it possible, I sweat even more. I called the Sister Hicken, she was with the other two sisters headed back to the metro. She answered and said sister Steglich was running back. So I start high-tailing it in that direction telling the poor 2nd-transfer missionary to watch me and I spot a glimpse of her across the station (bigger/similar size as the one in Harry Potter)  we ran into an epic embrace and quick pep-talk then its off-to-the-races again back to the train. I made it and we all lived happily ever after:)

It's been a crazy-awesome couple of days and I am so pumped to work here in Ostrava. It gets a bad rap, but I think its like the diamond in the rough (shout out to Dal-err. Elder Schoen) Me and Sister Senkane will get-along really well and I don't have my card-reader to upload pictures but next time for sure! I have loved all your emails and support!

I heard about Brother Goode coming to Prague how neat is that! Very sweet of him to look for me and too bad we just missed each other. I love hearing how everything is going there and all the successes. I will be praying for yall at Girl's Camp. I was always such a girls camp geek. Whatever, it was cool. I hope you have a wonderful, spiritually uplifting time there. Sometimes it really does take escaping to nature to remember the deeper things plus, there's no excuse not to let the tears flow when you're not wearing make-up. haha I love you all so very much!!!!!!!! And I hope you survive the Texas/New Mexico/Oklahoma heat! So very blessed to be here in the Czech Republic and serving the Lord! I know that this gospel is 100% true. And I am working to be the person I want to become, more like my Savior Jesus Christ.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Almost Mlada Time!

​Hello all! So this is the week before transfers so it is very likely my last in MB. I have been here for 6 months and it is not common for missionaries to stay longer than that in an area. It's been a tough last couple of weeks not going to lie... seems that the "learning moments" just keep piling on. We went on a run this morning though and I already feel a little weight lifted maybe both literally and metaphorically haa. I do miss some hard-core runs to release pent-up stress but that's okay, I am finding new outlets. This week we had a concert in Liberec, I was able to borrow a flute to perform with so that was awesome. 
 
 
 
And this week we have another in Jicin, so basically we are going on tour. Sister Steglich rocks on the guitar and is really musical so she has orchestrated it all very well. I have been very grateful for the time we have served together and I know that we will continue to be friends after the mission. It is kinda impossible not to be, once you have these hard experiences together it bonds you in a way that really cannot be counterfeited. But something I am learning more and more is the relationship I have with the Savior should be the strongest we have. I loved reading "Jesus the Christ", so enlightening. And I love John 15, one verse that struck me was 18 when He says (paraphrased) "Marvel not that the hate you, they hated me before they hated you." I get so frustrated when people turn on us when I know we aren't doing anything wrong but right and they have the nerve to get upset about it... And I see it with others working in the name of Christ. If it only brings about good, why are people so obsessed with tearing it down? A mystery. But I know that what I am doing is good and right in the sight of God and I would rather be in good terms there than in the opinions of imperfect people around me. Which is a more worthy cause, obedience to a higher more rewarding code of ethics or falling to the trends and fashions of today?

But in other great news, we went to a concert for Nadeje, the night-shelter where we teach English and it was at a Kostel or Catholic cathedral. Well we walk in and it is packed with people getting ready and they (the workers at Nadeje) had been asking us  over and over if we were going and as we walk in Ivona, the head-manager sees us and runs over and guides us to the very front and sits us down on the front-row reserved seats.. :O We were sitting on the same row as all the big-wigs of the city. 
 
 
All the cameras for the paper and everything were taking pics the whole time. And I am just dumb-founded and all I kept think was, "I really wish I had done my hair today." kicking myself. Who woulda known it was going to be such a high-class experience?? And during it they had a slide-show and there I am on the huge screen, whhhaaattt??? And during it they thank our church, which is huge because all these other head preachers and pastors are there and they all know our church and are the main source of push-back here because they claim we're a cult. WEM (insert Courtney's note: for those of you unfamiliar with forehead/finger slang...Turn you fingers into a W, then E, then M, then make the "L" sign infront of your forehead, now do it quickly and say "What Ever Major Loser."). Then afterwords they escort us to the VIP section for refreshments and we talked to some people there. It was AWESOME. Though I definitely had "deer-in-the-head-lights" look on the entire time, still kinda in shock. But it was one of the cooler opportunities because we were able to unite with the other Christians in a good cause. And that is what we are about "the unity of the Faith" and accepting all truth. I love the Czech Republic and I am so blessed to be here!!!! <3 And I have like nooo time to email yall back so just expect something in the mail later. I have spent too much on this one sorry! Praying for you all and am so grateful for all your support!!!!
 
These pics were from a lunch appointment with Sister B. I just love her!!! She was one that Sister Hicken and I repeatedly visited and she was never home. Then one day we called her and she said we could come over right then so we ran over there. I think it was the perfect timing of the Lord. He works miracles. Glad I can *taste the rewards!
 
 
 
These are ovocne knedliky with tvaroh. Very very sweet but great!

Monday, May 26, 2014

May 26 (Short E-mail)

 I will get a longer email to you next week with more details and juicy things but thank you for your support and prayers. "Pheobe" is doing well, "H" not so much..ehh. But have no fear, it's the work of the Lord!!!! :D
Love you love you looooove you!!!!!!
Sestra Schoen

and Happy Birthday Cam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 27!! woop woop!!:D

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Boleslav One-Another

Hey yall!
 So we technically spent our P-day in Prague on Saturday. It sounds alot more ritzy than it was, it was raining the entire time and we went there for a Relief Society Activity that our investigator ("Pheobe") wanted to go to. The activity was really great, it was focused on Humanitarian Aid being provided all over the world and how we can personally help. It is great to remember the admonition of the Savior to love one another and demonstrate that love through action. It makes me so grateful for the blessings of health and safety that I have had my whole life. We were there from 10-2pm then there was a baptism that she wanted to stay for so we killed time walking around Prague for 3 hours...in the rain. I was sopping. That wasn't so great. But hey. at least she stayed to watch the baptism! It was worth it. Then yesterday we didn't have time to allot to emailing so ergo my emailing late today. Summer weather is finally springing up! I am loooooooving it. I have always been solar-powered so I am excited to let the golden-sun shine-down on me. I am avoiding the shade for the time being. I loved reading all y'alls emails this week and sorry if I haven't done as great a job responding. There is so much I would like to say but am limited to the awkwardness of my hands and time limit. Yes, my terminal awkwardness has now spread into my hands. A cure has yet to be found. All I can say is I will be excited to respond in-full when I get home, but until then, happy to be out here serving with all my heart, might, mind and strength!!!
I love you all!!!! 
Keep on rollin'!!!! 
Sestra Schoen :)

Monday, May 12, 2014

Believing in the MBossible

Whatta Week!
It was so amazing to talk to yall yesterday. It was just joyous and happy and afterwards I felt so at peace. I am excited for the reunion, but until then I will be doin' work out here. I am not by any means trunkie but I am excited to think about the seismic wave of happiness that will fill the airport when I see yall again face to face. I am one blessed Sister. This week has been great we are meeting with someone new named M. We contacted him on the street, he had mild interest in the gospel, but it has been really interesting to see how he has grown in his testimony even after only a few lessons. I think he was expecting us to be really strange but when we talked about what and why we believe, he was pleasantly surprised to find that he agreed with pretty much everything we were saying. 
 
In all honesty, I feel like the Gospel actually "normal"izes me more than anything. I find that I grow in my understanding/knowledge about life-principles  due to my faith. My faith opens doors in my mind allowing for further mental-development of deeper concepts rather than locking them and terming them as "impossibilities". 

The principle of faith is largely religious in connotation but the fundamental of faith is experimentation, which the majority of people, believers and non-believers, can agree to be a valid method of discovery. So why then are there so many who genuinely fear faith? I am amazed when I approach people here, how many upon the mere mention of the word faith react with volatile disdain. They cringe at thought of religion because it includes believing in what cannot be seen, which when in reference to God, is idiotic in their eyes. And to an extent they have a valid concern. In their history here in the Czech Republic, there was/is a plague of what I will refer to as "blind-believing" or following a leader without knowing why.

The stories of children who died because they were not allowed to receive the blood-transfusion that would have saved their lives, or all their relatives' property being rendered to the church, or even hearing sermons about how God is "everything and nothing" which to the educated sounds like a fairytale and not a legitimate explanation of the existence of man and the universe.

When looking at it through their eyes I can see their caution with regards to faith. But if there is something I know about my faith, it is that it does not cause or is the result of stupidity/naivety. My stupidest moments have resulted from my inability to follow the feelings of the Holy Ghost (my parents can attest to that). Even though I am speaking a ridiculously hard language, attempting to teach people (the majority at least twice my age) somehow I don't feel like a bumbling idiot. In fact, I don't think I can recall a time when I felt so smart.

Walking through a dark room trying to analyze the contents by sound, smell, and touch can be effective, there may be some who are experts at it, but faith opens our eyes and helps us see what was hidden behind our own lids of doubt. We don't have to follow blindly, if we will use our faith to unlock the doors we can explore for ourselves what our Heavenly Father wants us to do to become our wisest self. 
That's my little rant of the week. :)  

I love you all and am so grateful for your support! <3
Sestra Schoen

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Mlada to say...not a mlada time.

So this sunday I will be able to see yall face to face!!!! Whattt??? How crazy is that? I am so stoked to talk to you. It is just hard before-hand because I have so much to say but like no time (45 min) so in advance, please forgive me if I sound like a bumbling idiot. I may also say things strangely, I have been saying things rather "czechly" or with czech word-order so apologies in advance. I have so much to tell yall so I am really excited. But right now, I don't really know what exactly to type about... so hmm. Had an awesome sunday yesterday, a couple investigators at church, I will tell you more about them Sunday but one is on baptismal date and the other is almost. Seeing a ton of miracles still here in MB and so happy to still be here. I have seen it grow so much. :) I am so pumped to talk to yall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

(Response to Courtney's e-mail)

The scenery here is beautiful but still it is easy to get homesick, I feel ya. Those are the times we just need to work and distract our minds from what we are missing and focus on the future and blessings we have, because we are sooooo blessed!!!!!!!!!!! The knowledge we have about our Heavenly Father's eternal plan and how we can achieve forever-lasting happiness. Sometimes we have to remember that although we don't like the storms, they are necessary in order to provide nourishment for the land. And there is then further opportunity for further growth and development. I am so grateful for you Court and I am so so soooo excited to talk to you and Cam and the whole fam on Mother's day. I love that Nala story. (in response to a story I, Courtney, told her) So typical Nala. I know exactly how she prolly reacted and bounded-in haha. :)

I know if you pray for missionary opportunities they will come. The Lord is apart of this work and it is such a privilege to be an instrument in His hands. I love being here, but I also miss you terribly. But what is a year and a half in comparison to eternity right? and I want others to have that opportunity to be with their loved-ones too. Because that brings me so much joy and solace.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Happy Late MBster! ("Easter")

Hey yall! So our Easter was great! We went to a castle "Trosky" and it was a blast.




Sunday was a wonderful day too. I love it in MB more than ever. We are seeing miracles
 right and left. So on Monday (Easter Monday) lesson cancels, we go contacting get shot down hard-core a couple of times, then I see this lady trying to run to catch her bus and the bus driver just keeps going (I may need to repent for the harsh feelings I have for bus drivers) Anywho, so we walk up behind her and I see her shoulders sink down a couple stories, and it broke my heart, so we start talking to her...she walks the entire street with us (passing her own house come to find out later) and we sat and taught her the plan of salvation and helped her recognize moments in her life when she felt God's influence. Once she started she rattled-off at least 5 different occasions, talking about a "small voice in her heart of head" that warned her, or when she felt comfort after pleading for solace after the death of her husband, etc. It was a beautiful experience and I really felt like a representative of Christ uplifting her spirits. Then after that we contact this guy who just recently moved here from Slovakia and taught him a lesson on the street and set up another lesson with him. It was sooo amazing. The Lord is truly behind this work. As hard as it was to be away from my family this Easter, seeing families outside enjoying the fresh-air together and playing, I feel like it has been the most impactful Easter that I have ever had because my "celebrating" mainly entails doing what He would have me do, share this message of hope and joy. How else in this crazy world can we find peace and solace than from the message of Him who gave His entire life and all His energie for the betterment of mankind? He truly "overcame" the world and we do not need to fear. It is near-impossible to express the sweetness of the message of the gospel. But I am trying. Because I know it is true. It is the only thing that truly picks us up, brushes us off and gives us a hug when we feel utterly trodden down and discouraged. And you can't know that without trying it. But I am so confident that it works that I want everyone to at least try it for themselves. I am so grateful to be in the Czech Republic. It's tough stuff sometimes, not gonna lie. But I feel God's presence and support and that gives me the deepest joy. I love you all so much and I hope yall had an amazing Easter!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

I'm all Mlada Pluns

Hey yall!
What a great week! It has been an awesome first week of transfers, really cool to serve with Sister Steglich again and see how we have both matured in our missionary work and have just so much excitement for the area here. We are thick as thieves. This week we had our relief society activity in MB, so I was stressin about that big time. With Sister Hicken gone, and Sister Steglich is getting adjusted to the area, I felt a lot of pressure with it. But, thankfully people came and we made the flowers and I even made muffins...(I know!). So it turned out well. We had 2 investigators there and it was the first official unveiling of our office to the branch. And it was great to have them enjoy it and I hope that they will start having more regular ones now that they feel the joy that comes with getting together to do something for service in the community. These flowers are for a local night-shelter beneficiary concert as gifts to those that attend. I love feeling so embedded in the city here and actually of-use. And you definitely have greater love for those you serve. And on Saturday and Sunday was conference and thanks to an amazing member in Prague that Sister Steglich is close to, we were able to get it on a USB and permission to watch conference at our office! But we were trying to get people there and like Dal said, its hard for people to get to conference but we had on awesome turn-out and we watched it in Czech and it was awesome! The spirit was so strong and we had 3 investigators there on Sunday and I think they enjoyed it. I know I did. I love this city and am loving the work!!!! :D Feeling absolutely blessed. Love you all and may you have a wonderful EGGcellent Easter!!:)
I am reading Jesus the Christ still and it is truly my favorite book. My testimony of the Savior and his integral role in the plan, our faith, and our lives has deepened so much!
s Laskou,
Sestra Schoen

Monday, April 7, 2014

So It's Boleslav-icial....

And the news is.... I am still in MB (Mlada Boleslav)!!! and with....Sister Steglich!!!! That's right! One of my companion's from my second trio :) I love her dearly and I am so grateful the Lord is spoiling me like he does. We are so pumped for this week and have a ton of work we want to get done. Sister Hicken is in Prague as a Sister Trainer Leader so I will get to see her occasionally. I love this city and I am so stoked for the miracles that are no doubt going to happen this transfer! I loved all your emails and get such a power surge from them! I am so stoked for Conference this weekend (we wait a week until it is translated into Czech). 
I am so excited for conference this week and I hope some of our investigators come! We have a lot more work to do here but I am so grateful the weather is being so gosh-darn gorgeous and we can start teaching outside in the glorious sun!!! 
 
We have been working with the branch more here we met with the relief society president and this week we are having another activity but this time in MB and I am super stoked! I am so excited to include more experiences of the miracles we have this week! Because I know we are going to have sooo many!!!!:D We are just thick as thieves and are going to raise our vision here and really "get ur done!!!"
We are just so pumped and I looooooove being a missionary! :D
Sestra Schoen