Rockin' it!

Pulled from the California Arcadia Mission (CAM) fb page. Written by Sister Schramm's companion:

Welcome to the CAM family Sister Schramm! First full day in the mission and already killing it Started her mission with some orientation meetings and volunteering with the Red Cross at a blood drive. We are already loving her drive and compassion for others!!

She's Gone

*this post was written by Sister Schramm's mom on the personal family blog. This blog post is copied portions of that family blog.*

Yesterday Corrine flew to California to begin her mission. Im not gonna lie. It was a rough day.  We had a packing party the night before.

The day before she left was Memorial Day. We decided it was a perfect time for dinner around the campfire.  Are hot dogs an appropriate "last supper"?

Before we took her to the airport, we took the kids out to lunch. It was strange eating in after Covid, but it was nice to have the place mostly to ourselves.

Jakob had to work on Tuesday so he wasn't able to come to the airport. They said their goodbyes the night before.

Thankfully, Jakob was able to call her for a few minutes while he was at work.

 

Corrine has been there for Sariah from the beginning. Im glad they are good friends!

Hayden and Corrine have a pretty good relationship. She is much more patient with him than the rest of the family. He said he is going to miss his 4-wheeling buddy.

Kate.  Kate is devastated. She has dreaded this day since Corrine opened her call. Corrine really has been Kates second mom and they are so close.  They are so much alike.  Im grateful we have a little mini Corrine around to help take the sting away. My heart breaks every time I look at Kate. She has been so sad.

I cried. I didn't cry a ton till we got to the airport, but I couldn't keep it in after that. I still can't. I'm constantly leaking.

Only one person could take Corrine into the airport. We decided since mom gets the first hug when Corrine gets home, then dad gets the last hug. Corrine is such a daddies girl. They have a great relationship and I'm grateful for that.

This was a rough day.

Episode 3: Remember Them, Remember Him

Hey mis amigos y mi familia!

This was a great week and it was fairly uneventful (kinda nice for my last week since I leave on Tuesday! Crazy stuff!) Someone needs to go listen to “One Day More” for me. (While you’re at it, listen to all of Les Miserables… 10/10 would recommend.)

My favorite comment from a guest teacher joining our zoom is probably: “A sister district? A sistrict! I love sistricts!” Me too brother guest-teacher-guy, me too. We have a group chat that we *might* use for class commentary. Being a sistrict, we enjoy shipping teachers. We *might* have forgotten that our teacher could see said chat and all our matchmaking (evidence below). Oops. Let’s just say that there is a new group chat ;). (Also someone go listen to the matchmaker song from Fiddler on the Roof for me.) 

We have another teacher who always says things like “k friends, turn to this scripture” or “let’s do this friends.” Because we’re basically hilarious ninjas, we managed to change all our zoom names to “friend” at the same time and it was the best (probably not as hilarious for you, but it’s the most wild thing we’ve done in two weeks).

In one of the workshops I was in today, they were talking about sharing the gospel through social media. At first, I was thinking: "Oh great, here we go again! I know exactly what they’re going to say." But as I was listening, I decided it would be good to actually try reaching out and doing something. My mum and I brainstormed and came up with the idea of #rememberthemrememberhim. Memorial Day is coming up, and for some, it can be very hard to reflect on those they have lost. It would be wonderful if we could share the hope that Christ brings through social media. I’d invite you to post a picture of someone you love who has passed away, along with a picture of Christ. In said post, it’d be awesome if you could share something like memories, a scripture/quote about the resurrection, your testimony, etc. We can use the hashtag #rememberthemrememberhim and hopefully it will catch on! Finally, I invite you to pray that this will reach the people who are prepared to hear this message. Even if it only goes to 100 people, if we ask for Heavenly Father’s help, I am confident it will be a tender mercy for someone in need. 

And to wrap things up, here’s the next part of your missionary discussions:

The Gospel Blesses Individuals and Families

To God, family is essential. We are all part of His family(isn't that great? We're all brothers and sisters!) Families can be together forever! In temples, husbands and wives are married for “time and all eternity,” not “until death do [they] part.” God gave us families as an opportunity to learn and grow in loving environments. God wants us to protect the family unit, and gave us the gospel as the best way to become united. However, He understands that not all family situations are ideal. He will still help us individually as we strive to make right decisions, and his gospel can still benefit us. We can make a difference in our family situation, no matter what it is. This week, I invite you to pray for your family members by name (whether you’re on good terms or not!) You will have an increase of love for your family as you do this. You may even be inspired on ways you can help your family be more united. Write those ideas down and do them! :)

I love all of you and hope that you have a fabulous week! See you in Cali!

-Sister Schramm

 Fotos: 

-I got to take pictures of my little sister before her baptism! Enjoy how adorable she is

-In my study, I'm trying to ask a question, write it down, and then just listen to the Spirit as I read. It's great! Even though I'm asking questions about time management and I'm in the war chapters, I have still gotten helpful answers

-I go on a LOT of walks. Enjoy these pictures of sunsets, my dog, and my sisters and I taking pictures in the bright sun (also, fun fact: baby ducks look like little fuzzy speedboats when they swim really fast. These are things I learn on walks.)

Episode 2: How I traversed a jungle, went on splits, and got stood up in the MTC

Y'all, my MTC experience has been thorough! I feel like I'm getting a little bit more training than I would have otherwise by doing things online. Yes, we have gospel discussions and learn teaching skills, but I've got some.... additional training ;)

For example, what sister gets to learn how to ride a bike in a skirt at the MTC? This sister! Yes, ladies and gents, it can be done! You just gotta clip up your skirt with a clothespin and mount with confidence (thanks for the tip Cera, you've saved me again)

Also, what missionary gets to go on splits in the MTC? This missionary! I was sitting happily at my desk on Wednesday doin' my online class thing, when suddenly the Zoom session drops. After multiple attempts, I can't get back in! *panic* Turns out the construction on the street outside our house cut the internet accidentally and it wouldn't be coming on for a good long while. Not being able to connect to the online makes the online MTC difficult... Thankfully, my grandma and grandpa were kind enough to adopt me for the day and I set up shop at their house! So meet my splits companion, sister grandmama! (Does that also count as a dinner appointment and meeting with a bishop? More points for missionary bingo!)

You read the subject line correctly; my companions and I had a lesson drop! (and yes, I'm officially adopted into the trio!) In the MTC missionaries are given the opportunity to do practice lessons with actors so we can understand what a real-life teaching scenario is like. This really helps us become better at listening and adapting. After a great first lesson with one gal, we made a follow-up appointment and were super excited. We got on the Zoom call and waited: 6:58....6:59....7:00!...nothing...7:02....7:05..*hmm that's odd*..7:10... We nervously joked about the MTC purposefully dropping a lesson to teach us about plans falling through. (side note: they don’t do that!) We eventually contacted the teaching center, and after a rapid exchange of emails, it was discovered that there was an error in communication. We were eventually able to reschedule, but it sure scared us for a moment! (In case your wondering, the rescheduled appointment also almost fell through but we sorted things out. We’ll teach one day!... I think)

I also had a zone conference (meeting for in-field missionaries)! "Wait!" you may say. "How can you have a zone conference in the MTC?" Let me tell you! The Arcadia Mission reached out to me and all the other newcomers (66 in total!) and invited us to join a mission wide conference! IT WAS THE BEST! Seriously, there are some wonderful people out there. My mission president's father spoke (92yrs old!) about his adventures in South America and "adventures of the spirit." (side note: he called sister missionaries "lady missionaries" and that is probably my favorite thing since playdough ice cream). It was amazing to hear all the experiences he had had and witnessed about people receiving very clear direction from the Spirit. If you ever need any direction for anything, pray for the Spirit! Try 👏it👏! God is your Father and He wants to advise you.

I also need to explain traversing the jungle... the real story is not nearly as exciting as it sounds ;). With all the construction outside our street we weren't able to park in our garage, and our neighbors graciously let us park in their backyard (shout out to the Osbornes!) Unfortunately, we couldn't walk on the sidewalk with some of the construction to get back home. What to do? My mum and I decided to climb a fence into our cow pasture and walk through the rough terrain. We barely survived! jk it was really chill, though to all the kids at home, I do not recommend climbing around in your business attire (good thing I wore slacks!)

I also got a surprise MTC package from one of my most favorite amigas, the lovely sister Cassey! (I seriously aspire to be her when I grow up!) I’m so happy I caught her and foiled her attempt to make a surprise drop-off because chatting with her was the best. What a doll. 

 Finally, I thought it would be awesome if I could close each email with a part of the missionary lessons. If you want to learn more about what I believe in, or just find out what missionaries do, or just grow closer to God, this is for you!

God is your loving Heavenly Father. He sent you here to have good and bad experiences so you would grow and become more like Him. Even though you’re apart, He still wants to communicate with you and give you peace and advice. You can share with Him your gratitude, concerns, fears, and desires in prayer. I invite you to ask Him if He is your Father and if He cares about you by praying. Be patient with your answer. God is not a vending machine who will give you an answer back right away. He is a person, and you need to build a relationship of trust. Be genuine and observant as you look for answers to your prayers, and remember that feeling His Spirit does not need to be a grand event. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith...Meekness, temperance:”-Galatians 5:22-23. Look for those feelings as an answer to your prayer. If you have questions about praying or it’s been a while since you’ve gone back to the basics, I highly recommend you check this out (and watch the short video if you want to have your day made)

Much love family and friends! You’re truly wonderful people!

Hurrah for Israel!

-Sister Schramm

Fotos (in no particular order):

-missionary monkey climbing the fence

-Grandma & Grandpa

-KATE!
-My mother’s day call home (dad kept saying: “you’re such fakers!” Well, of course, we are faking father!)

-Cassey!

-Cassey’s adorable package

-Zone conference!

-Riding a bike!

Episode 1: “In a hole in the ground there lived a missionary”

Hello amigos y familia!

First off, many of your names and faces have come to me during these first few days. Y’all are loved and remembered. Second, writing home is a solid struggle... and I haven't even left home! It's been two days and it’s already hard to keep this short. No Professor Hoff from 1051, I still haven't learned how to write concisely. ;) Anyways, I'm very excited to tell you what it's like to be in the basement Missionary Training Center! (spoiler alert: it’s phenomenal)

On Tuesday night, I was officially set apart as a missionary. To get set apart, missionaries receive a special blessing of protection and strength to represent God, while promising to live by special rules. One of the things that I love about getting blessings is how personalized and accurate the counsel is! Just another witness that God knows us individually. 

I gotta admit, Wednesday morning I was pretty nervous about the whole MTC experience and living up to being a missionary. What if I offended someone, said the wrong thing, ignored the Spirit, or did too little? I was a stressin'. I prayed about it and started my study, and so many answers! I felt like I needed to read in Doctrine & Covenants (additional scripture) and found this: "He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all...Behold, ye are little children and cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of truth. Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world." (D&C 50:26,40-41). This reminded me that I have been sent forth with power and that God doesn't expect perfection from me now. PLUS it was awesome because my mission scripture is John 16:33 and it also uses the words "I have overcome the world." To quote the Incredibles: "Coincidence? I think not!" Study with a question, prayer, and patience, and you'll find what you need (110% guarantee form Sister Schramm)   

My first class was AMAZING! It also addressed my concerns again (God sure likes repetition, doesn't He?) We studied our missionary purpose statement to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel..." It is the missionary's job to invite and help, not be perfect or have all the answers. I can do that! We also discussed how we’re not teaching the gospel because we know better or because other people are wrong; Rather, we’re teaching the gospel because God loves each of His children and wants each of them to have an opportunity to have a relationship with HIm. Additionally, He is a God of order with an organized church that offers modern revelation, community, and ordinances to help us in our journey. 

I found out that my assigned companion wouldn't be attending the MTC for a while due to health concerns. (Prayers for Sister Knouse!) Normally missionaries go out in pairs like Jesus sent them in His day (Mark 6:7), but it looks like I’m going to need to be in a trio...I mean, when your mission is already very unpredictable, might as well! ;) I still haven't technically been reassigned new companions, but Sister Murley and Sister Gunnell form my district kinda adopted me and I adore them for it. 

In the afternoon we had another class, and I tell you what, these are the most organized zoom meetings I've been in. It is very much like being in one of the church's broadcasted devotionals: countdown timers with the Tabernacle choir playing in the background, a host who takes live questions from the chat, lots of smiley people, the works. In some classes, there's been as much as 120 missionaries. We get to have little discussions during class in breakout rooms and then we get to talk to all the other missionaries after. There are so many fabulous missionaries! I got the chance to meet 4 other Arcadia Sisters! Woo! We're all hermanas buenas now, and they're the best. For a few minutes every day, I get to feel like I’m really at the MTC and I love it. I have felt an overwhelming sense of community, energy, and urgency to get the work rolling. Seriously, God wants you to know that you are loved and known. 

In one of my classes a teacher mentioned that she was from East LA area and served her mission in Michigan. Naturally, I had to ask her about it! Turns out the great Arcadia Cali mission is her home mission and she served in the Lansing mission and got the chance to teach with my lovely cousin! (Sister Wilcox remembers you Anna and says the Hales are a solid family).

Today I finally got my tag and I could not be more thrilled! (See tag pictures below for evidence of Sister Schramm’s level of thrill)

Okay this is getting long, so I’ll wrap things up with a quote that has kept coming to mind over the past few months: 

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

-Sister Schramm

www.comeuntochrist.org

P.S. (Please, please, please feel free to email questions about the online MTC, something you wanna learn more about, or just your life updates. I would LOVE to hear from any one of mi gente!)

Los Fotos:

Me entering the Bluffdale MTC! Check out the real deal 

Me & my tag

Me & my tag again (told you I was happy about it)

I got a new set of scriptures (old & new testaments, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price... I'm going to work on marking them by lesson, topics, and ways that they connect. Love seeing how they connect, especially because it was prophesied that the Book of Mormon and Bible "shall become one." Ezekial 37:15-20)

 

~Sister Schramm

Missionary Training Center

Twice a year, our church leaders speak to all members through-out the entire world. I often refer back to specific talks because they have an impact on me for many years. One talk was given in October 2007. It was given by the then General Relief Society President (leader of the women's organization within the church) and it is titled "Mothers Who Know". At the time, my children were 9, 6, 3, and two of them hadn't even been born yet. Sister Schramm specifically was the 6-year-old. Sister Beck gave a lot of advice in this talk but the one thing that really stood out to me was this quote:

"Mothers who know are always teachers. Since they are not babysitters, they are never off duty. A well-taught friend told me that he did not learn anything at church that he had not already learned at home. His parents used family scripture study, prayer, family home evening, mealtimes, and other gatherings to teach. Think of the power of our future missionary force if mothers considered their homes as a pre–missionary training center. Then the doctrines of the gospel taught in the MTC would be a review and not a revelation. That is influence; that is power."

The missionary experience starting with specific training started in 1925. The idea that Sister Schramm would be doing her missionary training at a specific building called the Missionary Training Center was never a question.

Enter Covid. Now days, it seems there is nothing that is as we thought it would always be. Sister Schramm is not entering the Missionary Training Center in Provo as originally planned. Today, she enters her bedroom with her training all on-line. Now, more than ever, the idea of our home being a pre-missionary training center has shown to be prophetic. Now, our home is very literally a missionary training center. How could we have known, when Sister Schramm was 6 years old, how things would be so different when she started this major event in her life?

Family selfie at her setting apart last night: 

                                                                                     

written by Camille Schramm (Sister Schramm's mom)

Covid Farewell

Covid-19. There isn't much else to say. Covid-19 has hit the world and changed missionary work for the time being. Sister Schramm was contacted by the church and told she needed to decide if she still wanted to do her mission in the time frame originally planed, or wait 12-18 months when the pandemic had cleared. After weeks of praying, pondering and fasting, Sister Schramm decided to continue with the plan as scheduled. Because church meetings are cancelled, there was no mission farewell as originally scheduled.  Sister Schramm did take an afternoon and visit with grandparents and say good-bye to them.

written by Camille Schramm (sister Schramm's mom)