Okay, I'm sorry I'm sorry!

I was giving addresses out based on the only 2 visible to me, BT Gabi's dad has now confirmed to me her address, so without further ado, you can write her at:


Sister Gabriela Cristel Schumacher
1591 East Temple Way
California Los Angeles Mission
Los Angeles, CA 90024-5801


Also as I said, Dearelder.com is very user friendly!  Unfortunately I think you DO have to sign up for an account, but once you do, you can just enter her address, pay the price of postage, and write her a line!  They print out your letter and send it out, without you having to drop it in the mailbox!

Week one!

This is a message I was sent from Gabi during week 3 at the MTC!  She is learning a lot about scheduling, teaching people who are interested in the gospel, working with other missionaries, scripture study habits and more!

"I have been way busy! BUT I LOVE IT! It is crazy scary work but I can't wait to do it.  Plus, I only have to do stuff to have the spirit with me and HE does the REAL work. The MTC is AMAZING.  They take such wonderful care of us. My teachers are awesome, my companions are amazing and my district is incredible!  Seriously, I love love love my district.  Its pretty crazy but their like family now.  We all hang out and do as much as possible together. <3  This is pretty short but I'm running out of time. I love everyone and miss them!  PLEASE WRITE =] I wont to hear from my lovely family and friends. 

All my love,

gabi"

She is having a great time but she's needing letter love!  Send her a snail mail letter to:



Sister Gabriela C. Schumacher
California Los Angeles Mission
10777 W Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

OR if you are tech savvy, and would like to send her a paper letter from dearelder.com!  You do have to create an account, but its really easy, you enter her address, and then type your letter in the box, pay the price of a stamp, and voila!  They print your letter and send it to her on mail day!  Its a really easy solution if you aren't a letter mailer.  She would love to hear from all of you!!

Utah, New Mexico and home again

   My family and I went out to Provo, Utah for my brother, Dmitri's, wedding.  It was a beautiful trip!  We stayed in the home of Dmitri and Jenna's Bishop (who's name I can not remember at this moment =[ ).  They were so generous and kind with us and we were able to feel at home in their home.  Tuesday night, when my parents and I came to Utah, we rented a car and found our way (eventually) down to Dmitri's place in Provo.  When we got there I ran up to the door and knocked.  He opened it and I jumped into his arms for a giant bear hug.  I miss him so much, its nice to know he misses me too.  After that we waited around for him to finish some music stuff for the wedding and then he lead the way (on his bright red scooter) to the Bishop's home.

   That evening we spent time together as a family, it is a rare occasion when we are all able to be together.  All  6 of us got into a 5 passenger car (we are NOT little people) the ride over was interesting, the ride back was a little more comfortable but not by much. Haha, Dmitri sat in the front sit and managed to fit me on his lap. When we returned to the house, Dmitri played a few games with me and then headed home.  Wednesday, My parents, Lubi and Jeremy, and I went out after breakfast and just hung out until we had to meet up with the Tolboes' and Dmitri for lunch.  We eat in an Italian restaurant that Petry took Jenna to for their first date.  After lunch we drove around, then headed home.  The men went out for a Bachelor's dinner and we women went to see Kristen our cousin.  We thought that she was in town by herself so we made a serious effort to get to her.  To our surprise, our lovely  Aunt Tony was there as well.  We had a good time together, chatting and going out for a light dinner.  We called Dmitri to come over after his party and made Aunt Tony hide in the bathroom.  He came in and I got him going on some topic.  Right as he started to explain something to me my Aunt Tony walks to his side.  He didn't notice until I looked in her direction and then he jumped up and picked her up in the air. I'd say it was a good night for us all.
   Thursday - The day of the wedding.  We got up and went to breakfast at Neaders in our PJs.  Then headed home and started the beautification process.  On big events it takes a couple of hours ... or more, haha.  The sealing was held in The Mount Timpanogos Temple.

It was gorgeous!  I couldn't believe I was able to be there.  Honestly could NOT have wished for more and it wasn't even my day!  Jenna was shining with all the love and excitement in the World and Dmitri was gushing with overwhelming happiness.  He was quite literally crying through the entire process and as a resolute so were the rest of us.  I can't explain how happy I was for him.  I knew how much he has wanted this and it was finally happening.  My feelings for the day... excited, happy, over joyed, overwhelmed, and I missed him terribly.  By that I mean,  now I really have to share my brother.  I love Jenna and I am so so happy she is part of our eternal family now but it did hit me pretty hard that she isn't just his girlfriend.  She is his wife, they are creating a new, entirely different life together.  It was just very new for me but, I can not WAIT to be an Aunt! hahaha!  After the sealing and pictures the Schumacher clan went to the Food Court in the Mall for lunch. =] I love my family, haha. The reception was beautiful, and there were so many wonderful people there.  I even got to dance with my brother, which of course ended in tearful hugging.  I also danced with Lubi, Jaye,Christian, Mommy, Jenna and Daddy.  A few good friends also stopped by and that is always good.  If you were to ask me how the wedding felt, I'd say comfortable and happy.  & On their way out, they had sparklers to light there way out of the reception hall (loved it)! 

That night my immediate family, including Christian, went to Jenna and Dmitri's new apartment to help bring gifts in and to say one last farewell.  After which we went to Brother and Sister Smith's and chatted for a bit with the family.
FRIDAY - well, I left for New Mexico and my family stayed an extra day in Utah and flew out Saturday.  While in NM I finally meet my friend Matt A. in person.  Before it had only be through phone and internet.  Don't worry, I didn't randomly meet him and give him my information.  He is very good friends with one of my best friends, Lee Anna. I stayed in NM until Tuesday and I was able to spend my time just relaxing and enjoying my time with good friends. 

Now, it is back to work time. I have Mission information still needing to be sent out and packing to get done.  People to see and places to go.  =] 

my world in motion

My thoughts on taking chances:

I am a big baby but I risk my neck even when I am scared.  I don't want to miss the opportunity that could make my life.   I am not saying that I take every opportunity that is sent my way but I try my best to not close my mind to something new and great.  I guess you could say my biggest fear is missing out on my own life. 

That may be the biggest reason it has taken me some much time to figure out what I want for myself.  Now that I have a good idea of where my life is going I am terribly excited and extremely scared of life.  Lucky me I believe that I will have my own personal companion and friend (a.k.a. Holy Ghost, for those that didn't understand where I was going with that) to help me through whatever life has to offer.