Dee Gregoire Schonle

Jan 1980 - July 1981

When I received my call to the Bolivia La Paz Mission, I was unprepared for what was ahead.

The wonderful country and people provided amazing experiences, encounters, interactions, difficulties and challenges. Each left a vivid impact and impression on my life.

I am not the same person I was prior to my mission nor have I been the same person since my release. I continue to learn and grow and am in the process of becoming.

Selecting a lesson learned that has most influenced or shaped my life and the person I am today was a thought provoking endeavor.

I have reminisced the cultural, geographical, gastronomy, language, and religious diversification of the country, as well as the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional demands of daily missionary life..

I have also contemplated and reviewed 37 years of post mission life - family, friends, education, church service, career, etc.

Life is certainly different than I anticipated - an unsuccessful marriage, single parenthood, head of household and sole support of a family. Drawing on life experiences, many learned in the mission field, I have found joy and fulfillment, have served faithfully in my church callings and have been entrusted with many important career assignments and projects.

Of all of my wonderful experiences in Bolivia, two stand out as defining moments and life changing events.

*In the cocina of a humble home on the Altiplano, a sister pointed out two small baby food size jars containing an unidentified food substance. She was pleased to share that she was following the counsel of the prophet and had food storage. What she said next, brought tears to my eyes. She indicated that if circumstances ever necessitated the need for these items, she and her family would not want. She knew the Lord would bless them because they were doing all that they possibly could.

*A brother on the Altiplano acknowledged that the crops in his small garden plot were more plentiful and productive than those of neighbors. He attributed this blessing to the fact that he was a a full tithe payer.

These simple, humble Saints taught me so much about obedience, a behavior and attribute that I was continuing to develop.

Such cherished experiences, designed specifically for me, taught me exactly what the Lord wanted me to learn. Submitting to the will of the Lord, listening, heeding and following the counsel of the prophet and leaders has strengthened my life, home, and family.

Such lessons learned in Bolivia will always be some of the choicest experiences in my life and the basis for continual growth.. For some, it is said that their mission was the best years of their life. For me, it was the best years for my life.

It is my firm conviction that I was called to serve in the Bolivia La Paz Mission because I was being prepared. I needed relationships with specific individuals and companions and to be subjected to certain challenges and experiences only to be found there. Each of these enhanced my ability to serve and bless the lives of others and increased my faith and strengthened my testimony to meet the problems of these days

My missionary experience was one of the happiest and most rewarding periods of my life..