Karl Beckstrand's Blog, page 4
January 26, 2018
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2018
Tomorrow is Multicultural Children’s Book Day. I encourage you to check out the links here and get/give books that reflect our diverse world.
MCBD site: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/
Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: http://bit.ly/1kGZrta
MCBD2018 Book Reviewer Sign-up: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/our-programs/reviewer-tools-works/
MCBD2018 Offline Classroom Celebration sign-up: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/category/offline-classroomlibrary-event-project/
MCBD2018 Book Donator details and sign-up: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/sponsorship/sponsorship-info/authors-donate-a-book/
MCBD2018- Ways to celebrate January 22-27 http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/how-to-get-involved-in-multicultural-childrens-book-day-2018-for-a-week/
Free Classroom Empathy Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/mcbd2018s-free-classroom-empathy-kit-is-here-empathy-immigration/
Free Kindness Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/teachers-classroom-kindness-kit/
Free Diversity Book Lists and Activities for Teachers and Parents: http://bit.ly/1sZ5s8i
Diverse Books in Your Home Library: Parenting Global Kids: https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/20…
Multicultural Book blogs:
https://www.imyourneighborbooks.org
https://readingcultr.wordpress.com
Children’s Book Council, Junior Library Guild
Russian Books for Children https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/20…
5 Books with strong Arab Protagonist http://acraftyarab.com/2015/08/5-bo…
6 Arabic Dictionaries for Children http://acraftyarab.com/2014/01/6-ar…
7 Stories of Arab Friendship http://acraftyarab.com/portfolio/7-…
8 Books about Remarkable Muslims http://acraftyarab.com/2016/01/8-books-about-remarkable-muslims/
11 Arabic Folktales http://acraftyarab.com/portfolio/11…
14 Books to Introduce Teens to the Arab World http://acraftyarab.com/portfolio/14…
85 Books about the Arab World http://acraftyarab.com/2010/09/85-b…
99 Arab Children Books http://acraftyarab.com/portfolio/99…
99 Muslim Children Books http://acraftyarab.com/2016/02/99-m.
Social Media and Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with is on social media and be sure and look for/use their official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MulticulturalChildrensBookDay
Twitter https://twitter.com/MCChildsBookDay
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/readyourworldmcbd/
SPONSORS – PLATINUM: Scholastic Book Clubs
GOLD: Audrey Press, Candlewick Press, Loving Lion Books, Second Story Press, Star Bright Books, Worldwide Buddies
SILVER: Capstone Publishing, Author Charlotte Riggle, Child’s Play USA, KidLit TV, Pack-n-Go Girls, Plum Street Press
BRONZE: Barefoot Books, Carole P. Roman, Charlesbridge Publishing, Dr. Crystal Bowe, Gokul! World, Green Kids Club, Gwen Jackson, Jacqueline Woodson, Juan J. Guerra, Language Lizard, Lee & Low Books, RhymeTime Storybooks, Sanya Whittaker Gragg, TimTimTom Books, WaterBrook & Multnomah, Wisdom Tales Press
December 7, 2017
Holiday Gifts – For YOU!
I have the warmest memories of Christmas at my grandparent’s home in San Jose, California (if you’re LDS, imagine Christmas in the temple—with lots of goodies!). My Grandfather would gather us and read the Christmas story in Luke 2. We would sing, play games, and exchange gifts. My favorite treat was the rocky road candy my grandmother made with marshmallows and nuts covered in chocolate.
This year, I’m participating in a Christmas Giveaway Dec. 11th – 18th. You can visit a selection of super authors, download their FREE ebooks, and enter to win a $60 Amazon gift card. You can even enter if you are in the UK! I am offering two free ebooks (pick one): Anna’s Prayer and Muffy & Valor: A True Story of my own dog. (Contact us here and put an A [for Anna] or an M [for Muffy] after your name: http://premiopublishing.com/about-contact.php)
THREE more of my ebooks are free for everyone on Kindle this month: The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living (selected for curricula by the State of Vermont), Why Juan Can’t Sleep: A Mystery, and Polar Bear Bowler: A Story Without Words. #diversekidlit
To enter the contest for the $60 Amazon Gift Card (Dec. 11 – 18, 2017) simply:
Visit each blog (BELOW).
Leave a comment.
Click on the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this page.
Blog schedule (Go to these on the appropriate dates for prizes & chance at a gift card):
Dec. 11 – Lois Winston: Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers Blog
FREE BOOK: Elementary, My Dear Gertie
Dec. 12 – Catherine Green, Author
FREE BOOK: Christmas with the Vampires
Dec. 13 – Stanalei Fletcher Blog
FREE BOOK: Tell It Like It Is
Dec. 14 – Doree Anderson Blog
Dec. 15 – Kathryn E. Jones Blog
FREE BOOK: Tie Died
Dec. 16 – Karl Beckstrand’s Multicultural Books Blog (you’re here now!)
FREE BOOK: Anna’s Prayer OR Muffy & Valor
Dec. 17 – Marie Higgins Blog
FREE BOOK: A Thrill of Hope
December 18, 2017 – Mary Martinez’s Garden Blog
FREE BOOK: Profit (Book V The Beckett Series)
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October 14, 2017
Arrival?
I’m privileged to be among several multicultural book authors and bloggers. I’ve also been blessed to work with illustrators from around the world, from Israel to Spain to the USA (and co-author a book with a Canadian author). We are changing the world. I plan to post links to multicultural blogs and sites as we approach Multicultural Children’s Book Day in January 2018—send me your links!
Last year I was honored with the International Book Award for a diverse Western novel (clean thriller). This year, the recognition has been wonderful, disturbing, and humbling.
Along with presenting on writing and publishing and participating in library author panels from American Fork to Brigham City, I’ve been the subject of several interviews and blog posts. Three of my Spanish/bilingual titles have been chosen as “permanent selections” in Amazon’s “MesIndie.”
My original Asian fable, The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living was selected by the State of Vermont for primary financial literacy curriculum (downloaded by educators in multiple states and listed on JumpStart.org). ). If you’d like the curricula—free—go to ChildrenEarn.com. Since the book’s release, it:
Has had more than 20,000 downloads
Has been #1 in more than 5 Amazon lists
Is in FIVE top 10 lists and several more top 100 lists
Has received 5 Stars by Readers’ Favorite and more than 100 reviews
Has been covered in the Chicago News Journal
Has national distribution including Ingram, WalMart.com and Target.com
The true account of my dog (and a friend), Muffy & Valor, has garnered five star reviews from nearly everyone who has read it—FREE on Kindle Oct. 17 – 26 (tear-jerker, but happy; you’ll want to comment:).
I’ve also had the dubious distinction of having my work pirated—possibly more times and in more places than ever before.
DOES THIS MEAN I’VE ARRIVED? Not on your life!
What do I need?
REVIEWS – Some people think there’s an expiration date on a review request. To be very clear: a review is welcome ANY TIME!! Reviews increase sales. I’ll give you the ebook of your choice if you commit to a sincere comment online (YES, this IS Kosher with Amazon, as long as you’re not my mom/brother or paid).
SALES (Sales increase my sales!) – Don’t buy my books out of pity or friendship—buy them because they’re fun, diverse stories that entertain (and teach) all ages. They’re written for grown up fun. Buy them because you have a kid you want to grasp STEM concepts or another language. Buy them for friends or family with kids (and any kid would benefit from new thoughts, ideas, and perspectives). Send them an ebook. I often have a free ebook on Kindle plus a couple 99 cent ones.
RECOMMENDATIONS – Tell people about these nationally lauded (Kirkus, School Library Journal, Horn Book blog, ForeWord Reviews) books. Tell your neighbors and coworkers about my Mini-mysteries for Minors series. Tell your book club about To Swallow the Earth. Tell your media pal about my bilingual, wordless, or money books—that they’re on Walmart.com and Target.com. Tell your librarian friend, kid’s teacher, blogger friend about my non-fiction/biographies for kids … that they’re distributed by Baker & Taylor, Follett, and Ingram.
POST, share, tweet, and pin my books (I’d be thrilled to share any cover with you). If you don’t consider me too geeky–follow me. I’d also be more than happy to PRESENT to your club, school group, library, or organization.
Remember to send me links to multicultural kid’s book sites/blogs for January: Karl@ PremioBooks [dot] com.
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July 17, 2017
My Dog – Bodyguard to a German Shepherd
The only dog I ever had was Muffy. We got her from a neighbor when I was seven—though we didn’t have high hopes of keeping her (my dad had dispatched with a cat we’d had). But we four kids pleaded so earnestly that we wore him down.
Muff was a mutt—part Maltese and part ?? But she was instantly a special part of the family. My brother Nels trained her (using cheese) to sit, shake, roll over, and eventually to close the front door. She hated getting bathed—but was at her most playful immediately afterward.
In 1977, while my mother was on a trip to Scotland and my father on business in Alaska, we three younger kids were farmed out to stay with family. Nels held the fort at home in California. One day, he came home to find Muffy licking a wound in her side. It didn’t look too bad, but he decided to take her to the vet.
It was actually a deep puncture, most likely a bite from a big dog. Muffy had to have it stitched up with drainage tubes placed to help the healing. We came home to Frankenpup. It was a shock.
I don’t recall Muffy ever liking other dogs but, certainly after this trauma, she went ballistic whenever she caught sight of any dog. It was sometimes easier to just take her barking self back inside the house. This is why what happened next in her life is so miraculous.
One day, my brother Chris and I were out playing when we came across a large German shepherd that had been hit by a car. It was lying in blood. We ran home and told my mom. Always a compassionate woman, she got us in our station wagon and had us show her where the dog was. With no fear of what an injured animal might do to her, she and some onlookers picked up the shepherd and put him in the vehicle.
II.
Without consulting my father, Mom authorized the vet to operate on an unknown dog we weren’t even sure would live. It was an expensive operation. And that was just the beginning of concerns. After the surgery and a day’s rest, the vet wanted the German shepherd off his hands. Where would we take him? —certainly not home to Muffy, our fiend in sheep’s clothing.
We decided to put “Valor,” our name for the injured dog, in a room by himself and keep the door closed. Valor crawled under a desk and collapsed. That was his spot from then on.
The first surprise was that Muffy didn’t bark when we carried this big strange dog into the house (we may have put her in a bedroom at the time). It seemed she could sense or smell the injury. We decided to see how she would respond to Valor. Holding Muff very tightly, we opened the door to Valor’s den.
Still no barking. Muffy sniffed—and pulled with all her strength to get closer to this imposing beast. She seemed to especially note that the dog’s injury (and stitches) were in the very place where she had been hurt. After examining the wound, she immediately curled up and nestled herself against Valor—who seemed quite at home with her there.
The last thing we had expected was to leave the room without our own dog. We got busy (at my dad’s insistence) looking for Valor’s owner. We canvassed the neighborhoods around us, but no one we asked had lost a dog.
III.
Each day Valor got a little stronger. Determined to show he had been raised properly; he wouldn’t empty his bladder on newspapers, but walked out his sliding glass door—painfully—each day to do relieve himself.
Muffy accompanied him like a bodyguard and heaped fury on the poor Husky next door for daring to poke her nose through the fence. Yet with her charge, Muff was a tender companion.
I can’t remember whether we put an ad in the newspaper or my mom saw an ad. I only remember my mom spoke with someone on the phone who had lost two dogs. “Would you like to come see if this dog is yours?” she asked.
Like a true drama, the story gets weird here. The person my mom spoke with on the phone wasn’t the owner of the two lost dogs—but he was surely in the doghouse! His sister had moved and asked him to watch her two dogs in the process. They both promptly escaped him—likely looking for a home that was no longer “home.”
While the brother clearly cared about his sister’s two dogs, he had only found one of the escapees. Many days passed with no sign of the other.
We answered the door and ushered our guest to the den. Standing in the doorway, the man wasn’t sure; the light wasn’t very good under the desk and, with stitches, Valor’s appearance was altered.
But Valor’s tail was all over the place. The man knelt down. Valor struggled to his feet and over to our visitor, licking the tears that were falling from his eyes. It was a special moment—especially for my dad, who was finally reimbursed for the surgery.
Valor was soon home with his longtime friend—a little white dog named Fluffy—really!!
Mom never doubted how the story would turn out (at least she never showed doubt). Our Muffy was not a changed canine; she continued to freak out whenever any other dog appeared. But her time with Valor was noble and sweet and miraculous. I still miss her.
My 19th book is the illustrated story of “Muffy & Valor” (with some artistic license). Pre-order the Kindle version now (July 24 release, free for Kindle Unlimited users). If you’re willing to leave a sincere comment online, I’d be happy to share the epub, pdf, or Mobi version at no charge (email: info [at] PremioBooks.com). 700 words in dyslexic-friendly font for ages 4 – 7, illustrated by Brandon Rodriguez—with online extras. 28-page, 8.5”x8.5”, hard and soft cover out Sept. 1 (© PremioBooks.com, Baker & Taylor/Follett, Brodart, Ingram, Nook, and select retailers, Hard ISBN: 978-0985398842. The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living is free now through the 23rd (it’s never too late to comment on Amazon, Goodreads, iBooks … ).
June 2, 2017
On the Work of Writing
I answered some interview questions for a blogger and thought it would be fun to share a little about my publishing experience here, how my latest title came to be, and when/where people can ask me questions in person. Enjoy!
What genre is your newest book? Juvenile business (The Bridge of the Golden Wood—free this month on Kindle, #1 in stories on Asia, with 5,000+ downloads), I hope it helps bridge the gap between what kids learn in school and what they need to know/do to succeed in life.
What draws you to this genre? Seeing a lack of kids’ curriculum on how money is made—how to earn a living. I used to be a recruiter in Silicon Valley; today’s graduates don’t seem as prepared for work as their parents. Many young people don’t know that failure is normal and can nourish future success.
Please describe what the story is about in one sentence. A child with a knack for solving problems learns that helping some hungry fish—who can’t pay him—facilitates his finding a treasure.
What was the time frame for writing your last book? A few days (illustration is the real work—and I had to do some on this book.)
How much research do you do? More for this book than a typical picture book; I had to present valuable tips and business ideas I’ve learned over the years.
Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day? No (but I spend hours on books/marketing every day)
What is the easiest thing about writing? Ideas that ambush me
When did you decide that you wanted to be a writer? In college … when I should have been doing my homework
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews? Every review can be helpful (even bad ones contribute to visibility—and they offer great feedback)
Which do you prefer: Pen or Computer? And how do you stay organized (any methods, tools you use)? I usually write ideas on scraps of paper in odd moments/places, then I write out the story on my laptop.
How do you relax? Volleyball, music, films, books
What were your biggest learning experience(s) or surprise(s) throughout the publishing process? When my first publisher died; I had to learn the publishing business.
What would you have done differently if you could do it again? I would have sought more reviews for my early titles.
Something personal about you people may be surprised to know? No matter how many achievements I have, I struggle with self-doubt, fears, and (at the same time) self-absorption.
What’s next? What are you working on at the moment? Non-fiction stories about immigrant kids and more bilingual books
Do you re-read books? One book that you would read again & again? The scriptures
Your influence(s), favorite author(s)? I love history, so anything by David McCoullugh is ideal. Other authors I love: Tolkien, Harper Lee, C.S. Lewis, Clancy, Grisham, Shel Silverstein
What book(s) are you reading at present? Major Problems in American Colonial History by Karen Kupperman
Best piece(s) of writing advice we haven’t discussed? Write every day and join a writer’s group
See a trailer for The Bridge of the Golden Wood. For business and career ideas, see ChildrenEarn.com. I’ll be contrasting traditional publishing vs. digital/self-publishing at the Kearns Library in Salt Lake County on June 29 at 7 p.m., 5350 S. 4220 West, Kearns, UT 84118. Hope to see you!
April 19, 2017
Serving Brings Happiness
Over the past 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching English to immigrants on a volunteer basis in both California and Utah. I’ve also been able to donate hundreds of my multicultural/bilingual picture books to refugee and other charitable organizations for language learning. While I’ve been the teacher, it’s been an education for me. Students from Vietnam, Iraq, Iran, China, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador, and Syria have enriched my world. These people are so grateful for the privilege of living in the greatest country on earth. (If you don’t yet know that the United States is the greatest country, find a way to live abroad–not simply visit tourist capitals.) While their language abilities vary, they want very much to master English and contribute positively to the community. Some of their stories are too intense for human consumption (and yet these humans have lived them). Sacrifice and struggle seems to be the price to come here. These people are generous with the little they have and are always grateful for help with perhaps the most difficult language in the West. If you can make time to help newcomers, I promise you, it is the cure for self-focus and “the world is going to heck” thinking. Find service opportunities in your area by typing your zip code in the following site: JustServe.org. You will be happier than you are today.
February 3, 2017
Folk Tale Shows Kids How to Earn
WHAT: “The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn Money”
The illustrated go-to resource for the budding/aspiring entrepreneur (and families)
WHO: Multicultural author Karl Beckstrand (some illustrations by Yaniv Cahoua)
WHEN: Official hardcover release June 2017, ebook is available now
WHERE: PremioBooks.com Amazon/Kindle, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble/Nook, Brodart, EBSCO, Flipkart, Follett, iBooks, Ingram, Inktera, Kobo, Mackin, OverDrive, Oyster, SCRIBD, txtr
MORE INFO: Publisher Karl Beckstrand finds that many people haven’t had instruction on how to earn a living. Beckstrand’s books feature black, white, Hispanic & Asian characters. Comes with ideas for businesses; money-making activities; and online resources on finding customers, managing money, and moving up in an organization (for ages 5 and up). PremioPublishing.com, LCCN: 2016949820, JUV009090, JUV006000, JUV012060, BUS025000, BUS012010, BUS060000, paperback ISBN: 978-1536889864, hard ISBN: 978-0985398811
STORY: MIDVALE, Utah, Feb. 22, 2017 – Doing things for free doesn’t sound like a great recipe for earning. But a new picture book shows how a child with a knack for solving problems helps some hungry fish and finds a treasure.
“The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn Money” (for ages 5 and up) came to author Karl Beckstrand after he had visited many schools, observing almost no curriculum on earning a living.
Beckstrand, winner of a 2016 International Book Award, says that earners start young—with no expectation of reward. “Doing something for nothing, not only helps you feel good,” says Beckstrand of his 18th book, “it gives you experience, a good reputation, and sometimes, money-making ideas.”
“Many children and adults lack confidence that only comes through experience,” says Beckstrand. “We get experience by finding and filling needs, solving problems.”
Beckstrand’s first job out of college was as a technical recruiter in Silicon Valley. “I met a lot of people – some with great ability and egos, some with no ability and great egos, and some with no egos,” he said. “The latter group had the best chances because they were open to learning.”
“Trying new things is a great education,” says Beckstrand – who wanted to be a rock star, not a writer. He worked in fast food, quality assurance, security, delivery and transportation, sales, customer service, hospitality, and human resources before publishing his first book.
“I did get to sing professionally,” he said, “even if our band was basically a wedding band. The point is, by trying lots of things, I learned what I like and developed skills that help in any industry.” He also learned what he didn’t like to do.
After a couple of books through other publishers, Beckstrand now runs a publishing company in Midvale. Premio Publishing specializes in multicultural mysteries and activity books for families. “They’re not about race or ethnicity,” says Beckstrand. “They simply happen to have characters of color.” They have also received awards and raves from national publications like School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book’s blog, and ForeWord Reviews.
Even after getting a master’s degree in international relations, Beckstrand noted that none of his school courses taught earning or managing money. He says his most valuable education has come from living abroad and visiting other countries.
Beckstrand has included tips he has learned as a business owner in “The Bridge of the Golden Wood,” written in dyslexic-friendly font and available in hard cover (pre-order) and ebook via major distributors, Amazon, and PremioBooks.com.
December 9, 2016
Anna’s Prayer Re-released
Almost ten years ago, I was getting ready for my wedding (which I, ultimately, didn’t attend). A publisher approached me about writing a non-fiction story about an immigrant child. I told them I had such a story in my family history. Former LDS Relief Society General President Bonnie Parkin had, in a General Conference talk, told the story of my Great-great Aunt Anna, who immigrated from Sweden as a child—without her parents. I had more details in my Great Grandmother Ida’s journal.
I contacted Sister Parkin and asked if we could collaborate. While she had other priorities on her plate, she sent me copies of Anna Matilda Anderson’s journal (Anna is her husband’s grandmother) and told me I could use it as I pleased.
It was fun to compare my great grandmother’s perspective to her sister’s. Each had her own miraculous experience in her youth, which bolstered their new-found faith. Each had frightening experiences traveling without parents—separating mid-journey to live in different states.
BYU illustration graduate Shari Griffiths was asked to illustrate the story once it was complete. While Shari and I each got painful educations in the publishing process, she did an outstanding job on the art.
The result was Anna’s Prayer, the true story of 10-year-old Anna, who arrived alone in Salt Lake City—not knowing anyone and unable to speak English. Alone in the train station in the middle of the night she prayed for someone who could speak Swedish to come to her aid. The answer to her prayer went beyond what she could have hoped.
The book was well received and sold out in some local Costco stores. After a few years, publishing rights to Anna’s Prayer reverted to me and illustration rights to Shari (who now has several active children—and no desire to illustrate). This year, I purchased rights to the artwork and, finally, have re-released Anna’s Prayer in more affordable, paperback and ebook versions. I’m now working on my great grandmother’s story—as a prequel to Anna’s. I’m so excited to tell this—also true—story to the world! Here are some links to Anna’s Prayer: http://gozobooks.com/annas-prayer.php http://tinyurl.com/zgnb5ka
October 28, 2016
Me, Inside & Out
People often ask me how I—a South African, Scottish Swede—came to speak Spanish. I also get quizzed about being so thin. Both are the result of my LDS mission to Viña del Mar, Chile. Actually, my mom was an enthusiastic student of Spanish, so she spoke broken Spanish to us while we were growing up in San Jose, California (she used to call me Carlos).
If they are physically and mentally healthy, and if they meet the standards of worthiness, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the privilege of serving a volunteer mission when they reach eighteen to twenty something years (also at retirement age). I was healthy, but I’d made some choices that were less than worthy. I remember at 18 going to a room alone and declaring—not to God, but to the devil—that I would qualify to serve a mission no matter what! While my determination was admirable, God knew I could not do it alone. It would be years before I realized that it was Christ’s grace that qualified me.
After submitting an application, having ecclesiastical interviews, medical exams, and my wisdom teeth pulled, it was a thrill to bid my friends and family farewell, get some training, and fly to Santiago, Chile. I LOVED the country, the people, and the language. I got sick almost monthly, and learned what real service was (from the people I had come to serve).
We missionaries saw thousands of people embrace the gospel of Christ and receive the blessings of following God’s plan of happiness. I learned that God’s love is tenacious. I witnessed miracles (especially when I could first understand the fast-speaking people). I gained an appreciation for U.S. freedoms while living under a dictator. I distributed food, helped build a house, and got in-person training from a prophet and apostles. I gained life-long friends with some of the most generous people on earth (we mission associates—gringo and Chileno—still gather whenever we can and marvel at the extraordinary things we were able to be a part of). Mostly, I had a profound and personal assurance that I was doing the most important work on the planet. It’s hard to describe that joy.
What I didn’t realize is that a double course of antibiotics (after having my wisdom teeth pulled) had sent me defenseless into an environment of microbes my body had never known.
At first I only had occasional discomfort once I was home. As the years passed, stomach stress became constant and often painful. Despite visits to Stanford Medical Center and countless other doctors, no one has yet identified or remedied the problem. I soon lost confidence in my ability to control my body. This began to impact my social life. While I’ve dated more women than I can remember or number, each date was first stressful, and eventually became a major effort. Soon, I would return from short dates completely wiped out.
Today my diet is severely restricted—as is my energy. My social life is paltry. I struggle to maintain even a runner’s body weight, and my gut remains inflamed. Please believe that this is not typical for a missionary who gets sick. Most I’ve met have found remedies. (Don’t fear travel, it’s perhaps the best education you’ll ever get—especially if you get away from the big cities.)
Still, I’ve been able to do nearly everything on my bucket list. My Spanish has proven helpful in my work and in countless other spheres. The following isn’t to brag (more to enumerate my blessings) —there’s a point I want to make at the end. In addition to gaining a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a film certificate, I have:
Been a commencement speaker for college graduation
Taught at a university
Sung in rock bands
Signed Legislation in D.C. (staffers do it all the time if the rep. is away)
Visited 4 continents, 12 countries, and 35 states
Created and headed two businesses
Volunteered at Stanford University Hospital
Helped found a Silicon Valley high-tech organization and handled their PR
Published 17 books (many award-winners and Amazon bestsellers)
Kayaked in whitewater
Lectured to large and small groups
Worked for IBM, Intel, and Marriott
Piloted a plane (not take-off or landing)
Hired hundreds of people
Been to an Olympic hockey medals game (my favorite sport to watch)
Performed for thousands (even alongside the Mormon Tabernacle Choir)
Water skied, snow skied
Been a Spanish interpreter
Acted in radio, TV, film
Been published in magazines & The U.S. Congressional Record
Had my scripts selected in competition (one produced on radio)
Repelled on and jumped from high cliffs
Been an ecclesiastical leader / served on a high council
My point is this: Even with my illness and the impact it has had on my life (I have yet to have a family of my own), if I had to choose between the experiences from my mission or those in the list above, without hesitation I would keep my treasured missionary service. Some might wonder whether I would do it again—knowing beforehand how it would change my life. I wouldn’t give up those changes for anything. If they called me to serve again today, I’d be the skinniest, weakest, happiest missionary on earth. My passport is still current.
Me Inside & Out
People often ask me how I—a South African, Scottish Swede—came to speak Spanish. I also get quizzed about being so thin. Both are the result of my LDS mission to Viña del Mar, Chile. Actually, my mom was an enthusiastic student of Spanish, so she spoke broken Spanish to us while we were growing up in San Jose, California (she used to call me Carlos).
If they are physically and mentally healthy, and if they meet the standards of worthiness, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the privilege of serving a volunteer mission when they reach eighteen to twenty something years (also at retirement age). I was healthy, but I’d made some choices that were less than worthy. I remember at 18 going to a room alone and declaring—not to God—but to the devil that I would qualify to serve a mission no matter what! While my determination was admirable, God knew I could not do it alone. It would be years before I realized that it was Christ’s grace that qualified me.
After submitting an application, having ecclesiastical interviews, medical exams, and my wisdom teeth pulled, it was a thrill to bid my friends and family farewell, get some training, and fly to Santiago, Chile. I LOVED the country, the people, and the language. I got sick almost monthly, and learned what real service was (from the people I had come to serve).
We missionaries saw thousands of people embrace the gospel of Christ and receive the blessings of following God’s plan of happiness. I learned that God’s love is tenacious. I witnessed miracles (especially when I could first understand the fast-speaking people). I gained an appreciation for U.S. freedoms while living under a dictator. I distributed food, helped build a house, and got in-person training from a prophet and apostles. I gained life-long friends with some of the most generous people on earth (we mission associates—gringo and Chileno—still gather whenever we can and marvel at the extraordinary things we were able to be a part of). Mostly, I had a profound and personal assurance that I was doing the most important work on the planet. It’s hard to describe that joy.
What I didn’t realize is that a double course of antibiotics (after having my wisdom teeth pulled) had sent me defenseless into an environment of microbes my body had never known.
At first I only had occasional discomfort once I was home. As the years passed, stomach stress became constant and often painful. Despite visits to Stanford Medical Center and countless other doctors, no one has yet identified or remedied the problem. I soon lost confidence in my ability to control my body. This began to impact my social life. While I’ve dated more women than I can remember or number, each date was first stressful, and eventually became a major effort. Soon, I would return from short dates completely wiped out.
Today my diet is severely restricted—as is my energy. My social life is paltry. I struggle to maintain even a runner’s body weight, and my gut remains inflamed. Please believe that this is not typical for a missionary who gets sick. Most I’ve met have found remedies. (Don’t fear travel, it’s perhaps the best education you’ll ever get—especially if you get away from the big cities.)
Still, I’ve been able to do nearly everything on my bucket list. My Spanish has proven helpful in my work and in countless other spheres. The following isn’t to brag (completely:) —there’s a point I want to make at the end. In addition to gaining a bachelor’s, master’s, and film certificate, I have:
Been a commencement speaker for college graduation
Taught at a university
Sung in rock bands
Signed Legislation in D.C. (staffers do it all the time if the rep. is away)
Visited 4 continents, 12 countries, and 35 states
Created and headed two businesses
Volunteered at Stanford University Hospital
Helped found a Silicon Valley high-tech organization and handled their PR
Published 17 books (many award-winners and Amazon bestsellers)
Kayaked in whitewater
Lectured to large and small groups
Worked for IBM, Intel, and Marriott
Piloted a plane (not take-off or landing)
Been a V.P. of a company
Hired hundreds of people
Been to an Olympic hockey medals game (my favorite sport to watch)
Performed for thousands (even with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir)
Water skied, snow skied
Been a Spanish interpreter
Acted in radio, TV, film
Published in magazines & The U.S. Congressional Record
Had my scripts selected in competition (one produced on radio)
Repelled on and jumped from on high cliffs
Been an ecclesiastical leader / served on a high council
My point is this: Even with my illness and the impact it has had on my life (I have yet to have a family of my own), if I had to choose between the experiences from my mission or those in the list above, without hesitation I would keep my treasured missionary service. Some may wonder whether I would do it again—knowing beforehand how it would change my life. I wouldn’t give up those changes for anything. If they called me to serve again today, I’d be the skinniest, weakest, happiest missionary on earth. My passport is still current.
