Sacrifice

To All I love,

Can you believe it? Christmas is already here again. It's so weird just how fast time flies. It's kind of creeping me out. To be honest, it doesn't feel like Christmas at all! They have us working all day today and then pretty much all day tomorrow so nothing is really changing. Which is totally okay because what better way to spend Christmas than to talk about our Savior, Jesus Christ. Haha - I wasn't always this happy but I will explain more in my email about everything. The mission is going great! Heavenly Father is teaching me so much right now. Well, he is ALWAYS teaching me something but he taught me A LOT this week about sacrificing things we love and value. So I think that's where I want to start off with this week.

 

Sacrifice: 

Napping during 2013 family
summer trip



You know there are a lot of things that I really love in life. One of them is my naps. If you know me you know my nap time is sacred time. Being here on Temple Square, and a mission in general, you are just beyond busy. So every moment of down time or sleep is just priceless. What I used to do is during lunch time I would spend part of my time taking a 30 minute nap because I was just beyond exhausted. A lot of us sisters were doing that because we are all so tired and we rarely get to sit because we are constantly needing to be out walking around the Square or taking tours or being at our desk assignments, etc. We had Zone Conference last week and the AP's mentioned that, in a nutshell, naps were out of a question. Now during the day if you're sick then you are to go to the loft. Other than that you have no reason really to sleep because 8 hours every night is more than enough sleep. At first I wasn't too happy because I do get 8 hours every night, I work out in the morning and then I'm still super tired about half way through the day so I was like "great how in the world am I going to survive without a 30 minute nap everyday?" But I was like "exact obedience". In order to achieve exact obedience and blessings in general we need to be willing to sacrifice things we love. We may not necessarily understand why but that's how faith is. It's just like the end of Ether 12:6 "Wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Heavenly Father was definitely testing me on this one. But I love it because I think about how busy I will be when I get older and have a family and how exhausted I will be. When I have those moments when I'm just so tired and I need a nap I will be able to remember these days and remember how tired I was physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I will then remember how I was able to just get down on my knees and rely on the atonement. If I can do it now then I most definitely can do it then. So far I haven't taken a nap now since Zone Conference. I have definitely had moments though where I wanted to just rest my head and take a nap. Oh so a quick side note - you know how I gave up gum back in the MTC? Well guess what? I haven't had a piece of gum still to this day. It isn't that bad. When I see people chewing it now I'm like "Ahh I used to be like you chewing it ALL the time". Now I just love Tic Tacs! :)

Blanket knitted by my
mom - one of my
Christmas gifts!

Cuddling with my blanket from my mom

For Christmas they first were going to let us have Christmas Eve off and then keep us off the Square till 4pm on Christmas day. But then we received notice that we are still working till 10 pm Christmas Eve, just like every other missionary would, and then Christmas day we need to be on the Square at 1:00 and will have a devotional till 3:00 and then it's back to work for all of us. At first I wasn't a happy camper I was like "Heavenly Father, I have had to sacrifice all of this so far....can we please just have Christmas time? But then as we got closer it was brought to my attention that what better way to spend Christmas than to be talking about Christ all day on Temple Square. I was so used to what I used to do around this time. All of our Christmas eve and day traditions and I was always so focused on the worldly aspect than that one aspect that truly matters. So I'm grateful for this opportunity to be humbled and to have this time to really Celebrate Christmas.

My Christmas stocking
from home that I've had
since I was a little girl!

Several other things happened this week, just little things and it has made me so much happier. When we sacrifice things we love or desire we are blessed in more ways than we can think of. Ahh I just love this Gospel sooo much! Sacrifice is hard but hey if Christ can sacrifice his own life for each of us then why can't we sacrifice simple things like this. If he can sacrifice his life for me then why can't I sacrifice taking little naps throughout the day. In the long run it will help me be so much better prepared for my future.

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Dinners:

The family we had Christmas dinner with

I mentioned last week that we were going to families home's for a Christmas Dinner since we aren't in wards here where we can go to members home's for dinner. We went to a families home up in Emigration Canyon. Such a sweet family! It felt so surreal being in a members home let alone a home in general. I didn't want to leave. It reminded me so much of being back at home. It was a little weird having someone cook for me since I'm always cooking for myself. We had a super moist ham, potato casserole, roasted vegetables, huge rolls, fruit salad, and pumpkin pie. So good!! They were such a nice family! Their daughter had just recently gotten back from her mission to Berlin, Germany so it was super fun talking with her about mission life.

 

The Weather:

Okay, so I live in Utah, its December 24th and how much snow do I see on the ground? Wait, snow exists?? I thought that was just an Idaho thing. Yah, we have no snow!! It's kind of annoying. Rumor has it we are supposed to get snow TOMORROW for CHRISTMAS! So I'm crossing my fingers that's true. But I won't believe it till I see that white fluffy stuff actually sticking to the ground and until I can actually go build a snowman or make a snow angel. I'm pretty sure you have thousands of little kids who are praying right now for a white Christmas. I'm pretty sure I will cry if I see a white Christmas tomorrow. It's always been something I have wanted. I think it would be really neat to go from absolutely no snow today to several inches tomorrow morning. Maybe if all of the missionaries prayed for it plus all the little kids praying for it that it would actually happen??? Haha.

 

JULIO:

You will never guess who I talked with the other day!!! JULIO!! Haha he is so funny. I called him the other day and the reason I hadn't been able to get a hold of him was because he was super sick. There is a really bad illness going around right now that EVERYONE is getting. I started getting it but thankfully it didn't get as bad. A lot of the sisters have been getting it here. Anyways, so Julio had it and has been down not being able to do much for the past couple of weeks. But nothing really has changed. He is still the same good old Julio I know him to be. I can't wait to meet him someday. He is so funny.

 

I had an appointment with him on Monday so I called him and he says, "Oh hey, the Elders are here to say hi." I was like, "Julio, I will go then if the elders are there. I want you to talk with them." He is like, "You're on speaker phone. They can hear you say Hi." I was like, "Hi elders. Julio, I'm going to go." He tells me, loud and clear for the Elders to hear, "She always just talks a lot but now when you're here she gets all shy and doesn't want to talk." It was so embarrassing. Haha. He is always joking around with me like that. I should have known he would pull something like that with the elders right there next to the phone. In a nutshell Julio is doing well.

 

What A Small World:

Jennifer and Josh -
Now - Sister Skaggs and
Elder Atkinson

Okay so the other day I gave a tour through the Beehive House with this family and a couple. At the start we always introduce ourselves and where we are from. I didn't think anything of it. At the end of the tour the couple stayed back and asked me a question and then the wife said, "You mentioned you were from Southern California. We used to live there. Where are you from?" I mentioned I was from Temecula and then she mentioned they used to live in the San Diego area. I asked them where in the San Diego area did they live. She mentioned I think it was Mira Mesa and then Encinitas. I was like, "Oh, my boyfriend's family is from Encinitas." They were like, "Wait. Really? What are their names?"  I was like, "Atkinson's".  Haha - her jaw just dropped.  She says, "Josh?" I said, "Yah. He is my boyfriend."  Apparently they used to be in the same ward.  She asked, "How did you two meet if you're from Temecula and he is from Encinitas?"  I went on to explain how we met. We talked about various things for a couple of minutes and then she says, "I'm going to have to Facebook his mom and tell her we meet you." I walked away and was like "did that really just happen?" I didn't think she was going to tell his mom. Well I opened my email today and one of the first things Josh said to me was "I heard from my mom that you bumped into this family." I was like "haha - I guess she did tell her."

 

Moral of the story I better watch what I do here because I never know who I'm going to bump into. Haha. I just thought that was funny. This definitely is a small world. Never thought in a million years that would ever happen. I guess I was wrong.

 

Seeing the Highams:

So Mykelin (one of my best friends from home) had mentioned to me several weeks ago that she would be coming to the Square on Thursday but I didn't think much of it. We were walking home and I was just talking with another sister and I said, "Uhhh, my friend was supposed to come today and I didn't see her." Then I look over and see this car and I'm like, "Uhhh, that's her car. Are you kidding me? I didn't get to see her and she is here right now." I'm thinking, "There is no way that is her car." But you have to understand, her car is a car that isn't like a typical car. So I was like "That is her car. It just has to be." I was pretty frustrated that I didn't see her. NO JOKE - not even one minute later I look up and see this lady open her arms and just start running to me. I'm thinking "Crud. Who is running to me?" I realized it was sister Higham!!!! I'm like "no way. Heavenly father. This really can't be happening." Here I'm just talking about how I wont see her and then I look up and her mom is right in front of me. They called Mykelin and she came running down from the hotel. It was so good seeing them both!! It totally made my day!! I can't wait for the day until the whole group is reunited again!!

 

(To Mykelin) I hope you are all doing well! Is was so good seeing you and your mom! When Kelsey gets home you will definitely have to come to Temple Square if I'm not outbound then and see me!! :)

 

Well this email is already beyond long so I'm going to get off now. I love you all so much! I feel so blessed to have each of you in my life. I definitely can feel everyone's prayers. Oh and FYI, for those who have sent me your family Christmas cards thank you so much. It meant the world reading how you are all doing! I feel so blessed to have such amazing people in my life!

 

I hope each of you have an AMAZING CHRISTMAS!!

 

 

Family I love you and guess what? We get to talk tomorrow!!! I will be calling you at around 10 am your time.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

Until next week, I love you all,

 

Sister Skaggs

Accepting the Invite to Apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ‏

I love you all,



Temple Square Missionaries

So I'm sorry I have like no pictures going home. It's really hard taking pictures here because - 1. You're not allowed to take pictures after 9 am here because we have to look professional at all times. Which means I can't ever take pictures really of Temple Square. And 2. we really just have no time here to take pictures unless its of my companion and I being stupid in our apartment. Which that never happens anymore because by the time we get home at 10 PM every-night and finish planning we are sooo tired we go straight to bed. So I apologize for the lack of pictures this week. But family the video you got from Ron and Mindy should make up for the lack of pictures. And for everything else that happened this week too ;) And then I'm calling you next week so yah I don't feel all that bad.

 

Mom and Dad I got your letters the other day it sounds like you are all doing so well, despite the little bumps in the road that pop up. Okay so I have heard Southern California is just getting HAMMERED right now. Finally!!! We have needed that rain for soo long. But I have heard it's causing A LOT of damage too, so who knows if its good or bad. I love you each so much and I'm so excited to call you next week! So we get about 40 minutes to talk. We are following the White Handbook and in the White Handbook it says preferably 30-40 minutes.

 

Okay so I guess I should tell you what's been happening here, right?? Well let me get started!

 

A New Transfer:

 

So far things have been going AMAZING. Sister Bryuzgina and I are getting along so well. This morning I was thinking about when we will have to separate. Not really looking forward to that day. But it's a good thing we still have 5 more weeks with each other. She has been amazing with helping me become that missionary that I'm supposed to become. We talk everyday about things that we can improve that will allow us to become more effective. Because when your on a mission Heavenly Father shows you all your weakness's. Gotta love it! But hey if he didn't show us what we could improve on we would never achieve our full potential.

 

A NORMAL Ward:

 

So for the FIRST TIME in 5 Months I actually was in a regular ward!! It was so amazing! It was definitely different not being with 200 sister missionaries but instead being with families, and older couples. What had happened is a sister needed me to take her place in speaking at a ward. So I was told Saturday morning that I was going to be covering for her and then I had to give a talk just 24 hours later. I usually spend about 10 hours preparing a talk...yah that DEFINITELY did not happen this time. Let's just say I did my best to let the spirit guide. I was asked to speak on "The Power of God's Love". I ended up referencing back to the talk John Groberg gave in General Conference several years ago. Such an amazing talk! You know He truly does love us. What Father would sacrifice his son for all of his children? That's exactly what Heavenly Father did. HE loved us each so much that He sacrificed his only begotten Son. The ward we attended was over in West Valley, I believe. Such a sweet ward! Everyone was so welcoming. We were sad we had to leave but it made me even more excited for when I will get transferred to a new mission for 3 months and be able to work with members again and attend a ward that is not all sister missionaries. Don't get me wrong I LOVE attending a ward with just Temple Square Sisters but there's something different about not being in a regular ward. There were four Temple Square Sisters that attended the ward. We were in charge of each giving about a 7 minute talk and then doing a musical number. We sang "How Great Thou Art" and it made me think of Grandpa Skaggs the whole time. For some reason I keep thinking that was his favorite song. Even if it's not it still made me think about him the whole time. I can't wait for the day until I get to see him again. Overall it was a really amazing experience to have. I loved being with those ward members and being able to get to know each of them.

 

SEEING ELLEN'S FAMILY:

 

On Saturday I had the privilege of being able to see Ellen's Mom, Ron, brother and sister and their spouses. When I saw all of them walk in and then when I was hugging her mom I just started crying. It was so great seeing them. Mom you had told me they were coming up here on the 12th or 13th but I didn't know which day exactly. Well on Saturday evening I received a phone call from a Sister saying that my best friends family was here looking for me, then right after that another Sister sent me a text saying that they were looking for me and then not even 10 seconds later I received another phone call saying they were at EF Desk looking for me. I was bummed because I was going to be in the Beehive House for another 45 minutes. The sister said they were going to come on up there. Well not even 5 minutes later I look over and they are all piling into the Beehive House. Thank you for taking the time to see me. It absolutely made my day!! I feel blessed to have such amazing people in my life. I'm so glad we got to talk and to hear how things have been overall. Love you all so much!!

 

Being Hit On:

 

Seeing Mykelin Higham!

Bumped into my dear friend
from home, Mykelin.

I know this teenager was joking around but it still was just hilarious and I wasn't expecting it. One of our assignments here during the lights is to take guests through 'God's Plan for His Family' every 6 minutes. What God's Plan is, is it's a 12 minute presentation that shows us a family of 5 and how they were able to apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their life despite the everyday struggles that we encounter in our life. And then at the end of it we see why it's important to get married in the Temple. Well a Young Men/Women's group came up and asked to see it. I just started talking with them to get to know them and I was asking them where they were from, etc. One of the boys said, "Oh, well we are all dating" (pointing to several of his friends. I'm like, "That is super exciting." Then he looks at me and is like, "Would you like to join us?" I said, "Ummm, I'm okay. I already have a boyfriend but thanks for the offer." He says, "Ohh, okay." His leader looks over and says, "You shouldn't be hitting on the sister missionaries. You know you're going to be rejected. It is good practice though." I'm like, "Haha. Yup, I agree." I took a different group through and then I saw that group of teenagers come out and I asked how it was. The young man that asked if I would join him was like, "It was good but it would've been better if you were sitting next to me the whole time." Everyone just starting laughing. I was like, "Sorry about that. I know your life just isn't complete without me being in it." We all laughed and then they had to go. Haha it was definitely different. I haven't really encountered anything like that before on the mission. I'm just glad it was all out of fun and he was just joking or that would've been super awkward.

 

Surprise! We Are Getting BAPTIZED:

 

Okay, so first of all, don't just shock a missionary by casually saying "so yah I'm getting baptized". Sister Ryan, one of my really good friends here on Temple Square, left for outbound and so she transferred to me a family who is progressing towards baptism. However, the mom and dad aren't married and so they can't be baptized until they are married (since they are living together). The only problem is due to financial circumstances they can't get the marriage license which means it's holding them back in regards to being baptized. Last week I called the family to see how things were going and they were doing really well. The mom mentioned to me that the four kids were on date to be baptized on the 20th of December and that it had been confirmed, which was super exciting because Sister Ryan didn't know how long it would be until they would all be baptized. I asked her if she had an update on when her and her boyfriend would be married. She said she didn't know because they were still having issues in regards to getting the Marriage License. We talked more about why she was so excited to get baptized and what the four kids were thinking in regards to being baptized. Well that was the end of that conversation. So then on Sunday I called her again and she was like, "The kids had their baptismal interviews and they all passed and are super excited." She mentioned to me that they are getting baptized Saturday at 6:30 PM. We talked about how church went and how they are starting to do family prayer and scripture study together everyday. And then the biggest bombshell of all. She mentions super calmly, "So yah, Bruce and I met with the Bishop today and he asked why weren't getting baptized as a family and so we explained to him our situation." The Bishop was like, "Well what if someone was able to help out? Would you get baptized as a family?" They said they would like to pay for it themselves but that they would allow it. The Bishop was like, "That's it then. You're getting married this week and you're going to get baptized on Saturday with your kids. You're going to be baptized as a family, all 6 of you. How about if you get married tomorrow?" Melissa says, "We are getting baptized as a family! However, I put my hand down in regards to getting married the next day. I need some days to prepare." I was like, "Haha. I agree a wedding is a big deal for a woman. We must prepare for these types of things." She just started laughing. But she was like, "So yah, we are getting married Friday at church and then baptized on Saturday as a family." When she shared with me all of this I pretty much just started crying. You have no idea how amazing of a miracle this is. I'm just beyond excited for them as this family of 6, well 7 but one of the boys is 5 and so he wont be baptized for 3 more years, to be able to enter into the waters of baptism together. They each are just beyond excited. I asked Melissa why she was so excited to be baptized and she mentioned because she will have the Holy Ghost with her and she will have more opportunities to serve others. This family is AMAZING and so prepared to receive the restored Gospel in their lives. People like this are such examples to me. They are truly converted to the Gospel and they are wanting to really just apply every aspect of it to their life. I can't wait for when they will get sealed in the Temple together and become an Eternal Family.

 

Wendell and Julio:

 

So I haven't talked with either of them since we last talked. So I don't really have an update for you. I believe Julio is doing well. I may have mentioned I talked to his Ward Mission Leader and he said that he was still attending church...he was just busy. Wendell - I haven't talked with him in a week we always play phone tag. Haha but they are still great. I'm hoping I will get in touch with them before the end of the week.

 

Christmas Dinners:

 

Sister Skaggs

Serving on Temple Square we don't have ward members to go to their homes and have meals with them so we are in charge of cooking all of our meals. Which includes Christmas Dinner. However, the mission was able to pull something together like what happened for Thanksgiving Dinner, and so every night this week about 15 companionship's will go to a members home in a neighboring stake and have a pre-Christmas dinner! I'm super excited! I get to got to a members home and have a meal. There is just something so special about a member's home.

  

This past Sunday during Sunday announcements we were informed that several families were going to be bringing us dinner that night. I talked with Sister Poulsen more and she said the same group of families that provided dinner for us one of the nights for General Conference had so much fun that they wanted to do it again and so they asked if they could come back and bring us dinner. It was amazing! They prepared multiple soups, bread and desserts for us to have. It was just so sweet of them doing that for us. Because it's definitely not an easy task doing this. There are 200 sister missionaries here and so imagine having to cook enough food for 200 people. But it's simple things like this that are just amazing. I hope someday I can give back just like what these families have done for us and what they continue to do for us!

 

A mission is definitely something remarkable, something that is life changing. I feel blessed for the privilege I have to be a full-time missionary, an official representative of my Savior Jesus Christ. What a glorious time this is. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored upon the earth today in it's fullness. And not only that but our Heavenly Father is calling all individuals who are willing, to help him prune his vineyard and to bring all of his children the gospel and give them the same opportunity to return back home to him. For personal study I studied several verses in Jacob 5: 11-13, 61-64 and 74-75 (Book of Mormon). What a glorious time this is to be a part of the pruning. To be his hands as we help him to graft these trees and bring about the gospel to all who are willing to accept it in their life. I know this Gospel is true. All who are willing to allow themselves to apply it to their life can see their life change. I know that families are eternal. As we marry in the Temple we can be with those we love for time and all eternity. I know that we have a Father in Heaven. We are his children and there is no changing that. He loves us and wants us to return to his presence again. I can testify with my whole heart this is all true.

 

If your reading this and you don't know for yourself, ask and apply it to your life and you will see what glorious blessings can come from us following our Savior Jesus Christ's example by applying his teachings into our life. I love you all so much but more importantly I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ. I leave my testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

I love you all so much and I hope you have an amazing week this week! Family, I look forward to being able to talk with you on the phone next week!! I love you!!!

 

Love ,

Sister Skaggs 

Your Father in Heaven LOVES YOU!‏

To All I Love,

 

 

Thanksgiving day football -
Sister Missionary style

More Thanksgiving day football!

Okay so first of all, I'm so sorry about my email from last week! I promise I will write more this week. We were just so tired last week. We had to get up at 6 AM go to the 7 AM Temple Session till 9:30 AM. Then we had Zone Activity from 10 - 1 (Christmas Caroling to special needs students and then had a Mexican fiesta), then grocery shopping from 1 - 4 (it was the first of the month so a lot of food to get) and then we had to email. Think about just how tired you are after grocery shopping now add on going to the Temple, have a Mexican fiesta and singing Christmas carols for an hour. Yah, we were pretty tired. But hey, we made it through the night and no one died! Haha, so shall I get started with what happened this week....because SO MUCH HAPPENED THIS WEEK!! Like always, I have no idea where to start. How about I start with transfers..... First of all my Trainer comes back today from New Jersey!!

 

TRANSFERS!

Can you believe it? Another transfer has come and gone!! I swear it was just yesterday I started my mission. Can you believe I'm starting my 4th Transfer? I hit my 6 MONTH mark this transfer. Now that is weird. Well not as weird as all of my friends hitting their year marks. So nothing changed this transfer. I still get another transfer with one of my Best Friends. We are so excited! When we found out I was caught off guard for just a little bit. But then we started talking about EVERYTHING we want to accomplish this next transfer as a companionship and individually. Haha, you know that Transfer, Weekly, and Daily plan I created for the AP's last transfer? So Sister Bryuzgina and I decided we were going to do another one not only for me but for her, too. We are so stoked! Haha 42 days worth of goals.

The Sisters from the Temecula
Stake: Sughroue, Tiritilli & Skaggs

Roommates - Apparently I was the
only one that got the "be crazy" memo
 for this picture!

Sis. Ennis and Skaggs

We are still staying in the Beehive House which I'm really excited for because I love EVERYTHING I'm learning there from Polygamy, to faith, to the importance of family prayer and scripture study everyday, to family time, to sharing the gospel. Just everything! I can't wait to share with you everything I've learned about the Beehive House. Haha, so last night I was saying goodbye to Sister Yeung (one of the Ap's) who is going home and I started talking like I was giving a tour in the Beehive House. I didn't know I was until one of the sisters was like, "Sister Skaggs, you sound like you're taking her on a tour through the Beehive House." Haha - we all started laughing. I'm like, "Well, that was awkward."

 

Girls just wanna have fun!

 

 



Sister Bryuzgina and me!

Sister Bryuzgina is still District Leader and I'm still her little Monkey. This next transfer I really felt like the areas where I need to improve on in-regards to exact obedience would be helped if I would have to be an example to younger sisters. Well, I got that...over half of the sisters in our district are younger than me. Which means it's going to really help me and force me to be an example to those younger sisters. We have such an awesome district this transfer. I'm excited to tell you more about them as the transfer goes. Oh, so get this - HALF of MY CLASS is in my Zone. 5 out of the 11 of us are in my zone. Crazy, I know, right! We are so pumped for this transfer! It's going to be an amazing transfer. I'm determined to do all that is required of me. Even if that means having to sacrifice things, aka power naps, or doing things I don't want to do.

 

All Things Relief Society

Sister Reeves of the Gen. Relief
Society Presidency

This past Thursday, Dec 4th, we had to meet in the Relief Society Building for Relief Society. When we have to meet there that means someone big in the church is speaking to us like an apostle, 1st presidency, general presidencies, etc. But they wouldn't tell us who or whom would be speaking to us. Well, Sister Bryuzgina and I decided to get there bright and early to get front row seats.

We ended up having the amazing privilege of the General Relief Society Presidency speak to us. Well, only Sister Reeves gave a talk but they each said Hi and introduced themselves. I just love them all. They are such amazing examples. It was really neat to be able to sit there and listen to them. Sister Bryuzgina and I sat in the front row so they were only about 3-5 feet in front of us. Sister Reeves and her Husband used to be the Mission President and wife that presided over the Riverside Mission right before we split off to the Carlsbad Mission so that was really neat to be able to talk with her about that for just a little bit. I don't have all my notes with me about what Sister Reeves spoke about. But It just made me really appreciate even more the wonderful privilege to be a part of the Relief Society. I took a picture with Sister Burton but that picture is on Sister Sughroue's camera and I haven't been able to transfer it over yet. Sorry! Hopefully I will be able to get it for next week. 

At the Christmas Devotional



Afterwards we each split into zones and the Relief Society General Board gave us each cards and every card was hand signed by the General Relief Society Presidency and Board. That was 200 cards and they individually signed each. It was a really neat experience. Later that evening a Relief Society group came on and brought treats for the whole mission. We had specific times when we were allowed to go downstairs but when we did they had homemade goodies cookies, brownies, etc. waiting for us. Apparently they all got together and put these really cute goody bag things together.

It just reminded me a lot that whole day of giving of ourselves. Finding ways to bring a smile to those around us. The Relief Society General Presidency didn't have to speak to us, this Relief Society didn't need to bring us goodies. It just really reminded me of what is most important. It reminded me of the importance of giving of ourselves. And this time of season is a great way for us to do so.

 

Wendell

I just love Wendell!! He is seriously the best. I'm sad though because if I don't see progress in the next couple of weeks I'm going to have to drop him. I really don't want to though. But we are here to find the elect. There are people who are ready and waiting and we just need to find them. Wendell is doing okay. He is still struggling a bit with believing God loves him. But I feel as if we are making progress. I stressed the importance the other day of him meeting with the local sisters again in his area and he promised me he would do his best to get in contact with them. I invited him to attend church this Sunday and he promised me he would try his hardest. I'm praying my hardest that things work out and that he follows through with these commitments. Being able to talk with him and share with him the Gospel each week is something I look forward to and I really don't want to have to put him aside. But we will see what happens. This week will tell me a lot.

 

Julio

Another Christmas Devotional pic

Believe it or not I haven't talked with Julio in 2 weeks!!! It makes me so sad!! I love Julio and really miss talking with him. I hope all is well. I haven't been able to get a hold of him now for 2 weeks which is weird because HE ALWAYS answers his phone. I will try calling him again within the next couple of days and if I don't get an answer I will more than likely call his Ward Mission Leader to make sure all is well.

 

 

let's just go trip and fall:

Okay so awkward story, so this morning I was walking, okay maybe just slightly jogging, up the stairs outside our South Visitor Center and I face planted it in the mud. Yah, that wasn't a fun moment. I tripped over the last stair in front of me and slid across the pavement. So grateful though no one was around. Well except the one worker who was probably wondering why a Sister Missionary was kneeling on the ground like a dog. Haha, we just started laughing to make it look like nothing happened. Haha - Sister Bryuzgina is so sweet, she was really concerned for me after I fell. I just scraped up my knees, got mud on them and then on my bag but hey all is well that ends well.

 

I Just LOVE Inbound Calls!!!

Okay, so Dad, guess what I did for the FIRST TIME MY WHOLE MISSION!?!? I took an INBOUND CALL (that's when people call into Mormon.org) and not just one, or 2, or 3 but 7 of them!! And it has only been 2 days. Monday I looked at Sister Bryuzgina and I'm like, "Okay, fine. I'm going to do this. I'm going to take a call." And if you know me I'm deathly afraid of talking to people I don't know on the phone. Why? Well that's a good question. Anyways I did it and we picked up 6 new Investigators! They are each so amazing and I'm excited to get to help them along this journey they are each on. I want to tell you about Nelly.  Ahh I just love Nelly sooo much!!

 

NELLY - an Inbound Call

Nelly called into Mormon.org yesterday and she is just amazing. She is a grandmother of 11. Four of them have a lot things that she has to work with - I forgot the word she used to describe them. Her story is just soooo sad I don't feel it is appropriate to share it with you via email. If you remind me I will share it with you when I get off my mission. All I know is it just made me beyond grateful to have parents who love me so much and who do all that they can to show me they love me and to just be there for me. She mentioned that she is trying to get back with God and to get back to a church. She isn't a member but really wanted to go to church on Sunday and wanted to verify where it was. I started sharing with her about how she has a Father in Heaven and that he has a plan specifically for her. She was really excited and just started crying. We talked a lot about her and the situation she is currently in and this plan can help her in her life.

 

I have an appointment with her again on Friday so we will see what happens. I have the faith that things will continue to work out. She just has so much faith and so much hope. I pray that things will work out. She has 11 grandchildren 4 of which are severely disabled from what she said, due to past family experiences. So it will be somewhat challenging having to deal with her circumstances from what she has mentioned to me. But I know that if she has this faith and desire everything will be okay.

 

PLEASE DON'T FORGET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I seriously just can't stress this enough! If you EVER doubt that he loves you then please just get

down on your knees and pray to him until you feel of his love. To anyone who is reading this, no matter what is happening in your life, the circumstances you're in, the things that you have done, your Father in Heaven LOVES YOU and he loves you more than you will ever know! You know we each go through points in our life when life becomes just hard. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love you. The Atonement is real. If mistakes have been made there is ALWAYS a way to return home. Your Savior, Jesus Christ, SACRIFICED his life for YOU. He bled from every pore because he was taking upon himself all the sorrow you would ever experience, all the pain you would ever face, all the sins you would ever commit. He did this for YOU. Why?? Because YOUR Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ LOVE YOU so much!! My Testimony of this has INCREASED so much this past week! Sister Bryuzgina and I this past week dealt with many people who had lost this love in their life and were on their way to end the life they had been given or were facing pretty scary circumstances, circumstances that I didn't even think I would ever hear about or would come in contact with. But it's there. This is something I surely can testify of. Your Heavenly Father is there and he loves you!



 



That is the number one thing I love so much! That we have a Father in Heaven, someone who loves us so much more than we will ever imagine. I want you to think to yourself right now, "What am I doing to feel of his love?"

 

I just love this Gospel more than words can describe!! I love you all so much! I know for a surety this Gospel is true, the Atonement is real, we are all children of a Father in Heaven. He has given us families so that we can learn the Gospel together and grow to become who He wants us to become. I know that my family and future family will be together for all eternity because of the Temple. I know so much more to be true but I don't have much time left.

 

Please be safe this week! And know that I love each and every one of you.....even if I don't know you!

 

Till next week,

 

Sister Jennifer Skaggs

The family where we had
Thanksgiving dinner

And now a picture like we would
do at MY home.

Thanksgiving, Lights, & Wendell‏

I love you all!

Sister Skaggs at East High
where High School Musical was filmed

I can't believe another week is here let alone almost another transfer! Can you believe it I'm going into my 4th transfer next week? During this transfer I hit my 6th month mark!!! I swear I entered the MTC just yesterday. Time surely does fly when you're on a mission.

 

 

 

Family, it sounds like you're doing so well! I'm glad you all enjoyed "Wicked" without me. I'm glad you're all safe and everyone is doing fine. I probably should get busy with explaining to you what has been happening here.

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving:

 

Thanksgiving dinner in
a member's home

Fun times!

Thanksgiving was amazing! It was my FIRST TIME being in a member's home my WHOLE mission!! I honestly felt like I was home. I started getting teary eyed as I got in their van to drive to their home and then when we got there as well. I never knew just how special it was being inside an actual home. It was the first time in almost 5 months that I have been inside a members home. We got picked up at around 12:15 and then drove up to Bountiful. The second we got into their van it was just amazing. It was a little weird at first because I haven't been in that situation in months but we quickly got adjusted and then we were in heaven. We thought we were just going to eat thanksgiving with a small little family. Well, we were in for a surprise. When we got there we were quickly welcomed by about 15 little kids, and I believe about 10 adults. Everyone was soooo welcoming!! They were so happy to have us there. We felt right at home the second we walked in. The house we went to was the parents home. Several of their children were there, who were all grown with little kids of their own. I just can't describe how amazing it was.

 

The children singing to us at
Thanksgiving. Sooo cute!

We had a HUGE Thanksgiving dinner. You name it, we had it. We had every pie imaginable as well. I kind of had like 4 helpings of pie... oops!! Haha, so Sister Bryuzgina and I pretended to play football with them. It was really weird because neither of us had ever been in a situation like that before and so it was really weird trying to apply the white handbook rules (rules that all missionaries live by - printed in a little white book) because we have never been in such a situation before. Oh, and so another set of sister missionaries from one of the Salt Lake City missions came and had dinner as well but they were only allowed to be there for an hour. The little kids had several songs that they played/sang for us. Oh, and dad, one of the son-in-laws that was there is the brother to Brother Bitton in the Morgan Hill Ward. Haha so that was a funny story. It was just amazing all together. We were only allowed to be off of Temple Square from noon to 6 pm. The only reason why we left their house was because we were needed back. Other than that we could have stayed longer. The only thing I have to say is for those who get to eat in member's home's you're SO LUCKY!! I forgot how much I missed home cooked meals. Here on Temple Square we cook ALL our meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner unless I go out to eat at City Creek. Other than that I'm SO GRATEFUL for Thanksgiving! I will definitely NEVER forget that Thanksgiving!! Oh and it was Sister Bryuzgina's FIRST Thanksgiving!

 

 

Temple Square LIGHTS= Disneyland!

 

 

Temple Square at Christmas time

Not even joking - I seriously felt like I was at Disneyland when they turned the lights on this past Friday and Saturday. The crowds were INSANE! I honestly felt like I was walking through Disneyland during Thanksgiving time. It was so AMAZING though. It is truly a magical place when the lights come on. I just can't describe it. Because of how big the crowds are and how late they stay our schedules have changed so we don't leave the square till 9:45. Since I'm on early schedule I go to bed at 11:15 PM instead of 11:30 PM. Haha - the first night the lights turned on Sister Bryuzgina and I were so exhausted from the lights turning on and from working about a 16-17 hour day we literally were falling asleep while we were planning for the next day. It's all good - that's why we have the Atonement. Which is something I have used so much since being out on my mission.

Disneyland at Christmas time

 

One of my favorite parts about the lights coming on is Sing and Smile/Dance. One of our new assignments on our schedule is we have an allotted time when we have to sing Christmas carols with about 4-5 other companionship's at a certain spot on Temple Square. It has just been a really neat experience. Monday night we were doing Sing and Smile over near the east gate and this elderly couple in front of us was singing. I went over there and asked them to join us. The lady was so cute. She didn't know much English so she pulled out her phone and sang all of the songs with her husband in Spanish. It was just really neat to see the smile on her face and the joy that came from her singing. They sang with us for a good 30 minutes. Singing truly is another way we can voice our testimonies. I love it! I truly just love being here on Temple Square especially during this time of year!

 

Wendell:

 

 So I got a hold of Wendell on Monday!! He had mentioned that he hadn't been going to church but that he had been reading the Book of Mormon and is really working hard to not give up faith on his Heavenly Father but is going to find out what it is that he is to do. I explained to him more about why we have the Book of Mormon in our life and taught him the Restoration. I felt strongly that I was to invite him to be baptized. I explained to him what it was all about and then invited him to be baptized and to enter into that first covenant with his Father in Heaven, to take that first necessary step into returning back home to his Heavenly Father. He said yes and tomorrow we will talk more about a date/goal as to when he feels his Heavenly Father feels he can be ready by. He is so amazing. I love the amazing faith he has in his Heavenly Father. He didn't tell me about his past but I could sense his life hasn't been easy but he is so wiling and determined to do what his Heavenly Father needs him to do. Before I asked him to be baptized he told me, "You know, I have already been baptized..." In my mind I was like, "Oh great. He is going to say I have no need to be re-baptized." He ended up saying, "You know, I have already been baptized but I want to be re-baptized because I was baptized when I was younger and never understood what I was doing. So I want to be baptized again and no what I'm doing this time." I was thinking, "This really can't be happening right now. I guess I will invite him to be baptized." So that's when I explained to him the importance of baptism and invited him. I love him so much and am so grateful for the amazing opportunity I have to get to know and to help him on this road back home to his Heavenly Father.

P-day fun!

A year supply of hamburger meat
all in one package!?

Sorry this email is shorter than usual I'm just soo tired right now I really can't think. This P-day has been insane (Temple, Zone activity, Grocery Shopping and now emailing and then we have to be back working due to the lights in an hour). On top of how busy we have been, I'm just so physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually exhausted right now. 

P-day fun with my companion!

P-day fun with my zone sisters!

Yes, we even get our
hair cut!



The sisters of my zone

 

 

The mission is going well! I love it here and feel so blessed to have this opportunity to serve a mission. Again sorry this email is different from the rest. I'm just so tired right now I need to take a quick nap and we have to be on the square for the lights in 50 minutes. I will make it up to you next time I have P-day I PROMISE!!

Oh so my two favorite scriptures for this week that I just really love right now are 1 Nephi 17:3 which I feel like can apply to me right now... haha and then 1 Nephi 17:13.

I love you all, I hope your having an amazing week! Good luck this week!

Sister Skaggs

HE is the GIFT‏

This is a side note/disclaimer by Sister Skaggs mom (I am managing her blog for her with the e-mails she sends home).  Don (Jennifer's father/my husband) wanted me to edit parts of this blog post, specifically under the paragraph "A Time to Change".  Here Jennifer exposes some of her weaknesses and what she is doing to overcome her weakness/challenges. Please note, when she speaks about her PRIDE I personally believe it is less about "pride" and rather more about her understanding that others have weaknesses that she hasn't been exposed to so she doesn't know how to respond/react in certain situations.  She may come across as prideful but I believe it's more about her learning to accept others -- faults and all -- free of any judgement toward them.  Her mission has opened her eyes to the lives of others and the struggles that people encounter along the path of life. She is definitely learning Christlike attributes (that WE ALL should learn) and trying to become more like our Savior. Hmmm, perhaps we should ALL serve missions (even if we've already served one) so that we, too, can turn our weaknesses into blessings -- as she states in that paragraph -- and become more like our Savior.  With that said, I chose to post her blog just as she e-mailed it home -- no editing.  Now on to Sister Skaggs' blog post!


To All I love!

Okay I have to start by explaining my title. That is the one thing that I'm sooo excited for!! Ahhh - you have no idea how amazing this new initiative the church is doing is. It's like candy for missionaries!!! Okay so let me begin!!!

HE is the GIFT

 

As displayed in Times Square in New York City

The Church has a new initiative that they are launching starting Friday. Let me first explain just HOW BIG this is going to get. We had an hour and a half training on this yesterday morning for the Temple Square Sisters. The church has bought about 6 jumbo screens on TIMES SQUARE. They showed us pictures of what each jumbo screen will look like. Haha - you DEFINITELY won't be able to leave Times Square without "He is the Gift" in your head. The Church has BOUGHT YouTube for the night of DEC. 7th (first presidency devotional). They showed us what YouTube will look like that night. We have a full blown wall covered with it in our North Visitors Center. The 3 minute video is in all of our video rooms and Theater's now. The "I'm a Mormon" station in our South Visitor Center has been completely changed and will play the 'He is the Gift' video. Mormon.org is now different. We have new "He is the Gift" pass along cards and the Missionary Department sent out an email to the whole mission. Not only do we have to report to our mission president but we have to send a weekly report directly to the Missionary Department each week about all referrals, new investigators, and baptisms that occur because of this new initiative. This is going to be HUGE!!! I'm sooo excited!!!



Now what is this all about??? You need to see the video for yourself here is the link: http://www.mormon.org/christmas

 

What does this video mean to you personally?? How are we expressing our gratitude for the Gift our Father in Heaven has given each of us?

 

I truly am grateful for the Gift my Father in Heaven has given me. Our Father in Heaven sent his son here to earth to atone for our sins and to sacrifice his life for each of us. If it weren't for the Gift our Father in Heaven gave us and for our Savior's sacrifice we wouldn't be able to return back home to our Heavenly Father again. After watching this video it gave me a whole different perspective on what Christmas truly is all about. It truly isn't about all the different presents we get, what new iPhone we are getting, what new car we are getting. It's not about being upset because we didn't get what we wanted. It's about remembering the precious gift our Heavenly Father gave to each of us so that we could return to him again someday. I want to invite you to really think about your life right now; to think about this time of year. Are you showing your Father in Heaven just how grateful you are for the Gift he has given you? Are you seeking for opportunities to show him just how thankful you are?

 

It's called CHRISTmas for a reason.

I truly do love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ with all of my heart. I feel so blessed to know who they are and to have this amazing knowledge, understanding and testimony of this precious gift our Father in Heaven has given us. Let us remember what this time of season really is all about. A good friend reminded me that we shouldn't say 'Happy Holidays' but we should say 'Merry Christmas' because it truly is a wonderful time to remember the Gift our Father in Heaven has given us -- which is the birth of his only begotten son Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. What a glorious gift we indeed have been given! So that is what I am THANKFUL for! Happy THANKSGIVING!!!

 

 A Time to Change:

 

Sis. Skaggs and her comp
being silly

The one thing that I have really learned to love is the opportunity our Heavenly Father gives us to change. Since being here on Temple Square Heavenly Father has made it very clear to me that I have pride and that in order for me to achieve my full potential, not only here but life in general, I have to get over my pride. This transfer had been going really well and I truly felt like things were going really good. Sister Bryuzgina and I are always laughing, being stupid, being spiritual and just having A LOT of fun with each other. Well, last Wednesday, Nov. 19th the AP's (Assistant's to the President) pulled me into their office to talk with me. It scared the daylights out of me because I was wondering what I had done wrong that they would need to talk with me. I knew that I had this weakness and that it had been visible in the past but I honestly thought things had gotten a lot better. They started by saying, "Sister Skaggs, do you know why you're here?" I replied with, "Umm, I have no idea. All I know is I'm freaking out." They went on to say that they have just been observing several sisters that may be struggling and they felt prompted that they needed to speak with me. In my mind I was like "Oh great, so I really am not doing good. Wow, I thought I have been really happy, positive and filled with a lot of energy lately. This is nice. Right before transfers, too." Reality was it was EXACTLY what needed to happen. They asked me what has been going on and I mentioned to them this huge weakness that has been a really hard hurdle to get over and that I'm trying to find a way to get over it and I'm just not having success. One of the AP's shared with me some verses in Moroni. It was Moroni 7:39-48 (from the Book of Mormon). Powerful verses, that's for sure. They went on to share a lot of really powerful things with me that gave me a different perspective on how necessary it is to change. They then invited me to write this down and then to give them a hard copy the following day so they could keep me accountable. It has been such a tremendous blessing in my life. It's what I have needed for so long. Sister Bryuzgina and I talked and mentioned that we had 21 days left in the transfer to make charity become a strength of mine. "Moroni 7:45 is my goal". That following morning Sister Bryuzgina and I prayed together and then created a transfer, weekly and daily action plan with the various things that I must work on to make Charity a strength. Family, this past week has been AMAZING. Of course I'm not perfect, nor will I ever be. But it's been amazing the different things Heavenly Father has put in my path each day to help me overcome this weakness. I'm so thankful for this trial and for EVERYTHING I'm learning right now. I have been praying all transfer for a way to overcome this weakness and even though I wish it didn't get to that point, it was exactly what I needed. Heavenly Father knows us best and knows EXACTLY what we need when we need it. I just love him so much!

 

THANKSGIVING in a MEMBERS HOME!:

 

Sis. Skaggs pointing out
the small shoes in a room
in the Beehive House

For Thanksgiving we get the privilege to go to MEMBERS HOMES!!! My FIRST TIME my WHOLE MISSION that I get to eat a meal in a members home! I'm so excited!! HAHA - I don't think they will be able to get rid of me. For those who don't know, here on Temple Square we are in our ward, which means we don't go to members homes to eat. So we cook ALL of our meals, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner everyday, every week. Last Thursday they announced that each companionship would be going to a different member's home over in the Bountiful Heights Stake for Thanksgiving. They had prayed about who's house we should go to and then assigned us to a home. I'm so excited we called our family last week and they are so nice. They will be here tomorrow at noon to take us to their home for Thanksgiving and then we just have to be back on Temple Square at 6 pm to work again. I'm beyond grateful right now. The fact that it's Thanksgiving and these families are opening their homes up for us so that we can have a Thanksgiving is amazing. Haha all of us sisters when they announced that last week about started crying. This wasn't an easy task that's for sure, because we have about 170 sisters in the mission which means about 80 companionship's, which means about 80 different families. So yah mom and dad, all is well!! :)

 

Our Christmas Schedule: 

 

Sis. Skaggs & Sis. Bryuzgina
in front of the main dining
room in the Beehive house

Starting Friday our schedule will change completely, even to the point of our sleeping schedule. So until Jan 1st we will be on the square till 10 pm. We will go to bed at 11:30 pm and wake up at 7:30 am and be on the square by 10 am. P-DAY WILL CHANGE. P-day will change starting Friday so our P-day times till Jan. 1st will be from 11 am to 7 pm. I will e-mail probably a little bit later though next week because for P-day we are going to sing to students at a special needs school and then we will go grocery shopping so I probably won't e-mail till about 2 or so next week - FYI. I can't believe the lights will come on Friday. They will turn on at 5 pm! It's going to be PURE MADNESS! They are expecting THOUSANDS of people. They say it's General Conference crowds every-night for a full month. I don't care, it just means more people we can talk to!

 

Missionary Work:

 

The work is going good. Julio (my recent convert) is still the same. Funny as ever. He is a Teacher's Assistant and loves it. He got to ask people to say the opening and closing prayers last Sunday in Gospel Principles. Raymond is doing good, too. He didn't get to pass the Sacrament on Sunday but he is okay with that. His dad has been in the hospital and in and out of surgery for the past week. They don't know why, so he is having a little bit of a hard time with that but is still doing really well. He is just in love with the scriptures and loves sharing with me about his scripture of the day and about what he is up to. Wendell, I haven't been able to get a hold of him for the past 2 weeks now. I hope he is doing well. I continue to pray for him everyday and I know he is in the Lord's hands so everything will be okay, eventually. Paul - so we met Paul from mormon.org. He called in on Sunday wanting to learn more. He had mentioned that he attended the Phoenix Temple open house and had felt a really strong feeling there and came on to mormon.org to learn more. I shared with him a lot about the Restoration and why we have Temples. He requested to have local missionaries come to him, so we will see what happens with that. We were supposed to talk with him Monday but things fell through. So we will see what happens. Other than that, the work is going good. I love the change I get to witness in these individuals as they start applying the Gospel to their life.

 

 

Beehive House:

 

The room where Doctrine & Covenants
Section 138 was revealed

I love that house. I'm learning so much there. The one thing that I have really learned is the importance of the spirit in leading all things. This past week I was in charge of leading the tour and well, we had a couple of guys come to the Beehive House, maybe in their late 40's. When the two of them walked in I just had really uncomfortable feelings. For various reasons I felt very uncomfortable and was on alarm. I was on desk, which meant we would have to give the tour. I started praying asking Heavenly Father for help and that everything would be okay. Well another group of men walked in asking for a tour. It brought a little bit of relief having these other men there. We started the tour and the 2 men just kept giving me uncomfortable feelings but not as bad since I knew things would be okay to an extent since I had the other 4 there. Before we went into the actual Beehive House I just bore the strongest testimony about coming into a Prophets house. As we got to the bottom of the stairs, I had a really strong feeling that we weren't to take them upstairs and that we needed to finish the tour, I was like, "But we have to take them upstairs, what if I'm just being paranoid." I had the thought and feeling about 5 different times. So I finally made the choice that we weren't taking them upstairs. We quickly finished the tour and let them go. Afterward I asked Sister Bryuzgina if she was feeling anything weird like I was and she said, "Yah. I had a strong feeling to not take them upstairs but I didn't know how to tell you. So when you decided to not take them upstairs it brought such a relief to me." I honestly don't know why we weren't supposed to take them upstairs. I'm so thankful though for the spirit and for being able to guide us. Heavenly Father is always watchful of us as long as we are in a place where the spirit can guide us and direct us and we are willing to allow the spirit to guide us. I have gained such a strong testimony of the Spirit since being in the Beehive House. So many amazing spiritual experiences have come since being in the Beehive House! Now don't get me wrong, the Beehive House is a really SAFE HOUSE.

Sis. Bryuzgina, Sis. Burton (a senior
couple - husband taking the pic) and
Sis. Skaggs in front of the Beehive
House

The wedding dress of
Brigham Young's daughter
as displayed in the Beehive
House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well I need to get going! Family and friends I love you so much! I hope you have an amazing week this week! Be safe and know I love you all sooo much!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! 

 

LOVE ALWAYS,

Sister Skaggs