The Gospel Changes Hearts‏

From 08/11/15

 

 

To All I Love,

 

 

Me and my wonderful
companion!

Well EVERY WEEK I say this but being on a Mission brings you true joy! To be honest I have NEVER in my life been this happy before and it all comes from the Gospel. Being able to devote my ENTIRE LIFE to the Gospel and to be in complete service to my Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ. If I was given the choice to be an eternal full time missionary I would say YES in a heartbeat! The Gospel is truly remarkable. Seeing hearts change brings sooo much joy to ones soul. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and it ALWAYS will be. Shall I start with what has happened this past week?

 

God's Plan for His Family:

This would have to be my FAVORITE presentation on Temple Square. Have you ever seen it?? Probably not! Why?? Because no one even knows it exists until the Temple Square Sisters say "Would you like to see God's Plan?" And then they look at us like "Huh??" Well you should see it! It's next door to the Christus up the ramp on the right. It's a presentation that takes you through 6 different rooms and it's only 12 minutes long. You see what God intends for each of his families. You see the different stages of life and ways we can apply these principles to our own families. The first room looks like you're in a canyon, then we move to the next room (a little girls room), then to a front yard etc. But you see this family and how life isn't perfect. I wish our families were, but hate to break it to you, NO FAMILY is perfect. Your life may seem perfect but it's not. We may be the happiest in the world but at one point or another you have experienced a trial. Trials are blessings from God but at one point or another they can seem hard.

 

Going to God's Plan is my FAVORITE! Seeing families go through and seeing their hearts change is powerful. Even grown men cry during this presentation. Today we took a family of 6 through. It was grandma and her 3 grand-kids and her son and daughter. Most of them hadn't seen it before which is great because it makes it even more special. My favorite thing is to observe them as we go through and see how they react. The daughter today - she is 47 years old. In each room I watched how the spirit was touching her and was trying to catch a glimpse of what she must be feeling right now. As we entered the last room we played it for the family and I watched the son who was probably in his late 40's as well. Personally, I think he was trying to stay a man and not shed a tear. Didn't last long. As I looked over I watched him lift up his glasses and wipe his eyes a bit and then watched as he continued to watch the film. At the end we asked what they loved most about it. The daughter, still in tears, says, "It brings an eternal perspective on things. That this life isn't temporary but this time is the time to prepare." As we talked further on we found out her dad passed away 20 years ago. And for her she was able to remember that this isn't the end. God's plan for each of his families here is to prepare ourselves and together as a family living a life centered on the Gospel to make sure we are each prepared to return to live in his presence. And as we do so and focus on entering the Temple we can make our families eternal ones. The family isn't to be temporary but God intends for each family to be an Eternal one. As we apply the teachings presented and recognize this plan that has been established for our families we will successfully wade out the storm that surrounds us each and everyday. The parents will know how to raise their kids in society that is crashing fast, they will know how to strengthen and edify their children. The children will know that this is an eternal perspective that they must recognize. They will have a further desire to apply these principles that will keep them safe amongst the storm that is raging all around us each day. As missionaries we don't know of the storm that is raging. We know it's there but we know what each family MUST and has to do in order to make it through safely. What are you doing to strengthen your family? How much do you love your family? 

Uncle Rich popped in for a
surprise visit!



Mom and Dad I'm eternally grateful for the foundation you established within me at such a young age! I feel blessed to have parents with firm testimonies of the Gospel, with parents who do all that they can to deepen those relationships with their Heavenly Father each day. Family, I love you!! 

 

 

 

A Change of Heart Through A Prophets Home:

The other day the weather started to drastically turn in Salt Lake City as the clouds got darker and were moving in pretty quickly and with that comes everyone running to get out of the storm. We were assigned to be at the Beehive House at the time. And you know me, I'm a weather freak, once one ALWAYS one. Which meant I was on the porch outside just watching the clouds move in, telling everyone to come inside the Beehive House. Moments before that this dad and his young son came by saying, "Do you have a drinking fountain?" We are like, "Yeah but its during the tour that we come across it. We can give you a tour and then you can have a cup of water when we get to the room." Missionaries are smart right?? Great way to sneak in a tour or a Gospel lesson. But who knew being in a prophets home would change the heart of this gentleman, probably in his mid to late 40's.

They come in and we do our usual stuff before we start the tour, introduction, How To Begin Teaching, expectations, and what we do as missionaries. The dad mentioned that he is familiar with the Church and is wanting to open his son up to various religions, the son is 10. We begin the tour and we just start asking questions simple enough, that the 10 year-old would understand. He was a little shy and so it was hard getting through to him. Which is okay because I felt more pushed to work on the Dad. Don't know why but I just felt like he needed to be my priority on this tour. As we move from Brigham Young's office to the backroom that shows the prophets belongings we just start asking more questions. Questions are key to all things. If you don't ask you wont get your answer. The dad finally stops us and says, "Okay, let me give you a better understanding so you know what you are working with." We are like 'okay go right ahead.' He mentions to us that he is on a trip with his son to introduce him to different religions so he can choose for himself what he wants to believe and join someday. Earlier that day they attended a Catholic mass and now they are here at Temple Square learning more about the Mormons. He mentioned that his sister is a member of the church and so they know a lot about it because of that. He is just exposing his son to things and giving him the opportunity to choose. We continue our way through the home. Talking about Brigham Young and what he valued the most and how it can apply to their own family. We talked a lot about being an example, teaching his children the gospel, sacrifice and love. As we were in the last room, the dad's tone had changed quite a bit. To be honest, I have no idea what we said but at this point I could really feel the spirit as we communicated to him. As I looked up at him I saw a tear start to form as he looked at us in the eyes. At this moment he was working hard to be strong and to be a man. I don't know if he knew that I recognized what happened. But at this point I knew he was feeling the spirit and his heart had changed. We walked outside and he asked if he could get more water. We said "Sure. Let's go back in and get more." As we were talking again we asked more questions to get to know him and that's when he mentioned that he used to be a member. His ENTIRE family are members except him. He said, "I'm glad this has worked for you and this brings you happiness." But he said it in a manner that seemed like he was aching to be able to say that for himself. Out of nowhere I find myself telling him he needs to go back to church. Now he was probably Hawaiian and was a little intimidating and he was A LOT older than me. But I just remember saying something about how he should give it a try. "It's been years since you last gave it a try. It didn't work for you then but see if it can bless your life now. Go back to church and test it out. Read the Book of Mormon again. If it's blessed your family, if it's blessed our lives then why can't it bless your life? Just give it a try again." I was a little shocked with what I said. In that moment I knew it wasn't me speaking but the spirit. The spirit was strong at this point and while he didn't say anything to us we knew what his heart was experiencing and that's all that matters. We don't know what will happen now but it doesn't matter. What matters is that after such a long time this gentleman felt the spirit again, after so many years and was able to recognize it again. At this moment the spirit witnessed to him that he was missing that eternal happiness. The Gospel is amazing and it's the key to true happiness in our lives. We can have millions of dollars, lots of boating stuff, a private jet, a great job, etc. But if you don't have the Gospel you won't have that complete joy that you only can experience from living the teachings found within the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Blessings from serving a mission are remarkable, the greatest one is seeing the spirit work through people's spirits. We were only with them for about 30 minutes and it shows that the spirit doesn't need an eternity to work, it just needs a willing heart and a couple of seconds/minutes.

The Work is Moving Forward:

A visitor from Napal

Africa is doing great!! Our teaching pool keeps increasing. President Harmon has given us 20 people now to work with, with about 12 of them whom we have gotten in touch with and are actively teaching and then another lady we found the other day who lives in Accra, Ghana. Everyone was supposed to be baptized this past weekend but due to mission stuff the Mission Presidency hasn't been able to get to Kakata to do the interviews yet. However, the interviews will be this Saturday and they are each very excited and prepared! Anthony is one of my favorites!! He has only been to church 3 times but his testimony is phenomenal!!! I haven't seen someones testimony like his before of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith. Yesterday I had a 50 minute lesson with him as HE TAUGHT ME THE ENTIRE Restoration, as we went through ALL of the Baptismal Interview Questions with flying colors besides several that he didn't know about like Law of Chastity, etc. But we taught him the Law of Chastity as we did the Baptismal Interview Questions and he understood everything quite well and is grateful that God has led him to the "true church" - is how he put it. People are prepared. Now he wants us to teach his wife and son. Want to know how it all started???? A FRIEND inviting him to church!! Member Missionary work is vital. In fact, all of the solid people we are working with over there is from their friends inviting them to church. People are ready. We are expecting the baptism to occur on the 22nd. They are aiming for about 30 people to be scheduled to be baptized during this baptism. Which is crazy to think about. Imagine attending a baptism of 30 and then having 30 confirmations at church the next day!

 

Well I better get going! Know I love you each and I have never been happier!! Truly, I have never been happier. When I get into these random funks, which rarely ever happen, it's the most depressing thing ever! Being happy is the best feeling ever! Being around those who are filled with joy is even better. Okay. Well I love you. Be safe and seek for something you can change this week to become what the Lord expects you to become! Love you each, wherever you may be throughout the world!

 

Love Always,

 

Sister Skaggs

Eternal Foundation‏

From Aug 4th


To All I Love,

This past week wasn't as crazy and hectic as the previous two weeks have been. It has been more mellow which is the way I like it because I can focus on my primary call as a missionary. But needless to say things are going well despite the crazy moments that occur here and there. One thing I have learned and continue to learn is that the Lord does provide!

 

 

 

 

 

 Happy Birthday Dad!!:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I apologize for not emailing you last week, when it was your birthday. On your Birthday I remembered that I didn't write you and I'm so sorry about that! But know I was thinking about you and I hope you had a marvelous birthday! I feel so incredibly blessed to have you as my popsaroonious! To know that I have a father who is always by my side, who is supportive, encouraging, diligent, hard working, and most importantly loves his Father in Heaven, means the world to me. Dad, know that I love you so much and I'm eternally grateful to have had you as an example. Growing up I would always watch how you put the Lord first in all that you did. If there was a school event you needed to attend or an important church meeting, you put the Lord first. It allowed me to see and observe what is to be our top priorities in life. First, its our Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ and the Gospel, then our Families, and everything else just follows in pursuit. Dad, you taught by example. You showed me what I must do with my own life and what I want in my future through living by example. It is through how you and mom together learned and practiced the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has set my sure foundation. I was talking with a lady on the Square today about how her great nephew isn't a member of the Church because of a simple choice her niece made to do other things. We commented about how crucial it is to teach and to raise our children with a firm foundation in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We both noted that it starts when they are just born. To establish that principle of righteous Gospel living at the start of their life. As that pattern is established it allows us, as children, to recognize our purpose here on earth and to know what we must do to gain that end goal in mind. The end goal being Eternal Life. I know I haven't been the perfect daughter. I'm sure you and mom wanted to pull your hair out at times, especially during the teenage years, but know that even when I was being my snotty and sometimes snobby self I knew what was and needed to be my foundation. It has been because of what you together taught and established within me at such a young age that I have the testimony I have today. I'm grateful to have a testimony of it. During the hardest point on my mission, not just here but life in general, that's what has gotten me through. I know who I am and I know where I am going. I'm a Daughter of God and I do have a Father in Heaven who knows and loves me by name. Dad, I love you and am grateful to call you my dad or my popsaroonious! I hope you had a wonderful Birthday and know your little girl was thinking of you all the way here on Temple Square! Love you Dad!!!! :)

 

The Lord Makes Up the Difference:

 

With so much of my attention span focused on the needs of the District it forces us to really use the precious time we have more wisely when it comes to teaching our Investigators. Amazing MIRACLES do occur when we do what the Lord has asked us to do. Do to our limited Teaching Center time and the fact we have been so busy with sisters and meetings etc. we haven't had the opportunity to really teach our investigators in Liberia. However, on Sunday we were talking with the Branch President about how things were going and if the Baptism is still scheduled to take place this Saturday. Since we haven't been in touch with them as frequently as we should be I was a little on edge hearing how they each were doing. The Branch President informed us that they are doing well. It's frustrating though because Satan has really been going to town on a lot of people that the District is working with and even though a decent amount of our investigators will be baptized it saddens us for those who won't be baptized for varying reasons. That is how Satan works though. That is how the plan works. It comes through being tested and if we will do all that we can to overcome the temptations that we will encounter and if we will do all that Lord requires of us. Between talking with the Branch President (President Harmon) and getting in touch with our investigators they are each at different levels.

 

Morou - We haven't been able to get in touch with him. His wife is having a lot of stomach problems that is causing her to have to go to the hospital. When we talked with her on Sunday she mentioned that she would be going to the hospital on Monday so yesterday. President Harmon made several brief comments to us and it doesn't sound like Morou will be baptized this time. It literally breaks my heart. But it comes down to the way we live our life and how we are applying these Gospel Principles to our everyday lives, if we are making those necessary changes for us to gain Eternal Salvation. But I know that someday he will be baptized. As the spirit continues to work through him he will be prepared to make that sacred covenant with his Father in Heaven through entering the waters of Baptism.

 

Cyrus - His story breaks my heart. At the same time it reminds me of the Atonement and how real the Atonement can be if we open the gift that has been given to us and actually use that gift. Cyrus for the past several months has been living with his Uncle, which is how he was introduced to the Church. He has been faithfully attending ever since then and has a deep desire to be baptized. About 2 weeks ago we gave him a call and he mentioned that he moved back home about a 6-9 hour drive from Kakata. As we were talking to him he mentioned that certain things occurred and due to those simple choices he has been set back to his home. Due to the accent I didn't quite really understand what had happened. Later we were talking with President Harmon and he commented on the fact that certain things occurred (allegations) that he needs to get cleared. Cyrus has such a strong desire to be baptized and wants a way to be made which would enable him to be baptized. Between talking with him and President Harmon he can be baptized if he can get back to Kakata and get the allegations with his Uncle cleared up and have his interview. The Atonement is real for each and every one of us as we have the desire to unlock the blessings that come from the Atonement in each of our lives. We are sincerely praying that everything works out. President Harmon will give him a call either yesterday or today and see what he can do to help Cyrus so he can receive the blessings that come from being baptized.

 

Gaiduwo - She is okay. These past couple of weeks she hasn't been able to attend church because she has been out sick but she still has the desire to be baptized. We called her yesterday and she didn't have a clear understanding as to what The Book of Mormon is and so we are planning on reading it with her to help her recognize that The Book of Mormon is a set of scripture that has been given for each of us to know of the plan that God has established for us his children.

 

Patricia -

We, unfortunately, haven't been able to teach her for about 3 weeks because she has been gone. We talked to her good friend and he mentioned that her mother is very ill. Patricia is hoping to make it back to be baptized but it may not happen. We will see.

 

Opi - We haven't been able to teach him as much as we would like. President Harmon commented that he is ready to be baptized which is good to know. When we talked with President Harmon he voiced concerns or worries for pretty much each of them besides Opi. We will be giving him a call tomorrow. We just pray that the phone connection works. Lately the network has been bad again which causes problems when we are trying to teach our investigators in Africa.

 

We have several others that we are currently working with at the moment. As of now, we don't really know the final number as to who will be baptized this coming Saturday. On Friday we will give President Harmon a call and he will give us more of a final count. Right now they are expecting about 30 but it will depend on the interview with the Mission Presidency these next couple of days. Just thinking about what will happen is peaceful and exciting! Knowing that these precious children of God will get to make this covenant with their Father in Heaven is exciting! I would do anything to be there but I know that the Lord needs me here on Temple Square, which is okay too.

Misc.

 

Last P-day we had the opportunity to help the Zone Leaders prepare for Zone Activity today which meant I needed to help drive them around the city to several various locations to help them see the different places that would be included for Zone Activity this transfer. One of our stops was the Salt Lake Cemetery. I can't wait to take you there family!! We just started driving around and were able to bump into a good chunk of the former prophets. It didn't help that we had like 10 mutual groups [church youth program] there with MAPS!! Gotta love maps. What would we do without them.

 

Oh and fun note, we were walking to email just now and we passed by the Temple and this lady stops us and says, "Would you take a picture of us?" As we are getting ready to take the picture we realize the lady who stopped us was Sister Bednar [the wife of one of the 12 Apostles]. I was completely calm but in my mind I'm like "What in the world is happening right now?" Some of her former friends from Arkansas were in town and so they got together. Hahaha - you never know who you will bump into. Sis Chazen remembered her because when they visited South Africa her brother was on the security team for the Bednars and while they were waiting to leave Sister Bednar, after most people had left, came and just talked with Sister Chazen for awhile. What a small world!



Friends from BYUi - I love these
guys!!!

Well I gotta go. We have to go shopping before we have zone activity. Know that I love you each so much and feel blessed to have this gospel in my life! It's my eternal foundation. Someone made a comment to me the other day that has really stood out in my mind and I want to invite you to think about it, to ponder over how it applies to your life right now. Here is the comment: "I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ, if he suffered for me then why would I not suffer for him." I'm going to leave the interpretation of it to you. It caught me off guard but it's so true. If we are disciples of Jesus Christ then we are willing to go through WHATEVER the Lord puts into our path.

 

Love you! Hope you have a great week this week!!

Love Always,

Sister Skaggs

 

 

 

Patience, Balance and Charity‏

From 7/28/15

To All I love,

This email probably wont be super long and I apologize in advance for it. Haha but whenever I say that they usually end up being an eternity long. 

 

Me doing "exchange"
reports

Family I'm glad to hear that you are doing well despite the craziness of the world (you know what I mean) and that your having fun!! I just LOVED seeing all of your pictures today and being able to live in the moment of all that was happening! Sounds like you four had an absolute blast this past week. But don't we always do when we go on trips! Dad you plan killer trips and mom you are always good at supporting them even if they change literally at the last minute. The boys and I just enjoy the ride and know they will always be full of adventures. This is one tradition that I know I will for sure implement when I'm older. Ahh I just have the best family ever!! Love you to pieces. Well shall I get started with my roller coaster of a week!!! :D

 

 

The Way the Lord Teaches:



Sister Sami sick in
the loft



Me and my companion

It's interesting how the lord teaches us. You are really able to learn a lot though through the hardships he allows us to face. And as we face them with patience, diligence and faithful prayer we will be able to overcome the hurdle that stands in our way. This past week has been one of the most CRAZIEST weeks of my entire mission but the most sweetest. It will take a long time time to explain all that happened. Stories for after the mission. I mentioned before about how several sisters were out sick. Well Sister Sughroue endured the week being home or working half days. Up until about Saturday. Well Sister Sami was out the entire week, Wednesday rolled around and she had complete pain in her legs and couldn't walk. Imagine being on shift in the Beehive House having a sister who is sick but can't walk who has an emergency doctors appointment in 15 minutes in the middle of the shift. We had to text out to the entire mission for someone to bring us a wheelchair for us to wheel her down to her doctors appointment. After about 20 minutes we finally got a wheelchair and were able to get her down there. As we talk to the doctor he informs us that she is to immediately home and drink LOTS of Gatorade. The entire process lasted for a good 2 hours and then we wheeled her home and were there for about an hour getting her situated and figuring out what was going to happen next. Things continued to be crazy that day with exchanges. Then Thursday rolls around and since she couldn't walk she had to stay home and miss relief society. Well I'm now on another set of crazy exchanges while at the same time figuring out with our Mission Presidents Wife what we were going to do with Sister Sami. Another doctors appointment is scheduled and unfortunately meant it was right when we were to have District Meeting which meant I was no longer taking her but that she was going to have to personally take her. 3 hours later again with taking care of her we are informed she is to go home yet again. But we needed to get other things for her before we could take her home. As we are trying to get everything done and taken care of Sister Poulsen (Mission Presidents Wife on her Birthday) is calling around to the senior couples to see if they can pick stuff up for her at the store etc. We get things slightly figured out when another twist is thrown out. Sister Timoteo our Zone Leader receives a phone call from Sister Poulsen saying the doctor changed his mind and that Sister Sami is to go to the Emergency Room right away. We all just look at each other and are like wait what?? Then Sister Poulsen already 30 minutes late to her birthday dinner comes down the hall just looking completely tired and exhausted saying that President would like Sister Timotoe to go w/ Sister Sami and that a senior couple was coming back from the store to take them to the ER it was probably about 5:15 I would say at this point. The Thursday situation started at about 12:45. Sister Timoteo had already missed being on the square since Monday and was like the life of a Zone Leader on Temple Square. Sister Sughroue was starting to get very exhausted again and so I was told that I was going home with Sister Sughroue at 6 so she could rest from not feeling well while Sister Timoteo was at the hospital and since we couldn't get a hold of the other zone leader who already left on exchanges with Sister Sami's companion. After we got Sister Sami with the Senior Couple we were informed yet again that Senior Couple was going to just stay with her even if that meant all night and so Sister Timoteo didn't need to go anymore. She then looked at me and said "Sister Skaggs you still just go home with Sister Sughroue I'm going to go insane if I don't work on the square ." I was like okay I have had a little bit more time to work than you this week so that's fine. Sister Sami didn't get home from the Hospital till about 1 am. We still don't know to this day whats wrong. She is getting feeling back in her legs and with the use of crutches now and support from sisters is able to get around. They took a lot of tests and everything came back negative. Don't know clearly what it is. The situation is more complicated and than this. But like I said there are stories for after the mission. The district is doing better and they are all working closely to help support each other. We had 3 of the 4 companionships off the square or in crazy exchanges this past week which hurt the work, but we know that our people are being taken care of. It's interesting how the lord teaches us and shares with us the things that we each need to know and learn. Serving these sisters is a Roller Coaster but it truly has been the sweetest part of my mission. You learn to truly love and forget about yourself. You learn what it means to have selfless service and to love. It's been hard. Not being able to focus my entire time on the work is a little rough but it hasn't bothered me a whole lot because I know caring for these sisters and their well being is apart of the call now and I understand that. But the lord provides!!

 

 

The Lord Does Provide:

 

Me and my comp at the Pioneer Day
Parade

Pioneer Day Parade

As of Friday morning Sister Chazen and I realized we had only taken 19 tours the entire week which is really bad way below the average and where we are usually hitting. Which meant we needed 31 tours in two days in order to meet Standard of Excellence. I wasn't worried but I was really just pleading for help that as we worked diligently that a way would be made for us to be able to work towards the standard of excellence. It was another crazy day due to the pioneer day parade and sisters being sick and stuff. But at the end of the night we were able to see that the lord provided. Despite everything we were purpose driven and really used our time wisely and were able to show the lord that we will work hard to meet his standards on Friday alone we had 20 tours which is more than what we had gotten in 4 days combined. Which put us just 11 tours below standard of excellence. We usually average about 10-15 tours a day right now. It shows that when we work diligently and when we seek the lords help he will provide and will enable us to achieve our potential. Can I say we met the Standard of Excellence no. We literally missed it by 1, 49 tours out of 50. Could we have lied and or have tried to persuade ourselves that we took another yes. But we know we worked hard we gave the lord our best efforts despite our circumstances. We were able to prove to ourselves that we personally can do things despite what we are in. Has this week been hard. Yes I'm tired but with the lord we can and will do hard things. I have had nights where I have had to call the sisters about various things, reports to fill out. But its the greatest thing ever! I wouldn't want it any other way. This is the way the lord needs me to serve his children.

 

Miracles in Liberia, the Working is Pressing Forward:

 

Pioneer Day Parade

Pioneer Day Parade

We haven't had much time to teach our investigators in Liberia but the lord does provide. We talked to the Branch President the other day and they are planning the baptism for next weekend which is amazing! I asked how many are projected to be baptized and he said 25-30!!!! While we aren't teaching all of them, what a neat thing to know that 25-30 more of our brothers and sisters will be able to come back to the fold of god. And are taking that step towards eternal life. Its such a glorious blessing! The mission presidency will make the hour and a half drive next week (Aug. 3rd...) to do the interviews and then the baptism will be on Aug. 8th more than likely. Which means we have just one week now to get them ALL prepared all 10 of them. Yikes!! Surprisingly I'm not stressed about it. I definitely should be though that's for sure. We are planning to review all of the baptismal interview questions with them. It's funny some sisters are like you don't need to worry we can fall back on knowing the local missionaries are there helping them. I'm like slight problem I'm the local missionary I'm just not there I'm here. They are like wait what?? I'm like we don't have local missionaries there yet and so I'm in their place right now, doing everything a local missionary would do.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is from Heather, the girl I was talking about a couple weeks ago!!! SOOO excited for her!! She is the one I met last August with Sister Casagrande and then I bumped into again on the Square last transfer...

 

"Sister Skaggs!!!!

 

I FINALLY GOT MY MISSION CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

There was another delay, but at long last, it came yesterday!! [: I am so so so relieved it came!

 

I am going to the Texas Huston South Mission, English Speaking. I leave for the MTC on October 7th!

 

Texas, hahaha, I never thought I would go to Texas. But I am so so so excited and I know I'm supposed to be there! So so so so excited. I can hardly think of how to explain to you how happy I am that I will be serving a mission. [: Thanks for all of the great advice you've given me. [: You are so fantastic!!

 

Love Always,

Soon-to-be-Sister Heather Jane Ahlstrom"

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Me and my mounds of
blankets!!

The work is going well! Life is great! I honestly haven't been better. I sometimes wonder why I'm not stressed but then I realize it's because of the Atonement. We can do all things with Christ. Well, I better go. Oh, one of my favorite scriptures from this past week is Jacob 3. When we take the time to study it, it becomes a powerful chapter. The work is true! More true than ever before!

 

I love you each so much! Thank you for what you each do in my life and for the amazing support I have! I feel blessed to have the family and friends that I have in my life.

LOVE YOU!!

 

Love your favorite ;),

 

Sister Skaggs

Unexpected Surprises‏

From 7/21/15



To All I Love,



A "temporary" exchange assignment for the
day. We didn't know we were dressed the
same until we showed up on the Square!

Hahaha - well I don't even know where to begin! This past week has been INSANE in many different aspects but some of the neatest experiences of my mission. It's interesting how the older you get into the mission the more your heart becomes connected to the work. Being on the Lord's errand is such a sweet blessing. It's interesting because I don't have a deep desire to go home.   Seeing the way these people grasp the Gospel is special and I'm grateful for the 6 1/2 months I still have left to do this work. Well, shall I begin with what has been happening here on Temple Square? I think I should.

 

 

 

 

 

Week of Exchanges:

I don't even know how to title this paragraph so I will think of it later. As I mentioned above, this past week has been insane. Being a District Leader is a lot of work and you learn to balance the time you are given. At the start of the transfer we have the opportunity to go on exchanges with EVERY Sister in the District. They like us to be done by Week 3 - so by this week. But when we go on exchanges with them we need to make sure we have a balance of time with them on the Square, at a Desk Assignment, Beehive House, Studies, Planning and in the Teaching Center. Which means when we plan for exchanges we have to really study each Sisters Schedule and plan a time when its most appropriate for them, it takes time. Sister Chazen and I have spent a good 45 minutes figuring out our plan for each sister and when we would go on exchanges and what we would like to focus on to help them fulfill their potential. Due to meetings and P-Day we were unable to start till last Wednesday. Can I just say exchanges with Sister Sami were probably the 12 most funniest hours of my life!! Just picture a tall, thin, Indian from Fiji with A LOT of energy running around EVERYWHERE with me tagging along. I don't know how she does it. She is powerful though and is a missionary who doesn't hide her personality. When we were taking tours in the Beehive House she was just so full of life, it really livened the guests on the tour. At the start she would always be asked, "Now where are you from?" Her reply... "HEAVENNNNNN!" The guests face would just be confused, then Sis Sami would say, "Well, aren't we all from Heaven? I'm from Heaven on Earth - Fiji, which is a piece of Heaven for me." The guests would then just start cracking up and then we would begin the tour. Hahaha - I'm grateful she is in my district. We will go on 24 hours exchanges with the entire district later on for follow-up exchanges, spending 24 hours with her will be 24 unforgettable hours I'm sure. We've been on exchanges with multiple other Sisters so far and its amazing how much you're able to learn. Sister Eging, Sister Sughroue's companion, is a powerhouse when it comes to the Book of Mormon. I haven't seen a missionary as bold as she is when it comes to teaching and testifying about the Book of Mormon. This morning we were on temporary exchanges, will explain later, and I over hear her just start testifying and inviting this family to read it and then asked if they would like to stay in contact and read it. They kindly declined the offer but for being only 2 weeks into the mission field that is a great start! Most missionaries are PETRIFIED to be that bold. I love it!!! But it comes down to your testimony. If you truly have a testimony and are converted to something you wont be afraid to teach and testify of it. It says a lot about her true conversion to the Book of Mormon and how it truly does change our lives.

A Day of Caring for the Sick and Afflicted:



Sisters from the MTC for their visit on
Temple Square before they are assigned
to the Square

Yesterday (Mon. 7/20/15) was a literal adventure within itself. Part of the responsibility of being a District Leader is caring for the Spiritual, PHYSICAL, Mental and Emotional needs of the sisters. Well, yesterday the physical part was the priority. It all started with SUNDAY. I woke up not feeling a 100% and so part of the day was spent in the loft taking it easy to make sure I would be good for the week. Sis. Sughroue, at this point, was already sick. We didn't know what it was. The funny part is the 2 of us were scheduled to go on exchanges together. We did go on exchanges but not to the extent we were supposed to. The purpose of exchanges was far from being fulfilled. Anyways, now we get to go on exchanges again! Haha - then yesterday morning arrives. Sis. Sughroue calls, almost in tears, saying that she didn't sleep at all and that her throat is just completely swollen. After talking to the Zone Leaders we decided that I was going to be on exchanges with her to take her to her Doctors appointment later, and her companion would go with my companion. We had other sick sisters in the Zone so the Zone leaders were already planning on going on exchanges with them. Not even 15 minutes later I receive another phone call. This time from Sis. Sami. She mentioned that she was in complete pain, her stomach hurt and she didn't sleep at all. I'm like "Great. Half of my District is sick." And to top it off my companion woke up with really bad cramps. Let's just say I felt hopeless. The conclusion was made that Sis. Sami and Sughroue would be together till 12 when I would come back with one of the Zone Leaders and pick Sis. Sughroue up. Sis. Chazen, after she felt better, left our apartment and walked 15 minutes to where Sis. Sughroue and Sami lived to pick up their companions. Let's just say I haven't seen either sister act the way they did. Long story short, I came back to get Sis. Sughroue and after being at the doctors for an hour she was told she is not allowed to work for a week. She is to stay at home and isn't allowed to be on the Square, period! The doctor thinks it maybe a bacterial infection on the side of her mouth. When I overheard the doctor saying everything to the nurses it just broke my heart. They talked to me and then allowed me to go and see her in the room. I felt so bad for her. She was lying on the table just crying because she is training and now she has been told she can't work for one week. And with all of it she had a 102 fever, blood drawn and other things done. I felt so bad for her. We went and talked to Sister Poulsen (Mission Pres. wife) after the appointment and as I was explaining everything Sis. Poulsen was just shocked. I don't think she was expecting that. It was really special because President Poulsen and another Priesthood holder came in to offer her a blessing and then I took her back home before I went off to run errands for them. After we took her home the other Sister who was there (Sis. Mahoney) and I went on exchanges to go do all of the shopping for them (medicine, food etc). I would say it was about 3 P.M. at this point when I realized I hadn't eaten anything today. How I was working I have no idea. I just know at this point I was literally being carried by the Atonement. After an hour of running to about 6 different places we were able to get back to get everything settled for them etc. It was INSANE yesterday! I didn't get on the square and start working till 5 P.M. last night and even then things were hectic. It was a very special time though. Having this time to just serve these sisters and not worrying about your own tedious worries is special. It's a feeling you can't get anywhere else. When you are given an opportunity to serve and you do it with the right desire and a willing heart you are only serving your Father in Heaven. We are in a time when it's easier to just focus on ME when reality is Christ never focused on himself. If we are to become true followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ then it comes with learning how to sacrifice our own needs to serve those who are truly in need. I'm FAR from having this mastered. I far too easily think about myself. But as we are more and more willing to sacrifice our selfish desires for the desires of others we will see mighty miracles occur. Yesterday was a very special day. It was long and very tiring but it was rewarding in its own way. Sis Sughroue and Sami are still sick but are doing better. Something is going around the mission right now. It's like a Temple Square Epidemic. Haha - it's not uncommon, we just haven't had one for a little bit. Today Sis. Sughroue called me and said, "Sister Skaggs. What do I do? Sis. Sami and I need to leave to email but my apartment has become the hospital. I have TWO more sick sisters here in my apartment." When one goes down we all fall down! But its just a time to serve and work a little bit harder.

 

Sister Skaggs and Sister Martinez

The Work of the Ministry:

Liberia is just flourishing! One person I STRONGLY DISLIKE is Satan! He really knows how to get people. As we are getting closer to the baptism for each of them (Morou, Cyrus, Darius, Gaiduwo, Patricia, Anthony, Jimmy, Opi, Papaye, Moses) Satan is getting more creative with how he will take each of them down with him. But one thing we have is the Power and Authority to teach this Gospel. As we use our authority and power to its fullest we will not let him take any of them down. Over these past couple of days as I have talked with them different random things have occurred that throw a curve ball into them getting baptized. Whether it be repentance issues, network connections, etc. It's really frustrating. I talked with President Harmon yesterday and he mentioned that they are still planning on the second week in August! We voiced our concerns to him yesterday and he said, "A problem you have is most of us in Liberia don't read or write"!!! Hmmmm yah that's a BIG problem! But we WILL find a way to conquer the hurdle. We mentioned to him about their varying concerns and he is planning on attending the investigator class Sunday, and together him, the Branch Mission Leader and the Branch Missionaries will talk to each of them and will figure out ways they can help each of them so they can prepare to be baptized. It's heartbreaking, very heartbreaking to witness each of them go through this. Sister Chazen and I are motivated by this, to work even harder. This is a trial of our faith. We know for a surety that as we exercise our authority and power to teach them, as we faithfully and diligently pray everyday for them and as we teach them to the best of our ability that they will each be baptized. On multiple occasions they just say, "Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate this, I want to be baptized so much! Thank you Sista Skaggs and Sista Chazen." This is the work of the Lord and as we do all that we can we will be able to see the work progress. But we must first and foremost use the Lord in all aspects of our work.

 

YEAR MARK:

Hahahaha I almost forgot to mention that I hit my YEAR MARK in the mission last Thursday!! Can you believe it!!! I'm now down to just 6 1/2 months left. Hoping Feb. 3rd comes SUPER SLOW!! Its amazing to think that I have been a missionary for over a year now. When guests ask how long we have been out we say over or under a year and now I have to say over a year! So depressing. I remember when Sis. Ferguson, my follow up trainer, hit her year mark. I was like "wowww she is so old now. Haha - she goes home like tomorrow." Haha - I'm in her shoes now but just this time I feel super young and I tell myself I still have another year left on the mission so it's all good ;).

 

 

 

It's a blessing to be a missionary at this time. To see the work progress and to be apart of such a marvelous thing is special. I know for a surety this work is true! We are each blessed to have the restored gospel back on the earth today. Great things are happening! I'm grateful for this time to be in the Lord's service and to be apart of this work! I love you each so much!!

Love you all!!!

Sister Skaggs

 

 

 

 

A New Transfer, New Responsibilites‏

From 7/14/15



To All I Love,

Happy July 4th!!!

Well, it's been 12 days since I last emailed and much has occurred in those 12 days. I honestly don't have a whole lot of time to write because of the 2 weeks of emails that piled up that I had to quickly skim over. I really just want to talk about the miracles in Liberia and everything that is happening but I probably should first quickly update you on what I'm doing this next transfer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Assignment=New Responsibility:

 

Our zone on July 4th

The Saturday before transfer conference, which would have been July 4th, the AP's called me to extend to me my assignment for this upcoming transfer. I don't know what the Lord see's in me to give me the responsibility of being a District Leader next transfer. I was humbled when they called and informed me that the Lord was asking me to do this, this next transfer. Sister Lin and I discussed about how I would just be a normal missionary the remaining 5 transfers of my mission. But as I have had the opportunity to serve these 7 sisters that are within my stewardship this past week it has been humbling. You recognize that you are just a simple instrument and that as you rely on the Lord he qualifies you, he picks up the slack and helps you to magnify the calling he has given you to the fullest that you can. It's hard, really hard. But I know that with the Lords help and my companion we will be able to help serve, strengthen and edify these sisters. My Companion this transfer, who I will always be grateful for, is from South Africa! She is phenomenal and I have GROWN so much this past week from her. When things have popped up and I have been at a crossroads as to who I should be going on exchanges with first we have, together, been able to counsel with the Lord and with each other. She has given me insights that I just somehow couldn't receive. She is like my 1st and 2nd counselor and secretary combined. Sister Chazen is fresh out of training and well, actually, was my ROOMMATE last transfer!! She is an incredible missionary. When we go on the Square together, which hasn't occurred much because I have either been in meetings, interviews or exchanges, she is always seeking ways to testify to people she meets. The Standard of Excellence that has been set as a mission is 50 quality tours each week which means a gospel principle has been taught in the conversation and we have extended a specific invitation to change. She has worked very hard to pick up my slack. Sunday afternoon when I was meeting with a companionship for weekly interviews she was like, "Sis. Skaggs, can you do it in the North Visitor Center? I have more people I can contact there than the other visitor center. It makes me sad knowing that for the first 2 weeks I won't be with my companion but I look forward to the 2 weeks I will get to work with her between exchanges and follow up exchanges.

 

At Elder Packer's funeral

You will never guess who is in my District! I swear we will be companions someday! SISTER SUGHROUE!! Yah, we just looked at each other when we saw each other when she got back from outbound and was just in shock. We are super excited to go on exchanges though, to be able to learn from each other. She is training this transfer. Her companion is from Virginia and lives about 20-30 minutes from where I served outbound! Crazy, right! I believe (Sis. Eging). Then we have Sis. Sami from what she says is "Heaven on Earth... Fiji". She is the FUNNIEST person ever!! She is Indian but is from Fiji. She is like the class clown - the easiest way to describe her. I didn't think you could have THAT MUCH ENERGY especially on a mission. She is a POWERHOUSE though. She is now in her 5th transfer. I love that sister. When I talked to her companion she was like, "Can you tell her to slow down on the square? I can't keep up with how much she talks to EVERYONE." I have never heard a companion say that before. Sis. Li is from China and is just out of training as well! She is so cute! Then we have Sis. Yunda from Ecuador who is training Sis. Tekurio from Tahiti. So, about half of our district is training or in training right now. I feel so blessed to be with the sisters that I am with right now. Oh and I failed to mention I'm back in the BEEHIVE HOUSE!!! Can I just say we are so busy! In the 3 hour shift yesterday between 3 companionship's we took 16 tours! Back to back nonstop. They said July is our busiest. We already have 4,000 people who have come through for the Month of July. We keep track of how many guests and members come through in each tour and right now we are averaging about 300-400 a day.

 

This new transfer will be an adventure, it will be hard but I'm excited for this opportunity to really serve these Sisters and to help them grow and become what they need to become by the end of this transfer.

 

Miracles in Liberia:

   

A family from UAE

Due to all the meetings and everything last week and transfers I, unfortunately, wasn't able to do a whole lot of teaching. This was probably the biggest stress factor for last week. Just knowing I had people who are counting on me and expecting me to call but I just couldn't. I made up for it this morning by spending 2 1/2 hours calling. They are amazing, and so prepared. We called their Branch President on Sunday and found out the Mission President came to Church on Sunday an hour and a half drive and taught the Investigator Class. The Branch President said the class is just so big. We mentioned to him just how vital it is for us to get them on date so they have a goal to keep in mind to prepare for. As we discussed with him he commented that we should aim for the second week in August and that he would be meeting this weekend to discuss further baptismal plans with the mission president. They hold a baptism every couple of months. The day they are each baptized will be amazing. He made a comment saying we have many people attending the investigator class. I don't know who they all are. He gave us 5 more people on Sunday to work with which means we have 10 people we are responsible for. It will be an amazing next couple of weeks as Sister Chazen and I will have the opportunity to work with each of them and prepare them to make that covenant with their Heavenly Father. Since being on a mission I have recognized the importance of baptism. It scared me at the start of my mission but it's something so sacred. To think that when we are baptized we get to enter the water and have a fresh start with God and to be able to make a promise with him that will allow us to accomplish our purpose on earth. We taught Cyrus this morning and mentioned how excited he was to be baptized to be able to have the Holy Ghost and that when he receives the Holy Ghost it will help him live the Word of God. The work is pressing forward out there. One of our AP's mentioned to me today that she met the new Mission President a couple weeks ago when he was here and he said even though we don't have missionaries in the Liberia the work hasn't changed. You would wonder how is that possible??? One answer MEMBERS. They are the key. Cyrus' biggest concern is to understand the scriptures so he can go out and teach with everyone else and invite them to Church. No wonder we always have so many people to teach from there because the members are doing their job. Member missionaries are tremendous tools. And as we recognize that sacred responsibility that we have we will work mighty miracles within the kingdom of God.



My friends, the Secor's, from my home
town!



Well a lot has happened. But know that I am safe and that I love each of you. The work is progressing, and the kingdom of God is moving forth. It is up to you to decide if you are in the game or out. The Lord needs us all though.

I love you soo much! Family enjoy your East coast trip! I will be with you in spirit but I look forward to the pictures you will send :) Love you! Fly safely and enjoy your time. Seek for ways to serve Heavenly Father's children through simple means of sharing your testimony which is something the four of you aren't afraid of doing.

LOVE YOU ALL!!

Sister Skaggs

 



  



A package from Germany

 

"Real" German Chocolate!

 







Sister Ryan and Sister Skaggs

Hanging out in the break area



 

Part of our zone in Brighton

Brighton, Utah

My MTC companion



Yummies!