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| Peace and love to all! |
Before I get to story time, I want to be straight up and say missions are hard. I don’t want to sugarcoat things and make things seem as if they have been rainbows and butterflies the past 4 months and then the 3 months in Vegas. I struggled and I still do at times. Things won’t always be easy and I don’t expect them to be easy. Yes, I struggle with the schedule and with the work sometimes. And on a mission, you aren’t always going to get along with your companion and you won’t be best friends with every companion. If you are close enough with me, you know how difficult I am to be around sometimes and that is something I’m definitely working on. But, when I look at the struggles I face, I try to make things better instead of dwelling on the past. It’s hard to leave your family and friends and not see them for 2 years. Especially when you have a friend or family member going through hard times or pass away. I know two missionaries on the mission who have had parents pass away while they have been here and they continue to press on. What makes it so amazing is seeing the positive things and the overall goal and purpose of you being on the mission. Instead of dwelling on the issues going on back home, you think about what you can do to provide comfort and help, and then go back to serving the Lord and the people around you. If you continue to sit around and constantly worry about it, things won’t get better. I think about how I have 16 months and then I can be there for everyone in person, if they need me. If I have a rough day or argue with my companion, I try to make things right or think of something good about my day that happened. So yes, MISSIONS ARE HARD. I won’t lie about that. HOWEVER, I know that when I focus on the good things, it will give me the strength I need to finish the next 16 months of my mission.
Now here’s a fun story about the title:
Once upon a time as Elder Skaggs was trying to fall asleep, the doorbell rang at 9:45. As he went to answer it, he realized someone had ding-dong ditched them. He became furious because curfew is at nine for missionaries and obviously, some missionaries were out past curfew. However, he went to bed. The following night at 9:40, the same thing happened, but they disappeared into the night without a trace. Determined to catch the culprits, Elder Skaggs decided to sit in front of his door for a straight hour, waiting for them to do it again. Would they be stupid enough to do it 3 nights in a row? Well, they must have been smart because the stake out ended without an incident.
Elder Skaggs thought to himself, “Is this the end? Will they prank us again?” He had already gone to the assistants for help and informing them of the issue. He hoped this would be over because him and the other 3 missionaries in their apartment were sick and tired of this going on, especially while they were trying to sleep. Boy. He couldn’t be more wrong. Saturday night, as the 10 o’clock hour hit, he figured he was safe from the prankers. Not only had it been happening past curfew, but once 10 hit, missionaries were supposed to be asleep. Elder Skaggs knew he could sleep peacefully, however, at 10:20 pm, they hit again. Instead of getting up, he continued to sleep because he didn’t want to let it bother him, until 5:45 the following morning, they struck again. What could he do? What would solve the issue? Elder Skaggs pondered over this and came up with a solution.
His companion had suggested they disable the doorbell a few times. Without further delay, Sunday evening, they went out to their doorbell with a knife (they didn’t have a flathead) and unscrewed the cover on the bell. Carefully, trying not to electrocute himself, he took the wire from off the bell and tucked it into the hole where it came. Finally, they fixed the problem. Elder Skaggs may not have ever caught the culprits, but at least the culprits wouldn’t have the satisfaction of winning. Their efforts of ding-dong ditching would be pointless because Elder Skaggs and the three other missionaries in their apartment would never be able to hear their doorbell. And since then, Elder Skaggs has slept happily ever after.
I hope you guys enjoyed the story version of how I destroyed our doorbell. First the fire alarm and now the doorbell. Stay tuned to see what I destroy next week.
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| Service is fun! |
Service: We did some more service at the humanitarian center this week. Afterwards, we asked the assistants if we could go to Taco Bell, even though we were in street clothes. They said if we made it there by 8:30, and brought them back food then we could go. Since I was one of the drivers for the project, I got five other missionaries and my comp and he hoped into the car and sped off. I made sure not to drive too stupidly because I didn’t want to get pulled over. However, we made it there in time. It was amazing. I hope I’ll have pictures.
Kitty: There are wild kittens and cats that roam around Temple Square and I got to pet one for a few minutes the other day. She was so adorable. Cats usually don’t like me, but kittens love me and it made me so happy. I don’t know if I have a picture for that.
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Getting the Tabernacle ready for
Christmas |
People: This past week was great with helping people. There was a woman I helped with scanning documents and uploading them to Family Search. She didn’t get them uploaded in the order she wanted so I told her I would spend my morning and re-upload them and then she could come pick up her documents. She was so grateful. I also got to help a woman with a service dog and I was able to pet her dog. The dog was really cute. I don’t have a picture because I decided to leave my camera at home that day.
Saturday night: That was a fun evening. We started by going to the temple and then went to Kneaders, where someone gave us both a $10 gift card. Then we went to Deseret Books (we go there all the time) and some girl had 3 necklaces and asked us which one was the nicest one. I thought it was funny to ask us and to get the opinions of two missionaries. But, hey, I’m always here to help even if it’s just to pick out a necklace for someone.
Music and the Spoken Word: This Music and the Spoken Word was phenomenal. It was Veteran’s day themed and I sweated through my eyes the whole entire time. I loved the music so much and it made me extremely grateful for everything God has given us on this beautiful earth.
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| Just spreading the love.. |
Veteran’s Day: Speaking of Veteran’s day, I want to express my love and gratitude for all those who have served in the military. You are all amazing and I love you for serving the country. We couldn’t do it without you all. I hope you know that you haven’t gone underappreciated for your service.
I don’t have anything else fun to share this week. I guess this week was more eventful than past weeks. So, that’s a good thing because it put content into this email. Oh and if anyone wants to give me something for Christmas, Deseret Book’s gift cards would be great because I want to buy a ton of CD’s for various Latter Day Saints musical artist. But, food gift cards to Kneaders, Costa Vida, Chick-Fil-A, Cheesecake Factory, and McDonald’s works too. However, none of that is important, I’m just putting it out there for you guys to know.
Hej da och jag älskar dig (I forget plural for you) I haven’t learned or practiced my svenska lately
Elder Michael Skaggs
15 East south Temple
JSMB 3 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
Sorry for the short email. I don't have much this week but I have some great pictures!
General Authority: Wednesday we had a devotional for all the workers of the Family History Library. Before the devotional, Elder Renlund went around and shook all the hands of the young elders. It was awesome to be able to shake his hand and talk to him.
I’m drawing another blank today and can’t think of anything I did. I swear my life is interesting. But, it all comes into a blur now. Hope y’all have a great week!! Continue to write and email. Merry Christmas to all and I hope you have a great season.
