Elder Skaggs vs the completion of a journey - from 02/26/2020

Hello everyone,

I haven't been released as a missionary yet, however, I am currently at home sitting on my bed writing my last email. It's weird how quickly two years can go by. It honestly goes by quicker than I thought it would. But, it's been an amazing journey.

Before I begin, I will announce my homecoming talk. I will have the opportunity to speak at church about my experiences and put in a gospel message. It will be on Sunday March 8, 2020 at 9 am. The address is:

43940 Pacific Sunset Drive

Temecula, CA  92592

My home for almost
two years

All are invited whether you're a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not. It doesn't matter if you're Muslim, Catholic, Buddhist, or anything.  It doesn't matter if you're gay or straight or anything. Just come. It will be a great experience. It may be a strange event if you've never been to a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church meeting, but just show up. It's nice to wear a dress if you're a girl and nice slacks and a button down for a guy, but if you just own jeans, then come in jeans. I do ask that you show respect in our chapels and try to come in nice clothing. The only thing I ask is to not come in revealing clothing. I hope to see as many of you there as possible. Now onto my mission.

 

Two years ago, next month, I left Temecula to go to Vegas. I was just an immature adult who had some college under his belt, but didn't know much about the world. However, I was now being trusted to be the Lord's servant and share the gospel. As I said, I was immature and had a lot of changing and growing to do. I loved my experience in Vegas, however, obviously I was needed somewhere else. As we all know, I didn't stay in Vegas. Although it was a huge learning experience, I came home.

My final handshake
with my mission president,
President Fenn

I thought that that was the end for me. I thought I would not be going back out. I thought I was going back to school and well, most of you know my story. But, the Lord knew what He wanted for me and sent me back out. There was a work I needed to get done and the Lord needed me to get it done. So, I was back out to the Utah Salt Lake City Headquarters mission.

I won't lie and say it was easy. I found it very difficult. But, I persevered. The funny thing about a mission is how much you're going to want to quit every day and during the hard times and then you want to go back when it's over. When I first arrived in my mission, I wanted to quit. I wanted to go home and I didn't want to continue, but I went on. I found the help I needed. I got put on medication that I needed and I spoke with a therapist. I turned towards Heavenly Father and asked Him for help. ALWAYS TURN TOWARDS HEAVENLY FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST. I asked for strength and I continued on.

Now that I'm looking back, it seems like it happened so long ago, but just 24 hours ago I was sitting at lunch with my mission president. I can't express to you all how badly I wish I were back in Salt Lake. If I could have a chance to do it OVER again, I would. I wouldn't want to get called for another two years right now. But, if I could go back in time and redo those two years. I would change so much. I struggled in the beginning. In fact, I struggled for most of my mission. I overcame those obstacles and struggles.

Serving the Lord and those
on the other side of the veil

Two years later, I'm not the same person I was before. Yes, I'm still Michael (technically Elder Skaggs until 6 tonight). Yes, I am still the same person who loves the Office and the Greatest Showman. Yes, I'm still the same person who does a lot of my old things. But, at the same time, I'm not. I'm not the same person. I have changed so much. I have grown and changed and become a better person. I have done a lot of self reflection to better myself and grow.

As I finished my mission yesterday, I realized how much I was going to miss everyone. I realized how much I had grown to love the missionaries I served around and how much I loved the work. I loved going into the Church History Library every day and helping the Church. I was helping Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Their Church. I was serving many people and serving those that I would never meet. It was such an amazing opportunity. 

The plane ride home gave me a lot of time to reflect about life and what I had just gone through. I thought about my experiences and the growth I had. In the end, I will love and cherish these experiences. I realized how thankful I am that I was able to stay for a full two years. I was able to push through and do want I was called to do on this earth. I didn't think it would be as hard as it was to come home. When I hopped on that plane today and looked out at Salt Lake, I yearned to be down there. I decided I would rather be in the CHL rather than on that plane. I wanted to be with a companion instead of the comfort of doing things without someone by my side all the time. 

My dad and me

Two years flies by. And I'm so thankful for that journey. It will be weird that instead of looking up to the missionaries and wanting to be them, instead I look behind me and realize that I was once one of them and they are now doing what I was once doing. They are in the same state I was in. Continue to look forward, don't quit and don't give up. I will post more on my blog as we continue through and my homecoming talk. In fact, I am keeping my blog the same title because this is still my journey to serving a mission. It's just the aftermath of my journey. I will continue to be on a journey and it won't end.

I am grateful for all of the love and support you all have shown me these past two years. It has been such a pleasure and such an honor. Thank you all!! You guys helped me on my mission. IT really was THE HARDEST TWO YEARS, BUT THE MOST REWARDING TWO YEARS.

Much love,  

This is Elder Skaggs for the last time (since I'll be Michael soon)

Elder Skaggs vs trekking up a mountain - from 02/22/2020

Outside the Jordan River Temple

Wow, what another great week! Time just keeps on flying by. A little bit has happened and it's been exciting. It also included hiking with 3 to 4 feet of snow. So, I'll get started.

Saturday evening, I saw my trainer from Vegas again. Elder Waters. He was in town and stopped by the library. I kind of thought he would come by because he asked me what I was doing and so I told him how my Saturday nights usually go. Well, he stopped by the Family History Library and I saw him. It's weird how Elder Showgren and I were assigned this transfer because we are in the CHL during the day and the FHL every once in a while. So, that was cool.

Group photo

Monday was a crazy day. We decided to hike up to Mount Wire, a hike I have done twice before. Well, I knew beforehand that it could potentially be dangerous because it goes up in elevation to 7,000 feet and it's the middle of winter. Well, we get there and some parts were slippery. I had decent shoes, so I was doing fine. At some parts it got even worse and I fell a couple times. That was only the beginning.

We saw a random group and took a picture
of them then they took a pic of us and we
had their friend in there with us. Afterward,
they took a pic of him and I just really
 love my smile in the background,
so I thought I would add it.

Once we got further up the trail, the path was good. People with boots on had come through and so we could see the path and it was easy to maneuver. However, there was about 3 to 4 feet of snow on each side of us. I would approximate that much. It could be a little less. Once we got further up, we realized we wouldn't have time to make it all the way to Mt. Wire, so we had an amazing view and just looked out beyond us. The view of the valley was beautiful. We hiked back down (only almost dying about 30 times) and then went to Wendy's.

Elder Biggs and I

That evening, we had the Aloha dinner and then the young elders watched Black Stallion. The movie was real weird at first, then sad, then boring and confusing, then ended with a great message and on a good note. Probably wouldn't see it again though. 

The rest of the week was alright. We had a mission conference by Keith Ereckson, the director of the CHL. He talked about Saints volume 2. 

You can tell from Elder Agren
how deep the snow is

Here is a great view

Friday, we went to the Bountiful temple. Amazing as usual. And then today, we plan on going to the Jordan River Temple. And since I send out my emails on a schedule send, usually, that's probably where we are right now. I will add more if I feel necessary when we get back. But, I do have pictures to add to this.

Oh and I wasn't going to bring it up, but I do go home on Tuesday. However, I will send out one last email on Wednesday and will do all that "I loved my mission" stuff at that time. 

Love you all! I hope you're doing great!

We stopped very shortly and
turned around after this. I'm up
in the front leading the group.

Elder Michael Skaggs

15 E South Temple

JSMB 3 East

SLC, Utah 84150

We went to the garden tonight with
our district for one last district hurrah.
Many of you know that I suck at
forcing a smile, but this is the best
 pic I could find. 

The Jordan river temple is beautiful. On the inside and the outside. We are currently at Culver’s enjoying our last day. But, man it was amazing. For the rest of the day we don’t plan on doing much except I’m packing. We are going to the garden for dinner. Here’s pics from the temple today.

      

Elder Skaggs vs a lonely Valentine's Day - from 02/15/2020

Hey everyone! This has been another quick week. And again not too much has happened. But, I'm extremely excited about some of the new projects the Church has come out with.

This was also at the Children's
exhibit. I got to stand at the podium.

Saints Volume 2: No Unhallowed Hand finally came out. It covers the time of the pioneers leaving Nauvoo and their exodus west, up to the point of the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple. The first one was amazing, the Church added some of the controversial subjects in Church history and they covered those topics. They are transparent in their history. This one also covers the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which is by far one of the most controversial subjects in the history of the Church. I haven't gotten to it yet, but I'm excited to read about it. The Church has over 75 sources, relating to the incident. And these sources are both Church sources and anti sources. They gathered everything they had. So, it'll be a fun read.

It also makes me happy to know that I have contributed to the making of these books. YES, ME!!! About three times a week for an hour, we assist in delivering items. Here is how it works. I'll use an example. Let's say there is someone named Bob and he's an employee of the Church History Library (CHL). Well, his project is currently writing about the history of the Church in India. He needs good concrete sources. So, he goes on the catalog and finds, "John Doe's diary: First missionary in India." That's probably going to be a good source. So, he orders it. There are paid staff who then get a notice and a paper prints and they go to the vaults in the CHL and grab the item. From there, they bring it back to the room, where the missionaries are and I then deliver the book to Bob's office. YES, it's small, however, these sources are NEEDED!!! Without these sources, the books that are made couldn't be produced. I have personally delivered a few items to the staff working on Saints and I just can't believe that I have assisted in their research and have thus assisted in the creation of this marvelous book.

Don't judge me, this was at
the children's exhibit. I got
to build a flower. LOL

I included a photo, but the Church History Museum opened up a new exhibit called Temples Dot the Earth. Yes, it is for children, however, I enjoyed myself for a couple minutes. Don't judge me. But, it was quite enjoyable and I loved seeing what they had to offer. They had a huge opening party for employees and missionaries to learn about it.

Thursday, we also attended the Church History Department meeting. That was fun too. They went over all the new projects the Church History Department is currently working on. It'll be cool to see the progress being made. They talked about the Temple Square renovations. The employee in charge of it presented, and I am so jealous of her. She gets to go onto the construction site like every day to see what's going on and she spends a lot of her time in the temple comparing the old pictures we have to make sure the preservation of what it used to look like takes place. She has researched for many years to see what it used to look like. She also said she's been working on this for 10 years, which shows us that the Church has been planning to close the temple for more than 10 years. I am excited to see the final touches in 4 years. If you want to see what they're doing, you can check it out here https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/plans-unveiled-salt-lake-temple-renovation

Plans Unveiled for Salt Lake Temple Renovation Downloadable B-roll. Church President Russell M. Nelson announced the pioneer-era temple will close December 29, 2019, and will remain closed for approximately four years while undergoing a major structural and seismic renovation. The temple is expected to reopen in 2024 with a public open house. “This project will enhance, refresh, and beautify the temple and its surrounding grounds ... newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org

This link will show you the renderings they have for it.

I taught my classes on humility on Thursday and Friday. It was quite amazing. I think we can really become better people as we recognize our weaknesses and rely on the Lord and others for help. There is nothing wrong with asking people to assist you. We need to recognize that we can't do things on our own.

Tearing down the wall of
Temple Square

Valentine's Day was just normal. Being a missionary you don't really do anything special. So, that's why I titled my email the title it is because it was a lonely Valentine's Day. But, I don't mind it because I am busy doing the work of the Lord. I have gotten a lot done this week on my projects and I have almost completed my latest project.

I also finished the Book of Mormon again this morning. I LOVE THAT BOOK!! Read the Book of Mormon. It will change your life. It goes hand in hand with the Bible (another book which I love). Read it! Pray about it! It will change your life. 

Anyway, I love and miss you all! Let me know how you're doing. Write and email me! I hope you all have a great week!

Elder Michael Skaggs
15 East South Temple
JSMB 3 East
SLC, Utah 84150

P.S.  Also watch this video. This is Reid Cornish. His father is a general authority seventy. Anyway, he loves rollerblading and this is an awesome video of him rollerblading. I got the embed code, so you should be able to watch it straight on the email.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/XKoDq6wYTdw

I was talking to a temple square sister from Peru and she told me that there was a Peruvian market nearby. I got permission from president and we went today. I finally got all my favorite Peruvian stuff. The Sublime's, Morochas, and Besos de Moza's are mine.

Elder Skaggs vs poor bowling skills - from 02/08/2020

Elder Willis and Elder Blanton
used to serve on this mission
and we saw them yesterday.
I'm glad you can't see the
stain on my shirt and tie.

Hello everyone to another edition of my weekly emails. I'm quite honestly surprised that all of you have made it this far in reading my weekly emails. However, I am quite honored and thankful that I am part of your life. Wait, I should start charging everyone 5 cents for subscribing to these emails. If the newspaper can get away with charging people for subscribing then why can't I? Oh well, I guess I would rather not make people pay money to read about my life. Besides, how many of you would pay for a weekly subscription?

Anyway, it's been somewhat of a slow week, but I guess I can give you a few entertaining ideas.

You can see the amount
of snow we have gotten

First off, we got about a foot of snow this week. I will show you pictures, but it was insane. Schools were cancelled on Monday and a ton of people stayed home because of road conditions. Definitely the worst storm of the season, but we had a few storms last year that were worse than this one. Again on Thursday, we got snow, which added to the stuff we already had on Monday. So, that was fun.

My disappointing scores

Well, I don't know if I should admit my bowling skills. This might be too embarrassing. Haha. Well, we played three games and I got a total of 175. Like, totally horrible score. But, all is well. It was still a fun time and I went with all the elders who came into the mission with me. 

They had the front doors
of the temple open

Anyway, I hope you all had a good week. I want to end with the scripture Alma 46:12, "And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole."

We need to remember to do what is right and defend our freedoms and our religion and our family. There is so much hatred in the world today and there isn't too much we can do. However, we can stand up for what is right and continue to stand strong in our faith. 

I love you all! Continue to write and email!

Elder Michael Skaggs

15 East South Temple

JSMB 3 East

SLC, Utah  84150 

They decided to plow the
roads and plow it into the
middle of the lane. Like,
do they not know people
are driving through here?

Elder Martin and I started a
blue powerade club and so
at the bowling alley I saw
they had some and decided
to buy us both one