January 30, 2013

Dear Family & Friends,

Time seems to fly by in many ways. Tomorrow marks a month since we entered the MTC, but when we think back on it, it seems a lot longer. So many things have happened; so many new experiences and new people that we have come to care about. I think of interesting things to include in the weekly letter, and then sometimes forget what they were. It's been about 10 days since the last installment. Here are some of the happenings with us.

Tuesday, Zone Conference in Milwaukee - This was our first experience with a zone conference. It was actually a combined conference with our zone, Milwaukee South, and the Milwaukee North Zone. There were 50-60 missionaries present. It was nice for us to have some other old folks to visit with, lunch with and relate to. Most of our interactions are with the young missionaries and the branch members. We are definitely the "branch grandpa and grandma." Our mission president started the conference with instructions, part of which had to do with making sure we are getting physical exercise. This we have not done since leaving Mesa. We can make the excuse of the weather making it difficult for us, but the fact is we just have not made it a priority. That changed on Monday of this week. We bundled up and went to the lake front area to a park and walked a good distance. It felt good and we are re-committed to stay with it. Back to the Z-conf. . . . It was -8 degrees at 6:30 am, when we headed out, an warmed up to a balmy -5 degrees by the time we came home at 5 pm. The conference warmed our hearts and spirits. We were reminded of safe driving practices for adverse weather. A Church safety video was used that showed a terrible car accident in which 4 young missionaries were killed. They left late for a meeting, were driving too fast, passed another car in a no pass zone, hit ice, lost control and crashed into an on coming vehicle. Three were killed immediately, the other died a day or so later. Their mission painfully described what had happened, and what he went through in contacting the parents. Just to listen to him and watch his pain was tough. He appeared to be one of my sealer colleagues from Phx. I am fairly certain it was him. Obviously he never mentioned the incident in the temple. It was enjoyable to be taught by the young assistants and zone leaders. Vicki and I could not help thinking about Jordan, a zone leader in his mission, and the similar training he must do. An Elder Nielson from Snowflake played the piano for the singing. Turned our to be Heath & Cedar's bishop's son. The concluding zone conf highlight was watching Elder Holland's MTC devotional address from Dec of 2011. It was amazing to be taught by an Apostle and feel the power of the Holy Spirit through him. Apparently the zone confs are scheduled quarterly, so we will get more of them. One of the office couples said the mission president has planned a seniors conference in Feb.

Wednesday, we made our weekly trip to Elkhorn to meet with la Hernandez family. We had a wonderful spirit-filled temple preparation lesson with them. Today we made that trip again in a blizzard. Fortunately we were driving our Pilot and able to follow a snowplow a good part of the way. Today we went over a list of what remains to be done to prepare to go to the temple before having our lesson. We invited them to set a date to go and have it ready for us for next week. We will set up a "temple calendar" for them to keep track of where there are and what remains to be done. It will likely be mid-March that they will select. Pretty wonderful stuff!! Vicki fixed supper for la familia LaRosa in Racine and we took it to them. Hna. LaRosa had surgery. We love mail from family. TY cards came from Maryn and Maddie. We read them. They made me cry a little. Sometimes I forget how precious our grandchildren are to us. We love them dearly. Maddie said, "I miss you all ready. How many more days till you get home? I wish I was with you." Nothing is so sweet as mail from family. Vicki checks the mailbox each day, just as she did at home.

Thursday we attended the first Boy Scout Court of Honor ever held in the branch. 7 boys received rank advancement. Most received their Tenderfoot. The troop has been operating for about 3 months. They have good adult leaders and have been having excellent Scouting activities. I have been asked to work with one of the older boys, Angel Maldonado, who has his Star rank. I will be a merit badge coach for him and try to help keep him on track towards his Life rank. He is 17 year old. His mom is a less active member. We will see how this goes. Vicki goes to the church with me and practices the piano and works on Spanish.

Friday we were asked by the elders to accompany them on three teaching visits. Their visits to single sisters require that a member accompany them. Generally during the day members are not available, so we have become the members of choice to accompany them. It has allowed us to have some very nice spirit-filled experiences with investigators being taught. We are always grateful to be invited and make the visits fit into our schedule. Vicki again fixed supper for la familia LaRosa. Hna. LaRosa is doing better.

Vicki made the comment that things haven't changed much for her here in the mission field from when at home. She irons lots of white shirts and fixes meals for people. I reminded her of the visits with the elders on their teaches, and she said that was way different and she enjoys it, even with the language difficulty.

Saturday we again accompanied the elders on some teaching visits. We worked on our primary lesson and sharing time.

Sunday we went to the Kenosha 1st Ward sacrament meeting at 11 am to meet an English-speaking investigator who had committed to be there. She did not show up. (It happens . . . .) We returned home and went back for the Kenosha 2nd Branch meetings at 1 pm. We both helped in Primary. I am teaching the older children and Vicki is doing the sharing time lesson. Hna. Flores, the Primary president does the music. I have three boys and one girl in the . . .class. They are awesome kids. All speak perfect English. They are reverent, ask great questions, bring their scriptures . . . . . In the evening we were invited to the branch president's home for supper. We a;te and visited and before we left he officially called us to Primary callings, me as a teacher, and Vicki as a counselor in the presidency with Hna. Flores.

Monday was our p-day. Actually any day is our p-day if we want it to be. But we try to keep the routine things that need doing to Monday. We stopped by the Copy Center in old town Kenosha close to the harbor to pick up some copies. Judy Rossow is the owner, now in her mid to late 70s. She served as Rotary Club president in 1994-95. Last week when we stopped by with our work to be copied, we met Judy and talked a little about the amazing service one by Rotary around the world. I told her about Steve and Marlene's work in Rotary, and about their recent visit to Cuba on a humanitarian trip. Judy was very interested. She let us know that a member of the club is LDS. She also said she has a Skinner friend who helps build scenery for their Little Theater group. Anyway, on Monday, we picked up our conversation almost where it had ended the previous Friday. I took her picture and a picture of the charcoal on the wall honoring her for her Rotary service. As we left, she invited us to accompany her to the Rotary luncheon meeting. We will take her up on that in the future. Very nice lady. She is a walking encyclopedia about Kenosha. I am sure we will have more visits with Judy.

On Monday evenings we try to schedule with members to join them for FHE; we bring the lesson and the treats. We scheduled with la familia Cruz this time. We were to be there at 7 pm. Vicki baked choc. chip cookies and we took choc. milk to go with. When we walked in there were three families from the branch present, plus an investigator sister. The elders came a little late. Hno. Cruz said the elders are never late when they come to eat. But this night they were finishing a teach with an investigator man. For the lesson, we planned to do the Restoration lesson from PMG. It is wonderful!! It is the first lesson taught to an investigator. There are 8 principles taught: God is our loving Heavenly Father; the Gospel blesses families; Heavenly Father reveals His gospel in every dispensation (prophets); the Savior's ministry; the Great Apostasy; the Restoration through the prophet Joseph Smith; the Book of Mormon; pray to know the truth through the Holy Ghost. After singing a hymn and having a prayer, Hno. Cruz asked us to give the lesson. We had copies of the Restoration pamphlet for those present. We had them help us by reading the principle and then briefly talking about it. Mostly asking them to explain it. They did great. Where needed I added to or clarified what was said. The Spirit was there with us. At the end we had the elders read Moroni's promise regarding the Book of Mormon and bear their testimony. Vicki gave her testimony. She always does. All the lesson was in Spanish of course. Mom's testimony was in English. Most understood her. All of them felt the Spirit of what she said. We sang another hymn, had a prayer and ate the refreshments. Others had brought food as well. An amazing FHE.

Tuesday we got a call in the morning from the elders asking if we would accompany them to a teach with the sister investigator who had been at the FHE the night before. We were pleased to go with them. The elders reviewed what was taught at the FHE and how she felt about it. She said she had felt the Spirit and really was thankful to have been there. Then the elders told her they had been praying to know what would be a good baptismal date for her. They said they felt that March 16th would be the right. She smiled and said that after last night she had prayed again about being baptized. She said that was the date she was thinking of. The Spirit was present in a powerful way. We were able to answer some questions that had come to her via a Jehovah's Witness friend. The elders asked me to handle them. Basically I was able to teach her how important it is for us to have a living prophet to help us understand and interpret scriptures. Without him, many false and perverted teachings come. We went on our way rejoicing for having seen Heavenly Father's hand in His work. It always is there!

The weather is so interesting to us. From the -8 degrees last week on Tuesday, it set a record high of 60 degrees yesterday. Tomorrow it will be 6 degrees. Sunday snow fell heavily. Monday was pleasant, allowing us to walk on the lakefront, then came the rain to melt all the snow, then a day of actual sunshine, then more rain for a couple of days, then back to snow today. If you don't like the weather, just wait a day or so and see what comes.

On Monday, 1.28.2013, I finished another reading of the Book of Mormon. What a precious treasure. Heavenly Father has provided physical evidence, proof, to hold in our hands, that He really has restored His wonderful plan for his children to come back to His presence, and that Joseph Smith really is His prophet for that restoration. How thankful I am for the Book of Mormon. It is like a wonderful old friend to me. I relish each reading. I started another reading of it yesterday. I know it is His sacred word. It is true. I invite each of you to read each day in the Book of Mormon. Pray to know for yourself that it is his sacred word. If you will do it, you will know for yourself, and you will want more than ever to be good boys and girls, keeping the commandments to the best of your ability. That's what it makes me want to do.

We are so thankful to be here in Kenosha (means "pike," as in fish) WI. We are thankful to be able to serve together in His work. We don't have it all figured out yet, but we will keep working on it together. I have the best companion ever. She does and says amazing things. Father in Heaven is showing us more of what we need to do here. People are good here. They deserve to know Heavenly Father's true plan for all His children. We are glad to be a little part of that process.

Love to all of our family! You are the very best!!! We think about you every day. We pray you will choose the right. Love to our brothers and sisters in Heavenly Father's family. We pray for you each day as well. Blessings on us all!

Charles & Vicki

All Settled In...

 

Who lives here?

 

Feeling more at home.

 

 

Ironing...Laundry and meals, never seem to go away!

First Court of Honor...

 

1-24-13

First Court of Honor for the Kenosha 2 Branch!

 

 

The Color Guard, Henry and Luis. The flag pole broke in half...No Problema!

 

 

Scouts and their leaders.

Wild Turkey's

January 26, 2013

Where’s the camera????
Returning from Elkhorn early Wednesday afternoon, we were enjoying the pleasant drive back home, through the country farming area, talking to each other about the wonderful Temple Preparation Lesson we had just enjoyed with la familia Hernandez.  The rich dark soil of the cultivated fields was resting.  Residue of the fall crops was visible.  There were clusters of trees and much undergrowth scattered all around.  Everything was in its winter dress, dormant looking.  I have thought while passing this way before, there must be plenty of wildlife in this prairie country.  But so far nothing has shown itself. 

Coming up over a small rise and dropping down, I suddenly noticed in the field to my right, large birds walking along fairly close to the highway.  We slowed down and there before us was a flock of beautiful wild turkeys. There must have been 50 to 60 of them, just moving across the field pecking here and there in the farm field soil.  I thought, wow. . . Riley would love this! 

The next reaction was, “where is the camera????”  Well, it was back at the apartment.  Carrumba!!  The mental picture of the wild turkeys will stick forever in my mind.

9 Degrees...feels like...-9 Degrees!

Dear Family and fellow travelers on life's amazing journey,

So, the question of the day is: What do we do on days like today, when it is 9 degrees and the 25 mph wind makes it feel like minus 9? Well, today is p-day, so we do laundry, we do our shopping, we do our cleaning, etc., and we make some visits to members, like any other p-day. We also write our weekly letter to the mission president. There is absolutely no snow to be seen. One of my amusements here is to watch the private snowplows drive about. There are quite a lot of them. They are like sheepherders looking for their sheep. The winter months ahead will yet likely provide opportune moments for them, but at this moment I just have to smile, and wonder what the driver is dreaming about. I don't have to wonder . . . . snowplow drivers must dream about ferocious snow storms, blizzards, ice on the highways . . . . and coming to the rescue of humanity. I am glad we have them, every one.

We have to say that one of the most used gifts from Christmas is the GPS. In these early days here it has been like our Liahona! My sense of direction is fair if I can see the sun, which some days I cannot. Where are the geographical landmarks from which I have been able to orientate myself in the past??? There aren't many here. It is just rolling hills. Vicki has become very adept at entering addresses on the GPS and navigating us to our destinations. After we have been to an address a couple of times, my male sense of where I am comes through pretty well, even though doubts may be expressed by my companion at times. The GPS has not failed us at critical times of searching for such locations as Starbucks, Kohls, JC Penneys, Target, Regency Mall. It has been equally faithful in directing us to Elkhorn to meet with the Hernandez family to teach temple prep lessons. That was our Friday mission.

Elkhorn is a community that lies 50 miles out west of Kenosha. As we left town, we were entertained by the farms, with mostly well-kept barns and silos. Lots of bare trees are in the landscape. Come spring and summer they will be a beautiful sight. Everything is dormant at the moment. Cultivated fields are being spread with natural fertilizer from the animals. In early spring it will be plowed into the dark brown soil. We did not see irrigation pivots anywhere. Maybe the rainfall is sufficient for the crops in this area. In Elkhorn we met Jose and Natalia Hernandez, converts of 6 years, but inactive most of that time. The last year they have re-engaged in their activity. Jose is an elder. They have three children, Alexsandra - 9, Jose - 5, and Eric - 2 1/2. The wind was blowing fiercely as we arrived. It has been most days this past week. They live in a large apartment complex, which they manage. Natalia invited us into their apt. We took off our shoes (seems to be a usual practice here) and began to visit. She speaks very little English. The children were introduced, all of which speak English. Jose joined us after a few minutes. He speaks quite a lot of English. Although many of the members and investigators we meet do speak some English, they are most comfortable in their own language. In the scriptures the Lord has made it clear that His children will hear the gospel in their own tongue. Thus we need to be prepared to assist with that. Jose works at a factory in Elkhorn also. There are lots of factories of various types in this area. Many of the less skilled/educated members work in them. After having them tell us about their lives and conversion, we reviewed with them the first three lessons in the temple prep manual. We will resume next week with lesson 4. Lesson 3 is about worthiness to enter the House of the Lord. We showed them our recommends and talked about what it represents. There were specific questions relating to the Word of Wisdom and the law of chastity. We talked about how sensitive the Holy Ghost is to worthy thoughts and actions. The damaging effects of pornography were discussed. The law of tithing was discussed. Both were very open with us about the past, but seemed to have a great attitude and outlook for the future. They are sincere people who desire the greater blessings Heavenly Father has for his children available only in the temple. We will enjoy working with them. They are sweet people. They committed to be at church meetings on Sunday, and fulfilled that commitment. Pretty impressive when 50 miles of travel one way is required. Interestingly there is a ward in Elkhorn. La familia Hernandez desires to be at the Spanish-speaking branch in Kenosha and makes the drive to do so. :30

There was time Friday evening to continue the search for the "perfect boots." Vicki has been looking for them since before leaving Mesa. She has endured cold feet awaiting them. We can now pronounce the search "completed." We were directed to a mall in Racine, some 12 miles from Kenosha where the boots might be found. Lo and behold, The Boston Store, and upscale department store, had them. Vicki is very content. Having been her shopping companion for the past three weeks, I am profoundly grateful to say the least.

Each day the elders have asked us to accompany them on their teaches of single ladies. We have had multiple sweet experiences, being able to lend our testimony to theirs, or to give an older person's perspective to what has been taught. We have excellent elders serving here.

I decided that we should share a church video with Bud and Pam, our neighbor in the complex. It ended up being returned without being watched. They said their DVD player did not work properly to watch it. We will keep reaching out to them. They probably needed more brownies first.

6:30

Vicki has already become known as "the brownie lady." She makes multiple batches of brownies to take to those we visit. If not brownies, kettle corn. They look forward to her visits. I am the Spanish-speaking "driver" for "the brownie lady."

Tomorrow is our first zone conference experience. We leave for Milwaukee at 6:30, so we can be there in our seats at 8:00 am, for a meeting that begins at 8:30 am. This is the missionary way. Milwaukee is only about 50 minutes away, but we will be going in the go to work traffic. We have our elders riding with us, so we need to support them in the missionary way. I'm not sure senior missionaries need to be there at 8 am for an 8:30 meeting, but we will comply. Do I sound a little like Laman??? Hope not. I don't want to be like Laman. So I will cease such talk!

Enough for this episode. There are always more tales to tell, and they do get better with time. Love to each of you. Thank you for praying for the missionaries, including the old ones serving where it is cold tonight.

Elder & Sister Skinner (Charles & Vicki)

Lake Michigan...

The Church Is True In Kenosha!

January 18, 2013

 

The Church is true in Kenosha!

We had been thinking of ways to introduce our Speak-speaking members and investigators to family history. There is a FH Center in our building in Kenosha. It's open on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. We made a plan to check the FHC out and meet the consultants who might be running things on Thursday. The door at the rear of the building had the FHC sign and hours posted. A couple of vehicles were in the parking lot and the door was unlocked when we went seeking. We quickly found two older ladies and a man comfortably seated at a table in the center of in the FH room visiting with each other. There were computers sitting on the counters, as well as microfilm readers, etc. We introduced ourselves as the new senior couple missionaries in Kenosha. They welcomed us and introduced themselves. The brother present was the PFR who was there checking to see that the building got properly locked up after the FHC hours passed. He became a valuable source for the stake president's name and home phone number. The two sisters introduced themselves as Sister Milner and Sister Huggins. All three of these good folks have lived out their lives here in the Midwest; all three are converts to the Church. We asked the sisters about printing out our 4 generation pedigree chart. They both immediately confessed they did not know the first thing about those computers. If we wanted computer help we needed to come on Wed. evening when Sister Abbot would be there. She is the computer guru. We talked about the needs of the branch members. Sister Milner began sorting through some of her materials and found Spanish instructions and forms for getting started. A sticky tab attached to the forms said, "no more than two per person." She gave us three, bless her! We sat across the table from the sisters and listened to them relate their conversion stories and experiences in the Church. Conversion stories are always the best! We love them! As we left the sisters, they went back to their business at hand that we had interrupted. Warmly and comfortably dressed for the cold day, each settled back to her bottle of Coca Cola, bag of chips, and novel. Guess it doesn't get much better than that, even at the Kenosha FHC.

 

It's good to know that the Church is true in Kenosha!

Laced Up??

Jan. 10, 2013

In our travels to Wisconsin, we of course saw cars from many states. We saw a number of personalized license plates in the process. Some made us stop and think about what the person must be trying to say about themselves. A few were very clever. I told Vicki, somebody should do a book of personalized license plates. I think it would sell. Maybe it’s already been done.

My favorite along the way was “LACEDUP.” Vicki asked me what that was about. I gave her my take on it. To me, “laced up” means I am ready to go. It references ones shoes, especially athletic shoes. Some guys saunter about looking cool, wearing the latest version of some NBA player’s shoes, giving the impression they are cool. But if you check their shoes, they are loose, unlaced. They are not “laced up.” I’ve seen basketball players, even in competition, actually unlaced. They are not really ready for anything except putting on a show.

I love the connotation the LACEDUP gives. To me it says, “I am ready to do business,” “I am ready to get after it,” “bring it on!”

What might it say within a priesthood frame of reference? To me, it implies that I am worthy, prepared, and anxious to be about the Lord’s work. I think of Nephi and his brothers returning back to Jerusalem, at the Lord’s request, to obtain and bring back with them the Brass Plates. Not an easy priesthood assignment to say the least. Obviously they weren’t wearing their Air Jordan’s on that outing, but I guarantee you Nephi’s sandals were “laced up.” He was ready in every manner to take on whatever faced them, because he was on the Lord’s errand, not on his own outing. What a great example of what it might mean to be “LACEDUP.” I wonder if that license plate is available in AZ??? I wouldn’t mind sporting it!

I always want to be “LACEDUP” when it comes to the Lord’s work

We Made It!!...Wisconsin

 

Mission Offices,(Jan. 7, 2013)

 

 

Pres. Timothy and Sis. Judy Jones...Mission President

 

 

New home...Kenosha, WI

 

 

Home away from home...

 

From Elders Kanahele and Ashcraft...They helped set up our apartment.

Arriving At The MTC....

 

Set Apart and ready to go!

 

 

Welcome to the MTC!!

 

 

MTC...Here we are!!! (Dec. 31, 2012)

 

 

Getting signed in...

 

Checking the immunizations...with Wendy Jones (Head Nurse MTC)

 

 

Lunch with the Senior Couples...MTC

 

 

MTC District...

 

 

Bethany at work...

 

 

Saying good-bye to Bethany and Colton...Ready for Wisconsin!!

First Missionary Letter!!

Dear Family and Friends,

Monday we finally got our own internet connection at the apt. Guess it's time to let those who might be interested know what we've been doing since taking off from Mesa on Thurs. 12/27. President Cooley, our stake president, was kind enough to come to our home to set us apart on Wed. Our plan A was to be ready to take off for Provo (MTC) on Thurs. am. Turned out that plan B prevailed. We left about 3:30 pm and headed for Snowflake to bid adieu to Heath & Cedar and family. We went via Globe and Salt River Canyon. When we got out of Globe about 20 miles we were hit with a blizzard. That's right, a severe Arizona snow storm. Some of the big rigs were pulled off to the side of the highway waiting it out. We went on in the storm most of the way to Show Low. We arrived at Heath & Cedar's abode and spent the evening enjoying our sweet grandchildren. Wisely, we accepted their invitation to spend the night and head on northward on Friday am. We prayed for clear and dry highways to Provo. We shouldn't be surprised when our prayers are answered. Well, we had clear and dry highways all the way to Provo! Oh, did I say it was coooooold?? Yeah. -13 coming out of Price, going up to Soldiers Summit. We should have known that Utah Valley was set on helping us get prepared for WI. The whole time we were in Provo we froze, except for when we were at Bethany & Colton's home wrapped up in the alpaca throw they gave us; a perfect gift! Provo gave us a chance to finish looking for the cold clothes we could not find in Mesa, especially Vicki. We also indulged in "Les Mis" on Sat. night, then attended meetings with Beth at the neighborhood ward on Sunday.

Monday am we reported to the MTC. What a machine it is. They have their processes and procedures down. After making all our required rounds, we were directed to the Stadium Ave. Chapel located at the west side of the MTC. During the day it serves as the Senior Missionaries' MTC. Seniors have options as to where they might stay. We elected to accept Bethany & Colton's kind invite to spend the nights at their home. Some of the missionaries stayed at the Marriott, a few at the MTC seniors quarters. The week was filled with studying Preach My Gospel principles. We were organized into districts, ours consisting of three couples and a pair of sisters. We did lots of role playing with each other. Then on Thursday and Friday we had volunteer "investigators" come in to practice our teaching with. It was interesting how close we became to others in our district and in the senior group going out. Mesa was well represented, with 5 couples and a single sister. When Friday arrived, we were antsy, anxious to be on the road to our mission.

President Timothy Jones, or mission president had called and talked with us about our anticipated arrival time at the mission office in Greendale, WI (suburb of Milwaukee). He wanted us to try to be there by Monday mid-morning, 1-7-2013. We were pretty uncertain what we would face in driving conditions, but hoped to meet his expectation. A couple from Morgan UT, Elder & Sis. Poll, going to New Hampshire, were very familiar with I-80 winter travel. He watched the weather all week and finally on Friday gave the green light. I-80 is notorious for horrible weather in the winter. It has closure gates at regular intervals along the way, especially across WY and western NB, and they are used when needed. The stretch across WY is the most brutal. The wind can blow vehicles right off the road. We were a bit apprehensive, and even thought of going south from Provo to Price and taking the I-70 to Denver, and then connecting with I-80 in western NB. Turned out that our prayers for clear and dry roads were again answered. We left Provo Friday evening and drove to Rock Springs, WY and spent the night. At Wendy's in Rock Springs, as we were enjoying our baked potato and chili, a nice man approached us, looked at our name tags, and asked, "Well, where are you headed?" After we answered, he introduced himself as the coach of the swim team from Lyman WY on their way home. He said he was the bishop there. We were reminded that when we wear the name tag of missionaries, we better be conducting ourselves accordingly. We are never unnoticed; ignored a lot, but not unnoticed.

Saturday am we again headed eastward. As we cruised across WY and on into NB, our thoughts were turned to others who had come westward along this same general pathway. We cruised along in the comfort of our vehicle, carrying most of the things needed for the next18 months. They made their way along with little of the things of comfort, but with a burning desire to gather with the saints in the Valley of the Salt Lake. Some of our ancestors were among them. As we approached North Platte NB, I thought of my cousin, Richard Skinner and his wife Sharon. They have lived there most of their married lives. Joel was good enough to obtain a phone number for

Sharon and we tried to make contact. Turned out it was by texting. They were in FL with their daughter Val, enjoying warmer weather. We pressed on to Grand Island NB and stopped for the night. President Jones called us each day to see how our progress as going. Maybe he wanted to be sure we kept on the roadway eastward.

Sunday am we took off intending to arrive in Lincoln NB in time to attend sacrament meeting. This we did, taking he sacrament, then heading out again. We were not sure if we would make it to Milwaukee by night time. We crossed the Mississippi at Davenport IA and headed more northeasterly on I-94. Pres. Jones checked on us in the evening and felt we'd be good for our appointment with him on Monday am. We made it to New Berlin, a Milwaukee suburb by about 8 pm. We found a good place to R & R, got a little food and crashed. By morning we were rested and ready for what our first day in WI would bring.

At 11 am we arrived at the M.O. It is an upstairs suite in a strip mall. Funny, the suite downstairs is in process of re-model to be a pub. We were welcomed by the two office couples, the Smarts from Clifton, ID (north of Preston) and the Shumways from Las Vegas. We had spoken to both couples from Mesa when we were asking our questions of preparation. President and Sister Jones were awaiting us. We had a nice orientation interview with them. We visited about our and their backgrounds. Pres. Jones actually was born and raised up through H.S. in Mesa, a Jackrabbit! He is a nephew to our old bishop, Donald Jones in the 29th Ward. His family actually lived in the old 17th Ward area. Sister Jones grew up in Idaho. Here was a very interesting connection made - When I explained how our Skinner family came to Mesa, I mentioned that our mother and dad had served together in the Eastern States Mission. I couldn't remember the exact years, but about 1936-38 (maybe Morgan can check this for me). I explained that they married following their missions, and that Mom was our Mesa connection. Sister Jones immediately began to quiz me about Dad and his places of service in New York. She asked if he ever served in Auburn NY. I replied that I knew that he did. She said that the years were right. She said her mother was taught the gospel and baptized by an Elder Skinner from Idaho. How's that for an interesting connection?

The Jones took us to the mission home where we received some additional instructions from Pres. Jones, visited more, and enjoyed a delicious home cooked meal (first in a few days) together. At about 3 pm we headed south to Kenosha, our assigned field of labor for the next 18 months. Sister Shumway had rented and furnished an apartment there for us. Before 4 pm we were at the apartment and ready to get unloaded. Two elders, our ZLs, Elders Baker & Church, magically appeared with perfect timing, and helped us carry our stuff from the car to our second floor apartment. Bless them for that! They actually said Pres. Jones had called them and told them we should be arriving. We were so glad to have their help!

We began the process of unpacking and getting situated. It has taken some days, but the apt. is really beginning to feel like home to us. Mom has a unique gift to make wherever we live a home for us. While it is a work in progress, we are warm and comfortable and feel at home. It was a blessing for us on Wednesday last week after our morning study together to dedicate our new home. Back to the Monday of our arrival, 1-7-2013, that evening we went to the branch president's home for supper and a get acquainted visit. David Calderwood, MD, actually spent some time in Mesa as a youth. His mother was from Uruguay and his dad from Tremonton UT. His dad was in the CIA, which is how they met. Pres. Calderwood's wife, Inez, is from Argentina. They met at BYU. They have five children, three of which are away at school in UT or ID. We enjoyed getting to know them. In addition, our Sp. speaking elders joined us, Elder Kanahele (this is actually his middle name; his real last name if Kaka; it doesn't work very well in Sp., so the missionary department gave him permission to us middle name.) from New Zealand/Hawaii, and Elder Ashcraft from ID. They are good elders, working diligently in the branch, and helping us tremendously to get settled in.

We have been very blessed to arrive in this good place to serve. The Lord has answered our prayers for safe travel. We are finding out each day more about what this is all about. As we can, we will catch you up with what we are doing. This is enough for this edition.

Love to each of you. We are grateful for you prayers in our behalf and in behalf of the good Sp. speaking people of our area.

Hasta la proxima.

Elder & Sister Skinner