Happy New Year!!

We had an awesome Christmas! Thank you to all of those who sent us gifts and Christmas cards! I loved it! I'm so grateful that I was able to skype my family. Most of the time we were just sticking our nostrils in the camera and making weird faces, but hey, that's my family for ya. We had fun laughing together. I miss them! This week we were pretty sick, due to biking in the pouring rain but Christmas Eve was so fun! Our mission had a Christmas Eve Party/Devotional together, with all the missionaries! There was a fun talent show, nativity contest, and beautiful testimonies of Jesus Christ. In particular, I LOVED hearing Elder Wilde sing "O Come Emmanuel" in the chapel. That is when I felt the spirit the strongest that day. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. Oh and I was so happy to see all of my past companions. Zoggy and Fogg better be companions some day.
We also had quite an adventure on our way back home from the mission party. The other sister were in the car with us, driving to "Wine Country" (which is the middle of nowhere) to have dinner with their investigator, Albert, and his family. It was dark, far away, and I had no gps, or any idea where we were. When we dropped the sisters off at the gated house, I tried to follow the directions Albert gave me on how to get home. We said goodbye, and no kidding, drove about 50 feet and our car was beeping crazy at us, and the overheated light came on! In frustration, we tried to say I prayer patiently, and we turned around to get help from Albert and the sisters. We got to the gate and it was locked, with a sign that read, "No trespassing. Violators will be shot. Survivors will be shot again." Well that's real promising. We tried to get ahold of the sisters, but as usual...they didn't answer. haha. So I opened the hood to allow the engine to cool off, and I looked Sister Fogg in the eyes and said, "pray for me. I'm trespassing and jumping over the gate." A fear of being shot, and shot again ran through my mind as I attempted to climb over the huge gate. I left my companion at the car, and bolted up to the house. Thankfully it all worked out. They opened the gate, let us in for a Christmas Eve dinner (yummy homemade tamale's made by Albert's non-english speaking mom), and put some coolant in our car. Albert also took us out for a ride on his Polaris. wayy fun. but i probably shouldn't have gone because I will still sick and it was freezing. but we had so much fun. I'm grateful we survived that night and made it back home safely. (:
On Christmas morning, Sister Richie and Robinson came over to open presents, eat yummy coconut pancakes, and read the nativity together. Next, we went to church to partake of the sacrament. It was a special sacrament meeting, combined with three other wards and the spirit was amazing. We sang praises to our Lord about his birth and reflected on his life. I don't think you know who "Elder Hepworth" is but...he is an elder from the District movie, and he was sitting a pew next to us! He married a girl in our ward, crazy stuff. I'm also so grateful that we were able to serve at a soup kitchen on Christmas day! Although I didn't really get to see all the people coming in for food, I did get to help do the dishes...and it was fun. haha. Christmas was great. I'll never forget my one Christmas in California. Next year I will be home with my family for Christmas!
Yesterday was really fun as well...on exchanges with Sister Benware in Temecula. I want to be her companion in the future. We get along so well. I love that girl. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that we also had a baptism on the 23rd. Ryan Anderson (12 years old) was baptized and the mom asked me to play a piano musical number, conduct, and give the closing prayer. I'm glad I could be a part of it, even though we didn't teach Ryan (the Cole Canyon elders did due to other reasons). I love the spirit of baptisms, and I hope to see many more on my mission. Later that night, Adam and Shelly took us to Bainbridge Falls (a whole block with Christmas lights synced to music!!) it was so cool!! Anyways, I love you all and hope you are being safe during the holidays. Have an amazing 2017!! Don't forget to make new years resolutions and actually look at them throughout the year and try to achieve them! I'm so happy I get to spend 2017 serving the Lord. It will be the best year of my entire life.
Love you guys.
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

Greatest Christmas Gift!

Talking to Sister Skabelund was the best Christmas gift ever. I loved having our whole family together on Christmas day!

Merry merry merry merry Christmas to youuuu! 🎄❄

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on bright, Californian Christmas day!
hey guyys. I am so stoked for Christmas. Although it is a warm 60 degrees outside, and no snow...I think it is going to be a great week. I do BELIEVE in miracles (snow WILL come), and I have persuaded the entire primary of our ward to believe with me! Haha. Many kids in the ward have run up to me with snowflakes they have cut out, to add to my collection in our apartment. Even moms tell me that I have made a huge influence, and their children are praying for snow... "NO! why did you do this to us?" the moms say. Everyone here seems to think that it is cold, but trust me, it is not cold. Let's start a trend... # PRAY FOR SNOW! thankzz.
We have been getting SO MUCH Christmas junk food from every house we go to. Forget the "Freshman Fifteen", the mission is a whole new level...how about the "Mission Million". Food never ends. Yesterday for dessert, a member fed us a whole lot of pumpkin pie with our whipped cream. I feel a double-chin comin. Pray for me. haha.
So it is a new transfer and I am still training Sister Fogg. With every single one of my companions I have learned something new. Each companion is completely opposite of each other. Sister Fogg is really really shy and has a hard time opening up. But this has taught me to be an even better example in ALL that I do. I've started to notice that she follows me and does what I do. I find myself singing, "Do as I'm doing...follow follow me. Do as I'm doing...follow follow me" during the week as we are proselyting on our bikes. She probably thinks I'm a weirdo and that I embarrass her too much, but hey, you gotta have fun with work. I have to get her out of her comfort zone some how. Yesterday was a proud moment for me! Sister Fogg biked up to a couple getting out of there car and talked to them on her own free will (without me repetitively reminding her). AND GUESS WHAT? They were totally open and she was able to testify to them of the Restoration! I have testimony of obedience. When we are obedient and do what the Lord asks of us (to share the gospel), he will guide us to people who are prepared, and the spirit will tell us what to say. That was the first Book of Mormon we have given out in about 3 weeks! Faith proceeds miracles.
Sunday was a really spiritual experience for me. Before church, I watched the "Jesus Christ's Life: Bible Videos," mainly the clips of Christ's last week, the Atonement. I know that preparing for the sacrament really allowed me to have a sacred experience. I felt so strongly of Christ's love and forgiveness for me, while I partook of the bread and water, and pondered on His birth, ministry, atonement, and resurrection. I know that if we take the Sacrament seriously and prepare for it beforehand, we will feel the spirit and will receive personal revelation. The primary got up and performed a Christmas medley that brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautiful. I reflected on the birth of Jesus Christ and the young, innocent little children sang with everything in them. This is what Christmas is all about. I know that Heavenly Father loves his children.
Well, I'm excited to skype my family on Sunday. You have no idea...Sister Fogg and I have been counting down the days from the beginning. We even made a Christmas chain. That is all I want for Christmas...to see the faces of my amazing family and hear their voices again. 7 months has been wayy to long.

Transfers

Hey everyone.

This week wasn't the best. Sister Fogg had to go to the doctors, we lost a few investigators, I was physically exhausted, a recent-convert in our ward passed away, and there was some contention in our companionship...But you know what, this week is going to be awesome because IT'S A NEW TRANSFER!! I love starting over, fresh, new start. 

On Tuesday, we had an amazing relief society Christmas dinner. There was a little musical show put together by the women of our ward, who portrayed the women in the scriptures. It was so inspiring to focus on the mothers in the scriptures, of whom we think so highly of. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, Anna, the mother of Mary, Rachel, the mother of Joseph, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Looking through the eyes of these wonderful women, I understood the role of motherhood, especially in the birth, life, and raising of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I'm so grateful for the privilege we had of working a booth at the live nativity, put on by the Murrieta Stake. We handed out the Joy to the World videos, and shared the glorious message of our Savior's birth. I'm grateful for the experiences I had as I watched the mother of Jesus hold her baby, the Messiah, and Savior of the World, tight in her arms. As we watched Joseph gaze into the eyes of the Son of God, my heart was filled with peace and gratitude. Brother Merrill played the guitar and sang this beautiful song about Joseph's point of view:

"How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be
Lord I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be."

I know that my Savior lives. He is the Son of God. I know that have been sharing a lot of music lyrics with you. I think music is one of the things that makes me feel the spirit most. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I'm so excited to talk with my family in just 13 days!!! (: woooohooo. Don't forget to put Christ in Christmas! It is all about Him! HE IS THE GIFT.

watch this: He is the Light of the World.

 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God,The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

love you

#burnbabyburn < I'm always quoting the Grinch (looks like I'm burning the Christmas tree).

-check out this awesome mug mom got me.

♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund

451 W Bobier Dr

Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

Light The World

First off, I want you all to check out "Light The World" if you haven't already. If you have, go ahead and watch it again. >> #LIGHTtheWORLD this Christmas season. Serve others like Jesus did “In 25 Ways. Over 25 Days.” Prepare yourselves and your family for the day of service on Thursday, Dec. 1st and many days to follow! Find a way to serve your neighbor, serve a friend, and serve the world like Christ did when he was here. I know that by doing so, we can all make a huge difference. WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Just as Christ is the light of the world, we can bring the light of the gospel into our own homes and in the lives of others. All we need to do is share it. Whatever it might be, ponder on ways you can be of service to your community or those around you. I testify that when we serve others, we are serving our Heavenly Father! We will make a difference.

  

I also testify that the Lord has so much in store for us; he loves us and wants us to be happy. "The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Ne 1:20). I'd like to relate this to an experience we had just a few days ago. On Saturday, we knocked on a door...looking for a name by the name of Ismael, whom we have never met before. As usual, one of the kids answered the door and said that his dad was too busy. We handed the kid a mormon.orgcard and told him to have a nice day. As we were about to walk away, Ismael (the father) came to the door and said, "No! Come on inside!" Sister Fogg and I looked at each other with confusion. In our minds we are thinking, "What?! Did he just say we can come in?" Not knowing what to do next, we followed the welcoming father into his home. Izzy, the son who answered the door, called all his younger siblings to come downstairs. We introduced ourselves to the family and got to know Ismael and his four children- Izzy(17), Allen(14), Ruby(12), & Maria(9).

To begin, I felt prompted to ask the Morales family what is most important to them. Allen immediately answered, "FAMILY!" At the moment, we were able to testify of a loving Heavenly Father who has given us a plan by which we can be with our families forever. Through this plan, our families are blessed and are united together. I mentioned how much I miss my own family, but that the gospel of Jesus Christ is just as important to me. We testified of the blessing our families have received from following the restored gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ. I know that there was a need for a restoration! I know that Christ has again established his true church on the earth today. I know that through him, and by him, and of him, we can live with our families for time and all eternity; we can live with our Father in Heaven again someday. This is Plan of Happiness. 

Together, we shared Joseph Smith's first prayer and testified of the power of prayer. The room was filled with complete peace and I even felt goosebumps all up my arms. We all got on our knees and I demonstrated what it is like to pray (he mentioned that they don't pray as a family). Afterwards, we asked Ismael to say a prayer but he was very hesitant. He said that he was too shy and would say a prayer next time. **oooh so there will be a next time? "What about you Izzy?" I asked. And to our surprise, Izzy immediately began his prayer. He thanked Heavenly Father for his wonderful family and prayed that they would continue to be happy and blessed. His simple prayer to our Heavenly Father filled me with joy and love. I know that God heard Izzy's prayer and He loves the Morales family. Even though we just met them, I felt a miraculous amount of love for each of them. I know that our prayers are heard.

We also had the privilige of teaching "Naudia" a persian woman who walked into church one day and said, "I'm looking for a Christian church!" I know that the Lord has prepared people to receive the gospel and sometimes, He even sends them right to us! We were able to give her a church tour and testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Although we didn't teach her much, and she didn't understand very well, I felt prompted to invite to be baptized. The spirit filled each of our hearts and there was a moment of silence. The words that came out of her mouth next gave me chills and a feeling of joy. Naudia responded with a smile on her face, "Yes!" There were many other miracles that we saw that day and that we continue to see every day. I'm grateful that we can teach the Morales family. They have been living in that home for twelve years and had never seen or held a Book of Mormon before. I'm so grateful that we listened to the spirit and found this family who needs the gospel. I'm grateful that we could share the message of family and love with them and give them a book that can and will change their lives. Please keep the Morales family in prayers. 

Listen to the Holy Ghost! He will guide you to those who are in need of your spirit, your service, and your testimony. The spirit will show you where you need to go and what you need to say. Don't be afraid to listen to or follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. If the spirit tells you to serve someone, tell someone "thank you," or show love to someone who needs it, do not hesitate. Follow the Savior in everything that you do. "And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do" (2 Ne 31:12).

I LOVE YOU ALL. 

happy holidays. Christmas in California << a tumbleweed snowman

Happy Thanksgiving

OH MY GOODNESS ITS THANKSGIVING!! Woohoo.

gobble gobble gobble 🦃

   I'm grateful for this week. This week has been eventful. We picked up a new investigator named, Tyrone (Ty) and he is pretty awesome. He is 63 years old and has been considered a "church hopper" in the past. He has met with elders before when he lived in Ohio, and has many Mormon friends & associates. When I look at him, I see Joseph Smith...someone who was seeking the truth wherever he went and in every church he visited. Tyrone has so much faith right now and desires to come closer to Jesus Christ. This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to give a talk in Sacrament meeting. Although I forgot half my talk, I relied wholly on the spirit and shared a message about faith and repentance. That night, we met with Ty and he thanked me for my talk on faith and said that he really felt the spirit. 

   I'm grateful for the authority I have to teach God's children. On Tuesday, Sister Froisland and I (we went on exchanges) taught Ty the Restoration. He expressed that he loves the discipline, organization, and simplicity of our church. At the end, he even said the closing prayer and asked for inspiration from the Book of Mormon! I am so grateful for Ty and his diligence in coming to church, praying, and pondering on the words of the scriptures. When I see our Heavenly Father's children progress, and repent--make changes in their lives-- I am filled with complete joy and an indescribable love. I'm filled with gratitude for my Heavenly Father and the Plan of Happiness which allows us to return back to His presence. I'm so grateful!

   I'm grateful for the privilege I had to shake the firm hand of ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS, an apostle of the Lord...and sit very close--front & center-- to hear him speak to us by the power of God. All of the Carlsbad missionaries also got to hear (in the same meeting) from Elder Carl B. Cook of the Seventy and our amazing mission president, President Thomas! Sitting in the same room as the Lord's servants, singing hymns and rejoicing in the Lord our God, is an experience that I will never forget. I got chills. Elder Oaks counseled us and pleaded with us to REPENT. Repent today, repent tomorrow, repent every week! Repentance is a joy. Repentance is all about the sacrament. Repentance is change! We have the privilege to be forgiven and renew our baptismal covenants every single week! Do you know how important this is? Do you know how important you are to your Father in Heaven? YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD!Of course we will fall down, scrape our knees, make mistakes, sin, and make even more mistakes...but the atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to be clean, and to change. 

   

   I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. "A most significant evidence of our conversion and of how we feel about the gospel in our own lives is our willingness to share it with others." Are we walking the walk or just talking the talk? "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, and we prophesy of Christ"...but do we walk with Christ? Elder Carl B. Cook shared with us Moses 6:32-34, "Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance...Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and thou shalt abide in my, and I in you; therefore WALK WITH ME." Families and friends, I know that missionary work may be hard, it may be scary...but we are servants of the Lord! We are of a HUGE influence in His work. We are all important to the salvation of our brothers and sisters. "Now, some of you might not feel worthy of such high praise. You might think you are too insignificant to have a meaningful influence on others. Perhaps you don't even consider yourself a "disciple of faith" because you sometimes struggle with doubt or fear" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf). But whatever our age, capacity, church calling, or location, we are as one called to the work to help the Savior in His harvest of souls until He comes again."

   I'm grateful for my Savior, who died for me. 

   I'm grateful for repentance; life is filled with second chances.

   I'm grateful for the hope of eternal life.

   I'm grateful for my knowledge of eternal families.

   I'm grateful to be a missionary.

   I'm grateful for my family.

   I'm grateful for The Book of Mormon.

   I'm grateful to be serving in California.

   I'm grateful for my companion.

   I'm grateful for the ocean breeze.

   I'm grateful for the summer sun in November.

   I'm grateful for the Thanksgiving meal we are about to have.

   I'm grateful for our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

   I'm grateful for Oregon...and trees.

   I'm grateful for my Heavenly Father who loves me.

   Let us be filled with thanks towards the one who granted us all these many blessings! "Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen" (Alma 26:37). Go serve someone this week! Share the joy of the gospel with your neighbors. I LOVE YOU ALL!! Please keep Tyrone in your prayers! And have a happy thanksgiving

Zoggy to Foggy

Dear loved ones,

I wish to write you a time-consuming rap about my new companion, Sister Fogg (I am Dr. Seuss).

"I said goodbye to Sister Zoggy,

my eyes got all wet and soggy.

Look out, here comes the Fogg,

oh wait, that's my companion...Sister Foggy.

People call her Froggy, but that's not her name.

Here is a pic of Sister Fogg with a Dog.

I love the Fogg."

It's gettin foggy up in here...(jk I wish. It's 95 degrees right now in NOV.)

but really...my new companion's name is SISTER FOGG. I'm pretty sure President Thomas assigned me to train Sis. Fogg just because it rhymes with Sis. Zogg. Just kidding, I LOVE SISTER FOGG. She is a hilarious human being. She is from Homedale, Idaho and plays the piccolo. She played the piccolo AND the flute in the Boise State Band...cool stuff.

I am incredibly grateful for President Thomas and the light that he carries with him. I'm grateful that he has blessed me with the privilege of training another new missionary. You would think that training is not fun, but after being trained and training others my whole mission...I have acquired a love for greenie fire.

 On Veterans day, we went to walk through the field of flags to ponder and appreciate those who have served our country. This spirit was so strong and as we both looked at each other in the midst of the flags, we knew what to do next. "Let's say a prayer," I said to Sister Fogg. I'm grateful for the powerful words that came out of my companions mouth that night as she prayed. Just a few minutes after the prayer, we walked up to talk to security...a woman guarding the flags. Her name was Anja and she had never heard about our church before. Sister Fogg gave her a Book of Mormon and committed her to read it (GO SISTER FOGG- 1st BOM she gave out). "Well I have to guard these flags for three more hours, I'll read this book in the meantime!" Anja said. I'm grateful for those moments when we get to testify of the restoration and the power of the Book of Mormon.

My favorite song of the week is called "I Can Do All Things," by Tanner Townsend.

"I can do all things, there's no mountain I can't climb, there's nothing I can't be. No matter how hard it may seem, I CAN DO ALL THINGS!" While listening to this song, I was reminded of my wonderful mom who always motivates and encourages me to do hard things. In Philippians 4:13 it reads, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Although they may be hard, I'm grateful for all the trials I have faced on my mission. They have helped humble me and realize my divine purpose as a missionary and as a daughter of God. 

I want to share an analogy that an elder included in his weekly email. Sister Fogg and I have been sharing it with members all week (Thanks Elder Taylor):

"Today I wish to inspire everyone to join in to this wonderful blessing of missionary work. 

To demonstrate the seriousness of this issue I wish to use an Analogy. Imagine that you have a best friend that is sick with a deathly illness. You have the medicine that would cure his illness. You have what he needs. Now if this was all true would you say.

- I don't have time to give him this medicine.

- What if he rejects the medicine that I offer?

- I don't want to bother him today?

- Someone else will get him the medicine!

No of course not. You would do all you could to get your friend the medicine. You would make many sacrifices to make sure you saved your friends life. The gospel is the medicine. However the issue is not Life or Death, it is of a more serious nature. The gospel is the key to your friends Salvation his eternal life depends upon if you share what he needs. 

Now I am not saying missionary work is easy.... I know that is true. How could we expect eternal salvation to be easy for us, when it was never easy for our savior Jesus Christ? However missionary work is possible! Sometimes we try and complicate it. We think missionary work must be this big thing.... All we need to do is open our mouths."

The scriptures tell us, "OPEN YOUR MOUTHS AND THEY SHALL BE FILLED, & YOU SHALL BECOME EVEN AS NEPHI OF OLD, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness" (D&C 33:8).

It is so important for us to share our testimonies of the restored gospel! I promise that if you have courage and share "the medicine" of the gospel, you're testimony and love for Jesus Christ will increase. You will desire to share it with everyone, and you will be surrounded with blessings from Heaven. Share your testimony with a friend this week. Tell them how important the Book of Mormon is to you. Tell them the knowledge you have of eternal families. Most importantly, express the gratitude you have for the Savior and his gospel with all those around you.

I love you all♥♥

have a blessed week.

pics

- Happy Veterans Day! (The flags we walked through).

- we went to the Matson's for pday (mansions, gymn, lake, indoor pool, ziplines, pooltables, ballpits, raquetball room, theater, private zoo...etc.)

- Sis Fogg's 1st day on bikes...IT'S TOO HOT FOR WINTER

♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund

451 W Bobier Dr

Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

Goodbye Sister Zogg

Hi loved ones,

I'm sad to say that Sister Zogg will be leaving me here in Murrieta; she is getting transferred to Felicita with Sister Andrew (my MTC companion) just as I predicted!! Sadly, her 12 week training has come to an end... WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE? On Friday, I hit my six month mark! To my surprise, President Thomas has called me to train a new missionary once again! I will meet my companion, fresh from the MTC, tomorrow afternoon. I'm excited to see how this transfer goes!

It is finally November and we kicked it off with a great start. November 1st, we picked up a new investigator named Linda. After teaching her about the Book of Mormon, Sister Zogg said, "She seems like a really nice basher who is willing to take the lessons." Linda agreed to read the Book of Mormon, only if we agreed to hear a few Christian lessons from her. We will see how this goes... We were bummed to say goodbye to Ron, a recent-convert we have been teaching, who moved back to Boston. I hope we get to see him again, I love him! On Thursday, we taught our investigators Norma & Gabriela the restoration. They were so kind as to buy us ice cream afterwards. (: Then on Friday, all the greenies that came out with Sister Zogg...got to go to the Mormon Battalion in old town San Diego. It was really cool to go through the interactive museum! I'm grateful for the saints who were faithful to the Lord, traveling 2,000 miles to California, and leaving their families behind. You guys should go there and check it out!  

Saturday started off great when we were able to help the city put up 2,015 American flags for the Veterans Day Celebration! It was so cool to see all the flags surrounding. I'm proud to be an American. Even though our country has become a little crazy, and we don't have any good options for president...at least I know I'm free. I'm grateful we are able to exercise our beliefs and have freedom of religion! Later, we taught a guy (Todd) whom we had never met before with Brother Wright. Todd completely took over the lesson by spitting out all his memorized Bible verses and basically bashing our beliefs. We were happy that Brother Wright was there to help us out, because we were completely confused. It is sad to see some of God's children be so hard-hearted and not receptive to the spirit. But afterwards, we received a text from Todd that deepened our appreciation of our visit with him. The text said, "I do apologize for dominating the conversation. I certainly need to be a better listener." We are hoping that he will feel the spirit work within him the next time we go over! There are people that aren't prepared, people that the Lord is preparing, and people that the Lord has already prepared to receive the gospel! Share your testimony with someone this week. Help God's children to find their way back home...they are searching and they are prepared!

I'm so grateful for these past two transfers that I could spend with Sister Zogg. I have loved being her trainer, her companion, but most importantly her sister. She is amazing and has a rock-solid testimony of the Savior and his atonement. I know that the Lord really does have a plan for each of us. I was reading my patriarchal blessing this morning and I recognized how much the Savior really does know and love us. On Sunday, Sister Zogg and I had the opportunity to teach a last-minute lesson in gospel principles on charity. I think that the teacher didn't show up for a reason...we really needed to teach that lesson. Charity is the pure love of Christ. Each person went around the room and shared experiences of when they have felt charity in their lives. Charity is different from love, it is something you cannot describe. I have felt charity the most on my mission. I felt charity when I looked through the eyes of our Heavenly Father and saw God's children as he see's them. It is indescribable. I have felt it for my companion, for Gosia (a recent-convert), for Ron, for my bishop, and even for the guy who was spitting scriptures in my face. 

And Oh my goodness, we were visiting Sadie and Maria yesterday (two old ladies that we love), and they fell asleep!! THEY WERE SNORING as we taught them the restoration. One minute they would be totally answering our questions and participating, the next, they were drowsing off to sleep. HILARIOUS. We were laughing so hard. "What do we do now?" said Sister Zogg as they were both snoring during our lesson.... HAHAHA.

I know that my Redeemer lives and loves me too.♥

I love you all!

♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund

Pics=

- I love these cuties (Saylor and Kinley)

- Saying goodbye to Ron

- Pregnant for the third time

- studying on the plateau

- check out sleeping beauty

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween 

& Happy Birthday Maddy Patty Cake...

This week was a party. In other words, we worked really hard and saw great results...and we had fun with it. On Tuesday, we finally got into the Millward home (a less-active family) and taught them the importance of the Sabbath day. The oldest boy broke the ice when he brought out his Halloween costume and let us try it on. lol. "I am Sister Zogg the Dog." Afterwards, we went to the Thunstrum's mansion for dinner. They have an app on their iphone that can control the whole house! They can turn all the lights on & off (or dim them), lock the doors, speak through an intercom, and play music with their phones. I was like a little kid on Christmas day when Bro Thunstrum told me, "There are speakers installed in the walls of every single room." I told them that I would seriously have a dance party every day of my life if I lived here. Honestly, I felt like I was in Tomorrowland.

We picked up three new investigators: Hannah, Norma, and Gabriela. Norma is Gabriela's grandmother and they are such an awesome family. We taught them about the power of the Holy Ghost and it's role in prayer. We shared 3 Nephi 11:3 and the spirit was so amazing. Norma talked about her experiences with the spirit and when she has felt it most in her life. I'm so grateful for all the people I meet on my mission; they have truly influenced MY own life. We also had many "glorified contacts" this week. Almost every day we left the apartment, we would immediately find someone willing to hear our message. We talked to "John" at the bus stop who had never heard about our church before. He was stoked to come to church and to read the Book of Mormon, but right as we were about to get his info, the bus pulled up and he hopped on. I was about to leave Sis. Zogg and get on that bus with him. Ahh well, at least he has the book that will change his life. The next day we talked to Michael Lee, who was walking down the street with his briefcase and box of work stuff in his arms. He told us that he just lost his job and his car broke down a few blocks away. "Seeing you sisters is a sign from God that I need to start reading your book again," he told us. I felt prompted to have him read the same scripture we shared with Norma out loud, and when he read it, he told us, "That is a dope scripture." haha. I hope the elders can continue to teach him.

On Friday, we went to the SAN DIEGO TEMPLE to do an endowment session with the missionaries in the Murrieta Zone. This was my 2nd time going to the temple as a missionary in CA, and it was even better than it was the first time. It was BEAUTIFUL! The sun was glowing through the clouds and onto the smiling faces of the sister missionaries. We were greeted inside by two happy old men at the counter, checked our recommends, and smiled with joyful, wrinkled eyes. We asked one of the men where he was from, and the sweet gentleman replied with a kind grin on his face, "I am from Heaven." The lobby was filled with small chuckles and they granted us permission to enter the House of the Lord. The four of us sisters stopped to admire a painting of Jesus Christ calming the sea. If you look closely, you can see that the fishermen who are looking away from Christ are terrified by the storm and are gripping onto the oars and sails of the boat. But those who are looking towards the Savior are peaceful and comforted. I know that when we look to Christ and Him in our lives, we will find refuge from the storms of life and we will feel joy in times of sorrow. The Savior will protect us and He will lift us up. The temple is the house of God and is ultimately where we need to be. I was reminded of my purpose as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am incredibly grateful for the privilege I have to bring souls to the Master and to enter His heavenly home on Earth. FAMILIES ARE FOREVER. We will be with our Heavenly Father again. ♥

This morning, Sis Zogg, Sis Richie, and I hiked pride rock again. We admired the sunrise and studied 3 Nephi 17 together. We had such a spiritual experience as we pondered and discussed our feelings and testimonies of the atonement of Jesus Christ. In verse 5-6 it says, "And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you." This is when Christ is about to leave the Nephites in America...but they beg him to stay. And what do you know, HE STAYS, and he heals the sick and blesses the children. Then he prays unto the father..."and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father. And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude that they were overcome." I testify that the Savior lives and loves us. He is pleading with our Heavenly Father whenever we make a mistake or whenever we are sorrowful. He weeps with us! He rejoices with us! I'm grateful for what three sister missionaries experienced on the top of a mountain early this morning. I encourage you all to READ 3 NEPHI 17!!!

For those of you who just scrolled through all of this... here are some pictures of the week.

Have a great week you guys. (:

P.S. mom, i may need a new camera...mine fell of the side off the mountain this morning.

--
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund

451 W Bobier Dr

Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

Rain rain don't go away!!

Dear Fellas,

Sadly to say, I got very sick on Tuesday and had to stay in for the day. Sis. Zogg keeps reminding me, "NEVER GET SICK AGAIN." okay commander zogg...because I am in total control of that haha. You see, it is almost worse for the companion who is not sick...she was very, very bored all day & even read 20 chapters of Alma! Thankfully, after hour & hours of sleep, nasal spray, cough drops, prayers, & a priesthood blessing, I am feeling better. (:

Although I was a zombie during the beginning of the week, we still biked everywhere and worked hard. We dropped our investigator, Seleene...but it was an amazing lesson. The spirit was so strong. One of my favorite things to do, i learned, is to testify of truth. I looked Seleene in the eyes and testified of the enabling power of the atonement. I testified of our Heavenly Father, who loves her more than she can ever imagine. We are children of God. We told her to "let us know when you are ready," and that we can no longer meet with her until she is ready to change and start keeping commitments. She was kinda sad, but understanding. I know that someday she will be ready to make changes in her life and she will come to know of the truth of the Book of Mormon. 

We don't have anyone in our teaching pool right now. But we know that through the power of prayer, hard work, and true faith, we will find those people who need the gospel in their life. We have actually been teaching a less-active, part-member family...the Reynosos. We found them one day in an apartment complex, when Eliz (their 12 year old daughter) ran up to us and asked if we were coming to visit them. We replied, "Um yeah! Where do you live again?" (we had no clue who she was but we were down for it). We met her family and they are pretty awesome. They are Star Wars fanatics and have a 2 year old boy named Anakin. He is precious. So there's Eliz, Zoe, and Anakin & their dad is not a member. We taught them this week and really felt the spirit. We talked about the importance of the Sabbath day and committed them to come to church. We had Sister Doolittle pick up Eliz for mutual and she LOVED it. She was begging her mom for her whole family to come to church, but sadly, they didn't show. Hopefully we can help them understand the importance of the sacrament this week.

Oh and guess what?! IT IS RAINING! We went on a hike early this morning to see the sunrise and we were surrounded in a valley of thunder and lightening! While our entire zone sat on pride rock, **ah zabenia balabeetselabah" (lion king), we heard this loud "BOOOOOMM" and we got soaking wet. I love the rain. And everyone kept saying that I am definitely an Oregon girl, because I was going skitzo in the rain. I love it so much. haha. We were drenched the whole hike. it pretty much made my whole p-day. 

Anyways, I'm grateful to be a missionary. I don't regret my decision to serve one bit. Serving the Lord has been of the most humbling experiences of my life. I love Jesus Christ. 

HAVE A GREAT WEEK.

--

♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund

451 W Bobier Dr

Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

Elder Klebingat for Stake Conference

This week has been amazing. Lots of things happened. 1, someone from Uganda thought I was Asia (no joke). 2, I went on exchanges with Sis. Timmons in Temecula (exchange miracles), We knocked on a door and this guy answered. He said he wants us to teach his little girl. When he was young, he didn't grow up in a religion or in a safe environment. He wants his daughter to live a good life and be close with Jesus Christ. He said he would read the Book of Mormon with his daughter (she's six). I'm grateful for that experience. 3, we had stake conference with Elder Klebingat of the 70 (he is from Germany. even he couldn't pronounce my name...no surprised). Pretty much a great week. And we have been seeing lots of sick Halloween decorations. People go all out here. I love it.

Sorry this is so short. I have like zero time left. Here's what I got from stake conference:

- "We are never alone when we stand with Jesus Christ."

- "Once we have repented, there are no tracks or traces."

- "What matters MOST is what you are doing TODAY."

- "Learn to repent joyfully every day, then you will have confidence before God."

LOOK for the miracles....they are everywhere.

anyways, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLIBABUA. i love youuuu. have a great bday.

LOVE YOU GUYS.

--

♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund

451 W Bobier Dr

Vista CA 92083-1906
United States