Tender Mercies

Downtown Des Moines

Courtney still smiles the same.

A tidbit of info about Iowa. People really like porch ornaments! A whole lot. Here in Des Moines I've seen gooses that people will dress up for the different seasons or holidays, two lion statues dressed in pink Hello Kitty rain ponchos, a rooster of a variety of color that stands a good six feet, and two little children statues with face paint of Kiss (my personal favorite). I will try and get some pictures this week. They really are something else though, and they give us a good laugh.

After going to MLC on Tuesday we had three Zone Training Meetings spread out over Thursday and Friday. That was super fun to see some other missionaries and friends! The Oskaloosa Zone is one of my favorites, it is full of gems and great on liners. One of the zone leaders said in the items of discussion, "anything other than a high five or fist bump with children is apostasy." Solid.

This week we are going on two exchanges and will have a great time with some other sisters here in the Des Moines Stake.

It really was a strange and trying week with 15 hours of meetings, 7 hours of planning, our side car mirror being smashed, Sister Froerer and I getting sick on Wednesday and Thursday, our cute little Burmese family slipping from our fingers, eight member present lessons falling through, and our most solid investigator being in the hospital for extended observation of mental health. I have a greater appreciation for the tender mercies of the Lord. Like us having a member dinner yesterday, catching fireflies and feeding them bananas, taking dope pictures of downtown Des Moines, and referring a family to the Hermanas that became investigators! In in 1 Nephi 1:20 I have been able to find consolation amid trials and as I look for tender mercies, "I, Nephi, will show unto you that 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." I have great hope that the Lord will deliver us and our area as we seek for his promised blessings and a baptism this transfer! God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

Love y'all,

Sister Skaggs