We meet the most wonderful, interesting people here on this mission. We want all of you to get to know them. Meet Elder and Sister Skibbe. They came on their mission from Australia and are going to serve in the Marshall Islands but they are both originally from East Germany.
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| President and Sister Briggs, Sister and Elder Skibbe, President Thatcher |
The Skibbe's grew up behind the Berlin wall. Elder Skibbe was born in the church and when 3 years old his family secretly crossed a white line drawn on the road to go to the temple in Switzerland to be sealed. Then they snuck back into the country. He was very angry with his father as a youth when he realized that they could have been free like some of his friends who had left. The Uchdorf family was one that had gotten away when they could. They knew President Monson and all the saints of East Germany that President Monson told stories about, his father being one of the faithful. He knew them all and can talk of them and those years of miracles when the Freiberg Germany Temple was first promised to the saints and later miraculously built.
Elder and Sister Skibbe are faithful saints who can talk of Agency and Freedom and the lack thereof with understanding and passion. We asked him if he would write his story for us and he sent us this copy of the bullet points from his farewell talk.
My farewell talk using Elder Uchtdorfs talk “The Adventure of Mortality”
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* born 1954 into 1 room 2mx3m (shared toilet downstairs, food stamps)
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* 1957 temple trip to Switzerland with parents and grandparents for sealing
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* in order to get there we had to cross secretly the white line from East Berlin to West Berlin,
and then use the train to Switzerland
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* 1958 Meyer family (mum Helga, 3 daughters and son Siegfried) left over night our branch
for SLC, by also crossing the white line in Berlin. I inherited Siegfried's toy train
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* 1961 Berlin wall was built (to stop the East Germans from leaving the country)
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* I was too young to understand but a few years later it dawned on me that I would be locked
up for the rest of my life
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* I struggled to understand my parents decision to stay when they had the chance to leave and
by doing so “ruining” my future.
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* When I turned 18 I had to serve in the army for 3 years in order to go to uni, mission not an
option
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* after uni the government assigned the jobs for all gratuates. We couldn't choose where we
wanted to live and work but through a miracle I was able to get a job in my home town and
to support our little branch
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* 1989 freedom
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* 1999 Australia
Steve Jobs said: “You cannot connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
Looking back today I’m grateful for:
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* finding my wife and having a wonderful family in that country
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* experiencing how it feels when your free agency is taken away (satan's smart plan)
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* learning about the true value of family vs. “stuff”
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* when the wall came down the value of “stuff” like furniture, cars, and other possession dropped overnight down to zero and everything people had worked for for 20 or 30 years ended up on the nature strip.
My experience was similar to Elder Uchtdorf's.
D. Uchtdorf: “When I was your age I had no idea where my life would take me. I definitely didn’t see any dots connecting in front of me. But I did trust God. I listened to the advice of loving family and wise friends, and took small steps of faith, believing that if I did the best I could in the moment, God would take care of the big picture. He did. He knew the end from the beginning when I did not. I could not see the future, but He could. Even during those times of hardship when I thought I was abandoned, He was with me. I see that now.
In Proverbs, we find this great promise: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Story of Joseph of Egypt
In many ways, his life was disastrous. He was sold into slavery by his brothers. He was cast into prison for a crime he did not commit. Despite all the terrible circumstances forced upon him, he maintained his faith. He trusted God. He made the best out of it. Year after year—even when it appeared that he had been overlooked and abandoned—he believed. Joseph always inclined his heart to God. And God showed that He is able to turn negatives into positives.
Your adventure may not be quite as dramatic, but it will have its ups and downs. So, remember
Joseph’s example: Remain faithful. Believe. Be honest. Don’t become bitter. Don’t be a bully. Love
God, love your fellowmen. Trust the Lord, even when things appear bleak.
You may not see it until much later, but you will look back and know that the Lord did indeed direct and guide your path. The dots did connect.”
2 Nephi 2:2, teaches that God "shall consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain."
Author unknown:
I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, "No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up."
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, "No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary."
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, "No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned."
I asked God to give me happiness. God said, "No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you." I asked God to spare me pain. God said, "No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me."
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, "No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful."
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, "No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things."
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said, "Ahhhh...., finally you have the idea."
If it would be up to us we would avoid all hardship, challenges and trials. But God let's bad things happen to his children so we draw closer to him, to teach us important lessons, and to give us opportunities to exercise charity.
D. Uchtdorf: “We may not be able to see the entire picture just yet, but we’ll see enough to trust that there is a beautiful, grand design. And as we strive to trust God and follow His Son, Jesus Christ, one day we will see the finished product, and we will know that the very hand of God was directing and guiding our steps.”
(Beautiful counsel from two East German Saints, Elder Uchtdorf and Elder Skibbe)
Mission Report
Enekosi and Leitu update
We have felt so sad about Enekosi and Leitu. We both felt that we were losing them. When we first began teaching them we had some of the most beautiful experiences of our mission. The spirit was strong and Enekosi ate up everything we taught, especially the Book of Mormon. Then our meetings became more scarce, we couldn't get them to come back to church, and they wanted to be baptized but then go to another church. We have yet to get them married. Leitu texted for us to come last Friday and we thought maybe it would be them telling us they didn't want to meet anymore.
But. . . we were greeted warmly at the door just like always and our meeting was full of the Spirit as scriptures were shared and we talked. Enekosi still reads the Book of Mormon every day and we felt that maybe his understanding is growing. This time he had found Moroni 8, which teaches about not baptizing children. He said he turned to the back of the book because he wanted to know about Mormon and Moroni. He loved what he read and said his church baptizes babies, but that he believes what Mormon taught, that it is an abomination to God.
We taught again about the spirit world and baptism for the dead. This time they liked the doctrine. It was as if they hadn't heard it before. We read 1Peter 3, and 1 Corinthians 15. and then in answer to Enekosi's question about if Jesus visited the spirits who had been rebellious, did he ever visit the faithful spirits?. . . we had them read Doctrine and Covenants 138. Enekosi seemed fascinated by this.
We left with great hope rekindled for them. Elder Thatcher made the statement that their reading the book of Mormon allows the Spirit to keep working with them. That is the hope we have for them. Without this reading we are sure we would not be going any more. Leitu told me that every day Enekosi goes to a room in the house where he studies the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We left them with a sheet full of scriptures for Enekosi to study and read to Leitu. They are all about the importance of the Church. He loves assignments like this. We look forward to meeting again with them and we pray that the Lord will bring them along.
The Party Family - Aisea and Teleni
The party family has been very busy the last few weeks. Aisea and Teleni's son Michael Angelo has been practicing hours every day for Polyfest, which is a HUGE Cultural event where Tonga, Samoa, Mauri, Cook Islands and other islands present their dances and music in a competition. I'm telling you the crowds were worse than Disneyland on a very busy day. (The price was much better than Disneyland however as it only cost 5$ to enter).
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| St Paul's College - Michael Angelo's performance at Polyfest |
The costumes were amazing and all hand made. The costumes in this picture were made with real leaves so they had to be made just before the event. The level of performance was great. We could see why students at BYU Hawaii can get jobs at the Poynesian Cultural Center and perform so well.
This group took 2nd place but should have been first (according to Aisea). This is the Tongan stage and the drums were magnificent. The parents of the students are also behind the dance group. They provided the music and the singing.
We did have a lesson with the family on Monday night and they were happy that we had gone to Polyfest. Here are a few more pics of the event.
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| Cook Island Dancers |
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| gathering ideas for the next reunion |
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| 1/2 watermelon all cut up and put back in the rind topped with ice cream and toppings |
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| The crowd |
Antonina and Moses and girls
Samantha is doing well. She is still waiting for a transplant but her color has improved and she feels good. All this is great because she still needs the liver transplant but is healthy while waiting. The family seems to be doing quite well. Moses has a new job and they continue to work on being a forever family.
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| Samantha follows along during the lesson |
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| Antonina and Naomi learning about the Holy Ghost |
Special Guests - Visitors from the Past
My long time childhood friend Kaye Dittmer Cowley Sivori and her daughter Cosette came to new Zealand and stopped in for a visit. So far most of our chances to see a little of this beautiful Island have been when we have had company. This time we headed to Rotorua, famous for where the Maori culture is on display and also for its geothermic attractions. It is much like Yellowstone with sulfur mud pots, geysers and other attractions.
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| Tamaki Mauri Village |
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| We learned the Mauri Culture - This man taught about tattoos |
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| Can you see the flowered white circles at the top of this canoe? That is how they navigated the Pacific. They kept two stars within those circles to guide them - fascinating! |
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| Entertainment at the village |
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| Elder Thatcher soaking his feet at a park with hot springs where we met a very interesting woman named Kimi |
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| Kaye, Cosette and I on our walk among the redwoods |
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| Yes, we got to go to Hobbiton again, and they loved it. Elder Thatcher even enjoyed it more this time. It is more than lovely, charming and magical - it is 'bucolic' |
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| There are 44 Hobbit Holes on the property and we saw some we hadn't seen on our first visit |
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| This is the only Hobbit Hole with a Thatched roof We felt it calling to us |
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| Thatch End |
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| Our family would never fit in a Hobbit Hole |
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| Old Friends with new memories |
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| Anyone recognize this Hobbit Hole? It's Samwise Gamgee's - you can see it at the end of The Return of the King The flowers are lush - Samwise knows his stuff! |
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| All good things must end - Happy Flight home dear Kaye and Cosette |
Happenings far from Hobbiton and Middle Earth
David Howell's Mission Call - Merida Mexico!!!!!!
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| Pretty exciting David - You will be a fine Missionary |
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| There must have been a fun group there for the opening! Ella, Katie, Kaitlin, Anna, Evelyn |
Luck of the Irish
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| St. Patricks Day in Paradise was eventful Easton, KJ, Benson, Anna, Easton |
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| Thoughtful notes to Leprechauns from sweet children |
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| And well laid plans to trap a few from tricky kids |
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| So close Sam! The King left surprises in their fridge - green milk! Pretty neat to get a letter from the King of Leprechauns himself! |
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| Fun performances - Looks like Ty loves Millie the Mermaids |
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| Dream Shopping |
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| And fond remembrances. . . Look at that gorgeous sunset as if bidding a fond farewell to Megan's beloved Lucille |
Send us a picture of your birthday and we will put it right here on the blog. We love you! It was surely a happy day 7 years ago when you joined us in this great adventure on earth.
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| Ben must be mighty old by the looks of that fire on his cake! Happy Birthday Ben |
That's enough for the week. Sorry to be late in posting. I needed Greg's help again to get my computer to let me onto the blog.
We love you all. We are thinking of you now especially Aaron and all he is going through. We seem so far away and of no help when you need us. We hope you can feel our love and that prayers count because we send many of those heavenward for you.
The gospel is true. We know it! We have many times each day when we feel our testimonies burning within us. Always that burning calls us to higher ground. We want to be better. We want to be more like Him whose story we tell and to whom we all look for help and salvation. May your faith grow, and your repentance be constant. May the Spirit always be with you as you endure in faith all you face. The Doctrine of Christ is as applicable to each of us as it is to those who we teach who are not members of this Church. It is a doctrine of love.
Mom and Dad
Grandpa and Grandpa
Elder and Sister Thatcher
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