MORGAN RIVER RAFTING WITH YOUNG WOMEN

Morgan went to 's Camp this summer with the young women in the ward as a Youth Camp Leader. Girl's Camp always pales in comparison to the the High Adventure, Repelling, Rock Climbing, Motorcycle Riding, Water Skiing adventures of the boys program. For years I have wondered why the girl's never do any of the fun things that the boys do. Well this summer they finally did. Their destination was the Kern River. Apparently a well known and highly rated river for rafters. From the stories that I heard recounted it sounded like they had a lot of fun along with a few hair raising, heart stopping moments. Here are some fun pictures.

MISSIONARY MESSAGE FROM INDIANA

.....Sunday was cool Tim got the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to be a Priest, so that was very cool. It is the best feeling in the world to see your converts get the Priesthood and see how they can change in a minute. Tim is just amazing, he is like Bruce Tharp. They are both just made for leadership in the church. Tim is stoked about his home teaching assignment. I gave Tim his scriptures and he was like, "What? For me? He liked them so much ! I know that you have spent a lot of money on scriptures but there are blessings that come from them, I hope that you feel it. I know that they have really blessed the lives of the people here. I am so grateful for your willingness to help my gators, thank you so much. It means a me and to them also.

It was a good week. We went to get Buffalo Wings with Cindy and her son Chris. I got some blazin' wings. they are the hottest ones you can get. Cindy and Chris said, "Are you sure that you want those?" I said, "Oh yeah, I am sure . I am the son of Doug Skeen, hot stuff is in my ."

...........I got the bishop to start having Missionary Correlation meeting. They have never had it before, so that will be good.

......I am excited for Kelly's new "something" to come. I want pictures. Maybe you could tell Sister Pesce, Mom, and she can call us. Well I love you all and have a good week.

Read your scriptures and pray for missionary opportunities. They are always there, we just have our blinders on. If we are always in tune with the spirit then the blinders will be off and our eyes will be open to the opportunities and The Lord will give us the words in the very hour, even in the very minutes that we need them. So take the Prophet Joseph Smith's advice and do it.

I love you all very much,

Elder Skeen

REFLECTIONS ON LEAVING THE NEST

There was a time and it doesn't seem like that long ago that we had 5 little birds in our nest. One by one they have learned to fly and left our nest. Kelly was the first "fledgling" to take wing. I remember dropping her off at her dorm at what was then called "Rick's College" in Idaho. I had a big lump in my throat and struggled to repress my tears. My mind kept reviewing a laundry list of unanswered questions. Would she be happy there? Would she like her roommates? Would she do well in school and be ready for the challenges that lay ahead? Would she manage her finances responsibly? These were a few of the thoughts that flooded my mind. After helping her unload her car she turned and said, "Thanks, Mom I love you and I'll see you." "Wait, wait just a minute, where's the tears? Where's the pleading for me to stay, or at the very least, to not just leave her there with these total strangers. After all, didn't I teach her not to talk to strangers?" I hugged her and we left. On the long drive back to Utah my Mom, who had accompanied us, assured me that all would be well and reminded me that, "This is just the way I wanted her to feel, confident, happy and excited to begin life outside the nest." What I didn't know was that this was the beginning of what I call the "BIG PAYOFF". It didn't take very long after my return to the nest before the letters and phone calls of appreciation for home and family started. Don't get me wrong, she was deliriously happy and having the time of her life but she had move to the next level.

We have now seen 3 other fledglings take flight and their experiences have been very similar to Kelly's experience. I am the one who has changed. I no longer watch them leave with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye (just a second I have something in my eye....) because I love to see the wonderful transformation that takes place from fledgling to soaring Eagle. As my last fledgling stands on the edge of the nest preparing to fly I reflect on my job as The Original Wing and I hope that, just like all her siblings before her, she will take to the sky with confidence and soar.