Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

*We got to talk to Skyler on Christmas Day. It was great, you know, like the best present ever! Skyler sounded great. He got our packages in time for Christmas and was especially thrilled to get the two ties we sent that came from his Dad's tie collection, (one of which was the same tie Bob wore when we were dating, Skyler thought that made it an antique!!!!). We would like to thank the Grissom Family for feeding Skyler and his comp, Elder Scholler, and also thank the Brown Family for including them in their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day activities. Skyler said it had been a great day and the food was wonderful, he said that he had the traditional dinner like we have here. So that was cool. While we were all enjoying our "white" Christmas, Skyler was enjoying 50 degree temps! They were anticipating a storm over the weekend which could possibly bring some tornadoes. I asked Skyler what his best experience had been so far. He told me that the best thing he had experienced so far was his own spiritual growth. We have seen how his testimony has grown by leaps and bounds. It has been amazing. This alone makes his mission a successful one. We know he works hard and we are proud of him. Well, below is the letter he sent us on Monday. Happy New Year to all of our blog friends!

Hey how's it going? Sounds like it was an interesting Christmas. It seems like it always snows hard when I'm gone, and that storm that was supposed to hit us, well it did and we got soaked, don't worry, I made a video of it and some day I will put all my pics on a cd so you can see them. But we didn't get any tornadoes, but St. Louis did. So it kinda missed us. But we are going to the Crosby's for New Years Eve. It should be awesome. They have a tradition in their family called "bonya cata", (not sure if that's how it's spelled). Basically, it's a lot of garlic and it's good. So that should be fun. I'm gonna go get fitted for a suit and I will know for sure how much it will be. So I might write you a letter. Oh, and remember Jay D., the one who called you and told you about my ties, (*this was a story about some ties he was given by a Ward member who had bid on them at an auction, and Skyler ended up with something like 100 ties.), well, he is with me right now and he says "hello"!!! Anywase, as I was saying, I will let you know if you need to deposit more money in my account. So ya, does it really seem like I've changed? It's just weird to me to think that. It scared me when Dad said that I have just a little more than a year left. I didn't realize how much time had gone. Anywase, it was a good week. But one of the biggest things that has helped me is my patriarchal blessing. I can read things in there that are happening right now, and that's not when it's talking about my mission! It's crazy! So anywase, I will let ya go. Happy New Year to you to.

December 15 Letter

Hey, thanks for your email. I guess I havn't told you much about the area, huh. I guess it didn't dawn on me till just now how long I've been here. Well, the area here is rolling hills. We are in the "heart"of the Ozark Mountains. But they're not much of a mountain, just hills. In the summer it's green and now it's cold like 20 degrees. We were supposed to get an ice storm this morning but we just got snow. But I guess another one is on the way. I was kinda disappointed. I come to an area where they have extreme weather and I never get to see any of it. Anywase, there are a lot of caves here and not too many farms. I think I told you that it's about the same size of Twin Falls. Anywase, other than that, it's about the same climate and everything, just a church on every corner and one in between.
But ya, for Christmas Eve we are going to the Brown's for dinner, they are a way awesome family, so I'm excited for that. Then on Christmas day we are going to the Grissom's for the main dinner, then probably the Brown's again, because their kids wanted us to come back and see them, ha ha. It should be fun.
But ya, crazy, it is a small world! Meg and Dayne fed Elder Crosby because he served in Rupert, so that was crazy. I guess now he is training a missionary with a severe handycap in Blackfoot. But ya, it's crazy how you can be in the farthest place in the world and still find someone who knows someone you know.
But as for things to send, I don't need pants yet, because it is suit coat season. So I won't wear them for a while. Oh, I got the (sorry, I had to delete this part because it refers to Christmas presents). I will try to get them out this week. Oh, and those guys that called you, their names were JD, and Alan, and Jeff. They are members in the ward here. They are awesome! They help us out a lot. They were trying to tell you the story of the ties that I got. When I have more time I will tell you about it. Anywase, hope I am not forgetting anything. Oh, you could send a phone card, that might be useful and just email me any phone number of wear you think you'll be at, whether it be your cell phones or grandmas or what, just let me know because as of right now I don't know the set schedule. But I will do my best to let you know. Anywase, pray for some extreme weather here. I'm anxious to see it and tell everybody I said hi and stuff.
loves, by!

December 8, 2008 Letter

  So, someone came from Oklahoma to fire everything up at the bbq.  The only thing that troubles me is that I didn't hear anything about sharing the gospel with him.  I don't care what the excuse is.  He could have been in my area or something.  Hopefully you did, you just didn't tell me.  But, if not, I have one word for you - repent!  Just like you were saying about BaiLee, how we take the Holy Ghost for granted, well it's the same thing with the gospel. (*BaiLee is Skyler's niece who had just been baptized and had asked her parents how long she would get to have the Holy Ghost with her)  You don't know how blessed you are until your not blessed.  God didn't have to create us.  He didn't have to send his only begotten son to die for us but he did because he loves us.  That's so important that we understand that.  If you look in "Preach My Gospel" in ch3 the first lesson under the first principle is what?  God is our loving Heavenly Father, then what -  the gospel blesses families, then what - God reveals his gospel in every dispensation, then what - Christ's earthly ministry, then - the apostasy, and then probably something we totaly take for granted, the restoration followed by the Book of Mormon.  Do you see how lucky we are to know these things.  How important is the restored gospel to us. If we really understood these principles we wouldn't need full time missionaries.  In Helaman 12 it talks about how we are less than the dust of the earth.  To me that's disturbing,  I don't want to let God down after all that He has done for me.   There was an apostle who said, (I think it was Elder Packer, not sure) but he said "When I grab a pen and write with it I want it to work, I can't use a pen that doesn't work, it's useless to me. What am I going to do with a pen that doesn't work.  Same thing with us, are we going to be instruments in the hands of the Lord or are we going to be less than the dust of the earth?  I often think of the song in the hymn book, pg 260 "Who is on the Lord's side, Who?",  I love that song because it's so bold and so true.  Who's on the Lord's side, who, NOW is the time to show.   We ask it fearlessly, who is on the Lord's side, who?  Are you on the Lord's side?  Pretty sure Nick was. Not only was he willing to sarcifice his time for the cause of Christ, but he left knowing that he wouldn't see his family and friends again and knowing that he wouldn't have a family in this life.  He gave that up for the cause of Christ.  I wish I had half the faith Nick had, he was such a good example and that's part of the reason I'm on a mission and I hope in my 2 years I can be at least half the missionary he was in 2 months.  We are on a higher plain than most people are because of Nick.  He died sharing the gospel.  We flinch to share the gospel.  I think of the scripture in D and C 68:5-6,  it talks about how the Lord will be by our side when we talk to people about the gospel, and to put that into a different perspective for ya, the Lord said he would be by your side (if you haven't read it yet get your scrips and go read it) well I know that to be true.  Think of the story of Meshak, Shadrack and Abednigo.  When they were thrown into the furnace who was with them?  Remember, the king threw in 3 but saw 4.  The Lord will be by our side, I know that when we share the gospel with others the Lord himself will be there and so will the Holy Ghost.  So now you can tell BaiLee how she can have the spirit with her always, and I think it's interesting to me that BaiLee asked how long she would have the Holy Ghost.  Most people today don't feel it while they have it, they feel it leave and want it back.  We will not have successful missionary experiences until we learn to recognize the spirit when we know we have it.
 So I am almost out of time and I will have to go and get measured for a suit because the one I have now from Ferrals is way big on me. So I will get measured and see what kind of a deal I can get, I wish you would have given me a price range so I would know what to look for, but I will try to keep it under 300 dollars.  Anywase, hope you have a good week and feel free to send Elder Scholle something for Christmas.  His family situation is fine, but still it would be the nice thing to do.  Because we have been given much, we to must give.
 love your missionary, Elder Silcock

December 1, 2008 Letter

  Well, it was a crazy week.  I'll tell you what. I'm still full from Thanksgiving!  Sad to say this, but, I've actually gained weight here because the members are so awesome and they all cook really good.  But I'm still the same weight I was in the mtc so nothing too major.  But, for clothes, I still need a new suit and stuff.  I don't know what you want me to do about that, but there is a mens warehouse here in my area and so I could trade in my old suit and get a discount or something but it all depends on what you want me to do.  I don't want anything from Ferril's because they measured me too big.  The pants they give me, if I didn't wear a belt would fall off.  So I would like to probably get fitted again.  But I might need new socks because mine are starting to wear out and of coarse nice phat polyester ties.  Oh, and I do need a few long sleeve shirts preferably a 17.5 to 18 inch collar.  Probably like 2 or 3, and I gave the money to a member to get the (sorry, readers, I can't tell you what Skyler is sending because they are presents!), so I should get those this week, and what should I do for everybody else? I'd feel bad if I didn't get them anything. What's your advice?  Yes, I remembered Shilo's bday. I sent him a birthday card like a month ago because he said it takes like 6 weeks to get mail.  No baptisms yet, but we are working on it.  Transfers are on Friday and I'm getting a new companion, his name is Elder Schule.  He has been out for like 4.5 months and I'm going to be senior companion, so that's way exciting. I imagine that I'll be training before too long.  So ya, I will be here for Christmas and stuff. So you won't have to worry about me going anywhere.   But ya, nothing too exciting happening, other than transfers. Oh, and the Nativity Celebration here.  It's way cool, they have some of the Branson performers come and perform.  It's pretty cool and they have a bunch of nativities set up in the gym and a live nativity outside.  It's a cool deal they got going on.  Members from 2 Stakes in Springfield put it on.  Anywase, hope I haven't forgotten anything and I will talk to ya next week.
  Oh ya, I almost forgot to tell you what I did for Thanksgiving.  We went to 3 members houses. First the Forsyth's (their son is the one going to Boise). Then we went to the Crosby's for the dinner.  You'll think this is funny.  Bro. Crosby is the High Priest group leader and Sis. Crosby is the Stake Primary president and their son is on a mission in Pocatello and was in Rupert not too long ago.  So anywase, be looking for Elder Crosby.  Then we went to the Brown's and had more food, mostly pie, though it was delicious and then I taught them how to play spoons and B.S., then yesterday at church I talked to one of their kids and she said that they have played B.S. like none stop since we taught them, it was funny, ha ha!  But ya, that's what I did for turkey day.  This week one of the Brown kid's is gonna try and get me some squirrel so we can have a squirrel fry.  So we will see how that goes because they have been trying for like 4 months, ha ha!  Anywase, loves

November 24 Letter & The First Epistle of The Elders

Hello Madre,

Well, I finally got your email and stuff. Sounds like a lot has happened over the week.  I'm excited for Steph and Jay. That will be way sweet if they get the baby and stuff.  So Dad's been busy, huh. Sounds about normal.
Ya, so I'm at a members house today emailing ya.  Nile, the kid that lives here leaves for his mission in January and guess were he is going?  Boise, Idaho.  So I've told him all about it and stuff.  I told him you need to take him shopping there so he can get missionary discounts and stuff.  His name is Nile Forsyth. So tell Steph and Jay to look for him and stuff.  Anywase, I haven't gotten the things you wanted for Christmas yet but I should today, so that will be good, and I will try to get you a list of stuff  I need for Christmas.  Probably some way sweet poly ties, you know the kind, the more the merrier, and I guess the new general conf dvd and, um, let's see, oh the church history dvd's and the testaments and like all the church movies, and do you know when the Joseph Smith movie comes out? Because if you can get it, I want it.  Oh, and the "Best Two Years", that's a movie we can watch.  So, ya, hopefully I can get a better list for ya. But anywase, I'm not to picky.
Anywase, we might have a baptism this week if things go as planned. So I will let you know how things go.  Anywase, I got to go, so sorry it's short, I just don't have much time. Tell everybody I said hi and stuff. peace

(The following is a letter we received from Skyler, thought you might enjoy reading it)

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF THE ELDERS TO THE DEAD LETTER WRITERS

CHAPTER 1

In the beginning was the mailbox
and the mailbox was void of letters.
2.  And the missionaries said, "let the
box be filled" and the box was not filled.
3.   And the missionaries beheld the
continuing void, and were not pleased.
4.   And it was the first day of the week
and there was no mail delivered.  But
this was good.
5.   But on the second day was the mail
delivered;  yet the box remained empty.
6.   Yea, even from the second day unto
the seventh was the mail delivered.
7.   Even so, the box retained it's void.
8.   And yea, a great mist of darkness
spread forth from the void and enshrouded
the missionaries.  Yea, and did bring much
sorrow to their otherwise cheery days.
9.   Even the long hours of fruitless
tracting, being attacked by the fowls of
the air, and being pursued by the beast of
the field were not as disheartening as the
lack of blessed objects, known as letters.
10.  And yet they persisted.

CHAPTER 2

And it came to pass on the second
day of the second week, the mist still
encircled the mailbox.
2.   And on the third day, from within the
depths of the void, was a single postcard.
3.   And the postcard put forth a ray of
light that pierced the darkness and overcame
the mist.
4.   And the missionaries were exceedingly
joy full, and there was much happiness in
the apartment.
5.   But, alas, their exclamations of joy
were in vain.  For it came to pass that the
postcard was for someone else.
6.   But if their joy was so exceedingly
great over someone else's mail, how great
would be their joy at partaking of their
own mail?

CHAPTER 3

And there will be many which shall
say, a letter, a letter.  We have already
written a letter.  We have no need to write
anymore letters.
2.   Know ye not that there are more days
than one, and more events than one in a day?
Why think ye that these events need not be
reported?
3.  Yea, and ye need not worry that your
letters will go unanswered.
4.   But thous shalt say, "I will go and
write the letter that a missionary request.
For I know that he giveth no request except
that he be prepared to speedily respond.
5.   II And we give unto the parable of
the self addressed envelopes to his friends.
7.   Unto one he gave five, unto another he
gave two, and unto the third he gave one.
8.   And it came to pass that while he was
gone, he that was given five envelopes wrote
five letters, then in his zeal wrote five
letters more.
9.   The same with him that had two envelopes:
he wrote two letters and then two letters more.
10.   But he that was given the one self
addressed envelope became slothful and careless,
and he lost the envelope, even that which he was
given.
11.   And when the missionary came home, he went
unto his friends.  And he that had written ten
letters was warmly greeted.
12.  The same with him that had written four
letters.
13.  But he that had written none at all was
given nothing more than a fishy, wimp like
handshake.

CHAPTER 4

And  the missionary said unto his
friends;  "Lovest thou me?"
2.   And the friend said, "I lovest thou".
Then the missionary said, fill my mailbox.
3.   He saith a second time, "Friend, lovest
thou me?"  And the friend said, "Thou knowest
that I love thee."  Then he saith, "Fill my
mailbox."
4.   He then spake a third time saying, "Lovest
thou me?"  and the friend said, "Thou knowest
all things, thou knowest I love thee."
5.   The the missionary said, "Stuff my mailbox."
6.   And the vision is become unto all as the
words of a letter is sealed in the envelope that
men deliver to one who is serving a mission, saying
"Read this I pray thee."  And he saith, "I cannot,
for it is not mine."
7.   And the letter is delivered to him that is
serving a mission, saying "Read this I pray thee."
And he saith, "Why, sure."
8.   Therefore, you should do a marvelous work for
a missionary.  Even a marvelous work and a wonder
by writing a letter.

Love, Elder Silcock

November 17 Letter, Chicken and Dumplings!

*  (Just a little note to explain that our computer had problems and so I went to Meg's  Monday morning to email Skyler.  Skyler emailed us earlier than usual, so he missed ours.  Drat!  Anyway, thanks Sister Chapman, for feeding Skyler chicken and dumplings.  You are awesome!)

Skyler's Letter-

   Hmm, I guess I won't get to hear from you this morning, because there were no emails from anyone on here, so I hope everything is ok.  Anywase, we had a good week this past week. We taught a lot of people.  It was sweet! I worked Elder Turner's tail off, it was good!  We had Stake Conference this past Sunday. It was pretty good. We had Elder Martino from the Seventy, so that was pretty cool.  He speaks Spanish and so he came down to start a Spanish Branch in Branson. So that is way awesome to hear the work is going good.  We are hoping to have some baptisms soon. We have been working so hard for them and it's getting better every week.  The dumplings were way good. You must have given Sis. Chapman a very detailed recipe, because it tasted just like yours!  Well, I hope everything is going good because I probably won't get your email before I leave.  So you might have to mail it to me.  Hopefully there wasn't anything you were expecting to hear. If so, you'll have to wait till next week.  Loves

November 10, 2008 Letter

Hey Mom,

 Ya, so it was a pretty good week and we contacted some of those referrals.  Two of them we kind of did.  The members who gave them to us, told us to hold off like a couple of weeks because they had just gotten married a day before.  But they still want to be taught, so that's good.  So Meg's prego, huh, that will be exciting. Now Chris and Kristen need to get with it.
 It will be exciting to see how Obama does.  I wish I knew what he has to offer before I jump to conclusions. I guess the Lord just need's to humble people. I don't know.  All I can say is that the world isn't ready for Romney yet.  Just remember, all things are done in wisdom of Him who knoweth all things.  Any wase, enough of politics.
 So, they did some reorganizing in church. That's cool.  Has there been any new move-ins since I've been gone?  How is the bbq coming(our mortuary and crematory)? Send me pics if you can.
 So, has Declo (high school) been doing better in football?  It sounds like it, if their in playoffs, huh.  Ya, I bet Tyler(Briggs) is quite the football player, he was good when he was a freshman.  How big is he now? Is he as big as Scott, or is he still my height?  How did Tanner(Field) do in the game, and how has he done this season?   I wish I could go back and play football again. Especially in the 2a division.  We would have been State Champs, seriously and you know it.  Oh well, life goes on.
 Well, guess I don't have too much to report on and I will let you know how dinner goes on Tuesday.   I'm sure it will be good. Sister Chapman is a good cook, and if it's made with love, who cares, haha! (It looks like Skyler may just get those chicken and dumplings, after all!) 
  Well, I better get going, so I will talk to ya later, oh, and I thought you were only 38? (I told Skyler that I had just turned 39. Again!)

November 3, 2008 Letter

  So sounds like it was a good week.  It's comforting to know that everything is going good with the farmers.  That had me worried, but I guess it kinda turned out for the better.  Ya, I will be here at least another 6 weeks, hopefully longer because I really love it here.  I'm still serving with Elder Turner though.
 Well, your gonna have to send me pics of all the antlers that were harvested, haha.
 Ya, fast and testimony meeting was good here too.  We asked 2 people to share their testimonies about missionary work and then after that there was like a whole bunch of people that bore their testimonies about missionary work, and we even got a few member referrals that day. So it was way successful.
 So have you had any more contact with Eric? How is he doing and stuff?  I wrote him a letter, hopefully he got it.  Oh, and how is Mckay doing and how is the rest of the Heward family doing?
 Ya, so I guess I just don't have much to say. Nothing too exciting happened this past week, other than we almost got soaked because there was a crazy thunder storm that came through.  We were close to the church when it hit, so we just went inside. Luckily we did because it started hailing and everything.  Well, cool beans.  Tell everyone I say hi and stuff, and all the people back in the ward and whoever you see that I know.  loves by!!!

October 27, 2008 Letter

  Hey, got your email.  Ya, I got the package and everything was good.  Love the General Conference dvd's and I've used them a lot with investigators, and maybe when you get the chance to get the past session's dvd's, do ya think you could send them to me?  I would appreciate it because they do get put to use.
 So how is Eric doing? I guess I'll find out when he writes me back.  How about Nathan, and Shilo, and Ben? Are they doing good? Have you heard from them recently? I only hear from them like once every 6 weeks maybe, give or take.
 So Chris found his elk and Tyler got his buck. That's sweet! They will have to send me pics of both of them.  Looks like we just know the right people or something. Like come on! What's the chances of that happening? Haha, that lucky punk.  You know he is only blessed like that because he served a mission, haha! (Chris shot his first elk in September with his bow and then lost it, but someone else came across the carcass and reported it to a friend who knew Chris' story and told him where to find it.)
 Ya, so we had a good week. The end of another transfer. Looks like I'm staying here another 6 weeks. I'm hoping I'll be here at least 6 months, because I really like the members here and stuff.  So Sister Chapman is looking at the blog. That's cool! I told them about it and they checked it out, I guess.  Ya, her husband is the Ward Mission Leader. He is way, sweet!  Well, that's good that their saying good stuff about me. So I must be doing something right.  So this Ward will definitely be a Ward I will come back and visit.  Whether you come and pick me up or not, I'm coming back here.  Ya, so there are some members that are going deer hunting for the first time next week, and they want me to show them how to gut a deer, and then how to cook the heart, and then hopefully at that time we can have a deer heart and squirrel fry, ha ha!  So, I'm kinda hoping they get something. Oh ya, and on Saturday we had the (Ward) Trunk-or-Treat, and some of our investigators came to it and loved it. They had a great time and then they said that they didnt want to go to the one at their church because it wouldn't be as fun. So how cool is that?  It just makes you realize how much success is in Ward activities and stuff. So make sure you invite your non-member friends to Ward activities, because they are successful.
 Well,hopefully I haven't forgotten anything.  Well, I got to go, got other stuff to do. Talk to ya next week! LOVES!!!

October 20 Letter

   Oh my gosh!  That is so sweet!  I can't believe Eric Sanders (a friend of Skyler's) got baptized! You just never know what will happen from a seed you planted.  And guess what? Do you know where Eric met this gal? (Eric's girlfriend, Courtney.)  Remember our road trip to St. George and Las Vegas a while ago. (Skyler is referring to a road trip that he, Eric, and Nathan Brown went on a year ago)  Ya, that's where he met her. So you can thank Nathan for hooking him up.  That's just so cool. Holy cow, ahhhh!  Ya, I knew he would come around eventually.  Nathan and I were always inviting him out to activities and stuff, so that's insane.  Man! Well, that's the best news I've heard for a long time. That just made my week and everything. Holy cow! That's so coool.  So what did Eric have to say? Did he say hi to ya and everything?
  So how is Grandma Smith doing? I want to write her a letter. If you see Steven Kirk tell him I say "hi" too, and give him my address. 
 So what did you think of Mr.Morgan?  (We got to meet the returned missionary Skyler was referring to in his last letter.) He is kinda funny.  So, he told you stories about me, huh. Hopefully they were good ones, haha.  He told you about the "Mo Ho" huh. (The "Mo Ho" is the Missouri Hotel, a place where many homeless people go for shelter). That's funny. We were teaching people that lived there. Some of them are crazy. It's scary on that street at night. Boy, I'll tell you what!
  Anywase, hopefully the farmers can get back into the fields this week.   It sounds like they need to be more specific in their prayers for moisture, haha.  But seriously, they need to.  The Lord is just trying to teach them something, that's all. They will learn eventually.  Well, nothing too exciting happening this week.  I'll be looking for your package in the mail.  Mom, just tell me one thing. Where does the time go? Holy Cow!
Anywase, loves by

-----Original Message-----

October14 Letter

(In the first part of Skyler's letter he is referring to Jay and Chris each getting a deer on the hunt they went on last week.  I think Skyler is a little jealous!)

 Well, I can't believe they ACTUALLY got anything, that's crazy.  So you had a snow storm, huh, that's crazy. It never snows like that when I'm home, I bet Dad had a fun time scraping the driveways out for everybody though, huh, ha ha. Well, our week was good. Nothing new to report, same old, same old. 
  (In Skyler's September 29 letter he mentions the Mcquilcam family.  They called us and asked us for our recipe of chicken and dumplings. They wanted to make some for Skyler and Elder Turner on General Conference weekend.)  I never did get to eat chicken and dumplings because they moved before they could feed us.  It was like an emergency thing because they were already planning on moving. They just had to move sooner.
 So, ya, you could send me a conference Ensign, that would be nice, and if you could send the conference dvd's, we like to show those to investigators.  Any of the sessions would work if you sent some.  We just don't have a good variety of good music. You basically listen to everything a million times.  If you can, could you send some John Bytheway cd's. Their pretty good to show to investigators and any of his music cd's, because their pretty funny.  You could send some Winger's sauce and my other lining for my coat.
 We usually don't get snow here, if we do, it's not a lot.  They just get rain and an ocasional ice storm.  Well, hopefully I haven't forgotten anything. So have a good one. Talk to ya in a week. loves

P.S.

 Hey, I got an email from one of my fellow missionaries in the mission.  He went home a month ago. He said he's gonna ring you up and come visit with ya.  So take him out to Morey's or something. He was my district leader.  So, ya, any wase the Elder's name is Michael Morgan from Logan.  Tell him I say hi and stuff and show him the tractor collection and everything. I need like 50 more bucks in my account because I had to fix my bike again. I had to fix the crank and the pedals and the gears because they were all shot.  A member paid for it so I just have to pay them back. It was like 117 bucks.
loves by

October 6 Letter

  Hey, how's it going.  So it sounds like you had a normal week, no news is good news I guess.  I keep telling Jay that he won't get anything (deer hunting) because I'm not there. I don't even know why he tries! ha ha!  Tell Meg to take a bunch of pics of the farm and all the tractors and the mountains.  That way when she sends the camera to me they will already be on it.  Ya, so conference was good.  I think my favorite talk was by Elder Holland.  Guess what he talked on?  Angels!  Oh ya, it was good!  I liked how he said that angels still visit us today, both heavenly  and earthly, seen and unseen.  Of coarse, they were all good.  How about the announcment of a temple in Kansas City.  That's Jackson County Missouri to you foreigners.  Ya, that's crazy. We better start repenting.  Oh, and a temple in Rome, Italy.  That's funny. Right next to the Catholic headquarters, ha ha!  Maybe the pope will get baptized and so will all other Catholics, ha ha! Wouldn't that be nice.  I also liked Elder Wirthlin's talk. I laughed pretty good through it and Elder Perry's talk.  For a second I thought he was going to announce the opening of China.  But he didn't. I guess the members aren't ready for us to leave here in the U.S.  Oh ya, so, do I get to vote? Don't I get like an absentee ballot or something?  Anywase, I will talk to you later. loves, by

September 29 Letter

Hey, well I got your email.  Ya, so I just figured Meg's camera would be nice. We can't have camcorders, so Meg's camera would be nice.  Oh, and I just thought I would let you know that, not yesterday, but the Sunday before was our Primary Program and the theme was "I Am Child of God" and they sang "If The Savior Stood Beside Me".  So I just thought it was funny.  I don't know if that's like part of the script that the Church gives to Wards or if they just decided to throw it in there.  Either way it was a good song.  I liked it alot because the Primary sang it.  When the Primary sings, the spirit is always there.  We had 2 investigators come from members inviting them to the Primary Program.  Ya, it was awesome because it's a whole family, so it should be good. I just hope that President Seal keeps me here for 6 months.  Any wase, that was that, and one other thing, (wow, I can't believe I'm actualy asking for this), could you send me some Heartbound music, because Mo-Tab gets old after a while, and I just need a variety, ya know.  Any wase, keep that on the down low.
 So you got a car huh, and it's a Honda.  That's impressive, I'm so proud of Dad. Now we don't have anymore Chevy junk, and Honda's are really reliable and I like Accords, they are really nice and classy (and like what you said, FAST).  Ya, when you come pick me up in like, 17 months, you can let me drive it, ha, ha.  You know, I was thinking the other day, I haven't driven a car in like, 7 months, plus.  That's weird.
 Oh, and I got a letter from Shilo, that was sweet. He told me a story how his companion still doesn't speak very good Spanish. So he was talking to someone on the street and they weren't interested and kept walking, so his companion said "Have a good day" in Spanish or something, but he didn't say it right and the guy turned on him and said "What did you say? You trying to start something?" and Shilo was like "Hey, take it easy, he was just saying "have a good day" and the guy (Mom, this is where you stop reading) pulled out a gun and said "I shoot you like dogs!" Shilo laughed and the guy walked away. Isn't that awesome! haha.
 Oh ya, and it wasn't Elder Turner that got hit by a car, it was Elder Jeppesen.  It was a narrow road and we were going to see someone and there was no side walks. So I was walking in the burrow pit and he was walking on the road, and there was a car coming in front of us and one from behind. Elder Jeppesen didn't move and the one from behind hit him with it's mirror, it was stinkin' hillarious.  And the people that were driving looked at each other and you could just tell they said  "Did we hit them? Ah, their Mormon's, they will forgive us, ha, ha". Then they kept driving, didn't even apologize. It was funny, it made the journal.
 Wow, I can't believe Trevor Heward is getting married. That was fast. I'm sure Melissa (Trevor's sister) will get married here shortly too. She is too pretty to be not married.
 So, as for the members the Mcquilcams(or something like that) pronounced mac-a-wams, that called you, they are an awesome family and like to cook.  I guess that's good they said good things about me. I bet that makes you not worry as much, ha, ha.  Ya, they are a nice family. I will miss them because they are moving in a couple weeks.
 As for sports, I can't believe Declo is doing bad. As for Burley, I expect it.  Then there is Boise State, and I hear from some Boise State fans here in my ward(they moved here from Boise)that they are doing better than they expected. Especialy for how young they are. I caught a glimpse of their game against Oregon when we stopped by to see a part member family. They were watching college football and it showed Boise State, it was hard, because I wanted to watch it so badly, but I focused on the lesson, haha.
 Well, gee, I hope I didn't forget anything. All right, I will talk to ya after General Conference. It should be good, I can't wait, which is weird because usually I used to sleep through it, haha.  Anywase, don't want Kristin to think I'm gettin' "preachy" on ya, haha.  Well, I got to go so tell Grandma Smith and Grandma Silcock I still think about them and haven't forgotten them, so tell them I said hi.    Pray that I will get to see some extreme weather for 2 reasons. One, to humble people, and two, to get some sweet footage of an F5 tornado. Humbling people and so I have picturs of a tornado(and softball size hail). Anywase, have fun in your new car and tell everybody I said hello and stuff.  If I forget to tell you anything sorry just remind me next week. loves!!!!!!!

September 15 Letter

  Well, I got your email and your package. I appreciate it. The pants fit good and I loved the ties.  As for Charles, he didn't get baptized because we felt he wasn't ready, so we moved it back a couple weeks.  He was fine with it so I don't worry about him too much.
 This last week was crazy because we had transfers and I got Elder Turner from Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He is alright, he can use some tuneups, but that's probably why I'm serving with him, to build him up.  But he is a hard worker and knows the scriptures very well.  I was kinda hoping Pres would give me a companion I could straighten out. I want to train soon so maybe this will help.
 But ya, that's cool you did do the studying.  I love that chapter and it gives you a different perspective of "come unto me" doesn't it.  I was reading in pmg (Preach My Gospel) the other day and studying temples. In ch3 under the 5th lesson it talks about temples and family history work. It says the Lord commands His people to build temples and to build the kingdom.  It's amazing how one thing leads to the other.  If we go to the temple then we will be blessed and building the kingdom will come easier.  I just wish more members would get the picture of the important calling we have not as missionaries, but as members.  If we all truly understood, we would be finding people for the missionaries to teach, because we would understand what the Lord has done for us. So we would want to share it with others.  Members of the Church often times need more trials to get them on their knees.  It just goes to show you how merciful the Lord truly is.
  Well anywase, I better get going. Tell Chris and Kristin that I'm looking to get their package today.  Would you mind sending me one of the cameras from home? I want a camera that has sound on the audio, mine doesn't and I like making videos, you know how it is. But, anywase, that's not important. Talk to ya next week, and tell Grandma Smith I love her and wish her the best.
Loves, by

September 8 Letter

(For those of you who have been following along with us this last year, the first part of Skyler's letter this time is in reference to the sad news we received last week concerning the potential adoption of the three children Steph and Jay were hoping for. It seems that this is not to be. Certain facts have come to light that has now made it impossible for these particular children to be placed in their home. Steph and Jay have not given up on the idea of adoption and we are all hoping for a much better outcome next time.)

     Well, I got your email, and man do we have trials in our family.  I figured God wouldn't make it too easy on us.  We've got to keep our testimonies strong, and the way to do it is through trials.  Well shoot!
  Well, enough with the bad news, time for some good news.  We have a potential baptism this Thursday, it's a guy named Charles. He has been an investigator for a while and has come to church a couple times. Those 2 people I told you about last week are doing good, so we have a potential of like 3 baptisms in the following weeks to come. SWEET!  The Lord is just blessing us right now. It's awesome!  When I got here, this area was a "dead" area.  Then I came in and now we've got baptisms.  The first ones since February. So we're getting the Ward out of a drought.  Any wase, it just shows how hard work pays off.
  Well, I got Grandma's package. Tell her I says thank you and I love the suspenders, ha ha!  I plan on writing her a letter today and possibly Grandma Smith as well.  I'm getting a new comp on Friday, it's transfers again. I just can't believe it! Where does the time go?  Oh ya, my new companion will be Elder Turner.
  Well, after what you told me in your email I was thinking about something that I had learned a few weeks ago.  It's called Celestial math.  So, I was studying Ether, chapter 4 and in 2 verses (like 13 and 14), somewhere over there Christ says "Come unto me", then in the next verse he says "Come unto me", again.  The Lord doesn't usually repeat Himself. So think about that "come unto me".  Those 3 words are pretty deep aren't they.  So going back to this Celestial math and "come unto me".  What it is, is we have Telestial math, that's 1+1=0.  So, like maybe you swear, but you go to church, so you're doing something bad and good at the same time. So it cancels out.  Then, we have Terrestrial math, that's 1+1=2. That's where you stop swearing and you still go to church, but you still hang out with the same friends, so you haven't taken yourself out of the situation.  Ok then, we have Celestial math, and that's 1+1=8.  What happens if you turn the 8 sideways? It then becomes infinity.  So what this means is, (1) we stop doing something the Lord wants us to stop doing, and (1) start doing something the Lord wants us to start doing, and this principle then becomes =8, eternal or never ending.  Interesting, isn't it.  You probably never thought of coming unto Christ like that before, have you?  So, in reality, those 3 words are very deep.  So go read that chapter and those verses(it might be others, but it's somewhere in there) and tell me what you think.  One other thing it says in those verses is "Come unto me and I will show unto you the greater things which are hid up because of unbelief.".  What are the greater things? Where do we go to learn the greater things?  So study that and tell me what you think. Remember what you tell me will be used to help strengthen the members here. So any stories you could tell or anything else, that would be nice.
  Well, I will be looking for your package. Tell everybody I said "Hi", oh, and I plan on printing some pics and getting some other stuff.  The one thing I wanted to get was a t-shirt from one of the high schools here, and the name of the high school is "Kickapoo High School", and on the back it says "Fear the Poo".  They are hilarious, and it's tradition for the missionaries serving in the area to get one (just so you know).  Well, I think I'm done for the day. So anywase, talk to you later. by

September 2 Letter

   Well, we had an awesome week this last week.  We taught more lessons this last week than the missionaries ever taught before Elder Jeppesen and I.  It was in the hole when we got here.  This last week we had an awesome finding experience. I will just tell you about it.  So, we were walking by some apartments and there was an old guy and a lady named Brenda.  We had talked to Brenda before so we weren't going to go talk to her, but the Spirit said other wise.  We kinda walked past and at the same time turned around and went and talked to them.  The cool part was he (the old guy) had just saw us walk by and told Brenda(who is his wife) "I wish those 2 young men would come talk to us.", and then we came.  Long story short, we came back on Sunday and taught about the restoration and then we watched the restoration with him.  He said, and we could tell, that he was overcome with the Spirit.  He told us that he has cancer in his kidney and gallbladder and like 5 other organs and the doctors told him he would have 45 days to live and he has now lived for 2 years. Over the 2 years he has been prepared to recieve the gospel.  We actually ended up setting a baptismal date with him that night.  It was an awesome experience.  Elder Jeppesen and I had been praying to find the elect, and what happens?  The Lord provides every time. It's amazing!
 We had that on Sunday and the combined 3rd hour. The bishop here is really awesome and very mission minded.  So the theme on Sunday was missionary work and getting member referels to the missionaries.  It was one of those things where I didn't know what I was going to say. So I just said what the spirit wanted me to say.  But, basically what I told them was the vision I had for Springfield, and that was a temple.  I asked them where they saw the church here in 10 years, and now I think they understand.  You see, it's not about the baptism, it's about returning to live with God.  We as members don't get that.  We are the only ones to offer that because the church has the authority to do so.  So, I ask you this question, what's your vision of Burley?  Hopefully it's a temple.  You see the 2 commandments that Christ gave us are still in effect today, (1) love God, and (2) love thy neighbor.  If we love God, go to the temple, if we love our neighbor, let's share with them the true and everlasting gospel.  Mom, you and Dad have strong testimonies for a variety of reasons, and you know them.  But in order for our testimonies to grow we have to share them and I think Pres. Monson said that, I'm not sure.  But, any wase, enough with that.
  You asked the question about Nick. (*Note:I asked him if he had any experiences when he could tell that Nick was with him.) Well, I have noticed a helping hand.  One time we were out on the road talking to these guys working on the manhole cover. So their truck was parked on half the road, so cars would go driving by cautiously around the truck.  Well, after we were done talking, and I was going to go to the apartment (because it was right across the street)I didn't think to look for cars, and I just started walking when something just pulled me back and no sooner a car came flying by around the truck. So I'm pretty sure he was there.
 About Steph and the kids. Don't worry, their where they need to be.  Those kids definitely need to be where they are.  If it's hard to get used to them just think back in the last 10 years and when has it been easy for us.  The best thing Steph and Jay need right now is some good old Silcock support and how about a priesthood blessing.  I didn't tell you this, but when Steph told me they had found those kids and were hoping to adopt them, and they hadn't told anybody but me, I knew when Steph told me about them that they were the ones.  I had a spiritual confirmation right there on the spot!  If it's tough, look at where they came from and look at their background.  Remember, everything Christ touched, he healed. So what is the gospel?  The gospel heals things, and what's the first principle of the gospel.  Ya, that's right - faith in Jesus Christ, in His atonement. I have a cool  scripture for you, Alma 7:11-13, read it, it's good.  Not only will the kids be blessed, but as Steph and Jay continue to step up and become committed to the gospel, they will be blessed to.  You should get all the kids together and go to the temple together with everyone, and make it a tradition.  Remember, we should always preach the gospel and sometimes use words.  So we teach by example, that's strong.
 Well, I think that's it. Oh, if you get this and you haven't sent the package, get my camelback, because it's nice and compact, and my back pack leaves sweat stains on my shirt because it's so big and hot.  Don't worry, I'm gonnna try to send some more pictures.  Oh, and what's the deal with the hurricane?  I guess I'm not too far from it, so this week we're supposed to get a lot of rain, oh well, we will see, and I will keep my fingers crossed.   Well, tell everyone I says hello, and let me know how things are going back home. Oh, and could you send me pictures of my quad when I had it clean in Chris's garage, I know I took pics.  The reason is because Elder Jeppesen wants to see pics of it and I wouldn't mind having pictures to show. Well, I think that's it for me this week. loves, by!!!!!

August 25 Letter

  Hey, got your email.  Yeah, so there are some things you could send me. The first thing you could send me is a couple cases of Wingers Sauce, one for me and one for the assistant and one for Pres. and Sis. Seal (their request not mine, ha, ha).  Oh, and I've lost like 15 to 20 pounds.  It's just pants I need, my shirts actually fit fine now, before, like in the MTC, they were really tight around my neck. Now I can breath, so, yeah, and depending on pants, I know I can fit in a 36 waist dockers, but any thing else will have to be a 38, but make sure they are 34 length if you send, so, whatever, and hey, a few super sweet, nice ties every once in a while wouldn't hurt either.  So I think that should cover everything.
  (This next part is in reference to a comment I made to Skyler to encourage him if times get tough and to remember that someone in the Oklahoma, Tulsa Mission needs him there.)
  Don't worry Mom. I know why I'm here, and there isn't just one person for me to find, there are way more than that.  It's good your praying for missionary experiences, but when we pray it is an act of faith. Just like faith without works is dead.  It's not just you, it's everybody.  I know that there are lots of people who work for us that could use the gospel that Dad or Chris could talk to.  Remember, people won't change unless asked to do so.  Are you studying preach my gospel?  Do you have one?  Do you know why members should have preach my gospel?  Do you know why I feel strong that members should do missionary work?  Well, (1) the prophets and apostles said so, so that basicaly came from the Lord, and (2) the church has split China up into 300 missions.  Right now there are only about 300 missions in the United States, which means a lot of missionaries will be sent to China instead of other places.  Right now, as missionaries, our job is to teach and establish a foundation for member missionary work.  Because when the Lord says go to China there won't be any missionaries in the U.S. and other places, so it will rely solely on members, and this applies to me too because this won't be while I'm out.  Well, hopefully it didnt sound like I'm ridiculing, because I'm not, I'm encouraging.  If I could go back to high school, I would have talked to everyone who wasn't a member about the gospel because I know why it's important.  We have something that non-members don't. It is up to the members to bring the world the truth.  One thing I thought was interesting, was someone was interviewing Pres. Eyering, and they asked him what his fear was.  He said, "I'm scared of my friends who weren't members coming up to me and saying you knew about this the whole time and you didn't tell me.".  That to me is powerful. Our mission doesn't end in 2 years, and mine didn't start 6 months ago. It started when I became a member of the Church, and it will last the rest of my life.  I just feel we, as members, forget that sometimes.  I know I did.  Mom, you and Dad have some of the strongest testimonies I know of.  Tell me, how did it feel when you got to testify of something that has greatly blessed your life to someone who wasn't of our faith? How did it feel?  Remember that (feeling), and like it says in Hebrews 2:1, don't let them slip.  We should personally invest in our testimonies.  So I know you are doing missionary work all the time, you just don't realize it.  So keep up the good work and be an example. The believers, just like it says in 1 Timothy 4, should remember that sharing the gospel isnt just lip service.  We should always preach the gospel and SOMETIMES use word.  Well, the Spirit "constraineth" me, so hopefully you see where I'm coming from.  I'm not condemning, I'm just testifying of what I have come to know to be true, with hopes you understand. Oh, and thanks for being the best examples in the world. loves

August 18 Letter - Skyler's new address

    Hey got your email and stuff.  So not much has happened huh, that's cool. Not much has happened here either. Elder Jeppeson and I get along good, and the Ward we're in is awesome. Our Bishop is very mission minded. It's awesome.
    Last week I had to get my bike fixed which cost me about 90 bucks. I had to put a new rim on it,the bearing inside went bad and I had to get a new rim because it did some damage. I had to buy a couple pairs of dress pants because some of mine are like way too big and already worn out.  So I had to make some big purchases.  If you have any questions then just write me. I'm here, and if you send packages try not to send a lot of candy, cuz Elder Jeppeson has me on a diet. So I got to take it easy, but if Grandma ever sends me a package I will just have to make an exception.
    I think I can remember my address. I'm pretty sure it's

4131 South Scenic
Apt. B-#106
Springfield, MO  65807

    Ya, that's it. Elder Jeppeson just clarified, so send away, I will be glad to read them.
    Oh, and if you're having trouble talking to people then read in preach my gospel chpt. 10 under listening.  There is a quote by Elder Holland, I'm pretty sure you'll like it.  Any ways, just thought I'd share that with you.
loves, take care.   

August 11 Letter

 Hey, got your email.  Ya, so I forgot the address because I'm still new here and I was gonna write it down this morning, but I forgot, ha ha.  So people can still write me and send me packages, just send them to the mission home or something. 
 So the goal of 40 lessons, ya, it's still on.  Oh, and correction, it didn't come from Pres. Seal. It came from an apostle who speaks for the Lord.  I will tell you one thing, it's tough.  One thing we are trying to get is member referals.  Because there is no way we can teach 40 effective lessons without members.  I think it was implemented just to get members doing missionary work, personally.  So how are your missionary efforts coming?  You were probably hoping I would forget, huh.  But hey, I bet there are 2 elders in the Burley Stake who would love some referals, huh.  But hey, don't take it from me. Elder Bednar gave a great talk in the last General Conference, that talked about this certain subject.  Remember, it comes from the Lord and one thing I've learned on my mission -- when the Lord commands, do it.  So while your doing your challenge, one of these weeks, this would be a perfect time to implement this challenge the Lord has given us.
 So what's the deal on a mission with ya'all? Are you going any time soon?  Dad said that when I've been out 6 months that you were gonna go on a mission.  Well, guess what, time flies. 
 Ya, so I guess I don't want to know what Chris saw, because it was probably a bear, huh.  Tell him to email me back. I emailed him a couple weeks ago, but he's too cool to write back I guess, ha, ha. 
 So you had some major rain fall, huh. That's good. How is the drought coming, is it better or worse?  So you had some hail. Sounds like it was small hail. We get like golf ball sized hail on up, now that's crazy. 
 Well, I kinda hope Uncle Darwin goes soon, it will be easier for every one, includin' him.  I just can't beleive he is still holding on. He is one tough old bugger.  Yes, I will definitely pray for them.
 Well, one last thing before I leave. Tell the Young Women "thanks" for sending me their little card thing with their comments. I appreciated all their remarks.  Well, hopefully I don't forget anything. I will probably write you a letter today with my new address, we will see if I have time. 
loves, bye

August 4 Letter

 Ya, I got your emails both of them.  Sounds like it's been a crazy couple weeks.  I'm so jealous you get to go to the temple. You better go every week while you're there, and your lucky because you get to share your testimonies with people, that is way awesome.  The most powerful tool we have as members is our testimonies.    So you drove through a tornado, huh, seems like their getting more and more common in Idaho and the western regions, meaning it's getting close to the end of times. Right? So gird up your loins cuz it's gonna get rough. 
 So they had a swimmer drown. That's too bad. I bet Dad felt terrible, but hey, we know where he went. We can't be sorry for him.
 Ya, it is a small world isn't it.  Elder Palmer was awesome. I got him on my tape recorder and some pics. So I might have to send them out to you. He is way cool. (Just a little side note - Skyler met Elder Palmer at the MTC.  Elder Palmer is now the companion to Skyler's cousin, Andy Lloyd, who is serving a mission in Trinidad.)
 Well I can't remember every thing you talked about, so hopefully I didn't leave any thing out ya know.  I will get you my address as soon as I can. I don't know it off the top of my head, so ya.  Oh ya, I remembered something. I'm serving in the South Stake in Springfield. It's only like, 15 miles south of my original area, so I didn't get transferred far, which is ok.  My comp is Elder Jeppeson from California.  He is a good hard worker, we get along good.  He thinks I'm a hick though. I can't wait to get a country boy for a companion instead of these city boys, but their all right, ha ha. Well, I think that's it for me so over and out.
  Love, your son, Elder Silcock

July 28 Letter and a little more!

Well, guess what? I'm getting transfered. I'm not going far though, just to south Springfield, to the 3rd Ward. It will be cool, it's the smallest bike area in the mission. SWEET!!! Any wase, I'm excited, but don't want to leave the Ward I'm in, I just wish I could take the members with me. Well that's about it for me. So I will try to talk to ya next week. love ya, by.

Since Skyler's letter was so short I thought that I would do something different and share our letter we wrote to him with you.  We have had a very eventful week, which seems to be the norm this year (because of the length, I did not print our entire letter, just the best parts).  Thanks for checking in on our missionary, we truly appreciate your support.

Hey Bud,

How's it goin'?  Did you get our package?  I hope I sent the right scriptures.  These were the ones in your scripture case, along with your scripture mastery cards, so I figured that they must be the right ones.  So what's the latest in your world?  We have had a very eventful week, so this will probably be a long letter.  Here goes!

 On Monday, Dad and I went to the Twin Falls Temple Open House.  We went so that we could get a refresher course on the whole tour guide thing.  It was so cool!  There is a spirit there that you can feel as soon as you pull into the parking lot.  I talked to President Larry Gerratt the next day about that, and he said that he had heard the same thing from several people who had visited.  Which shows that even though the temple has not been dedicated yet, the Spirit of the Lord is still there.  There were men outside to direct you as you parked.  Then before you entered, there were men waiting to direct us to the Stake Center where the tours begin.  They were also there to assist anyone needing help getting in and out of cars, needing wheel chair assistance, waiting with umbrellas in case of rain, and they opened the doors to the building as you entered.   Once inside you were greeted by women handing out pamphlets explaining things about the temple and what we learn while there and its purpose, and then they directed us where to go next.  It was like being in the temple itself, there were people all over waiting to send you in the right direction so
you won't get lost.  Everyone was smiling and you felt so welcomed! Then we entered a class room where a sister missionary greeted the group in the room and started a video that re-emphasized the things that were in the pamphlet and also going into detail about the history of the Church in this valley.  The amazing thing about the video is how it makes you feel, (Dad and I, plus several others in the room shed many
tears).  After the video ended, our tour guides took us on the tour of the temple.  It took about half an hour to go through the temple. Before we entered the temple, we were greeted by the youth from the Paul Stake, who put shoe coverings on over our shoes. These were to help keep the carpets from getting dirty.  Then there were
two girls that stood in front of the big doors and opened them for us to enter.   It is very beautiful inside, the colors are very soothing, and there is a wonderful, peaceful feeling.  Our tour guides were a couple from Paul, (he was a former Stake President).  They did a good job.  Then they took us back to the Stake Center where we met Sister Missionaries who were there to answer any questions and to fill out referral cards.  There were also refreshments waiting.  The room was set up like a visitor center, with paintings of Christ, and panels of pictures of the rooms of the temple, with more explanations of each rooms purpose.  There was someone there playing a piano, so once again you felt welcomed and at peace.  The whole thing
was such a great experience.
 Then on Tuesday, we went back to do our turn as tour guides.  We had to be there at 7:00 that morning for a prayer meeting with Elder Brent Nielsen, who is our area authority.  He gave us a few details that were very encouraging.  He told us that as of that Monday there had been 118 referral cards turned in since the open house began two weeks before. In the whole six weeks of the Rexburg temple open house they had
received a total of only 70 referral cards.  This is very good news.  He also shared with us the support of the media in the area and the ministers from other Church's there.  He said the Pastor of the one church told him that on Sunday he stood before his congregation and said, "I am going to the LDS Temple Open House.  Who is going with me?"  He is planning on bringing two groups through.  Cool, huh?  We have all been warned about the protesters standing outside the temple grounds.  We have been told to ignore them, they are professionals and do this at every major LDS event.  Elder Nielsen told us that he has been contacted by many ministers of area churches who have said that they asked their congregations to not participate in any of these protests, since it is a very un-Christian like thing to do.  He said that they have received great support from the other churches, which has been a huge turn around for the Twin Falls area! Weren't we promised that this would happen?   After the prayer meeting, Dad and I had to wait for over an hour before it was our turn to take a
group through.  We were both very nervous.  One of us was supposed to be the leader who did all the talking and the other was the follower who brought up the rear and made sure that everyone stayed together.  It was recommended that we take turns.  So I told Dad that he could go first. This gave me the opportunity to visit with people as we walked.  Our first group had about 23 people in it.  That is just about the right size.  Our next two groups were both larger, around 35.  Anyway, you could see how affected the people were from the very beginning with the video presentation.  You would see members and non-members shedding tears.  The last room we go to is the largest of the two sealing rooms. At this point the leader is supposed to share their testimony of the temple with the group.  So Dad stands before everyone and explains the purpose of the sealing room.  Then he calls me to come forward and share my testimony instead of him.  He said that he could not control his emotions well enough to be able to get through it.  He is such a baby! So, I shared with everyone just how much the blessings of the temple mean to us because of the loss of one of our children, and how the promises we are given because of the sealing power of the priesthood gives us hope, peace and comfort.  I told them that we have a very
loving Heavenly Father who's plan for us is one of happiness, and testified of our Saviors' great love for us through his atonement and sacrifice.  After I finished, then Dad invited everyone to stand in front of the mirrors and look into eternity.  It was a pretty awesome experience.  I took the next two groups around and Dad followed.  He liked getting to talk to the people as we walked.  I was too nervous to
notice some of the things that Dad witnessed.  He told me later that in each group there was someone who was extremely touched by the experience.  In the last group we took through, there was a man with our group who lived just a short distance from the temple.  We don't think he was a member, because he seemed to be in total awe of everything he saw and heard.  He became very emotional more than once.  There was a
couple from New Zealand in one of our groups.  They were members and just happened to be here visiting family.  There was a family from Sun Valley, who were not members, and were there with a member friend.  They also seemed to be pretty touched by what they saw and felt.  We may never know if anyone in these groups ever joins the Church, but we will always remember the wonderful experience we have been given to do this. We get to go back on August 7 and do it again.  We are both excited and looking forward to that day.  We have found out since then that the day our Stake was in charge of the open house it was the second largest day since the opening.  There were approximately 4200 people who went through that day and get this, they received 23 referrals that day, which boosted the total over 200!  Pretty cool, huh!

 Well, I think this is enough news for one week.  Have a good week, and good luck with your transfer.  We love you.

Mom and Dad

July 21 Letter

Ya, I think it's pretty safe to say our family rocks.  Sounds like it (the Silcock Family Reunion) was fun and wish I could have been there, but hey, I got more important things to do.  I will find out this Saturday if I'm getting transfered. So I will let you know in my next email. Pres said that there is a 75% chance of me getting transferred so it could be interesting.  Well, that's good to hear that Cole and BaiLee are getting along. It definitely won't be easy for them, but just wait, those kids will warm up to them (Alex, Shanna, and Jacob) so fast they won't know what hit them.  That's what I love about the gospel, you look threw out the scriptures and every thing that Christ touched he healed. So getting those kids into a gospel home will do wonders for them and that I do know.  So how is Clinton adjusting to being home. It's crazy to think that its been a month already, I guess time flys when you work hard, huh.  Well, I was thinking the other day, for Christmas I might need new pants and stuff because they are way too big on me now and I don't plan on trying to make them fit.  We go running in the mornings like 2 miles worth plus biking all day, so any ways, I don't have to worry about that, tho you know what I'm saying, ha ha. Well, tell the family I says hi, and I still need Kristen's email because the one I have doesn't work.
Love, Elder Silcock


(forward this to grandma)
Hey Grandma, how you doing, well to answer some of your questions I do cook a lot.  My comp now basicaly didn't even know how to cook hashbrowns which was kinda funny.  Ya, a couple days ago I cooked a pot roast and made real mashed potatos(which was pathetic because I had to actually buy them) and home made gravy and corn bread, but usally I cook like pancakes or something, you know, nothing too big.  I wouldn't mind some of your recipes, you know, like your lemon freeze dish, don't know why, but I have been craving it for some reason, ha ha. Well, hopefuly I didn't leave any thing out, if I did, I'm sorry.  Well, thanks for the address and stuff. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
love, Elder Silcock

July 14 Letter

Well, what a week it has been.  We have 1 baptismal date set and we are going to set one tomorrow.  It's almost like the people here are opening up.  It's slowly happening, but it is coming along.  Well, Pres (President Seal)told me in interviews that there is a 75% chance of me getting transferred.  So I might have a new address for you in a couple weeks, so if you send something send it quick.  I can't believe it's already the Silcock family reunion again.  I guess time flys when you work hard and have fun.  If I were to tell the family anything I would ask them to pray for the missionary work going on around us.  Specifically that people's hearts might be softened.  It may not be much, but if we pray with faith, with real intent, then we as members can bring to pass God's plan which is eternal life.  So many people around the world have hardened their hearts to our message, it is sad to think this, because what we have to share with them will bring happiness to their life forever.  That's what I have, nothing much, but hey, it is by small and simple things that great things come to pass, right.  Well let's see what else happened. Oh ya, um, I knew about Steph and Jay adopting for a couple weeks now, so that wasn't new. Steph told me to keep it a secret.  I just can't believe we have 1 more niece and 2 more nephews, it's crazy. We truly are blessed.  I just have to wait about a year and a half to see them now, ha ha.  So we're building a mortuary! Why are we building a mortuary, that's kinda weird, isn't it?  Oh well, I guess it would do well, huh.  Well, have fun at the reunion for me. Send me lots of pics. Oh and I sent you some pics in the mail today so be looking for them.  Well, that's me for this week. Signing out! Elder Silcock, loves, by.

July 7 Letter

 Well how's Burley? Read your email, sounds like things are going good.  Ya, I got your package and muchos gracias!!!  The only thing you forgot besides my line of authority was my seminary scriptures, but it's all right, I don't hold grudges! haha.  Well so far it was a good week. We set a baptismal date last week, so hopfully on the 26th we will have another baptism.  So how are the McKrakens doing? That would be pretty tough, but I guess I don't need to worry to much about them, they have strong testimonies. They will be fine.  So the Gerratts knew the Stamms, go figure, its a small world isnt it. Well I don't mean to cut it short or nothing, I just have to hurry we wanna play b ball today so we are in hurry up mode.  Thanks for everything.  loves by

June 30 Letter

One other thing that you could send me is my seminary scriptures that would be kinda nice to have, or my quad, but preferably my seminary scrips.  Well not much happened this week, just teaching like crazy.  We might teach a guy tonight, the same guy I think I told you about a few emails ago.  We taught him and his girlfriend, she was penticostal and she was way anti, and we totaly shut her down.  Well, I called him the other day and he said that his girlfriend was giving him all sorts of crap and he said we might be teaching his girlfriends pastor tonight, which should be kinda fun.  It just bugs me because all these "christian" churches put out all sorts of anti-mormon literature and teach false things about us and they call themselves christians, it really bugs me, but it really strengthens my testimony, because you look back throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and Christ's church was always ridiculed for their beliefs.  People today just don't see that pattern.  The other thing that bugs me is people put a limitation on God and Christ.  This guy tried telling us yesterday that Jesus could not have appeared to Joseph Smith, He can't do that it's impossible.  Well, don't you think the guy who created the world can come and visit it whenever He wants?  Hmm, maybe I'm wrong though. Not!  So those are some things that bug me about the world today.  I just wish they would look at the whole picture instead of through the peep hole looking at the whole picture.  If that makes sense.  Well I hope things are going good back home. Has anything new happened or anything ya know.  Well, if so let me know. You know were to find me.
Love ya' all By By.

June 23 letter

Good. So you got the pictures huh. I thought you might like them.  Ya, I did get pretty dirty cleaning up that burned down house. It didn't stain my shirt though.  Shortly after that storm came (shown in pictures), in like, a few days later, another storm came in and all of a sudden the tornado sirens went off and so we went outside and watched the storm come in. It was crazy.  A tornado touched down a couple miles away from us. It tore the roofs off a couple buildings and bent the Baptist churches flag poles. Our church which is really close to all this didn't get touched.  Well, I met a family in our Ward who knows someone I do. Finally!  The Stamms know the Gerratts, go figure.  I guess they know them because their daughter married, I think, one of Rex's sons or something.  I'm not sure, but they know the Gerratts real well.  Oh, and their son-in-law served in the Pocatello, Idaho Mission and he served in Declo.  He couldn't remember anybody from there, off the top of his head, but he remembered Stokers milk and the old Albion college.  Well, I got a new companion his name is Elder Blair, can't remember if I told you already, but he is from Logan and his uncle lives in Incom, go figure.  Ya, he probably wouldn't know the family because he is a preacher at a community church, but hey, ya never know. See if they (Uncle Rod and Aunt Marilyn)know a Pastor Blair.  Elder Blair is really cool. He is teaching me to play piano, but, shhh, keep it on the down low.  So Clinton hasn't changed huh, just spiritually. Well, that's good so what's his plans now?  So Jake and Cody got in a fight. That's so funny, and what's funnier is Jake is grounded for life, ha ha.  Well, I will look out for Nedra's nephew for sure. Oh, I was gonna send ya' all a picture of me and Elder Jergensmyer and Elder Carasea, but I forgot my camera, so most likely next week. Oh, could you send me my brown docs, and my patriarchal blessing, and my line of authority, and I think that's it for now. Oh, and some of those pouch things so I can write Ben and Trevor and Shilo, and the rest of the clan.  Oh, and one more address. Could you get me Steven Kirk's address or at least give him mine and Brogan Darrington's.  I know your trying and thanks a bunch.  I don't think I'm forgetting anything. I sent a letter to Meg and Dayne and some more pics to you all. So I hope you like them.  Oh ya, and the light saber thing (shown in MTC pictures)is called the "Spirit of the Lord", ha ha.  Maybe when I get some pics from everybody I will tell ya (how they do the whole light saber picture thing). Oh, and what's Kristen's email address. I email her and it, like, doesn't work or something. Hope things are going good and stuff.
 Love ya' all. Bye.

Happy Father's Day, 2008

Skyler's home in Springfield.
Skyler and Elder Barney (another missionary in the area) found this box turtle and tried to convert him! It didn't work because the turtle was a little "slow" at catching on. Actually, they stopped and played with it for a minute.
"So much rain it came out of the ground. WOW!"
"Just a cold, stormy, tornadoey day!"
"A family we helped clean up after their house burnt down."
(Bet ya' can't tell which one is Skyler!)
Skyler wanted his Dad to know that he hadn't forgotten about Father's Day. He sent these pictures in a card with the words: "Your the best Dad!"

June 16 Letter

Well got your email, good to hear from you.  Well, we had, or I had my first baptism this weekend. It went well.  Cheyenne, the lady being baptised, was crying the whole time, so I guess that's good. It was an awesome baptism. We felt the spirit very strong.  I had the opportunity to confirm her, it was awesome. I was so scared, but the Lord helped me. This last week has been crazy. It went by fast, it seems like every week is going by a little faster. I can't believe that Clinton comes home this Friday.  Tell him I said hello.  So Golden (Zollinger) got his call. That's awesome and Jordan, way cool. I'll write Meg and Dayne today, I will have some time hopefully, so I will plan on it.  I sent Dad a father's day card today so hopefully he gets it.  Well, I'm not getting transferred. Elder Williams is. (ha ha) He was mad. We both love this area, the members here are awesome.  Last night we went on exchanges with a member and I told him at church that we had some open spots so if he new anybody he could take us to visit that would be great.  Well, sure enough he took the challenge and we went to see his neighbors.  They are really nice people and if the member keeps working with them I believe they will get baptized.  So any ways, I get to stay here at least another 6 weeks so that will be good. My new companion is Elder Blair.  He is supposed to be a nice, good missionary. I sure hope so. I need someone I can work their socks off.  So anything new happen in the Ward or at work or anything?  I guess the Morgans came home, thats pretty cool. Sounds like they are pretty humbled. That's really good.  I bet their family was glad to see them.  Things have been going good here. You can slowly see people become more receptive.  The Holy Spirit is just leading us to people who are more receptive. Well hopefully I'm not forgetting anything I don't think I am so I'll let ya'all go.
Love ya, bye (happy fathers day!!!!!!!)

June 9 Letters

Skyler has been busy and so his letters are short. If they don't make much sense, well, just figure that he was in a hurry and then try to read between the lines!

(Skyler's letter to Mom and Dad)

Hey, I don't have much time to write right now because we have plans today. So I might have to write you a letter some time today.  Well, can you get Ben Fields' address and Shane Pickup's address for me, I would highly appreciate it.  So Ben is doing good huh.  Sweet!  How are his parents doing?  You need to go check out Declo's football team this fall and tell me how Ben's little bro does.  His name is Tanner.  He is a stud! So I'll try to get the rest of the stuff in either later today or next week. Sorry. Love ya tho, by.

(Skyler's letter to Kristen)

Hey Sis, hows my girls doin?  What's new?  Anything at all?  Well, we
got a baptism on the 14th of this month so that will be awesome.  Chris
tells me he bought some property and is gonna have a house built when I
get back.  Are you excited?  When are you getting started?  Man, I really wish I
could be there to help build it.  NOT! (ha ha)  Well thats good.  So have
you done anything fun lately or are you doing anything fun in the future?  Oh,
I guess I could tell you about my Bible bash yesterday, it was funny.  We
got a return appointment with this guy and his girlfriend.  He wasn't a very
religious person and she was a member of Assembly of God (which is a very anti-Mormon
church).  He thought the Book of Mormon was true and everything, it was awesome. His girlfriend the whole time was like shaking her head no. It was funny.  Well, there is story for ya. Hope it made sense.
love ya'll gotta go.


Elder Silcock

Get Ready! Here's our May 27, 2008 Letter

Got your email, and no I haven't gotten any packages from ya yet.  Well, it's been a crazy week. We had zone conference last Thursday and it was pretty good.  Yesterday, which was Memorial Day(we work on holidays, then the next day we have preparation day if the holiday is on a monday so thats why I'm writing on Tuesday)I went on exchanges with Elder Arnold Azl. It was crazy, cool. We were walking down this street when this car drove by. Then they stopped and the lady who was driving was like "Can I have one of your books?" We were like "Sure." So we talked to her a little more and she said that her family was being taught by missionaries before when she was a little girl and she just felt like she needed to stop and ask. She said we could teach her and her whole family. It was a pretty cool experience.  Then later that night we taught a black 17 year old kid named Michael.  He is way cool.  We were teaching him out on his porch when all his family came out of the house and started asking questions and stuff.  So we answered questions for a while and eventually got on to the subject of coming together in unity. They said "Ya, that's what we need to do. We should get a whole bunch of people from different churches so you guys can teach them because y'all got the apostles and prophets, so sounds like we need to join your church and come together in unity.  We were like, ya, way excited.  So this Saturday their gonna have a bunch of people for us to teach. So that could be cool.  It was just cool that they saw  the importance of apostles and proqhets so we could all come together in unity. It was cool.
Ya, I remembered it was Steph and Kristens b-day. Tell them happy bday for me. Did you get Shilo's address for me it would be nice to have so I could possibly write him or something ya know.  The guy that was getting baptised on the 31st dropped us. Basically he knows its true. He just needs to get his prioritys straight and get back on track.  No, I haven't been transferred yet, not till June 20 is my next transfer, so ya.  I don't know where yet, but I will be sure to let you know.  So have you found anyone you could have the missionaries teach in your home? We all know people we could open our mouths to. We just need to do it. So the next email I get has to include who you shared the gospel with both you and Dad and anyone who reads this email. You are now accountable.  But tell me at least one none member or less active person you could have the missionaries teach or invite to a Church activity. That's the challenge. I'll follow up with you next Monday, so don't let me down.  You can do it.  Just like Elder Bednar's talk, he said missionaries are the full time teachers, members are the full time finders.  When we pray for missionaries we shouldn't be praying for them to do our work.  It goes something like that. So there is the challenge. We call them otm's or open thy mouth. Oklahoma Tulsa missionaries do about 150 a week, all we ask members to do is 1. So I know you can do it just read 1 Nephi 3:7 and see what Nephi says. Well, I think I annoyed you enouph so I will let you go. Love y'all. By.

May 19 Letter

Hey got your message.  So how is Lindseys parents doing'? Have you talked to them at all?  If not I know that they would love to hear from you they could benefit from your testimonys.  How is Meg dealing with it?  Surley she knows that she is in the celestial kingdom(or at least the spirit world for now that is) what more could someone ask for. What a blessing do die on your mission. How could you morn for them! Instead rejoice where she is at. It is like a million times better there.  Yah, I bet Nick and Lindsey are up there holden hands or something. Couldnt you see them together, I mean come on, it was a match made in heaven ha ha just kiding, but hey you never know.  So shilo has been on my blog spot hugh haha thats funny.  You still need to get me his address not his email address. I must write him and find out all the stuff he wont tell his mom thats so cool ha ha.  So have you talked to Ann Brown. How is nathan doing?  He is probably doing fine, but it would be nice to hear from those guys.  So dad bought 2 more fourwheelers! Dang, I knew that was going to happen. Just as soon as I leave, more new toys, oh well life goes on.  Ya I bet Chris is in wonderland, I know I would be.  I guess I still don't get the assignment from the young women. It has to be from someone that has been an example to me while on my mission? If so I would have to say the bishop here.  He is way cool and very mission minded he wants to get preach my gospel going in hometeaching and visiting teaching and in Sunday School. He has stepped up and has helped others step up and helped them to stand strong and immovable.  Hopefully thats what they wanted if not that, then of coarse, Nick, because he reminds me of Abinadi.  He taught king Noah what they needed to hear and sealed his testimony with his blood.  Same with Nick, he knew that he was probably going to die on his mission(maybe you could expound on that to them if they use this example)he could have not gone on a mission, just like Abinadi could have denied what he told king Noah and his priest,  but he didnt he taught right up to his death, just like Nick taught up to his death. The people needed to hear what Abinadi said just as much as the people needed to hear what Nick had to say.  So if someone can go on a mission with the thought of not comeing home because they feel they might die, but they go forth and preach the gospel, apparently its very important and its worth dying over.  So who am I to not go on a mission!  If someone is willing to die for the gospel then I must go and share this glad message with others.  Hopefully this is what they where looking for so pick and choose and let me know what they thought. Thanks. Love ya, by and dont forget to get me shilos address.
Elder Silcock

Happy Mother's Day

We got to talk to Skyler on Mother's Day. What a wonderful present. These pictures were taken while Skyler was talking to us. Thanks to the Coe family for sharing these photos with us. He sounded so humble. He has really taken the Lord's work to heart. He and his companion have accepted the challenge to give 40 lessons a week. Skyler said it is tough, but they have been able to do it. He is getting ready for his first baptism and is very excited. He has seen the change come into the lives of those he teaches and is gaining a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the scriptures. We are sad to have to share some sad news with all of you, however. On May 10, Megan lost one of her friends. Sister Lindsey Spjute died while serving in the England Birmingham Mission. She was a former room mate of Meg's from her Logan days. We understand what it is like to lose a missionary and our hearts and prayers go out to the Spjute family. We also know that they are about to recieve some of the greatest blessings they will ever know.

May 5, 2008 Letter

Dear Family

Well,it looks like everything is going good, not a whole lot happened this week except the bar got raised again.  Pres (Seal) says we gotta teach 40 lessons a week instead of like 20. Thats a lot of lessons a day, especially where we are on bikes.  But we did it last week so we can do it again. Tell everybody I'm sorry I havent kept up in letter writing it really is buisey right now so I don't get much time to write.  Tell Steph to hang in there and to keep up every thing.  If she does all she can do then the Lord will take care of the rest, but its important that she does her part.  Well tell everyone I said hi.  I'm planning on sending some pictures today so be looking.  Well not much to say I guess, just having fun and teaching. So love ya bye.

letter from Skyler

Dear Family,
Well, things are going good. Yah, I've Bible bashed a lot, but it ain't bad. Usually you can use their scripture against them or ask them why there are so many churches, something to that affect. They usually get stumped, feel the Spirit then shake it off and throw another scripture at ya, it's really pointless. The work is going good though, so far we got two people committed to baptism. The latest is a really cool story. We were going to see a less active family because they were feeding us. After dinner we gave a lesson and challenged them to invite a nonmember friend to family home evening. Turns out the person they invited wants to learn more about the gospel so she can be baptized. We are trying to get the members to do the finding and us missionaries do the teaching because that's what we are, teachers, not finders, plus everybody knows a person they could invite into the home and have missionaries teach them, they just have to pray to find someone whom they could invite. Not just nonmembers but less actives because they are lost sheep too. What's sad is since 1999 when Pres. Hinckley said he wanted to double convert baptisms, since that time it has decreased. The solution is putting I think it was David O. Mckay's quote to work, every member a missionary. The statistic is like 1 out of 1000 doors we knock, 1 person gets baptized. 1 out of like 500 people we talk to get baptized. But for every member that has a nonmember in their home, get this, 1 out of 2 get baptized. See the difference, it's huge! I'm not saying that we can't do some finding, but what's more affective, us or you. Now, if we could activate all of our 350 plus less actives and have them invite some one to a church activity could you see the growth rate, it would be huge. We would more than double the convert baptisms. This is even more true for where you are back home because more people are of the same faith, but everybody knows someone they could have the missionaries teach, we just have to open our mouths. It ain't that scary, just do it. The Lord won't let you fail.
Well, I haven't gained weight, I've lost weight, about 10 pounds. We ride our bikes everywhere, we have a huge bike area. Oh, the coolest part about Springfield is the Bass Pro Shop, it's like the first one ever built. It is huge, probably the biggest one ever, it's amazing. We went there the other day to go to the bathroom, seriously, we did just go the the bathroom. Honestly! Then when we came out, some guy tripped and dropped his kid, and his kids head hit the rock floor pretty hard and we were right there, so we called 911 cause it was a hard fall. We ended up giving them a pass along card so hopefully they will check out the website and get baptized. Oh, and while this was going on, our bishop was there and he came out and talked to us. What do ya think he was thinking, "What the heck were these elders doing here?". Oh well. That was kinda funny, but the kid got a concussion or something. It's amazing how the Lord can lead you places and certain things will happen, huh. Well, hopefully I didn't forget anything important that you wanted to know. So, well, gotta go. Love y'all, miss y'all. Don't know for sure when I'm gonna be calling on Mother's Day, but try to stay at home cuz I can remember the house phone number, ha, ha. Seriously though!
Elder Silcock

Dear Family and Friends,
Here is Skyler's current address if
you would like to write to him.

Elder Skyler Silcock
517 E. High St.
Springfield, Missouri
65802

(Mission Home Address)

Elder Skyler Silcock
Oklahoma Tulsa Mission
5215 East 17 Street Suite #300
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136