Every You Go, There is Always 'Skye'

* A Note from Elder Van Wagoner's Mom: "Most of you know Ashley had her baby unexpectedly Sunday evening around 6.  This was convenient in that we could send Logan very up to the moment pictures and information on Monday.  He has told me all along that he felt like this little unborn spirit was  spending part of her time with him on his mission.  Logan mentions being woken up in his letter.  He told me he had a dream that she was leaving and woke up a little before three am his time. This was within the hour she was born. I certainly don't claim to know how all of that works and what the restrictions are on our spirits, but I do know that his little girl is all ready very loved.  I haven't been able to unscramble these pictures yet because Landon dismantled the computer I use to do it.  Hopefully they aren't anything too crazy.  I will untangle them later today and send them out to you all.  The last line of the letter is referring to the very last friend of the the FAB FIVE who is leaving on his mission. They will all be out in South Korea, Africa, Argentina, New Jersey, and finally Atlanta Georgia, Spanish speaking. They are an amazing bunch of boys. What a crazy life this is. Happy New Year all you people I love!"

-Myrna

(Written January 6, 2014)

The African "Skye"

Over 5 months ago I entered the Ghana Accra Mission. It has been an experience I will always fall short of, in terms of eloquence, to describe. Words can not do the justice needed to bring the understanding of the day to day, minute to minute life I have seen.

Yesterday popcorn 'popped'. Yes, the Popcorn! Skye Kamdyn Maxwell was born at 5:55 on the 5th of Jan. From the pictures I have seen, she is just as beautiful as I knew.

Some of the sweetest and most tender moments came with her. I have had the privilege of serving with her here. Several occasions stand out clear as day. So maybe I'll mention a couple. 

Nearly 4 months ago, as I biked the streets of Cantonments, Accra, I prayed for any help I could get. That day was a tough one. Some of the most serious prayers I have said came on the back of that bike. I felt an answer almost immediately. There was a light and a warmth within my heart, and popcorn was by my side. I wish there was words I could use that would make you felt what beautiful spirit was there.

The title from this email, comes from the Ghana phone service 'MTN'. They are not by any means the best or most reliable. In fact we cannot, for the life of us, figure out why they put us on contract with them. However, as you make a call, there is a start up tone. The MTN ladies voice comes on and, instead of a ring, you hear these famous lines: "Everywhere you go, there is always sky (Skye). Big, Beautiful, endless sky. Just look up into the Sky and take a deep breath.. *breathes deep*..."

The line carries on longer about calling your friend and telling them 'next time you look into the sky, pick up your phone and call a friend. Tell them, just how Beautiful the Skye is.'

Yes the Ghanaian sky is beautiful, but there are not words for Skye. I will always remember playing the guitar the night before I left, and knowing she was right next to me. That was the first time I knew she was a girl.

This week we were able to teach a lot of great people, have some cool lessons and work hard. One very sweet moment came the day after I prayed to exercise my priesthood more. So the next day as we were getting some food, a taxi with a load of wood drove by. The wood fell out and all over the street. We ran over and started to help them pack it back up. As we did I received the pure knowledge from the Spirit. That this was a direct answer to my prayers and I was using my Priesthood. The understanding came so strongly and surely that I don't think man, in any words or language, could explain, in any adequacy, how pure the knowledge was.

It was so simple, but so wonderful. I am very blessed. As I look back on that moment, that was one last day with Popcorn, or as she is now known, Skye.

Skye, I hope one day, be it a long time from now, or sooner, that you will read this. I want you to know that I love you and will be grateful forever. You carried me on in some of the darkest times, you have already been and will yet be a light unto all who see you. Even a lower light whose good works others see 'and are lead to glorify your Father, who is in Heaven.' I want you to know that through you the promises of the Lord were kept as we learn in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord did send 'Angel(s) round about [me] to bare [me] up'.

I know this Church is true, that Jesus is the Christ and he lives. I know that the promises of Heavenly Father are fulfilled, always. I know that you are an Angel sent from God.

I don't have all the time I wish I did but even if you won't remember all these times, I always will. Thank you, with all I have.

You said goodbye and woke me up before you came. :) I love you.

Family I love you forever, from Ghana and Back and To Eternity.

love,

Elder Van Wagoner

p.s. Elder Jordan Wells, 'ye elder of Israel come join now with me' and all of us serving the Lord our God.