November 12, 2017

We were able to go to Brad and DaNae's (Skye's Uncle and Aunt) in Spanish Fork where they graciously took some family pictures for us.

The Fam

What we are actually like!

Mr. GQ himself!

Skye and Eden get their GQ on.

The men!

The non-men!

I believe I can fly.......on Skye.....

Skye and Eden 007 style.

September 29, 2017

Elder Staley was set to report to the MTC in Provo, UT on November 15, 2017. So yep we were just given 47 days to get Elder Staley prepared, things bought, packed, and all the loose ends taken care of.........WHAT?!?!?! Can I just say that Heavenly Father definitely gave us the endurance, strength, and miracles to get this done. 

October 14, 2017

Heigh Ho to the Temple we did go!

October 29, 2017

Skye speaks in church.........but not alone. Another young man from our ward got his mission call to go to the MTC the same day as Skye, so they both spoke in sacrament meeting to a very full crowd.

Elder Staley's farewell Sunday.

Skye & Ian

After church we had an open house so people could come "Have pie, with Skye, and say goodbye."

We were so grateful to those who came and showed their support and to those that asked about Elder Staley and continue to ask and send prayers, they are VERY appreciated!

*family that came: Uncle Clinton his wife and 4 of his girls, Aunt Becky and Mike and one of their grandkids (Skye's cousin), Uncle Brad and his 2 youngest boys, of course our family and Amber's friend. Uncle Alan and Lisa came later.

September 15, 2017

Elder Staley's journey began long before September 15, 2017 but this will be where this history begins. After months of interviews, working with Bishop Webb and then Bishop Palmer, President Jensen and President Ireland, Elder Staley's mission papers were submitted to Salt Lake City to be assigned a call to go on a mission. While anxiously waiting Skye took a poll on social media about where he would go. Skye honestly did not care where he was called to serve, as long as he could go and serve the Lord. This is a lot of faith and a great testimony that the Lord would put him where he needed to be. What a great example of obedience and willingness to do whatever the Lord commands.
1 Nephi 3:7 "And it came to pass that I Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

Skye wondering where in the world he will go.

There were lots of guesses; Florida, Uruguay, Mexico, Colorado, Georgia, Australia, Maine, Africa, Texas, Idaho, England, Pennsylvania, California, Missouri, Peru, Arkansas, Germany, Denmark, Louisiana, Japan, Peru, Iceland just to name a few. A very anxious, nervous young man, family, and ward family anxiously waited the big white letter to show up in the mailbox................

September 28, 2017

Poof like magic the big white envelope arrived in the mailbox.

Skye wanted to wait till his whole family could be home so we patiently (yeah right) waited for his sister to get home from work at 9:30 pm. Skye wanted to open the call by himself and pray about the calling so he went to his room while once again his family waited ever so patiently (not even). Finally he emerged and it was the big reveal.

Skye reading his mission call. 

The Verdict:

NOBODY guessed Arizona, not a single person. 

Elder Staley at the Gilbert, AZ LDS temple.

It is a brand new year, full of possibilities! A clean slate to start over anew and try a little harder. This Blog is to document the journey of Elder Skye Merritt Staley on his LDS mission to Gilbert, Arizona, United States. He is serving a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (The Mormons). When Elder Staley was asked why he wanted to serve a mission, give up 2 years of his life, struggle and grow through hard things, be away from his family, and miss the new Star Wars movie (tee-hee); he stated that he had a burning desire inside and felt compelled to do this. So here goes: his technologically challenged mother is going to try and document his journey for himself, family, friends, and whomever the Lord sees fit to allow Elder Staley's light to touch. Elder Staley is a ray of sunshine; his smile and enthusiasm brighten the darkest corners, raises downtrodden spirits, and his love and compassion for others truly emulates our Lord Jesus Christ. Everywhere he goes people seem to remember him and know his name. Perhaps its because he makes other just feel better. He is not afraid of hard work, loves helping others, and this momma misses his frequent hugs that he loves to give so much. It has been an honor and a privilege to be the mother of this fine young man, and I am grateful that my Heavenly Father entrusted him to me.