[37) Update: on our sweet returned missionary - Sister Karissa

Hello family and friends,

This is Karissa's mom.  I realized that even though we announced it on Facebook a few weeks back, probably some of our family and friends are not on there, so that I needed to add an update in an email, and here on Karissa's mission blog. 

Update on Karissa: Thanks to all that have been asking about our dear daughter since her return from her California Venture mission due to migraines. As you know she loved her mission and being a missionary. We are still searching for answers to her headaches. And we feel our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are aware of us and give us blessings each day to be grateful for.

Karissa had her headache doctor appointment today, which had both good and bad news. The bad news was that the doctor said having headaches start at Karissa's age was pretty normal and that she may have them the rest of her life.    Since they are every day, Karissa will be starting again on medicine she was prescribed on her mission, Topiramate. Starting with 25mg a day for two weeks, then 50 mg for the next two weeks, and 75 mg and so on until 100 mg a day will be the max dose.  Karissa will also continue taking the supplement, Magnesium, 500 mg.  So the good news is, Karissa's doctor thought that Karissa should see a lessening of her headaches in a few months. 

They will also be scheduling an appointment for an MRI in a couple of days.  We are waiting for the approval and hope to get a call soon.  

Also for those who did not know about Karissa's Chiropractor visits, here is the other update for those:

Karissa is doing pretty well but still having headaches daily.  (Three bad migraines since she has been home.) The good news is we are hoping she is getting some help at a chiropractor for now. She has been going to a chiropractor every Mon-Wed-&Fri. They first X-rayed her and said she has a 'reverse curve' in her neck and many people they see with that, have headaches and so they are hoping to be able to fix it. 

They said Karissa should see improvement soon, but they are planning on seeing her for six+ weeks or more.

Also the first Sunday home they asked Karissa to help in nursery and she was able to stay but last Sunday I had to take her home after sacrament because of the pain. This last Sunday, she was able to stay all three hours at church. She was also able to help at missionary preparation class for the Youth and only had a slight headache. Hope we get more answers. Just thought I'd update even though it's only a little info that we have so far. 

Thank you for your thoughtful prayers and for the many who have said they have kindly put Karissa's name in one of our temples. We very much appreciate it.

With Love,
The Karatassos Family

[36] Important Attribute, Stand Firm and I Love Being a Missionary:)

Hello Family and Friends :)

This has been a busy and crazy week, but those are the good kind:)  You can't get through them without a lot of prayer, so it always seems to bring me closer to our Savior. I know He is is constantly there, willing to help with everything.

Christ-like attribute - Faith

We had one of my favorite times again - Zone Conference.  It is always inspiring and uplifting.   It's so neat to see so many sisters and elders who are all here serving our Heavenly Father.   They have each made sacrifices so that they could share the good news of the gospel.  When you listen to the strong testimonies you can tell there is hope for our world to become a better place.  And when you hear everyone sing together it sounds like angels:)  You can't help but have your spirit lifted.

I was excited to hear about the new Christ-like attribute we will be focusing on which is Faith.  I have been focusing and reading a lot on Faith lately, so it fit perfectly.   Our President read a scripture Ether 12:18 - 'And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.'  I also loved the Hymn that was shared "I Believe in Christ." page #134.    The words are beautiful and inspiring.   Also a poem was read "I Believe in Christ, and He Believes in Me!"

It gave me a new perspective and taught me a lot about our potential. I've been trying to do that more with the people we teach each week. I try to see them as our Heavenly Father sees them.   When I do that, it is so easy to love everyone.

One of our sweet investigator (G) is very easy to love. We were able to meet with her twice this week which was great. She is reading chapters of the Book of Mormon on her own! Always good:)  We also read chapters with her and answered her great questions. Her heart is warming to the gospel as she is applying the Book of Mormon more to herself. She has so much potential! Our next appointment is on my birthday, so she said she would have a little celebration for my companion and I.  She is so kind. 

Supportive Companion

Sister Boring has been such a support to me this transfer. My headaches seem to have been increasing and she is always there for me.  She has such a wonderful bright spirit.   You can tell she loves being a missionary and I know that others can tell too.  She does a beautiful job of fulfilling her calling by talking to everyone, learning everyone's names, and things that makes each person special.  She is a great example and I love her very much! Oh and I will add a picture of a funny button of hers.  'I'm Not Boring!'   Haha! :)

Stand Firm

For my weekly thought, I thought I would share something that my dear mom shared with me last week.  She has always really admired Abraham Lincoln so for President's Day she sent me some of his quotes.   I really liked this one; Lincoln said 'Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.'    It reminded me of what our Mission President, President Felix has been reminding us as a missionary to do "Put both feet in."   

Once we make that commitment we need to stand firm. I think that can apply to many things in our life.  That is something that I have been trying to do.  (Even though it is hard at times with my head hurting.)   I am still trying to work as much as I can with all my 'heart, might, mind, and strength'.   I love being a missionary. <3

I have run out of time.  I am going to have another blessing, so I just wanted to thank you all for keeping me in your prayers!

Love you all!

XOXO

Sister Skinner - Karatassos

Pictures - (02/23/15) 'Egg'cellent Eggs, Friends Forever, and Baking with Heart:)

 

We were baking at Sister Susan's home again:)

 So fun!

 

Sister Susan had a friend visiting from Australia.

She is really nice. She was having

 a bad day so we cheered her up with 

a heart shaped cake!

 

This is Sister Susan's adorable Granddaughter!

One of my favorite things on my mission

is getting to meet all these little children! <3

 

Beware! That is suppose to be Count Dracula haha!

 

Thank you Dad and Marci Mom for the 

beautiful Valentine's Day flowers.

They made my day and made me really happy.

 I love you guys! <3

 

Giving out your candy and Scripture Valentine cards Mom:)

Isn't she adorable?:)

 

These beautiful eggs were given to us by a 

family in our ward, for Valentine's Day.

We felt loved and cared about!

 

Nope, not in the least Boring. :)

 

Some of my favorite forever friends.

 

Back with some of my favorite Hermanas! 

Love them!

 Sweet Beautiful Hermana Bennion!

 

And this is the Emmy Award Winner :)

Brother Regas and his lovely wife Sister Regas.

They are the most loveable and

welcoming people! 

[35] Service-filled Day, Love One Another, and True Potential:)

Happy President's Day to my Family and Friends:) 

Exchanges to My First Area

We went on exchanges this week! (Switching with different companions for the day.)  They always seem to be days filled with blessings.  I went with Sister Woods to Simi Valley, which was my first area, so it was exciting to go back.  It's true that you love who you serve and you also love the Places that you serve :)  

We had a great service-filled day! Some of it was planned and some of it wasn't.  It is great to know when we pray and ask to be able to help others, we will be lead to find people to help. We seemed to be in the right place at the right time a lot. I believe this was a gift of the spirit helping us.  Sister Woods is a great example of listening to the spirit.  I am grateful I could go out with her for the day! 

What Does a Day of Love Mean to You?

In my family, Valentine's Day has always been about showing others how much you care about them so it was great to be able to continue that this year on my mission. 

We focused on sharing love.  On Valentine's Day Sister Boring and I made Valentine's with Scripture Verses on them about Love and gave them out to our investigators, less-actives, and ward members. It was an uplifting day sharing our love with everyone. One of the scriptures we shared on Valentine's Day was:  

1 John 4:7-9  "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God.  And he that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live through him." 

I'm trying to improve each day.   As I do, I become more and more grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that loves us so much that He gave us His Son.  

In my studies I also came across this quote by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf  "What good is missionary, temple, or welfare work without love?" I love that message!   What are all these things we do with the church for, if we do not have love as well?  There is no meaning to anything we do, if we do not do it with love. 

Mission Promise

We were promised in our mission, that if we prayed to have charity for all those around us, we will see their true potential and be able to love them even more. Love is so powerful.   Just like when Jesus Christ was asked what was the most important commandment, He answered that the two highest commandments were; Love God and the second was like it; Love One Another.  So I am continuing to try my best to serve, because I really believe more and more you love those you serve.  And with love, the Spirit can work miracles. 

Mom and Papa thank you for the Valentine boxes, my companions loved them:) And thank you everyone else for loving and praying for me.

Love you lots! <3 <3 <3

Sister Karissa Skinner - Karatassos

The pictures this week are about things I wrote about last week:) 

Pictures - (02/16/15) Valentine Missionaries, Colorful Cake and Making a House a Home:)

 

For my family who loves Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang!:)

 

Last week with our Free FroYo. For

National Frozen Yogurt day. Makes 

a missionary smile :)

 

Having fun on Valentines day!

 

Much L-O-V-E- to our family and friends!

 

Exchanges with beautiful Sister Woods.

Such a beautiful missionary inside and out.

 

Making a cake at Sister Susan's home. 

Our cake is color coordinated with us. Hahaha!

Sister Boring is a lot of fun.

 

Sweet Sister Susan and our frosted cake,

with heart shaped sprinkles!

 

It was yummy!

 

Made sweet treats to brighten other people's day.

 

My companions loved their Valentine boxes! XOXO

 

Here is another picture of one of our Service projects.

  We painted this lady's house. 

That is her sweet daughter. And those were 

the paint splashed clothes we wore to our other

appointment :)

[34] Savior's Love, Daily Updates and Our Church Answers Questions:)

Happy Almost Valentine's Day!   I am going to miss my family's homemade heart shaped pizzas, and mom's desserts.  But I am happy to be blessed where I am, spreading the news about our Savior's Love this Valentine's Day.

I hope you can each feel my love for you, all the way from California:)  Knowing I have family and friends who care about me makes me feel especially blessed for Valentine's day.

Let's go through a missionary week in Thousand Oaks shall we?:)

Monday - P-day

On P-day after we did a lot of our must-do list, we were able to go to the mall for the first time.  It was a fun place to go and sometimes people talk to us and even ask us questions.  That always feels like a bonus on Mondays:)  Malls are also neat places to find unexpected treats.  Sister Boring and I got gelato at this cute little Italian store. I got - pistachio and cinnamon. I recommend that combo.  So Good!

Tuesday - Meeting a Choreographer

I got to hold an Emmy! Yes it's true. So I found out one of the members in our ward was there when the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii opened. His name is Brother Jack Regas.   And he directed the shows there. He's been in a lot of productions and is an amazing choreographer.  With his job he has met a lot of famous people, he even has pictures with Elvis and with Gene Kelly!  

Brother Regas won an Emmy for a show he did so he lets all the missionaries take a picture with it :)  If you look him up there are articles in church magazines about him. He's an awesome, talented and kind member of the church. Sister Boring and I had so much fun talking with him about the PCC and Hawaii. I'm so grateful for that opportunely.  It helped me to see again Heavenly Father's hand directing all our lives to do what we can to make things better for others.

Wednesday - Dr Visit

I went to the doctor for my headaches which still come and go. We drove over a hundred miles to and from Santa Maria, (which is a place only about twenty minutes from Pismo Beach) for the doctor to say 'you have migraines'. Oh well, but on the blessing side, at least I have some medicine to try and help out now. I believe with prayers and faith they will start to work and it will be the extra help that I need.  A few side effects so far but not too bad. Time will tell. I look forward to reporting that the headaches are banished for good:)

Thursday - 'Whistle While You Work' or Paint

We did a service project for a lady by painting the outside of her house! That was a lot of work but a lot of fun! There is something really rewarding about seeing your efforts pay off. We also had a lesson right after and didn't have time to change so we arrived covered in paint. It was pretty funny and they didn't seem to mind.

Friday - Free Froyo

Did you know it was National Froyo Day? We were able to go to the mall again with some members between meetings and this place was giving out free frozen yogurt!  It brightened up our week:)

Aaaaaand I don't have time for the rest of my week.  But I wanted to share a spiritual thought for this week. 

Spiritual Thought

I have been studying a lot this week about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration.  I came across the talk by President Hugh B. Brown titled 'The Profile of a Prophet'. It was a devotional he gave at BYU in 1955. 

(Karissa wanted me to give the link to Hugh B. Brown talk here)

  

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=114 

President Hugh B. Brown bears such powerful testimony of how Joseph Smith was a prophet.  I thought this one part was interesting, "I call attention to the fact that no constitution effected by human agency has survived 100 years without modification or amendment, even the constitution of the United States. The basic law of the church has never been altered."  We are still blessed that the church is lead by a Prophet and his apostles.   Isn't it great that our Church answers the questions - who we are, where we came from and where we are going?   Every time my companion and I teach the Restoration I know that it is true.   The Spirit is there bearing witness that these facts are true.  I love that we have a living prophet and apostles. It's wonderful knowing how the same principles taught in Jesus Christ's time are taught to us today. This church is True!

Love you all,

Thank you for your prayers,

Sister K

Pictures - (02/09/15) Mission Street, An Emmy, and Blessed with Sweet & Funny Companions:)

 You've seen my picture Mormon Way, 
now here is Mission Street:)

 

Before I was transferred we only had this ripped map 

to show us where to go. It reminded me of Rabbit's

Map in 'Pooh's Grand Adventure' - "Adventure!

It's a wonderful thing!" :)

 

One of the great things about Transfers, getting

to see favorite people you love - Sister Hardman.

 

 Our new District! I can already tell that they are wonderful

missionaries. We all want to help the work go forward

by spreading the gospel of the 'good news church'.

 

Here I am with my first Emmy, thank you thank you:) jk

Brother Regas is such a wonderful interesting person to meet.

 

I thought you would like this picture mom

since you like romantic umbrella pictures:)

It was at the Doctors office we visited.

 

 Instructions and Side Effects? :o

  

Reunited with Hermana Ah Mu at Zone Conference!

She is so awesome!

 

A picture of my new companion -

fun and pretty Sister Boring. She keeps me

laughing and smiling all the time! 

So thankful for her <3 

My companion and I

"Try the grey stuff it's delicious, 

don't believe me?  Ask the dishes!" :)

Haha! Actually it's more tan'ish color. 

Pistachio and cinnamon. I recommend that combo.  

So Good!

[33] Goodbye and Hello, Hundred Acre Woods, and Now is the Time:)

Hello from the Hundred Acre Woods!

Well actually it's Thousand Oaks, but I like to think it is the same thing :) I loved Pismo Beach, but it is nice to be back down in the southern part of my Mission. Pismo Beach reminded me of my Hawaiian home and Thousand Oaks reminds me of my Pennsylvania home, so I get the best of both worlds. The area we live in is called the Canejo Valley (cone-eh-ho) which means bunny in Spanish. So we live in  rabbit valley, thus supporting my hundred acre wood theory :)

Goodbye and Hello!

We had transfer meeting this last Tuesday. We had a big group return home after serving their mission (about 20 missionaries). Sister Clark was one of them and she bore a really beautiful testimony. (All the missionaries have to when they go home) I know I mentioned it before, but I am going to miss her even though  I am so excited for her to start a new adventure at home. I hope she is enjoying the snow in Utah ;) 

I love my new companion.  She is Sister Boring and as she likes to say no she does not live up to her name:)  I think she is one of the most exciting and happy sisters I have met here. She is so funny and we laugh all the time. Throughout the day we practice our Irish and Scottish accents while we work, so it's a lot of good fun :) 

We are also blessed to live with two other Sisters, Sister Brown and Sister Currie. They are both from the Payson area of Utah. Oh and Sister Boring is also from Utah (Logan area) but guess where she grew up? Honolulu Hawaii!! We've bonded over our love for Hawaii, the Laie LDS temple, and the Polynesian Cultural Center :) 

Thousand Oaks 4th Ward

The Ward here is great. I am so thankful. We meet in the giant Stake Center Building. I went there once for a Zone Conference when I was in Simi Valley. Remember the church on Mormon Way street? It's that one:) I'll have to take more pictures of it for you to show you how huge it is. For one thing it has two chapels and an upstairs and a downstairs. It's very cool. 

The Ward was so welcoming to me for my first Sunday yesterday. They are very sweet and kind. The brother who gave the opening prayer even prayed for Sister Boring and I by name and blessed our families for our service :) I felt loved and right at home. The set up is very similar to Cranberry Ward. Plus there were two Disney Nemo references made during Sunday School and Relief Society which made my day :) 

One was in Sunday School: Talking about Adam and Eve and how if they stayed in the garden nothing would have happened and they would have lived there forever. "I'm not going to let anything happen to him" "You can't not let anything happen to him or else nothing would happen!" 

Relief Society: Talking about gaining a testimony that the church is true. You have to do more than just believe what others say. "How do you know?" "I don't know. I just know, you know?"

*Forgive me if the quotes aren't exact. I blame it on missionary brain :)  I can't remember movies as well as I used to... but still see how much good we can learn from all sorts of sources:)

Every Member a Missionary

We have started going to the members home's and teaching them the missionary lessons. It is important and helpful for them to know and understand the things we teach to our investigators. 

We have received a lot of positive feedback from the members about it. After we teach they have more excitement to share what they know with their friends. We have been explaining how easy it is to share a simple testimony and to invite others to learn more. We've told them that even though we do this everyday, we aren't perfect and we also are scared at times to share the gospel. (although we do our best to hide it!) But as we rely on the Spirit our mouths are filled and the Lord guides us in what we should do. We will all draw closer to each other and to the Lord as we do so. 

I really love the push to work more with the members! I know that as we do this, 'the work will continue to hasten.' 

Now is the Time

I was reading Elder Ballard's talk this morning 'Put Your Trust in the Lord.'  In his talk he quoted President Monson who said "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together and labor in the Lord's vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work". I know that it is inspired that we work more with the members. It is a team effort! 

Elder Ballard also said "When members view the work of salvation as their responsibility alone, it can be intimidating. When they view it as an invitation to follow the Lord in bringing souls unto Him to be taught by the full-time Elders and Sisters, it is inspiring, invigorating, and uplifting!" 

Doesn't that just make you excited?! I invite all of you who are reading this to share you beliefs with someone this week. As you do so, your own testimony will be strengthen. And don't worry about what you say. If you are a more shy person like I am when I am not around familiar people, remember this that Elder Ballard said:

"You don't have to be an outgoing person or an eloquent, persuasive teacher. If you have an abiding love and hope within you, the Lord has promised if you 'lift up your voices unto this people and speak the thoughts that He shall put into your hearts you shall not be confounded before men. And it shall be given you in the very moment what ye shall say'"

I am pretty shy with people I do not know well, so if I can do it, you can do it!:)

Love you all lots!

Sister Karissa :)

Pictures - (02/02/15) Doc B Knows Ice Cream, Sisters in Zion, and Soupbowl Sundae:)

                                                              

One of my last fun days with beautiful Sister Clark!

 Ice Cream makes sad days a little better:)

Just what the Dr. Ordered:)

 Sister Susie was so sweet she painted

these Betty Boop statues to look

like us so she could always have

'her girls' with her! They were so cute.

 Me and my twin:)

Here is our sweet Sister S, we will miss her!

Our wonderful Relief Society President in Pismo Beach

Sister Zimmerman and her lovely granddaughter.

Sister K. (Not me) ;) She is a member of our church 

and we were teaching her sweet husband. He

is not a member of our faith.

 Awesome Brother K said he has been listening

to the missionaries for awhile now and we

helped answer many questions. That was a great feeling.

I hope to keep in touch with them 
now that I have been transferred.

 

No Super Bowl Sunday for us, but we did get

a 'soup bowl and Sundae' at a members house.

They were so generous and kind! 

[32] I'll Miss Pismo Beach, Love is Boundless, and Thousand Oaks Here I Come:)

Hello Family and Friends,

I hope everyone is doing well. I think and pray for you all and it's wonderful to be able to keep in touch by reading letters and notes that are sent my way:) You guys are great.

Going to Miss it Here

It's transfer week again! And I am leaving. I am going to miss Pismo Beach. This is such a great area. The ward is wonderfully kind. I felt blessed to be able to serve here for 4 months and I learned so much. I am grateful for and love the people I was able to teach and serve.  Though as much as I will miss it,  I am excited for the next adventure. Thousand Oaks here I come!

Love Is Boundless

One of the things I've been learning on my mission is how much love we have inside to share with others.  I think it may be a little how a parent feels about loving more than one child. I love my family and friends at home and at school and at BYUH and so I thought, how can I love anyone else on my mission?  And then you meet people on your mission and you have so much love for them! 

I have loved my companions, the ward members, the people taking lessons.  I was warned a little before my mission that I will meet some mean people and even unkind people and I tried to prepare for that. What I wasn’t prepared for is missing the kindred spirit people you meet. You get attached and have love for so many people.  Then you need to move on or get transferred and that is difficult. I am so grateful that our church believes we are a forever people, a forever family and will exist forever so that I might be able to meet and be with these wonderful people that I have met and loved in many areas of my mission.

Sister Clark Gets an A+

It has been such a blessing to have been able to serve with Sister Clark for her last transfer of her mission. She has taught me so much during these last 6 weeks. I can see the light shine in her and I know she is a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. She has helped many people over the last year and a half and I know they all love her for it. She is so kind and genuine. I know she will continue to love and care for the people at her home and help others to see their true potential.  

Last Service for (J)

We were able to do our last service for (J) this week before Sister Clark goes home. We helped him weed his garden. As we worked, we talked to him about Stake Temple Day and now he is thinking of going on February 14th with the Ward! What better place to spend a day of  Love and think of your loved ones than at the temple?  (He misses his parents he lost very much.) We feel there are great things in store for (J) and so happy for him as he continues to grow and make more goals.

Helpful Letters from My Cousin

A few weeks ago my awesome cousin Cayla sent me the talk "Windows of Heaven" (Thank you so much Cayla!) As I reread that talk I realized my testimony of tithing has grown on my mission. I have seen how it blesses the lives of those who are willing to obey the commandments of God. 

We taught (S) about tithing this week and even though she hasn't been active in Church for many years (she is doing much better now!) she still has a testimony of tithing. She told us how important it is. Even though she doesn't have much to give she told us she knows she needs to pay it.  And she did yesterday! I admire her.   (S) showed her Heavenly Father how much she loves Him by offering the very thing she needs most at this time and gave it away. It reminded me of the Widow's mite.  I know she will be blessed for her faithfulness, both temporally and spiritually. 

Love you lots!

Sister Skinner - Karatassos