Transfer Week!!

Hey everyone! So my time is super short this week, so this probably won't be long.  It's been a really off week for us.  So much has been happening, but not in the way of teaching and things like that. There is this sister in the ward who has twin boys - the CUTEST twin boys ever - and she just has her hands full, so when we can we go over and help her out with things.  Well, Tuesday was a really rough day for us (I'll explain in a minute) and I just wasn't feeling like I was in tune or really feeling the spirit at all and I was just all around frustrated.  But, I had this thought  to text this sister and see if we could come and help her during the week, so we set it up.  Anyways, so the day we go over there we are talking to her, and she tells us about things that had been going on, and about how stressful everything was, and how her morning was so bad and she was completely overwhelmed and the text couldn't have come at a more perfect moment... she said she cried when she read it because it was an answer to prayer.  It makes me feel so good that heavenly father can still use me as a tool in furthering his work and blessing his children even when I'm having a hard time and not feeling super focused or in tune.  Elder Maxwell stated it perfectly when he said "God does not begin by asking about our ability, but only about ouravailability.  And then if we prove our dependability, he will increase our capability."  I certainly didn't feel like I had the ability to help anyone or to listen to the spirit at that time, but my availability was definitely there - and he increased (and continues to increase) my capability.  I like that.  Helping this sister in the ward always makes my day, and although she would disagree with me, I know she helps me way more than we help her.  Service is such a blessing. 

So tuesday was zone conference, where we get to go to richmond and meet with one other zone and be taught by our mission president and his wife and the assistants.  I've never been before, and they only happen twice a year.  It's something I've been looking forward to for a while.  Well,something didn't want us there, because we just had problem after problem... and then, the tire blew out on our member's car when she was driving us down there.  I even had to play a musical piano number for the conference.  For some reason, everyone seems to think that I can just pull hymn arrangements out of my... eye... and lay them down perfectly on the spot.  I don't know where they get that idea!  We finally made it to conference in time to get the last hour of instruction, and just in time for me to play. How perfect. I hadn't practiced, or warmed up, and I had no idea what I was going to do until the second I sat down at the keys.  It was super stressful.  It worked out ok though... not my best.  I didn't have ANY time to prepare.  I guess that's a sign I need to practice more!  I'm putting that on the ever growing "to-do" list.  We were lucky enough to get to hear President Perry speak to us though, which was a huge blessing and I learned so much.  I even got a chance to chat with him for a minute, and get permission to readThe Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister.  I am already 100 pages in and it's SO GOOD.  It's been an asset to my studies.  

YESTERDAY WE GOT TRANSFER CALLS! And guess what?! I am TRAINING.  Not only am I training, but they are combining my area now with another one, and I'm taking over the other area that I don't know.  I'm stressing out.  Training lasts 3 months, so I'll be in the Burg until at least November.  I go and pick up my new companion on Thursday... WISH ME LUCK!  I've been really sad because of the changes that are being made in the district.  I have been working with the BEST missionaries.  They have become dear friends and I'm sad that our time to serve together is over.  It's what's meant to be though I guess! 

Well, this week will sure be weird as well because sister Wride is leaving and saying goodbye and everything is switching up.  I'll let you know how it goes on monday.  

Thanks everyone for all you do! Your prayers and support are certainly felt and needed.  I love you all!!! 

Sister Skousen