Frankenstorm!

Hello Family! This week has been weird because of the storm, and storm preparations... but it's all ok right now. We are/were prepared for the worst! Yesterday we weren't allowed to go anywhere or do anything really.  We were basically shut in because of the Frankenstorm.  We made the most of it though, and it wasn't too bad! :) Right now it's just super cold and we're getting snow. Yay...

So last week was pretty eventful, because we had mission conference with elder Whiting, and interviews with president Perry.  Mission conference was great, and I learned a lot.  Elder Whiting said that when we are in a revelatory environment, we should expect personal revelation and be prepared to receive it. (ie: write it down!) I got a lot out of his time with us. 

Interviews were awesome, as usual, President Perry always makes me feel like a million bucks. He said some interesting things about me and my work personally that were uplifting and inspiring.  He really has a lot of confidence and trust in me.  He told me about some of the changes in the mission - one of them being that sisters can now be on bikes! So... heads up mom and dad, I will probably be needing to get one of those sometime in the near future. :) We are also increasing the mission by about 80 missionaries, half of which are sisters.  Yikes.

We had a testimony meeting/fire bbq night deal with Elena.  It was wonderful.  We have this really nice older couple in the ward, and they've got an amazing piece of property way out in the middle of nowhere.  They got everything for us to grill hamburgers and hot dogs, and had a fire pit for us and everything. It was so nice!! The spirit was strong, and it's always uplifting for me to hear the heartfelt testimonies of the missionaries I serve with.  Elena shared her conversion story, and it was cool because...  I was a part of it! She's just incredible, and I love her so much.  She has plans to come to Utah in August for grad school... so I think we'll be friends for a long time! 

I was asked to speak in sacrament meeting on sunday. I LOVE speaking! We had a lady who had never attended an LDS church before just pop in, so that was pretty cool. I hope something comes of it. She told me she really felt the spirit and the truth of what I was saying.  That makes me feel like I did my job. :)

I am also giving a training in our Thursday meeting.  Our district leader said that he was praying about who should train, and he had the impression that I should.  It's on spiritual gifts, and he said that I seem to know what mine are and utilize them.... My jaw kinda hit the floor because I don't feel that way at all...however, I have been studying that subject in depth lately.  The book the Infinite Atonement talks about spiritual gifts a lot and since I read it, it's been a real focus of mine. So, I'll try to share any insights with you next week. 

I attached a couple pics here from mission conference! First one is of me with sister Wride (my last comp and trainer) and sis England (lived in the apt with us). Sis England asked me to play the piano for her, so I did... and apparently she took this picture, because she just emailed it to me.  It was funny, because yesterday she called and asked me to sing to her over the phone... I did... but I felt weird... haha. Anyways. Some people at mission conference heard the Savior Redeemer Medley, I guess it's spreading around the mission... and they went out of their way to meet me like I was famous or something. Made me feel good. And embarrassed... I hate the spotlight! :) Well, that's about it for me today. I love you all, I hope you have a great week! 

Love,
Sister Skousen