Hello All. While I am home I will be updating my other blog "Life's An Adventure".
Thank you for all your support!!
Love you
Mikayla
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
To the Doctor again!
Well the surgery went well. I am still in pain from it, but I hear that is to be expected. All I know about what I am doing with my life is that Heavenly Father is in control. I know that He guides my life when I put my faith in his hands. I know that He has a very specific plan for me and the things I need to do at this point in my life. I know that He loves me and knows how to fix what is wrong with me.
Tomorrow we see the doctor.
I don't know if we will be able to tell anything so soon, but we await the news and I will keep you updated.
I love you all and thank you so much for the prayers and thoughts that come from you all!!
Con Amor,
Hermana Skouson
Tomorrow we see the doctor.
I don't know if we will be able to tell anything so soon, but we await the news and I will keep you updated.
I love you all and thank you so much for the prayers and thoughts that come from you all!!
Con Amor,
Hermana Skouson
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
From the doctors
Well, as most of you know, I am home for some time. I am having medical problems and am trying to work this all out.
Update: Saw a surgeon today. He is gonna cut me open. (only an exploratory surgery, but it sounds cooler the other way.) Hopefully Friday.
Will keep you posted!
Love you
Mana Skouson
Update: Saw a surgeon today. He is gonna cut me open. (only an exploratory surgery, but it sounds cooler the other way.) Hopefully Friday.
Will keep you posted!
Love you
Mana Skouson
Friday, May 28, 2010
Hermana Skouson coming home.
(From the Spain Barcelona Mission Blog)Hermana Skouson was experiencing some medical issues and returned home this morning to try and resolve them. It was a sad parting - she has been with us only about 4 months, but is a wonderful missionary and we have grown to love her! We feel confident that all will work out for her, and our hope is that she is back with us soon!
Hermana Church bids farewell to her companion, Hermana Skouson, at the Barcelona airport.
(She should be home sometime tonight, if the lightening and thunder stop in Atlanta. We are anxious to see what is causing all her pain. Please pray for Mikayla that she will be able to return to serve the Lord on a mission. We will try to update. Thanks for your prayers! )
Monday, May 24, 2010
Well, here I am again
Okay,
Really sorry for the scare, but I thought you guys would want to know rather than be left in the dark on this one. I am actually still in pretty heavy pain. I have about one good day and then one bad day. It has been getting worse and I have stayed in quite a lot this week. The appointment is actually tomorrow the 25th.(With the specialist). I am excited to go and see what this is. Hermana Hinckley is going to come with us. She is so sweet!! When I went to the hospital the Doctor gave me some neoprofen (600mg) and a stomach coater omenproz or something like that. I had some serious pain on Tuesday and ended up staying in the whole day. LAME. and I took those two medicines and they aggravated the problem. Some of the guesses that they have here are a hernia in my intestines or something like that. Also, a floppy bowel. EMBARRASSING. okay not really, but yeah. So, I have been taking it easy. REALLY FRUSTRATING. But lemme tell you. Heavenly Father is really in control on this one. On Tuesday, I went into my bedroom to study even though this is not what I am supposed to do, but I was really in pain and sometimes it helps to lie down. So I went in there and started my studies, with a prayer of course about what to do with this pain. About 2 mins later, Hermana Church comes into the room with the phone telling me that Hermana Hinckley is on the phone wanting to know how I am doing. Mind you, She is in a Zone Conference and is worried about a whole bunch of other stuff. I told her honestly that I wasn´t feeling too great and she said to take the medication and stay in. So I did. But the miracle gets even better. So we started to cancel the appointments that we had set for that day. And miraculously, every single one of them was unable to do it anyway. Some of them even called and cancelled on us. This has happened throughout the week. As the pain gets worse, and as I rely on the Lord to know whether to stay in or go out, he really puts the clear answers in our path. We have been having kind of down weeks, only teaching 12 lessons for the past two weeks, but we have been trying. When we are out, we are out with full gusto. Please don´t worry. Just so you know, if I need surgery, I will be coming home for a while. This is what I have decided. It is not fair to a companion to stay in all day with me. Mom, you know what this is like. Basically like suicide. I am too crazy to handle in a house all day. But I will be coming back. Hopefully tomorrow all things will be cleared up. I hope!!!!
Anyways. We teach an English class on Saturdays and there is one guy that is interested in the church and also in Hermana Church. This is a slight problem because the other day he called and confessed his love to her. Telling her that he can´t eat, sleep or do anything else except think about her. He kept saying, This is my life, this is my life. What am I supposed to do. Her response was, you are not in love with me. This is your heart telling you that you want to know more about the gospel. You need to stop calling me. We will give the Elders in your area your number and they will continue teaching you.
So when these things happen you are supposed to let the people above you know. Especially for sisters. So she called our District Leader and told him, and it when up the line, Zone Leaders, Ayudantes, and President. We haven´t heard yet, but there is a possibility that an emergency transfer could happen and also, it is almost for sure that she is being shipped out at transfer time. Where, we don´t know. We just hope it is not south. She wants to open an area, Andorra or Albacete. Who knows. I will keep you up to date.
We are working with Jessica who is set to be baptized this weekend. She is the one who has two kids and is leaving her ¨husband¨. They are not really married so that makes things slightly easier. She has her interview on Wednesday and she will be baptized on Saturday. She is SOLID!! She was another one who was asking us when she could be baptized. Will send picts.
That is great about the package. THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU GUYS ARE SUPER GREAT!!!
Quinn: Just finished a letter for you.
Millie: Working on one for you.
Riss: you should get one soon
Cam: Working on the Spanish!!
dad and mom: LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Thank you to everyone who writes. Even just little emails. Yes they are allowed. We are not really allowed to send back to you on email, but we can write letters
Hey,
Question, can I get shaylas letters?
And any others cool info you want to send.
I am so sorry. Don´t be worried about me. Hermana and President Hinckley are always checking up on me. Things are good. I got a blessing. I am doing well. This is just the way life is. And that is okay. I am not dead yet, but the time will soon come. (82 years from now) Yes I plan on living to 104. Gotta beat GR.
Quinn, congrats on your VB GO SHADOW!!! Wish I coulda seen it.
Send pictures.
Everyone.
And you have stretchy pants.
RISSA. Tell me about your cruise!
Love you
Hermana Skouson
Really sorry for the scare, but I thought you guys would want to know rather than be left in the dark on this one. I am actually still in pretty heavy pain. I have about one good day and then one bad day. It has been getting worse and I have stayed in quite a lot this week. The appointment is actually tomorrow the 25th.(With the specialist). I am excited to go and see what this is. Hermana Hinckley is going to come with us. She is so sweet!! When I went to the hospital the Doctor gave me some neoprofen (600mg) and a stomach coater omenproz or something like that. I had some serious pain on Tuesday and ended up staying in the whole day. LAME. and I took those two medicines and they aggravated the problem. Some of the guesses that they have here are a hernia in my intestines or something like that. Also, a floppy bowel. EMBARRASSING. okay not really, but yeah. So, I have been taking it easy. REALLY FRUSTRATING. But lemme tell you. Heavenly Father is really in control on this one. On Tuesday, I went into my bedroom to study even though this is not what I am supposed to do, but I was really in pain and sometimes it helps to lie down. So I went in there and started my studies, with a prayer of course about what to do with this pain. About 2 mins later, Hermana Church comes into the room with the phone telling me that Hermana Hinckley is on the phone wanting to know how I am doing. Mind you, She is in a Zone Conference and is worried about a whole bunch of other stuff. I told her honestly that I wasn´t feeling too great and she said to take the medication and stay in. So I did. But the miracle gets even better. So we started to cancel the appointments that we had set for that day. And miraculously, every single one of them was unable to do it anyway. Some of them even called and cancelled on us. This has happened throughout the week. As the pain gets worse, and as I rely on the Lord to know whether to stay in or go out, he really puts the clear answers in our path. We have been having kind of down weeks, only teaching 12 lessons for the past two weeks, but we have been trying. When we are out, we are out with full gusto. Please don´t worry. Just so you know, if I need surgery, I will be coming home for a while. This is what I have decided. It is not fair to a companion to stay in all day with me. Mom, you know what this is like. Basically like suicide. I am too crazy to handle in a house all day. But I will be coming back. Hopefully tomorrow all things will be cleared up. I hope!!!!
Anyways. We teach an English class on Saturdays and there is one guy that is interested in the church and also in Hermana Church. This is a slight problem because the other day he called and confessed his love to her. Telling her that he can´t eat, sleep or do anything else except think about her. He kept saying, This is my life, this is my life. What am I supposed to do. Her response was, you are not in love with me. This is your heart telling you that you want to know more about the gospel. You need to stop calling me. We will give the Elders in your area your number and they will continue teaching you.
So when these things happen you are supposed to let the people above you know. Especially for sisters. So she called our District Leader and told him, and it when up the line, Zone Leaders, Ayudantes, and President. We haven´t heard yet, but there is a possibility that an emergency transfer could happen and also, it is almost for sure that she is being shipped out at transfer time. Where, we don´t know. We just hope it is not south. She wants to open an area, Andorra or Albacete. Who knows. I will keep you up to date.
We are working with Jessica who is set to be baptized this weekend. She is the one who has two kids and is leaving her ¨husband¨. They are not really married so that makes things slightly easier. She has her interview on Wednesday and she will be baptized on Saturday. She is SOLID!! She was another one who was asking us when she could be baptized. Will send picts.
That is great about the package. THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU GUYS ARE SUPER GREAT!!!
Quinn: Just finished a letter for you.
Millie: Working on one for you.
Riss: you should get one soon
Cam: Working on the Spanish!!
dad and mom: LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Thank you to everyone who writes. Even just little emails. Yes they are allowed. We are not really allowed to send back to you on email, but we can write letters
Hey,
Question, can I get shaylas letters?
And any others cool info you want to send.
I am so sorry. Don´t be worried about me. Hermana and President Hinckley are always checking up on me. Things are good. I got a blessing. I am doing well. This is just the way life is. And that is okay. I am not dead yet, but the time will soon come. (82 years from now) Yes I plan on living to 104. Gotta beat GR.
Quinn, congrats on your VB GO SHADOW!!! Wish I coulda seen it.
Send pictures.
Everyone.
And you have stretchy pants.
RISSA. Tell me about your cruise!
Love you
Hermana Skouson
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
To the Hospital???
Well,
Herllo mi familia.
Went to the hospital this week.
Doesn't that sound dramatic?
It is. Basically, I woke up in pain and tried to wait it out, but didn't work.
Called DR. Dye and asked him what to do. He had me lie down and push on myself because he can only talk on the phone with us. Anyways. He said this pain could be two rare diseases or something unrelated completely. They two diseases are one where you bowels fold over on each other and the folding is what is causing the pain, or it could be the appendage that is attached to the appendix, it could be filling and exposing the vains to the front of my stomach, therefore, causing pain.
Anyways, he said that if the pain didnt subside, I should go to the hospital to get it checked out. And Hermana Hinckley called and said that she would prefer that I got to the hospital if the pain doesn't subside. And it didn't. So... My companion and I went to the office and waited for a while to have the Lunds come back from an apartment inspection. So, Long story short, they didn't make it back in time and we had to go without them. Elder Atkin, Secretary to the president, has a credit card that we needed to use to pay for the bill. Anyways, went to the hospital, and when I was called back to go back to the back room, all four of us got up and the nurse said that only one of them could come with me. Elder Atkin suggested that he go, we don't think he really knew what was going to happen. I asked that Hermana Church could go with me. My companion, first off, translater, second. Because yes, this was all in spanish. So ended up being that Hermana Church came with me. Thank Heavens. HA AH HA HA A. Anyways. They did the basic ER procedures of taking my blood and doing a ultrasound. And I found out that I am not pregnant!!! I was soooo worried about this one. But the test were unconclusive and they suggested that I go to a specialist. I have an appointment for next monday. Sooo we will see. They gave me some medicin that I think is equivalent to morphine. So I am not taking that. But yeah. I wasn't going to tell you. Please don't worry about me.
I think I got better treatment here in Spain with my mission family that I did when I was at home with y'all. Everybody is so good here and they are so loving.
The working is going. We are having progress with the wife of Juan. Silvia is her name. She told us the otherday that as soon as her and Juan get married, they will be baptised. This was on Saturday and she came to church for the first time on Sunday!!! YEah, we are seeing success. We have a baptism scheduled for the 29th of this month. Pray for her. Her name is Jessica and she is leaving her "husband" that she is not married to, to be baptised. I'm sure I have said this before, but I am always amazed at what people will do to become members of this true gospel.
I love working with people and watch the atonement work in their lives the same way that it has worked in mine. What a blessing! I have the BEST JOB in the WORLD! I can't tell you how much I love this work.
Side note: When I was trying to get my pain sorted, I thought about how much I wanted to go home. And then I realized, that I really would rather be nowhere else. It is hard, because sometimes, I am in big pain. But, I know that my heavenly father loves me just as much as he loves my investigators and he is showing that to me. I know that things will be alright and I know that it is important for me to see this specialist because they might be able to help me.
I love you all,
I am fine
I have a great mission, mission president, and mission president's wife!!
and Missionaries, and Dad, they All want to be here. I keep thinking about how crazy that is. They all want to preach the gospel and share what heavenly father desires for others.
I love this
Hermana Skouson
Herllo mi familia.
Went to the hospital this week.
Doesn't that sound dramatic?
It is. Basically, I woke up in pain and tried to wait it out, but didn't work.
Called DR. Dye and asked him what to do. He had me lie down and push on myself because he can only talk on the phone with us. Anyways. He said this pain could be two rare diseases or something unrelated completely. They two diseases are one where you bowels fold over on each other and the folding is what is causing the pain, or it could be the appendage that is attached to the appendix, it could be filling and exposing the vains to the front of my stomach, therefore, causing pain.
Anyways, he said that if the pain didnt subside, I should go to the hospital to get it checked out. And Hermana Hinckley called and said that she would prefer that I got to the hospital if the pain doesn't subside. And it didn't. So... My companion and I went to the office and waited for a while to have the Lunds come back from an apartment inspection. So, Long story short, they didn't make it back in time and we had to go without them. Elder Atkin, Secretary to the president, has a credit card that we needed to use to pay for the bill. Anyways, went to the hospital, and when I was called back to go back to the back room, all four of us got up and the nurse said that only one of them could come with me. Elder Atkin suggested that he go, we don't think he really knew what was going to happen. I asked that Hermana Church could go with me. My companion, first off, translater, second. Because yes, this was all in spanish. So ended up being that Hermana Church came with me. Thank Heavens. HA AH HA HA A. Anyways. They did the basic ER procedures of taking my blood and doing a ultrasound. And I found out that I am not pregnant!!! I was soooo worried about this one. But the test were unconclusive and they suggested that I go to a specialist. I have an appointment for next monday. Sooo we will see. They gave me some medicin that I think is equivalent to morphine. So I am not taking that. But yeah. I wasn't going to tell you. Please don't worry about me.
I think I got better treatment here in Spain with my mission family that I did when I was at home with y'all. Everybody is so good here and they are so loving.
The working is going. We are having progress with the wife of Juan. Silvia is her name. She told us the otherday that as soon as her and Juan get married, they will be baptised. This was on Saturday and she came to church for the first time on Sunday!!! YEah, we are seeing success. We have a baptism scheduled for the 29th of this month. Pray for her. Her name is Jessica and she is leaving her "husband" that she is not married to, to be baptised. I'm sure I have said this before, but I am always amazed at what people will do to become members of this true gospel.
I love working with people and watch the atonement work in their lives the same way that it has worked in mine. What a blessing! I have the BEST JOB in the WORLD! I can't tell you how much I love this work.
Side note: When I was trying to get my pain sorted, I thought about how much I wanted to go home. And then I realized, that I really would rather be nowhere else. It is hard, because sometimes, I am in big pain. But, I know that my heavenly father loves me just as much as he loves my investigators and he is showing that to me. I know that things will be alright and I know that it is important for me to see this specialist because they might be able to help me.
I love you all,
I am fine
I have a great mission, mission president, and mission president's wife!!
and Missionaries, and Dad, they All want to be here. I keep thinking about how crazy that is. They all want to preach the gospel and share what heavenly father desires for others.
I love this
Hermana Skouson
Sunday, May 16, 2010
HELLO FAMILIA!!
Wow,
I had such a good time talking with yáll (thats for you Ris. I know you miss that) Therefore :) I have had a really good time here and we surely partyed it up today. We went shopping. Went to the Body Shop to get things to make my skin glow (and not a dark red) and other goodnesses. I also broke down and bought a straigthener today. Finally one that fits the plugs here in Spain. The problem was that the power converter fried my straightner and it would sort of work, but this one was a decent price and it fits the pluggs- PERFECTO!
Then we went grocery shopping. Last week was a big week in terms of groceries, so this week we just went to a fruiteria and a panaderia and condis (a german? grocery store) where I bought milk. GOOD TIMES AND GOOD PRICES!
I am so glad to hear that you all are going to St. George. Just soak up the sun there for me. HE HE HE! Actually, I think that I might be getting a tan. Yes you heard right. A TAN!!! I no longer glow a brilliant white. I am a brilliant off white. It really just looks like I actually get sun everynow and again!
I am sending a package of notes home. Soon i hope. Some can be hand delievered. Others are for you. And I included some pictures!!!
Kaity!!! That is so great! I am so excited for her. She will be the best missionary ever!
Well,
that is basically my life. in a bucket. by the side of the road. spinning in circles. because of the semi. who ran into the bucket. yea.
yea yea. that is what i said. this really could be a song. a song by the concords. lets be more correct here. flight of the concords. but yea. yea yea. sometimes i make up songs to my companion. yea. yea yea.
okay. im gonna go. cause lets be honest. this is really pathetic. yea. yea yea.
well, talk with you in a week with more success stories and the ability to thing. im gonna go eat pizza. yea. yea yea.
love you lots.
Hermana skouson
I had such a good time talking with yáll (thats for you Ris. I know you miss that) Therefore :) I have had a really good time here and we surely partyed it up today. We went shopping. Went to the Body Shop to get things to make my skin glow (and not a dark red) and other goodnesses. I also broke down and bought a straigthener today. Finally one that fits the plugs here in Spain. The problem was that the power converter fried my straightner and it would sort of work, but this one was a decent price and it fits the pluggs- PERFECTO!
Then we went grocery shopping. Last week was a big week in terms of groceries, so this week we just went to a fruiteria and a panaderia and condis (a german? grocery store) where I bought milk. GOOD TIMES AND GOOD PRICES!
I am so glad to hear that you all are going to St. George. Just soak up the sun there for me. HE HE HE! Actually, I think that I might be getting a tan. Yes you heard right. A TAN!!! I no longer glow a brilliant white. I am a brilliant off white. It really just looks like I actually get sun everynow and again!
I am sending a package of notes home. Soon i hope. Some can be hand delievered. Others are for you. And I included some pictures!!!
Kaity!!! That is so great! I am so excited for her. She will be the best missionary ever!
Well,
that is basically my life. in a bucket. by the side of the road. spinning in circles. because of the semi. who ran into the bucket. yea.
yea yea. that is what i said. this really could be a song. a song by the concords. lets be more correct here. flight of the concords. but yea. yea yea. sometimes i make up songs to my companion. yea. yea yea.
okay. im gonna go. cause lets be honest. this is really pathetic. yea. yea yea.
well, talk with you in a week with more success stories and the ability to thing. im gonna go eat pizza. yea. yea yea.
love you lots.
Hermana skouson
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Hello after somber news but a fun phone call.
Hello Family,
It was good to talk with you, just wish it was under different circumstances.
I have been thinking about grani and the things she has done for me and influenced me to do. On the bus the other day, I took some time to write some thoughts. I will share them with you!
Grani always influenced me to be the best person I could be. She always pushed me to be better and work harder. She never allowed for me to close off my thoughts and think that I was only good for one thing.
She taught me to always push the limit.
She taught me to fight for the good.
She taught me to be strong and defend what I believe.
Grani taught me the importance of family and how necessary it is to have a strong foundation in the gospel.
She helped me to realize the importance of Music. In schools, In Church, and in the home.
She taught me the freedom that comes from knowledge.
I remember when I lived with her, how important it was for her to fill her time with learning about good things.
She exemplified the 13th Article of Faith: If there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
She taught me that knowledge is power.
She taught me the importance of being a strong woman.
She taught me to love.
We shared some special moments together while I lived with her.
She taught me to realize and take advantage of the opportunities that I have been given.
She showed me the way for her children and grandchildren.
She really blessed all of our lives.
What a great woman she has been in my life.
I know that if I mess around and be stupid here on earth, she will get permission from the Big Man and come down and kick me a good one.
I love my grandmother. She is a huge influence in my life.
We have a baptism for this Sunday. I think I told you about him in my last letter. Juan. We is so excited to be baptized. So excited to get the chance to start clean. He has so much support from his friends and family. We taught him last night and there were 2 investigators (him and his wife), 2 members, 2 missionaries, and 1 Menos activo. He is great.
My companion and I get to stay together for another transfer!!! I think the ayudantes pulled some strings for that one!
Yeah whoo. I am having fun.
Super excited to talk with you all again on Sunday! I will call around 8 am your time. Hopefully this is still good.
Mom, if you have not sent package yet,
Please add my black flowy skirt. Similar material as the dresses. and anything else. Things are just getting worn out quickly. I am going shopping today. Yeah howo. But if you have anything in my closet that looks relatively good, send it if possible.
I love you all so much.
Hermana Mikayla
It was good to talk with you, just wish it was under different circumstances.
I have been thinking about grani and the things she has done for me and influenced me to do. On the bus the other day, I took some time to write some thoughts. I will share them with you!
Grani always influenced me to be the best person I could be. She always pushed me to be better and work harder. She never allowed for me to close off my thoughts and think that I was only good for one thing.
She taught me to always push the limit.
She taught me to fight for the good.
She taught me to be strong and defend what I believe.
Grani taught me the importance of family and how necessary it is to have a strong foundation in the gospel.
She helped me to realize the importance of Music. In schools, In Church, and in the home.
She taught me the freedom that comes from knowledge.
I remember when I lived with her, how important it was for her to fill her time with learning about good things.
She exemplified the 13th Article of Faith: If there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
She taught me that knowledge is power.
She taught me the importance of being a strong woman.
She taught me to love.
We shared some special moments together while I lived with her.
She taught me to realize and take advantage of the opportunities that I have been given.
She showed me the way for her children and grandchildren.
She really blessed all of our lives.
What a great woman she has been in my life.
I know that if I mess around and be stupid here on earth, she will get permission from the Big Man and come down and kick me a good one.
I love my grandmother. She is a huge influence in my life.
We have a baptism for this Sunday. I think I told you about him in my last letter. Juan. We is so excited to be baptized. So excited to get the chance to start clean. He has so much support from his friends and family. We taught him last night and there were 2 investigators (him and his wife), 2 members, 2 missionaries, and 1 Menos activo. He is great.
My companion and I get to stay together for another transfer!!! I think the ayudantes pulled some strings for that one!
Yeah whoo. I am having fun.
Super excited to talk with you all again on Sunday! I will call around 8 am your time. Hopefully this is still good.
Mom, if you have not sent package yet,
Please add my black flowy skirt. Similar material as the dresses. and anything else. Things are just getting worn out quickly. I am going shopping today. Yeah howo. But if you have anything in my closet that looks relatively good, send it if possible.
I love you all so much.
Hermana Mikayla
Monday, April 26, 2010
Hello familia, its raining new investigators.
Well well well,
I have been having a blast here in Barcelona. It was great this past week, because I had a two day vaca to Murcia. (mind you this is said murthia gotta love the theta!) Smelled beautiful and looked great too. Have some fun pictures, but the problem is that it takes so long to upload. When I get my other card, I will send this one home.
We have been working hard to get our area book in order. This week, we counted how many people we retired to the Antiguos section and it was roughly 13. In the past 3 days, we have gotten 7 new investigators. I know that the Lord puts people in our path when we make room for them. It has been amazing to see the miracles that happen. One of our new investigators is Juan. Came to church for the last two weeks in a row. At our first cita with him, he was practically bounding out of the chair to see when he could be baptised!! He accepted the date of 8 May 2010. What a neat experience.
We are having great success with working with all of our investigators. We are learning and growing when it comes to gospel things. I am so glad to be here. I have a great companion. I have a feeling that she will be transferred and she feels it too. This is sad, because I will have a bunch to do still and I don´t know where we will find the necessary things. This week we have planned for roughly 40 citas. This is twice to three times the amount that we normally get in, so we are resting hard today and then we are going to work. HERE WE COME BARCELONA 1!!!!.
We have gotten to be on good terms with the Bishop and we are hoping to keep it that way, so we are making Banana Bread for the auxillaries this week. Yeah we are bribing them to like us. But I am learning how to really work with the ward!! So important.
My companion and I laugh all the time. We travel for about an hour in the metro to our area and we have made up the rules for Metro surfing.
Yes, METRO SURFING!!! The levels get progressively more difficult.
Level one: Normal on the metro feet shoulder width apart and try not to move your feet.
Level ten: Eyes close, standing on one foot, with a Libro De Mormon on your head while taking a reference and writing it in your agenda with a dragon breathing fire on you. Yeah, this one is pretty hard. I haven´t beat this level yet. First of all, it is nearly impossible to balance on one foot with your eyes closed. And secondly, the dragons only exist on some metros!!
I am so lucky to have my companion. She is starting to find out how very weird I really am!! This is great, but we know when to buckle down and work too!
Love you all so much!! Hope things are going well. Tell grani that I bought a classical piano book because I couldn´t handle not being able to play music. Don´t worry, its is allowed!! Tell her that this is something she instilled in me.
Dad- Sometimes I quote you. My companions all want to meet you.
Mom- You are so rad. I miss you but I am having so much fun here! YOu wouldn´t even believe.
Both of you- I hope you are saving your pennies to come to Spain. We would have so much fun!
Marissa-Wrote you a letter and mailed it to you!
Cameron-I hope you are learning to be a rocking couponer like my sister. You should have weekly competitions to see who could get the best deal!!
Quinn-glad to hear that you quoted me in your talk. I hope it wasn´t something about smelly feet.
Mille-what are you doing?? haven´t heard from you in forever!!!
I forgot to sign my name!!
Hermana Skouson
I have been having a blast here in Barcelona. It was great this past week, because I had a two day vaca to Murcia. (mind you this is said murthia gotta love the theta!) Smelled beautiful and looked great too. Have some fun pictures, but the problem is that it takes so long to upload. When I get my other card, I will send this one home.
We have been working hard to get our area book in order. This week, we counted how many people we retired to the Antiguos section and it was roughly 13. In the past 3 days, we have gotten 7 new investigators. I know that the Lord puts people in our path when we make room for them. It has been amazing to see the miracles that happen. One of our new investigators is Juan. Came to church for the last two weeks in a row. At our first cita with him, he was practically bounding out of the chair to see when he could be baptised!! He accepted the date of 8 May 2010. What a neat experience.
We are having great success with working with all of our investigators. We are learning and growing when it comes to gospel things. I am so glad to be here. I have a great companion. I have a feeling that she will be transferred and she feels it too. This is sad, because I will have a bunch to do still and I don´t know where we will find the necessary things. This week we have planned for roughly 40 citas. This is twice to three times the amount that we normally get in, so we are resting hard today and then we are going to work. HERE WE COME BARCELONA 1!!!!.
We have gotten to be on good terms with the Bishop and we are hoping to keep it that way, so we are making Banana Bread for the auxillaries this week. Yeah we are bribing them to like us. But I am learning how to really work with the ward!! So important.
My companion and I laugh all the time. We travel for about an hour in the metro to our area and we have made up the rules for Metro surfing.
Yes, METRO SURFING!!! The levels get progressively more difficult.
Level one: Normal on the metro feet shoulder width apart and try not to move your feet.
Level ten: Eyes close, standing on one foot, with a Libro De Mormon on your head while taking a reference and writing it in your agenda with a dragon breathing fire on you. Yeah, this one is pretty hard. I haven´t beat this level yet. First of all, it is nearly impossible to balance on one foot with your eyes closed. And secondly, the dragons only exist on some metros!!
I am so lucky to have my companion. She is starting to find out how very weird I really am!! This is great, but we know when to buckle down and work too!
Love you all so much!! Hope things are going well. Tell grani that I bought a classical piano book because I couldn´t handle not being able to play music. Don´t worry, its is allowed!! Tell her that this is something she instilled in me.
Dad- Sometimes I quote you. My companions all want to meet you.
Mom- You are so rad. I miss you but I am having so much fun here! YOu wouldn´t even believe.
Both of you- I hope you are saving your pennies to come to Spain. We would have so much fun!
Marissa-Wrote you a letter and mailed it to you!
Cameron-I hope you are learning to be a rocking couponer like my sister. You should have weekly competitions to see who could get the best deal!!
Quinn-glad to hear that you quoted me in your talk. I hope it wasn´t something about smelly feet.
Mille-what are you doing?? haven´t heard from you in forever!!!
I forgot to sign my name!!
Hermana Skouson
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Weekly Letter
Thing are going well. I have had a week of hard times, but good times. More of the same really, but it has been good. Leticia and Ismael have been out of town for the past two weeks and we are looking forward to seeing them. They are such great people and I really love lessons with them. I hope this last two weeks that have really found a need for the gosple and will want to be baptized. I am excited to see them this week.
Gustavo (one of the live in b-friends of a Menos activo) accepted a baptism date of 22 May. It is forever away, but he feels that he needs this much time to work things out. He is a great guy who loves the Book of Mormon. Monica, the girlfriend, also asked if she could visit with the bishop to work things out so that she would be in good standing with the church again!!
Ousman, A guy from Gambia, also accepted a baptism date for this weekend. The only problem is that he needs to stop smoking. We are working with him to stop, but I don´t think that this Sat will really happen. Bumm deal, but his is a great guy that has made some huge changes in his life. He come to church all the time and works hard to be good.
So tomorrow, I am leaving to go to Murcia. It is the furthest south that sisters can go. Hermana Merrell, one of my housemates, need to get fingerprinted again for residency and her companion kinda stomped her feet to not go. So it turns out that I get to go. I am really excited. It is a 7 hour train ride down and then another 7 back. But, it will be fun. PLUS, they have these great big "man swings"...so Hermana Merrell and I will be swinging on the man swings when we get there!
Okay, this next paragraph was from my President´s letter. I had a bad day yesterday, but it was amazing how hopefull I was through the whole thing. SO here it is...
I had a slight break down yesterday. It was coming and I could feel it. I began to be frusterated by the way things were happening. I was frusterated mainly that I could not communicate the way I really felt I should be able to communicate...meaning that I was not exactly proficient in all the ways of Spanish yet. I got frusterated and I cried. But I can tell you that I have a strong testimony that I know that my Heavenly Father knows the struggles I am going through and he knows exactly who I needed to be my trainer. I know that Hermana Church is really supposed to be my trainer. The way that she helps me and corrects me and directs me are ways that I constantly am reminded that My heavenly Father Loves Me!!
Over all, I am doing well and loving this whole thing. Time are sometimes hard, but I tell you what. I Know that this church is true. I know that What i am doing here is an important work. I also know that Satan knows how important this work is. He is a stinker. But I also know that when I do what I know is right, my Savior and Heavenly Father provide a way for me to succeed. I KNOW THIS!! I KNOW THIS IS TRUE!!
Also, Be a member missionary. SO important. Train the Missionaries in your ward. Ask them if you can attend appointments with them. Ask them if you can take someone to church for them. Have less actives or non members at dinner appointments. These are things members can do. You don´t always just have to have a friend that you can teach, you can do other things!
One other thing,
My stomach is doing better. Just a little pain every now and again. I stopped taking pain meds (aleve, Ibprofen) and the pain went away. The doctor said that some of the pain might have been caused by the medication. So...I am working with all of this.
Love you all so much,
Here is a list of things that if you can find that would be great.
Pictures: Moustach pictures of the family at christmas, any family picture, millies hair.
Those two dresses.
Short sleeve shirts. Found one today and found 2 bras at primart for under 20 euros. More my price range. And your love!! I love you all! So much So so much.
I think of you all everyday and I am constantly testifying that I know that families are eternal.
FAMILIAS SON ETERNAS!!! YO SE!!!!
Hermana Skouson
When you send that package, will you send it to the office which is the address for the mission home and not the Badal Street address. I am afraid it would come when I was not at home and that would be bad!!
Thanks
Love you lot
PS. WEnt to the picasso museum today for Preparation day!
Fun!
Love you
Kayla
Gustavo (one of the live in b-friends of a Menos activo) accepted a baptism date of 22 May. It is forever away, but he feels that he needs this much time to work things out. He is a great guy who loves the Book of Mormon. Monica, the girlfriend, also asked if she could visit with the bishop to work things out so that she would be in good standing with the church again!!
Ousman, A guy from Gambia, also accepted a baptism date for this weekend. The only problem is that he needs to stop smoking. We are working with him to stop, but I don´t think that this Sat will really happen. Bumm deal, but his is a great guy that has made some huge changes in his life. He come to church all the time and works hard to be good.
So tomorrow, I am leaving to go to Murcia. It is the furthest south that sisters can go. Hermana Merrell, one of my housemates, need to get fingerprinted again for residency and her companion kinda stomped her feet to not go. So it turns out that I get to go. I am really excited. It is a 7 hour train ride down and then another 7 back. But, it will be fun. PLUS, they have these great big "man swings"...so Hermana Merrell and I will be swinging on the man swings when we get there!
Okay, this next paragraph was from my President´s letter. I had a bad day yesterday, but it was amazing how hopefull I was through the whole thing. SO here it is...
I had a slight break down yesterday. It was coming and I could feel it. I began to be frusterated by the way things were happening. I was frusterated mainly that I could not communicate the way I really felt I should be able to communicate...meaning that I was not exactly proficient in all the ways of Spanish yet. I got frusterated and I cried. But I can tell you that I have a strong testimony that I know that my Heavenly Father knows the struggles I am going through and he knows exactly who I needed to be my trainer. I know that Hermana Church is really supposed to be my trainer. The way that she helps me and corrects me and directs me are ways that I constantly am reminded that My heavenly Father Loves Me!!
Over all, I am doing well and loving this whole thing. Time are sometimes hard, but I tell you what. I Know that this church is true. I know that What i am doing here is an important work. I also know that Satan knows how important this work is. He is a stinker. But I also know that when I do what I know is right, my Savior and Heavenly Father provide a way for me to succeed. I KNOW THIS!! I KNOW THIS IS TRUE!!
Also, Be a member missionary. SO important. Train the Missionaries in your ward. Ask them if you can attend appointments with them. Ask them if you can take someone to church for them. Have less actives or non members at dinner appointments. These are things members can do. You don´t always just have to have a friend that you can teach, you can do other things!
One other thing,
My stomach is doing better. Just a little pain every now and again. I stopped taking pain meds (aleve, Ibprofen) and the pain went away. The doctor said that some of the pain might have been caused by the medication. So...I am working with all of this.
Love you all so much,
Here is a list of things that if you can find that would be great.
Pictures: Moustach pictures of the family at christmas, any family picture, millies hair.
Those two dresses.
Short sleeve shirts. Found one today and found 2 bras at primart for under 20 euros. More my price range. And your love!! I love you all! So much So so much.
I think of you all everyday and I am constantly testifying that I know that families are eternal.
FAMILIAS SON ETERNAS!!! YO SE!!!!
Hermana Skouson
When you send that package, will you send it to the office which is the address for the mission home and not the Badal Street address. I am afraid it would come when I was not at home and that would be bad!!
Thanks
Love you lot
PS. WEnt to the picasso museum today for Preparation day!
Fun!
Love you
Kayla
Hermanas luncheon with Hna. Hinckley and Virginia H. Pearce
WEDNESDAY: Hermanas luncheon and meeting for hermanas serving in the Barcelona metro area.The Hermanas from the Barcelona area came into the mission home for a luncheon with Hna. Hinckley and the president's sister, Virginia H. Pearce (who is visiting for a few days). A good time was had by all.
Back Row: Hnas. Church, Bustamante, Pearce, Hinckley, O'Neil, Skouson,
Front Row: Hnas. Eberly and Merrell
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
¿Que Tal Familia?
So here are some pictures.The first is the Baptism. MY FIRST!!!! YEAH HOO!! The second is me and my comp. (Didn't receive any pictures in the email - sorry. She just thot she sent)
Well, I don´t even know where to begin. I have a feeling my trainer will be transferred next transfer. We are getting along really well, and that is never a good sign. Plus we went into the office today and needed to buy a new metro pass and they told her to only buy one for one month. Transfers are May 4. AHHH!! Anyways. That will be interesting if that happens because usually trainers are with each other for 2 transfers. WEIRD!!
Oh, Sent home a package on the 6th, has a camera card in it. If you could send that back ASAP...that would be rad cause, I only have my small one now.
For a second. Things are really so expensive here. I have to buy a new bra because one of the ones I have, the Wire snapped right in the middle so it does this funny not good thing. Luckily this happenend while we were doing companionship nightly study, so I was just able to handle it. So we went to find a new one, and DANG GINA... they are like $50. And I am a cheapy person. So Yeah DAD, I will need some money in that account. Will you just let me know how much is in there?
We are working our tails off here. At church yesterday, we were scheduling our week with Menos activos and conversos recentes and investigadors and our week is basically full. Here is the problem, Because our week is full and we still have more to schedule, I am going to have to go on splits. AHH!!! That means that I will have to communicate more with the members and with the investigators. My brains always hurt after a good sunday at church talking with lots of people and trying to translate what they are saying in to a language I understand and then responding, but it is coming. I understand about 95% of what is being said, and I can answer their questions about 50% of the time. This is going up and up and up. Hermana Church is a great trainer. I have come to understand alot about myself with her. I have been talking with her about the reasons I haven´t done some things in the past and it has come down to fear. Fear of Failing. She is helping me overcome this. I am becoming a stronger and stronger person in the gospel and putting my strength in the Lord. There was a quote by the old CCM president, President Hill. "Do something that scares you everyday". I love this and this is what I am working for.
So Things are really great here. I am loving it. Semi rainy today. My shin splints were rubbed out by one of the Sisters I live with and she bruised me, but It is all good, because now I can walk. Also, Mom, you know that pain that I went to the Doctor for, " I have Diarreah" Yeah that trip. It is back and in full force. I am working on trying to find the symptoms. All I know right now is that when I jumprope in the morning it makes it hurt and then I get nauseaus and then when we are on the bus or anywhere else, I feel sick. But don´t worry too much. I think that my companion wants me to talk with the Doctor. He only speaks with us through the phone because he is serving in Germany. But, Maybe something good will come from this. I have found that if I take 2 aleve in the morning, i am alright, but I don´t want to have to rely on this. So I am working with the Doctor.
I get to talk with you all soon. Mothers day is coming up. I am excited to hear your voices.
Thank you all for the emails and for the letters. Especially Fullwoods, Robyn, Brownings (for the cookies), Shayla, Shalese, Grandma!! Thank you thank you thank you.
I love you all. And am excited to be working hard here in España.
Hermana Skouson
Well, I don´t even know where to begin. I have a feeling my trainer will be transferred next transfer. We are getting along really well, and that is never a good sign. Plus we went into the office today and needed to buy a new metro pass and they told her to only buy one for one month. Transfers are May 4. AHHH!! Anyways. That will be interesting if that happens because usually trainers are with each other for 2 transfers. WEIRD!!
Oh, Sent home a package on the 6th, has a camera card in it. If you could send that back ASAP...that would be rad cause, I only have my small one now.
For a second. Things are really so expensive here. I have to buy a new bra because one of the ones I have, the Wire snapped right in the middle so it does this funny not good thing. Luckily this happenend while we were doing companionship nightly study, so I was just able to handle it. So we went to find a new one, and DANG GINA... they are like $50. And I am a cheapy person. So Yeah DAD, I will need some money in that account. Will you just let me know how much is in there?
We are working our tails off here. At church yesterday, we were scheduling our week with Menos activos and conversos recentes and investigadors and our week is basically full. Here is the problem, Because our week is full and we still have more to schedule, I am going to have to go on splits. AHH!!! That means that I will have to communicate more with the members and with the investigators. My brains always hurt after a good sunday at church talking with lots of people and trying to translate what they are saying in to a language I understand and then responding, but it is coming. I understand about 95% of what is being said, and I can answer their questions about 50% of the time. This is going up and up and up. Hermana Church is a great trainer. I have come to understand alot about myself with her. I have been talking with her about the reasons I haven´t done some things in the past and it has come down to fear. Fear of Failing. She is helping me overcome this. I am becoming a stronger and stronger person in the gospel and putting my strength in the Lord. There was a quote by the old CCM president, President Hill. "Do something that scares you everyday". I love this and this is what I am working for.
So Things are really great here. I am loving it. Semi rainy today. My shin splints were rubbed out by one of the Sisters I live with and she bruised me, but It is all good, because now I can walk. Also, Mom, you know that pain that I went to the Doctor for, " I have Diarreah" Yeah that trip. It is back and in full force. I am working on trying to find the symptoms. All I know right now is that when I jumprope in the morning it makes it hurt and then I get nauseaus and then when we are on the bus or anywhere else, I feel sick. But don´t worry too much. I think that my companion wants me to talk with the Doctor. He only speaks with us through the phone because he is serving in Germany. But, Maybe something good will come from this. I have found that if I take 2 aleve in the morning, i am alright, but I don´t want to have to rely on this. So I am working with the Doctor.
I get to talk with you all soon. Mothers day is coming up. I am excited to hear your voices.
Thank you all for the emails and for the letters. Especially Fullwoods, Robyn, Brownings (for the cookies), Shayla, Shalese, Grandma!! Thank you thank you thank you.
I love you all. And am excited to be working hard here in España.
Hermana Skouson
Monday, April 5, 2010
Thank you family!! And I have a baptism for this weekend
Hello,
I am glad to get emails from a bunch of you today!!! IT really lifts my spirits. I have been in piso for 2 days of the week. My companion got sick with goopy eye junk and other side effects. Really gross. So I was in piso on Mon and Tues and part of Wed. But this week we has Zone Conference with the Zones from Hospitalet and Barcelona. They were really great. I love President Hinckley and Especially Hermana Hinckley. They really are supposed to be my mission presidents.
So wanna hear something disconcerting. I might change missions. The mission of Bilboa will be dissolved on the 1 of july and the changes will happen. But here is the deal, if I am sent south for the transfer before the split, I could end up in the Malaga mission. Bum Deal. SO I am staying on good terms with the president and praying that I get sent either north or get to stay in this great city of Barcelona. The normal thing is to be with your trainer for 2 transfers, but from what I have heard, President Hinckley is unpredicatble. So who know where I will be. I am on week three of this transfer cycle and am loving it so completely!
My companion is a new person to work with and she is teaching me how to do so many things, but especially, how to love. I guess this is one thing that I am struggling with. I don´t know how to show affection. Mind you, I do love, but it is hard for me to show affection.
The Elders in Barrio 3 (ward 3) have been teaching this girl names Karin. She is getting baptised this weekend. Here is the problem for them. She has been attending our ward and has finally moved into our ward, but she just moved last week, so the Elders are turning her over to us hermanas, SOOOO, My first baptism will be this week end. We get to meet her tomorrow. YEAH!!!
The teaching is getting better for me. I am actually able to communicate most of my thoughts with the patient members and investigators. We have a family, Leticia and Ismael, that are basically ready to be baptised. They know the gospel is true and the know what they need to do. They came to conference yesterday and had a great experience ( oh, we only got to see the first 3 sessions because of the time difference, so this was the sunday morning session that they went to.) But the problem is that they are going on holiday for 10 days. We will definately know whether or not they are ready to go by this point. They are great people. And they have friends that we made for them in the ward. It is great. IN PMG, it talks about how we should find people for the investigators that are from the same religious background as them, but here it is a different story. Most of the people here in Barcelona are from a different country. Leticia and Ismael are from Mexico and the Ward mission leader is from Mexico also. We took him to one lesson and they hit it off sooooo great. I can´t believe it. They now have time to hang out set up so they can be good friends. I love this work.
Questions from Dads email with answers. Sorry. Sorta confusing. Gotta go soon!
What is the food like there:?? The food is interesting. I love the panaderias (bread shops) And I am limiting myself on how much bread I can eat. Mainly everything is fried, but For the most part, it is pretty good. We also get alot of food from other countries. There are some great cooks in our ward. WE ARE LUCKY!!!
How is your new companion??. She is 25 and studied in England for 4 years. She is great, very similar to me and the things that we need to work on. Sometimes that is not a good thing, but we are working it out.
how are the members??. how is your ward??. BOth great. VEry helpful!!!
What time do you usually have p-day from, where do you e-mail and shop??. Preparatino day, we email from a locotorio and then have the rest of the day to do whatever. LOVE IT. Today we are going on splits with Hermana O´Ñeil and I. We are going to the Gaudi Park. Parc Güell and hanging out with some elders. Pday starts at 11 and goes until 6.
What is your favorite food or fruit or dessert.?? Napolean: Like a crossaint with great chocolate in the middle.
Is the flan good there??. Had it once at a members. Not my fav. but learning to eat anything
Are you learning recipes that you can bring back here? Trying to learn what they are talking about first, then recipes next
.Are you having success in teaching.?? YEs
How is the language coming??. Slow, but good. I can communicate you dont seem to have too many worries about the language. Had a break down the other day about the language and life. But all is good.
Go Brother Marrot. How fun!!! I am excited for the ward. That will be fun! Hope your shin splints are getting better. Still working on them. Evntually I cant remember if mom asked about your money situation.I don´t have a way to access. Will you let me know how much is in my account. Gotta buy some summer clothes and shoes. EXPENSIVE; pero esta bein Do you have some still in your account. Let us know and we can stock it up a little.
Granny is getting worse. Tell her I love her. When you go, go ahead and give my mission president a call. That would be great. That way I could know.
Shayla´s emails: Send them email.
T-bone: MOM, are you okay. How is the car. Did anyone get hurt!! lOVE you lots
HEre is my piso address.
Hermana Mikayla Skouson
C/Badal 64, 5, 1
08014 Barcelona
España
I am glad to get emails from a bunch of you today!!! IT really lifts my spirits. I have been in piso for 2 days of the week. My companion got sick with goopy eye junk and other side effects. Really gross. So I was in piso on Mon and Tues and part of Wed. But this week we has Zone Conference with the Zones from Hospitalet and Barcelona. They were really great. I love President Hinckley and Especially Hermana Hinckley. They really are supposed to be my mission presidents.
So wanna hear something disconcerting. I might change missions. The mission of Bilboa will be dissolved on the 1 of july and the changes will happen. But here is the deal, if I am sent south for the transfer before the split, I could end up in the Malaga mission. Bum Deal. SO I am staying on good terms with the president and praying that I get sent either north or get to stay in this great city of Barcelona. The normal thing is to be with your trainer for 2 transfers, but from what I have heard, President Hinckley is unpredicatble. So who know where I will be. I am on week three of this transfer cycle and am loving it so completely!
My companion is a new person to work with and she is teaching me how to do so many things, but especially, how to love. I guess this is one thing that I am struggling with. I don´t know how to show affection. Mind you, I do love, but it is hard for me to show affection.
The Elders in Barrio 3 (ward 3) have been teaching this girl names Karin. She is getting baptised this weekend. Here is the problem for them. She has been attending our ward and has finally moved into our ward, but she just moved last week, so the Elders are turning her over to us hermanas, SOOOO, My first baptism will be this week end. We get to meet her tomorrow. YEAH!!!
The teaching is getting better for me. I am actually able to communicate most of my thoughts with the patient members and investigators. We have a family, Leticia and Ismael, that are basically ready to be baptised. They know the gospel is true and the know what they need to do. They came to conference yesterday and had a great experience ( oh, we only got to see the first 3 sessions because of the time difference, so this was the sunday morning session that they went to.) But the problem is that they are going on holiday for 10 days. We will definately know whether or not they are ready to go by this point. They are great people. And they have friends that we made for them in the ward. It is great. IN PMG, it talks about how we should find people for the investigators that are from the same religious background as them, but here it is a different story. Most of the people here in Barcelona are from a different country. Leticia and Ismael are from Mexico and the Ward mission leader is from Mexico also. We took him to one lesson and they hit it off sooooo great. I can´t believe it. They now have time to hang out set up so they can be good friends. I love this work.
Questions from Dads email with answers. Sorry. Sorta confusing. Gotta go soon!
What is the food like there:?? The food is interesting. I love the panaderias (bread shops) And I am limiting myself on how much bread I can eat. Mainly everything is fried, but For the most part, it is pretty good. We also get alot of food from other countries. There are some great cooks in our ward. WE ARE LUCKY!!!
How is your new companion??. She is 25 and studied in England for 4 years. She is great, very similar to me and the things that we need to work on. Sometimes that is not a good thing, but we are working it out.
how are the members??. how is your ward??. BOth great. VEry helpful!!!
What time do you usually have p-day from, where do you e-mail and shop??. Preparatino day, we email from a locotorio and then have the rest of the day to do whatever. LOVE IT. Today we are going on splits with Hermana O´Ñeil and I. We are going to the Gaudi Park. Parc Güell and hanging out with some elders. Pday starts at 11 and goes until 6.
What is your favorite food or fruit or dessert.?? Napolean: Like a crossaint with great chocolate in the middle.
Is the flan good there??. Had it once at a members. Not my fav. but learning to eat anything
Are you learning recipes that you can bring back here? Trying to learn what they are talking about first, then recipes next
.Are you having success in teaching.?? YEs
How is the language coming??. Slow, but good. I can communicate you dont seem to have too many worries about the language. Had a break down the other day about the language and life. But all is good.
Go Brother Marrot. How fun!!! I am excited for the ward. That will be fun! Hope your shin splints are getting better. Still working on them. Evntually I cant remember if mom asked about your money situation.I don´t have a way to access. Will you let me know how much is in my account. Gotta buy some summer clothes and shoes. EXPENSIVE; pero esta bein Do you have some still in your account. Let us know and we can stock it up a little.
Granny is getting worse. Tell her I love her. When you go, go ahead and give my mission president a call. That would be great. That way I could know.
Shayla´s emails: Send them email.
T-bone: MOM, are you okay. How is the car. Did anyone get hurt!! lOVE you lots
HEre is my piso address.
Hermana Mikayla Skouson
C/Badal 64, 5, 1
08014 Barcelona
España
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
hello family, do you live/love me?
(We totally goofed!!. Mikayla hasn't received a email from us in 2 weeks. Her p-day have been all over the place and of course I wait till last minute so I can tell her everything and then I am too late.)
Okay,
I´m gonna give you the benefit of the doubt. I didn´t tell you, but my P-Days are on Mondays. I have a P-Day on Tuesday during the week of transfers (every six weeks). BUT...Here's the deal. You GOTTA WRITE ME!!!!!!!!!! YOU JUST GOTTA!!! okay... Email me. that would be great. ANYTHING, JUST LET ME KNOW YOU ARE LIVING AND THAT EVERYTHING IS OKAY, OR THAT IT IS NOT
OKAY!!
Okay, now that that is taken care of.
Hello,
I´m so glad it is Preparation day today. I am having fun. I love you!
Funny Story:Tripped on the sidewalk the other day (Sunday). Scuffed up my nice skirt and then got up and went to teach a lady. Tada. Anyways. Really Fun.
So, I am working on my Spanish. We teach a lot of people from South America. LOVE THEM, SO TENDER. They are patient with me and my Spanish. And kindly correct me when I totally botch their language. It is great.
I can´t remember if I told you last week what happened. Okay, in the ward we now cover, it is just me and my companion. Mind you, I don´t really speak Spanish. There used to be 2 elders also, but they got pulled. They had enough work for a full schedule and the sisters had enough work for a full schedule, SO...We are really busy! The ward we cover is on like 4 different metro lines and covers 1/3 of the city. Some difficulties we are having to deal with. We live in the boundaries of a different ward. To get to the Capilla (chapel) it takes roughly 45 mins if all the metros run smoothly. To get to one of the main areas we work it takes 1 hour. To get to the other takes 35 mins. And then...WE WALK!! A TON. The shoes I have right now are killing me. I have super bad shin problems. My Feet are basically stuck in a flexed position. We climb a lot of hills.I am going to try and find some shoes that do not weigh as much. It is hard to walk all day, but it is good too. I just wish that my shins weren´t so tight. I have to end up skipping or running to use different muscles.
I´m sure you can find a metro map of Barcelona on the Internet. I live at Santa Eulalia in the red line and we do alot of work at Horta on the blue line and on Sagrada Familia and on Alfonso X. Anyways
The Saturday before I got here, they had a baptism of Tony. Tony is from Egypt. He came here and was baptised. He said, " I have been dreaming to find a church like this one." These are the kind of people we are constantly teaching. I am in the Best Mission in the world. On Sunday, Tony (btw he speaks English) received the priesthood. As we were talking with him a little more after church he said, " Now I can serve God completely." It is this kind of goodness that really makes you realize that you are changing peoples lives for the better.
We are also teaching a man from Cambia or Gambia I don´t know. His name is Ousman. He is thirty and can´t read. But we have seen him change during the time I have been here. He wants to be better and takes everything we teach with no restraint. He is working right now to quit smoking. It is hard, but he is down to one cigarette a day. We had a baptism date for this Saturday, but he is not quiet ready to be baptized. He has to quit smoking first. But he is almost there.
We are also working with a bunch of less actives. They are progressing and becoming more and more active. We had two less actives that were at church on Sunday and then hadn´t been to church in at least over 5 years.
We teach a lot. We learn a lot. My companion and I are working to find the best work ethic for our now huge area. We have lots to do and lots of things to learn. We have Zone Conference this week and then General Conference and then in a couple of weeks, Elder Hinckley (President Hinckley´s brother) is coming for a mission Tour! I love the sisters I work with and live with. They are great. I will try to get pictures soon
Also, Thank you for the dear elder. I just barely got the one for the 21st. The address you have is for the Mission Office, so it takes some time for me to get it.
I know you are all busy. I know that things are going well. I guess you will call if anything really bad happens with Grani!
Love you all,
Hermana Skouson
Okay,
I´m gonna give you the benefit of the doubt. I didn´t tell you, but my P-Days are on Mondays. I have a P-Day on Tuesday during the week of transfers (every six weeks). BUT...Here's the deal. You GOTTA WRITE ME!!!!!!!!!! YOU JUST GOTTA!!! okay... Email me. that would be great. ANYTHING, JUST LET ME KNOW YOU ARE LIVING AND THAT EVERYTHING IS OKAY, OR THAT IT IS NOT
OKAY!!
Okay, now that that is taken care of.
Hello,
I´m so glad it is Preparation day today. I am having fun. I love you!
Funny Story:Tripped on the sidewalk the other day (Sunday). Scuffed up my nice skirt and then got up and went to teach a lady. Tada. Anyways. Really Fun.
So, I am working on my Spanish. We teach a lot of people from South America. LOVE THEM, SO TENDER. They are patient with me and my Spanish. And kindly correct me when I totally botch their language. It is great.
I can´t remember if I told you last week what happened. Okay, in the ward we now cover, it is just me and my companion. Mind you, I don´t really speak Spanish. There used to be 2 elders also, but they got pulled. They had enough work for a full schedule and the sisters had enough work for a full schedule, SO...We are really busy! The ward we cover is on like 4 different metro lines and covers 1/3 of the city. Some difficulties we are having to deal with. We live in the boundaries of a different ward. To get to the Capilla (chapel) it takes roughly 45 mins if all the metros run smoothly. To get to one of the main areas we work it takes 1 hour. To get to the other takes 35 mins. And then...WE WALK!! A TON. The shoes I have right now are killing me. I have super bad shin problems. My Feet are basically stuck in a flexed position. We climb a lot of hills.I am going to try and find some shoes that do not weigh as much. It is hard to walk all day, but it is good too. I just wish that my shins weren´t so tight. I have to end up skipping or running to use different muscles.
I´m sure you can find a metro map of Barcelona on the Internet. I live at Santa Eulalia in the red line and we do alot of work at Horta on the blue line and on Sagrada Familia and on Alfonso X. Anyways
The Saturday before I got here, they had a baptism of Tony. Tony is from Egypt. He came here and was baptised. He said, " I have been dreaming to find a church like this one." These are the kind of people we are constantly teaching. I am in the Best Mission in the world. On Sunday, Tony (btw he speaks English) received the priesthood. As we were talking with him a little more after church he said, " Now I can serve God completely." It is this kind of goodness that really makes you realize that you are changing peoples lives for the better.
We are also teaching a man from Cambia or Gambia I don´t know. His name is Ousman. He is thirty and can´t read. But we have seen him change during the time I have been here. He wants to be better and takes everything we teach with no restraint. He is working right now to quit smoking. It is hard, but he is down to one cigarette a day. We had a baptism date for this Saturday, but he is not quiet ready to be baptized. He has to quit smoking first. But he is almost there.
We are also working with a bunch of less actives. They are progressing and becoming more and more active. We had two less actives that were at church on Sunday and then hadn´t been to church in at least over 5 years.
We teach a lot. We learn a lot. My companion and I are working to find the best work ethic for our now huge area. We have lots to do and lots of things to learn. We have Zone Conference this week and then General Conference and then in a couple of weeks, Elder Hinckley (President Hinckley´s brother) is coming for a mission Tour! I love the sisters I work with and live with. They are great. I will try to get pictures soon
Also, Thank you for the dear elder. I just barely got the one for the 21st. The address you have is for the Mission Office, so it takes some time for me to get it.
I know you are all busy. I know that things are going well. I guess you will call if anything really bad happens with Grani!
Love you all,
Hermana Skouson
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hello from Barcelona, a new phase and a new opportunity
Please also check out Mikayla's Mission Blog. www.thespainbarcelonamission.blogspot.com.
March 23, 2010
Well,
Here it is. I am here in Barcelona for my first experience as a real missionary. I am on P-day right now and I am sitting in a little internet cafe writing this letter.
There were 5 of us that left the MTC this morning. Elder Johansen, Elder Arcellus, Hermana Guerra, Hermana Garcia and I. We had a blast waking up early (okay, at the normal time, but still early) and then going to breakfast where we said our goodbyes and then we were rushed off to the Train Station. It was the cleanest train I have ever been on. And a wonderful ride to boot.
At Estacio' Sants: Elder Jensen, Hna.Guerra, Elder Morales, Elder Johansen, Pte. Hinckley, Hna. Hinckley, Hna. Garcia, Hna. Skouson, Elder Atkin, Elder Arcelles.
It was crazy to think as I spent about an hour thinking about where I have been and where I am going. I have come to this new phase. I am leaving the MTC for good...and starting my mission for good. It has been an interesting thought as I have been thinking about this. I have learned many things so far. It was so sweet of my MTC president this morning to tell me as we were leaving, "I has been a pleasure having you here at the MTC." Looking back, I have really grown alot and learned alot about myself and what I am capable of. The CCM was a real stretch for me. In my spanish, in my personal strength, and in my gospel knowledge. I had to rely on the Lord more heavily because I wasn´t able to communicate my feelings and struggles with the people around me. Anyways. (mom, i have come to notice that i use that word a lot!!!!)
Anyways, Moving on to a new Barcelona message.
A handsome group overlooking mission field.
The nuevos at Montjuic
da dad da ad d ad da... this just in. Sister Skouson arrived in Barcelona at 11:30 this morning. She was greeted by The mission president and his wife and 3 of the Elders that are in the Mission. Las Hermanas and I rode with the President and his Wife. The got to know us as they gave us a tour from Right near the Olympic Stadium. He talked about how Columbus really was inspired to open up America and in turn open up Spain. Did you know that President Hinckley was one of the first missionaries to open up Spain. He was called to serve his mission in Argentina and then his last 2 transfers, he was sent to Spain to open the mission. It was really interesting to stand next to the Mediterrainan Sea and listen to this information. After that, we went to the mission home. We were served a great lunch. Lasagna and salad. IT was rich and creamy and DELICIOUS!!!!!!! and then it was followed by ice cream with pirouttes. Very delicious. Anyways, We had a little instruction with the president and the others in the mission office and then we were whisked away to meet our companions. The 3 natives were sent to pueblos and other cities. So they hopped on another train and went to meet the people. And Elder Johansen was sent to an area close to Barcelona. And I was sent to BARCELONA!!! I am sooooo excited.
Hma. Skouson on her lst day in the mission. with her companion, Hna. Church, as they came to bid farewell to departing missionaries.
My companions name is Hermana Church. From Fresno, California!! She is wonderful. She is My Trainer. I kinda feel sentimental when saying that. She is the best person ever!!! She is kind and loving and she even brought me some chuchies! Sweets!! Then I got some paperwork started and then we were off. This is the best mission in the world. Really. And the Elders that I have met and the Sisters I have met are TOP NOTCH people. And I get to join the ranks of this army. I AM SO EXCITED. Tonight we have 2 citas (appointments) and then we are singing to the Angels ( singing to the people going home). 6 People are going home. MOM. MY RA from my very first semester is going home tomorrow. I just met her today and she was like, " NO WAY, youare HEre, I didnt even know you were going on a mission." Anyways, lemme tell you a little bit about the work we have to do. There are 3 wards in Barcelona. My companion and I are assigned to Barrio 1. (Ward 1) 4 months ago, there were 2 sets of elders in my ward and it was split in half, big section of the city, includes the sangra familia (gaudi museum/cathedral thing, the unfinished one.) Then 3 months ago, one companionship of Elders was replaced by sisters (white washing the area). But there were still two sets of missionaries. This last transfer, they pulled out the other set of Elders, and put me and my companion together there. We have 3 area books and my companion said that they were teaching roughly 20 lessons a week and the elders were teaching 20 lessons a week too. SO, we should be teaching roughly 40 lessons per week. Talk about a hefty week!! I am so excited to start working and working hard. I love being here in Barcelona.
The Las Vegas Trio: with the arrival of Hna. Skouson, we now have 3 missionaries from Las Vegas (Elders Bowers and Evans joined her for this photo of the trio)
I love this, I love this, I love this!!
What more can I Say!
Send me updates on yourselves and your lives. I love them.
Rissa & Cameron, Just got your letter last night. Talk about the skin of your teeth. But I loved it. I can think of nothing better than that card. What a wonderful find. Keep me updated. Sorry about your cars, you could just take the Metro. ha ha okay, why don´t we have more metros in the US. They are so convienient! Anyways. I will let you go.
I am exhausted today. The sisters that lived with me in the CCM stayed up til 1:30 am and til 3:00 am. THis is not the way I roll. I need my sleep.
Also mom, I would like to let you know that I have contracted another one of your goodnesses. I woke up the other morning with a sore in my nose. Why oh why do I have a sore in my nose? Anyways, Continue on. And think of the stress sores in my nose.
Love you lots
Hermana Skouson
March 23, 2010
Well,
There were 5 of us that left the MTC this morning. Elder Johansen, Elder Arcellus, Hermana Guerra, Hermana Garcia and I. We had a blast waking up early (okay, at the normal time, but still early) and then going to breakfast where we said our goodbyes and then we were rushed off to the Train Station. It was the cleanest train I have ever been on. And a wonderful ride to boot.
At Estacio' Sants: Elder Jensen, Hna.Guerra, Elder Morales, Elder Johansen, Pte. Hinckley, Hna. Hinckley, Hna. Garcia, Hna. Skouson, Elder Atkin, Elder Arcelles.
It was crazy to think as I spent about an hour thinking about where I have been and where I am going. I have come to this new phase. I am leaving the MTC for good...and starting my mission for good. It has been an interesting thought as I have been thinking about this. I have learned many things so far. It was so sweet of my MTC president this morning to tell me as we were leaving, "I has been a pleasure having you here at the MTC." Looking back, I have really grown alot and learned alot about myself and what I am capable of. The CCM was a real stretch for me. In my spanish, in my personal strength, and in my gospel knowledge. I had to rely on the Lord more heavily because I wasn´t able to communicate my feelings and struggles with the people around me. Anyways. (mom, i have come to notice that i use that word a lot!!!!)
A handsome group overlooking mission field.
The nuevos at Montjuic
da dad da ad d ad da... this just in. Sister Skouson arrived in Barcelona at 11:30 this morning. She was greeted by The mission president and his wife and 3 of the Elders that are in the Mission. Las Hermanas and I rode with the President and his Wife. The got to know us as they gave us a tour from Right near the Olympic Stadium. He talked about how Columbus really was inspired to open up America and in turn open up Spain. Did you know that President Hinckley was one of the first missionaries to open up Spain. He was called to serve his mission in Argentina and then his last 2 transfers, he was sent to Spain to open the mission. It was really interesting to stand next to the Mediterrainan Sea and listen to this information. After that, we went to the mission home. We were served a great lunch. Lasagna and salad. IT was rich and creamy and DELICIOUS!!!!!!! and then it was followed by ice cream with pirouttes. Very delicious. Anyways, We had a little instruction with the president and the others in the mission office and then we were whisked away to meet our companions. The 3 natives were sent to pueblos and other cities. So they hopped on another train and went to meet the people. And Elder Johansen was sent to an area close to Barcelona. And I was sent to BARCELONA!!! I am sooooo excited.
My companions name is Hermana Church. From Fresno, California!! She is wonderful. She is My Trainer. I kinda feel sentimental when saying that. She is the best person ever!!! She is kind and loving and she even brought me some chuchies! Sweets!! Then I got some paperwork started and then we were off. This is the best mission in the world. Really. And the Elders that I have met and the Sisters I have met are TOP NOTCH people. And I get to join the ranks of this army. I AM SO EXCITED. Tonight we have 2 citas (appointments) and then we are singing to the Angels ( singing to the people going home). 6 People are going home. MOM. MY RA from my very first semester is going home tomorrow. I just met her today and she was like, " NO WAY, youare HEre, I didnt even know you were going on a mission." Anyways, lemme tell you a little bit about the work we have to do. There are 3 wards in Barcelona. My companion and I are assigned to Barrio 1. (Ward 1) 4 months ago, there were 2 sets of elders in my ward and it was split in half, big section of the city, includes the sangra familia (gaudi museum/cathedral thing, the unfinished one.) Then 3 months ago, one companionship of Elders was replaced by sisters (white washing the area). But there were still two sets of missionaries. This last transfer, they pulled out the other set of Elders, and put me and my companion together there. We have 3 area books and my companion said that they were teaching roughly 20 lessons a week and the elders were teaching 20 lessons a week too. SO, we should be teaching roughly 40 lessons per week. Talk about a hefty week!! I am so excited to start working and working hard. I love being here in Barcelona.
I love this, I love this, I love this!!
What more can I Say!
Send me updates on yourselves and your lives. I love them.
Rissa & Cameron, Just got your letter last night. Talk about the skin of your teeth. But I loved it. I can think of nothing better than that card. What a wonderful find. Keep me updated. Sorry about your cars, you could just take the Metro. ha ha okay, why don´t we have more metros in the US. They are so convienient! Anyways. I will let you go.
I am exhausted today. The sisters that lived with me in the CCM stayed up til 1:30 am and til 3:00 am. THis is not the way I roll. I need my sleep.
Also mom, I would like to let you know that I have contracted another one of your goodnesses. I woke up the other morning with a sore in my nose. Why oh why do I have a sore in my nose? Anyways, Continue on. And think of the stress sores in my nose.
Love you lots
Hermana Skouson
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Hello from Madrid for the Final time
March 22, 2010
Well, Today is Monday. I leave at 9:00 am in the morning to go on a train and travel to Barcelona!!
Finally, I thought this day would never come.
Me and the teachers, L to R Hermana Nalbandyan (aremenia), Me, Hermana Gutierrez(español)
I am excited to get on to really working hard and not sitting in a class room. It is wearing on you on a daily basis. But I am really grateful for the opportunity I have had the past two months to have been taught by some great people who really know what is going on in the really world of missionary work. I am so excited to get out and share what I have been learning for the past 22 years. (that is because I am 22 now) Weird I know, but it is the truth.
Oh, by the way my MTC president has a blog that he updates with pictures. It is dougearlfamily.blogspot.com. Okay, So for the last couple of days. The update!!
Thank you Shalese for the birthday kit!!!
Saturday: Was my birthday. Turned 22. I am officially old now. But anyways. I woke up at 6:30 as usual, prayed, and then grabbed my clothes and hopped into the shower. What I didn´t notice were all the post its that were all over my bed and under the top bunk of my bed. My companion had decorated my bed after I had fallen asleep the night before. (they have a tendency to stay up a little later than I do. I got that from my mother. I can fall asleep anywhere and I am good at it too. I only have to put in earplugs to block out the talking. But luckily I purchased them in Provo!) Anyways, the day continued as a normal Sat in the CCM in Madrid. We had breakfast, Devotional with the pres, and then off to the park to proselyte.
Hermana Cannuci and I at the park
My companion for the day was Hermana Cannuci and we made 5 contacts in the Metro and 11 in the park. I actually spoke with 2 people from Germany, and while I was speaking to one of them, the other was taking pictures of me. Quite random, but a very good conversation with the people. Hermana Cannuci is from Italy and we spoke with roughly 3 Italians.
But I used much more Spanish this week in the park than I had done in previous accounts at the park. After that, then we sang at the fountain some good old hymns of the restoration and then we went back to the CCM for some real good laughs and fun.
Singing in the park. More singing!
Beautiful building in park in Madrid.
Sunday, all the missionaries in the CCM sang the As sisters as Zion/Armies of Helaman song in spanish. Everyone was really emotional. It was really fun to be incharge of more music. I LOVE TO BE INCHARGE OF MUSICAL THINGS.
I have really loved learning about all of the Españoles and learning how the people work here in Spain. I LOVE IT HERE!! THe weather is great. I am going to love Barcelona.
Anyways.
I´ll let you go. Gotta finish packing!
Hermana Skouson
Me and Elder Johansen, Elder Pyne
We all had to choose names and make a card for the person (President told us that this is very cultural. Anyways, I had elder johansen. It is a depiction of a bunch of our inside jokes.)
Well, Today is Monday. I leave at 9:00 am in the morning to go on a train and travel to Barcelona!!
Me and the teachers, L to R Hermana Nalbandyan (aremenia), Me, Hermana Gutierrez(español)
I am excited to get on to really working hard and not sitting in a class room. It is wearing on you on a daily basis. But I am really grateful for the opportunity I have had the past two months to have been taught by some great people who really know what is going on in the really world of missionary work. I am so excited to get out and share what I have been learning for the past 22 years. (that is because I am 22 now) Weird I know, but it is the truth.
Oh, by the way my MTC president has a blog that he updates with pictures. It is dougearlfamily.blogspot.com. Okay, So for the last couple of days. The update!!
Hermana Cannuci and I at the park
Singing in the park. More singing!
We just continued with the day. We ate the Cherry Chip cake that you sent mom. It was delicious. All the sisters kept on asking for the recipe and I told them that it was a secret recipe handed down from Generation to Generation. Ha ah aha ha a. (just for you mom). Anyways.
Beautiful building in park in Madrid. My companion had arranged to meet up with her family on Saturday at the Chapel that we play sports at, but sports were cancelled and she was in hysterics. So we went and talked with the president so she could ask if she could go down and see her family. Anyways, the president had just given a speech during the morning devotional about meeting up with your families and how you are not supposed to do so. So he said no, and she cried more. I don´t really know how to deal with emotions in English, let alone Spanish and hysterical. So it was awkward. But yeah. I am learning more about how to deal with the emotions of others in another language.
I copied a bunch of music and I am slowly building up my repertoire of music here in Spain. I am loving being used so much for my ability to play the piano, even though it is not very good. Anyways, it is great!Sunday, all the missionaries in the CCM sang the As sisters as Zion/Armies of Helaman song in spanish. Everyone was really emotional. It was really fun to be incharge of more music. I LOVE TO BE INCHARGE OF MUSICAL THINGS.
I have really loved learning about all of the Españoles and learning how the people work here in Spain. I LOVE IT HERE!! THe weather is great. I am going to love Barcelona.
Anyways.
I´ll let you go. Gotta finish packing!
Hermana Skouson
¿De Donde Es???
TO ALL THAT SENT BIRTHDAY WISHES...THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I know it is expensive to send to Spain, but I really appreciate it!!!
The "goods". So many nylons. So great! And whoever thought of thigh-highs needs and noble peace prize. BRILLIANT...Shayla, you gotta get yourself some of these. Anyways. Best gift ever. You are the best!!!
Robyn, I couldn´t wait. I opened it. And it was the best card in the world. For those who were not blessed with the privilege to read this wonderful card it said, "Happiness is like peeing in your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth." Thank you for this. I love these sort of things, and when I get them there are only 2 people who really understand what this is all about here, because I do not have the vocabulary yet to explain the goodness of these things.
E. Keller, Pyne, Me, Johansen at Real Madrid Stadium
Did I tell you about the time We went to get our paperwork for being allowed to stay in Spain. First of all, it was like a 4 hour adventure. Elder Keller lost his passport at the police station and then we had to go get our paperwork notarized and give power of attorney to the person for visa information. Anyways, the notary came in and asked us if we would like him to speak in English or spanish. We of course said English and the story goes on. As he is explaining the document, he said some thing that completely caught me off guard. He said, "You need to take this shet (with a very short e sound) of paper and sign here." Of course, it caught me so off guard that I laughed out loud and then the other 3 Elders proceeded to join me in struggling to not laugh throughout the rest of the time the man was there with us. It was horrible. I felt so bad, but I laugh every time I think of this experience. Luckily for me, there are not many words in spanish that could be confused with curse words.
The whole crew in front of a cathedral in Madridlf to rt Hermana Cannuci (italian), H. Benitez, H. Marin, Elder Bajaña, E. Arcellus, me, Hermana Garcia (my comp), H. Hildalgo, E. Quiroz, H. Millan, E. Pyne, E. Johansen, H. Londoño, H. Guerra, H. Gonzales.
Anyways, The Elders and I have gotten to the point in our spanish that we can say a fair amount, but it doesn´t really make sense, so we just laugh. For example, the Elders (johansen and pyne) always use this lisphy voice whenever we eat dinner, and now it has transfered to their spanish. Which makes it even worse. Anyways, one of our teachers (Hermana Gutierrez) asked us to teach what we knew about Subjunctive...which is the hardest part of spanish besides speaking it. Anyways, it was my turn to teach past subjunctive and there are things called trigger verbs and I had to explain them and i said, whenever you see the verb like querer and it is followed by que, a balloon or train should go off in your brain and then you realize that you are using subjunctive. And my comps thought it was really funny that I used the word balloon. Mind you, I meant to say gun but because I can´t think in English and I can´t think in spanish, we just start saying really random things.
Some of the Sisters and Elder Arcellus at a fountain that we went to last P-day.
Rumor, I heard before i came on my mission, but didn´t think I would be used to play very often.... I heard that Taylor Eliason has a bunch of scanned music on a jump drive. Was wondering if you might be able to get in contact with him sometime and see if you could have him copy that onto another jump drive and send it my way.
OH BOY... $55 to send that package!!! That is crazy!!! BUT thank you soooo much. I really love it, and my mother is a master packer. First of all, you got your taping skills from grandma... and secondly, that food savers bags, such a good idea. Oh and you saved me. The power converter works for my Straighterner. One month with out one really does something to you! I almost threw it away and bought a new one, but I WAS SAVED BY Y´all!I am so excited to leave and go into the field. I keep on asking president if i might need to stay one more day here in the MTC to be here for Shayla, but I know that I will see her eventually.
Elodie Dethelot. Teacher of the French. My best friend for the first week. No sisters, so i had her. She was wonderful. Bom...dot..com!! OKAY...So I asked my MTC president what the rules are about you coming over and picking me up. He said that he would encourage it because when will you ever have the opportunity to come over to spain and have a tour guide that could actually speak spanish and english AND be related to you. Anyways. I think that would be so awesome if you did come over and pick me up. The tentative release date is 27 June 2011. Seems so far, but so close. I just have to work that much harder. Anyways. If you did come over...I would want to stop in Madrid to see The Earls (MTC presidents here in CCM..
Anyways,
I am doing great! Loving it here. Better week, laughed a lot. Played the piano a lot. Always a good thing. Sang on Sunday. Huge success. Oh my goodness, I have not sang in like a good 6 months in full voice, but on Sunday, I just let it rip. Great song, Great accompanist, great spirit. Great times. Anyways.
Hope all things are going well!
Keep the letters coming. You are doing great. I am so glad when I get letters...
Please start sending them to my new address.
Misión de España Barcelona
c/ Calatrava 10-12, Bajos
08017 Barcelona
España
Tell the ward thanks for the support!! They are awesome. I can feel their prayers.
Kaity, You would be a great missionary! I am a so pleased to hear you are thinking about it. It is hard, but nothing that is too tough to do. You have such a great spirit and I am so glad to know someone like you!
Katie (MAY) Skillin: You are married!!!
Tiffany Harper (Quinney):YOu are Married!!!!
Congrats to all.
Have a great day!
Love you lots.
love you
Simple pleasures in life. Found these inserts at the Chino (little tienda run by chinese)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Hola de España
Hello my good friends.
Oh boy, this week has been tough. Mainly because of the spanish. I am struggling. Having native companions is really helping, but it is still really hard. I am having to find how to say things with my limited vocabulary of just about 300 words, if I am lucky. But I can ask for directions if I ever get lost. The problem is that I wouldn´t know where they are telling me to go if they did explain it to me. But we just laugh about it and learn to move on.
I have been thinking this morning about why this week was so difficult for me. I have been looking back on this week and realizing that I could do so much more. I am currently listening to the talk by Elder Bednar about¨"Tender Mercies of the Lord." I remember my first year in College, when I was struggling, Aunt Shawna talked with me on the phone or wrote in a letter, I can´t remember now, but she said, "take time every day to find the tender mercies of the Lord." I have not been doing this and I have noticed when I do not have the gratitude in my life, I am not able to work as hard or to do the things that the Lord would have me to do. When you take time to recognize these tender mercies, you recognize how in control of your life he is. When I was in the temple this morning, I came to the great understanding that my Heavenly Father really does love me. And accepts me even if I struggle with my spanish or do not fully understand the gospel. I am striving to be better and my heavenly father knows the deep desires of my heart. I know that it is only through him that we will be blessed with the knowledge of what we can do to become better and be the people that our heavenly father wants us to be. And yes, it is hard, but with faith our father will lead us to know what needs to be refined and taken out of our lifes. It is hard, but I knew it would be hard. It is not physically hard, but more spiritually hard. But just like with your muscles, you must push them to the limit for them to become stronger. I know that I am being pushed to the limit in some aspects of my life right now. Especially with patience in the fact that I cannot express what I desire to express to others. I knew this would come, and now that it is here, I am relying on the Lord more than ever. My companions for teaching are Elder Keller, Elder Johansen, and Elder Pyne. Elder Keller got to leave and go to the field on Wednesday. We are officially allowed to be in Spain now. What a relief. Anyways, the other two that are left are Elder Johansen and Elder Pyne. We are struggling to get our message across to the people we are teaching, and I know that when we prepare the lessons and put in as much work as we possibly can, we will be blessed. And I have seen this in our teaching. Words come to our mouths, that I either have never heard before, or didn´t really understand the meaning of the word. What a blessing for me. To see faith working. It is amazing. I have never had to rely so much on the lord. I cannot really express myself to my personal companion and the only person that I know that knows exactly what I am going through is my Savior. Can I just tell you, it is such a blessing in my life, The talk and the research I did for my "farewell talk" has encouraged me so much. The Atonement is so real to me. It answers so many of lifes questions. I KNOW my Savior loves me. I know this on a personal level. What a blessing to me to get to know on a very deep level the importance of the Atonement. (Thanks Codi for those great quotes. I look back to them often.)
Okay, Sorry about that little rant. But this is what I am about.
Okay, So some interesting things.
This coming Sunday, I am singing in Church. I am singing "Where can I turn for Peace". This is streching me, but one constant thing that I love is Music. It is my solace. It is my understanding of how my heavenly Father Loves me. I love the hymns more then ever. Especially because it is a main portion of what I listen to on a daily basis. I am excited to sing this song though. I love it and the arrangement is superb.
On Tuesday, The American Elders and I went to meet with the Lawyer and get our papers for being able to stay here in Spain. We saw alot of things. One of them was a man getting hit by a scooter and then both of them walking away and just driving off. It was really close to us. About 5-10 feet away from us. But then while we were waiting for more papers, a man came up to us and said, " I have one of your Mormon Bibles. Why is it different? Why do you have another bible? Why why why??? It was really cool because between the 4 of us, we were able to answer the questions that he had and then, I just happened to have a small "military" English BOM and was able to give it to him. My first Book of Mormon. Cool huh.
Anyways, The Lord is blessing me and I know that he loves me and what I am doing here.
On Wednesday, Elder Kopishki from the Area 70 of Europe came and spoke to us last night. He stressed the importance of Obedience. He stressed the importance of our work here in Spain. I can´t tell you how great this talk was. He did a question and answer thing. His understanding of the Gospel brought him such great joy. His smile invited us to really love him. I am always amazed at how happy people are. I rededicated myself to obedience and to my mission last night. I rededicated myself to being the best person I could be. Not to just settle for something that is not my ultimate best. I am a missionary of the Lord and I have been called to Spain for a reason. I have a work to do that can only be done through the way the Lord would have it done. I have to rely on the Lord. This is what I know. This is what I would share with you.
No matter how hard things are, there is only one place to turn. This is to the Lord. I know that this is the only place where you can find lasting peace.
Karin: Thank you for the letter. I love to get mail. Thanks for the good news too! Exciting!!!!!
Sister Sanborn: It was so good to hear about the progress of Jon. Wish him well!! He will be a great missionary!!!
Dad: Thank you so much for your letters. Thanks for the update on Grani. I would love to see pictures of everyone!! It is always good to see and hear about the family!
Marissa & cameron: Have you fallen off the face of the earth. How are things going?
Grani: Glad to hear you still have your spunk. I am always greatful for the things you have taught me. I am constantly refering back to the times that we had together this past summer and thoughout my life. I love you and I am so greatful for your shining light of truth.
Quinn: Start preparing now. Be obedient. You don´t have to know why all the time, but it is so important to start developing that habit of obedience. You are a great person. So excited to hear about your Varsity!! ConGrats BRo!!!! That is great! Play all the time. Rock at it!!! Don´t even miss your opportunity!! One day I would like to get a letter from you, but I know you are busy!!! I know you are also the best brother in the world. I am suprised to find out how many people were actually watching my example while I was younger, Remember this. Remember this. It is so important.... GO FIGHT WIN: BE AWESOME
Mille: HEy girly, I hope you are working on your YW medallion. There are things in there of great importance. Always do what you are supposed to. Learn lots. Finish strong in your school cause next year you will be in High School!!!
I love you all.
Shayla, you are great! I can´t wait for you to be here. I wish I could see you, but you never know. Maybe somehow when they split Bilbao- We would end up being in the same mission. I know, this is a stretch!! But You never know.
Love you
Hermana Skouson
one more thing!!!!
Trelese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that is all.
Hermana Skouson
Oh boy, this week has been tough. Mainly because of the spanish. I am struggling. Having native companions is really helping, but it is still really hard. I am having to find how to say things with my limited vocabulary of just about 300 words, if I am lucky. But I can ask for directions if I ever get lost. The problem is that I wouldn´t know where they are telling me to go if they did explain it to me. But we just laugh about it and learn to move on.
I have been thinking this morning about why this week was so difficult for me. I have been looking back on this week and realizing that I could do so much more. I am currently listening to the talk by Elder Bednar about¨"Tender Mercies of the Lord." I remember my first year in College, when I was struggling, Aunt Shawna talked with me on the phone or wrote in a letter, I can´t remember now, but she said, "take time every day to find the tender mercies of the Lord." I have not been doing this and I have noticed when I do not have the gratitude in my life, I am not able to work as hard or to do the things that the Lord would have me to do. When you take time to recognize these tender mercies, you recognize how in control of your life he is. When I was in the temple this morning, I came to the great understanding that my Heavenly Father really does love me. And accepts me even if I struggle with my spanish or do not fully understand the gospel. I am striving to be better and my heavenly father knows the deep desires of my heart. I know that it is only through him that we will be blessed with the knowledge of what we can do to become better and be the people that our heavenly father wants us to be. And yes, it is hard, but with faith our father will lead us to know what needs to be refined and taken out of our lifes. It is hard, but I knew it would be hard. It is not physically hard, but more spiritually hard. But just like with your muscles, you must push them to the limit for them to become stronger. I know that I am being pushed to the limit in some aspects of my life right now. Especially with patience in the fact that I cannot express what I desire to express to others. I knew this would come, and now that it is here, I am relying on the Lord more than ever. My companions for teaching are Elder Keller, Elder Johansen, and Elder Pyne. Elder Keller got to leave and go to the field on Wednesday. We are officially allowed to be in Spain now. What a relief. Anyways, the other two that are left are Elder Johansen and Elder Pyne. We are struggling to get our message across to the people we are teaching, and I know that when we prepare the lessons and put in as much work as we possibly can, we will be blessed. And I have seen this in our teaching. Words come to our mouths, that I either have never heard before, or didn´t really understand the meaning of the word. What a blessing for me. To see faith working. It is amazing. I have never had to rely so much on the lord. I cannot really express myself to my personal companion and the only person that I know that knows exactly what I am going through is my Savior. Can I just tell you, it is such a blessing in my life, The talk and the research I did for my "farewell talk" has encouraged me so much. The Atonement is so real to me. It answers so many of lifes questions. I KNOW my Savior loves me. I know this on a personal level. What a blessing to me to get to know on a very deep level the importance of the Atonement. (Thanks Codi for those great quotes. I look back to them often.)
Okay, Sorry about that little rant. But this is what I am about.
Okay, So some interesting things.
This coming Sunday, I am singing in Church. I am singing "Where can I turn for Peace". This is streching me, but one constant thing that I love is Music. It is my solace. It is my understanding of how my heavenly Father Loves me. I love the hymns more then ever. Especially because it is a main portion of what I listen to on a daily basis. I am excited to sing this song though. I love it and the arrangement is superb.
On Tuesday, The American Elders and I went to meet with the Lawyer and get our papers for being able to stay here in Spain. We saw alot of things. One of them was a man getting hit by a scooter and then both of them walking away and just driving off. It was really close to us. About 5-10 feet away from us. But then while we were waiting for more papers, a man came up to us and said, " I have one of your Mormon Bibles. Why is it different? Why do you have another bible? Why why why??? It was really cool because between the 4 of us, we were able to answer the questions that he had and then, I just happened to have a small "military" English BOM and was able to give it to him. My first Book of Mormon. Cool huh.
Anyways, The Lord is blessing me and I know that he loves me and what I am doing here.
On Wednesday, Elder Kopishki from the Area 70 of Europe came and spoke to us last night. He stressed the importance of Obedience. He stressed the importance of our work here in Spain. I can´t tell you how great this talk was. He did a question and answer thing. His understanding of the Gospel brought him such great joy. His smile invited us to really love him. I am always amazed at how happy people are. I rededicated myself to obedience and to my mission last night. I rededicated myself to being the best person I could be. Not to just settle for something that is not my ultimate best. I am a missionary of the Lord and I have been called to Spain for a reason. I have a work to do that can only be done through the way the Lord would have it done. I have to rely on the Lord. This is what I know. This is what I would share with you.
No matter how hard things are, there is only one place to turn. This is to the Lord. I know that this is the only place where you can find lasting peace.
Karin: Thank you for the letter. I love to get mail. Thanks for the good news too! Exciting!!!!!
Sister Sanborn: It was so good to hear about the progress of Jon. Wish him well!! He will be a great missionary!!!
Dad: Thank you so much for your letters. Thanks for the update on Grani. I would love to see pictures of everyone!! It is always good to see and hear about the family!
Marissa & cameron: Have you fallen off the face of the earth. How are things going?
Grani: Glad to hear you still have your spunk. I am always greatful for the things you have taught me. I am constantly refering back to the times that we had together this past summer and thoughout my life. I love you and I am so greatful for your shining light of truth.
Quinn: Start preparing now. Be obedient. You don´t have to know why all the time, but it is so important to start developing that habit of obedience. You are a great person. So excited to hear about your Varsity!! ConGrats BRo!!!! That is great! Play all the time. Rock at it!!! Don´t even miss your opportunity!! One day I would like to get a letter from you, but I know you are busy!!! I know you are also the best brother in the world. I am suprised to find out how many people were actually watching my example while I was younger, Remember this. Remember this. It is so important.... GO FIGHT WIN: BE AWESOME
Mille: HEy girly, I hope you are working on your YW medallion. There are things in there of great importance. Always do what you are supposed to. Learn lots. Finish strong in your school cause next year you will be in High School!!!
I love you all.
Shayla, you are great! I can´t wait for you to be here. I wish I could see you, but you never know. Maybe somehow when they split Bilbao- We would end up being in the same mission. I know, this is a stretch!! But You never know.
Love you
Hermana Skouson
one more thing!!!!
Trelese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that is all.
Hermana Skouson
Monday, March 8, 2010
Espana week 2
My english is getting worse and worse as I am speaking more and more español.
me in front of Madrid Temple.
Okay, Let us begin.
Last week was a bad note to end on. Sorry I sounded so down to the ground low. I was tired and needed a sister, but she didn´t come until Wed. Anyways. To all those reading...Especially the moultons, I had a momento o silencio ayer for Shayla. I have found out that she will come into the Spain CCM the day after I leave. But some people have been having travel problems, so I might be able to pull something out of my sleeve to have to stay one more day. BUT, I dont think it will happen. But Shayla, you are doing great!!! I know this is hard, but it is worth it. Love your companions.( P.S. would someone forward this to shayla through Dear Elder. Nothing better than getting mail in the MTC. Makes it easier knowing someone loves you.) Find the good in them, because you will come to Madrid and have a native companion, and then you won´t be able to do anything else, except love them.
I have a companion now. She got here yesterday. Her name is Hermana Garcia. She is orginally from Bolivia and moved to España 10 years ago. (maybe, she doesn´t speak any english, so with my limited spanish this is what I understood.)
my comp hermana garcia
I love my Hermana so much. They are a very touchy feely people here in Spain, I am gettting more and more used to being touched and kissed. Still weird. But I am learning to love these people. They are cute and great. My companions and I have decided that in my room, I will only speak español and they will only speak english. This way, we can kind of be able to understand eachother. And if we forget, 5 cents goes into a jar, and then when we get ready to leave, we celebrate. This is very difficult, but I am learning to speak much more. I said "comó se dice" to one of the sisters and she said, "no, no, no, hermana, no, no, no, (I thought I had offended her or called her a bad name or something) , but she said, " hermana, we are in España. No comó se diCE, hermana, lo es dithe (with the theta. Really hard to explain in words, i really have to say it." Anyways, so I am learning much about pronounciation and about new and more vocabulary. I listen alot, and they are inclusive with me often. Always asking, "¿Comprende?" and other things like that. The hard part is if I don't understand, they usually explain it again in spanish, or try to explain it in english, but for alot of them, their english is worse than my spanish. so we all have limited vocabularies, but we are working hard to try to understand eachother. They are sooooooooo nice and I love them so much. 
Entonces, I went with the sister missionaries on Saturday. Usually, all the missionaries go together to the park and we talk to people and try to share the gospel with them, but because I didn't have a female companion, I ended up going with some of the sisters in the madrid mission. They are sooooo nice. Shayla, you will love them! I told them all about you and they are so excited to have new sisters. Especially for you. They love you already. I am trying my best to make sure that everyone knows you and all about you, so you can just have the best time possible here in Madrid. But, I am going to warn you, I have been told that the Barcelona mission is el mejor mission en el mundo. And I think i will have to believe them on that one. Sorry Charlie!!! But you get some of the bilboa mission that will bring some of the pretty north country into the mission. (love you shayla). TANGENT:: So I went with the sister missionaries and we have a blast. Just knocking doors and pretending I knew what I was doing. It was a really good experience. :hermana schiffler and nockles who are madrid missionaries and took my out tracting on saturday.Anyways, I have to go soon, I will tell you more sometime. Send me questions, letters, packages, pictures, prayers, etc. I love it here. I love the people and I love the opportunity I have to learn Español. I am getting better. But still have a long way to go. The Hermanas are soooo Helpful. Anyways.
Love you lots.,
in Sol in Madrid ( the city center near a fountain)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Twice in two days
Dear Family,
Well things are going really well. I definately miss having real companions(sisters). I spend a lot of time watching. It is much quieter than Provo. There are 5 French missionaries here. Some of them speak english and we try to have conversations, but it is rough. I am learning lots about intrapersonal relations. I had gym last night and it was difficult because they went and played basketball and invited me, but because I am a sister, I cannot actually play basketball with the Elders. So I played the piano. I really would love it if you could send me some music. Especially classical. That book of Music by the Masters would be a dream. I LOVE THAT BOOK. It is the one with both covers missing. The notes are small.
We went down to Sol today (city center) and walked around. I finally found somewhere to buy shampoo and conditioner. I paid over 10 dollars for the both. I think it came out to 7.5 euros. My savings is going to be wiped. NO bueno. I am becoming more accustomed to the not so strict schedule here at the CCM. It is hard because I have alot more time to think, but I think after the first couple of days, I will be raring to go.
We went to the temple this morning, it was weird because they played the session in French and we had headsets that could play it in 12 different languages. I listened to it in Spanish. Oh boy, did i have a headache! Met a Sister Merrill and Brother Merrill from Mesa who are serving in the Madrid Temple mission. They were wonderful. They said they knew of some Skousens. I love it when either I know people or they know of my family. Makes Madrid not seem so far away.
Address:
Centro de Capacitación Misiónal
C/ Templo 2, 4A Planta
28030 Madrid
España
They say that mail takes normally 7-10 days to arrive here. Would love some letters. But if it takes to long I will also give you my mission address.
Barcelona Misión de España
C/ Calatrava 10-12, Bajos
08017 Barcelona
España
Sorry this letter is so sad. I just miss being able to talk with sisters. I am working hard and trying to get along with the Elders. It is just hard because my two companions are really good friends and I am a sister, which most elders equate with not being able to talk to, so we are working to get over this fall back. But you know what, it will all work out. There are 10 spanish sisters coming in next Wednesday and President said that one of them will be my companion. I cannot wait until that point. I LOVE SISTER MISSIONARIES. Things are going well though. That is good. I also slept for roughly 10 hours. The jet lag is coming and going. I should be good by friday. But ya know.
I love you all and am trying to keep busy!
Sister Skouson
Well things are going really well. I definately miss having real companions(sisters). I spend a lot of time watching. It is much quieter than Provo. There are 5 French missionaries here. Some of them speak english and we try to have conversations, but it is rough. I am learning lots about intrapersonal relations. I had gym last night and it was difficult because they went and played basketball and invited me, but because I am a sister, I cannot actually play basketball with the Elders. So I played the piano. I really would love it if you could send me some music. Especially classical. That book of Music by the Masters would be a dream. I LOVE THAT BOOK. It is the one with both covers missing. The notes are small.
We went down to Sol today (city center) and walked around. I finally found somewhere to buy shampoo and conditioner. I paid over 10 dollars for the both. I think it came out to 7.5 euros. My savings is going to be wiped. NO bueno. I am becoming more accustomed to the not so strict schedule here at the CCM. It is hard because I have alot more time to think, but I think after the first couple of days, I will be raring to go.
We went to the temple this morning, it was weird because they played the session in French and we had headsets that could play it in 12 different languages. I listened to it in Spanish. Oh boy, did i have a headache! Met a Sister Merrill and Brother Merrill from Mesa who are serving in the Madrid Temple mission. They were wonderful. They said they knew of some Skousens. I love it when either I know people or they know of my family. Makes Madrid not seem so far away.
Address:
Centro de Capacitación Misiónal
C/ Templo 2, 4A Planta
28030 Madrid
España
They say that mail takes normally 7-10 days to arrive here. Would love some letters. But if it takes to long I will also give you my mission address.
Barcelona Misión de España
C/ Calatrava 10-12, Bajos
08017 Barcelona
España
Sorry this letter is so sad. I just miss being able to talk with sisters. I am working hard and trying to get along with the Elders. It is just hard because my two companions are really good friends and I am a sister, which most elders equate with not being able to talk to, so we are working to get over this fall back. But you know what, it will all work out. There are 10 spanish sisters coming in next Wednesday and President said that one of them will be my companion. I cannot wait until that point. I LOVE SISTER MISSIONARIES. Things are going well though. That is good. I also slept for roughly 10 hours. The jet lag is coming and going. I should be good by friday. But ya know.
I love you all and am trying to keep busy!
Sister Skouson
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Dear Stewart and Devonna Skouson.
We are happy to send you this picture of your daughter and let you know that she got here ok. She has already played the piano and we are excited to have her here. She is shown here with Elder Keller and Elder Johanson, my wife and two of the teachers that will help her during the following 4 weeks that she will be with us. We go to the temple in the morning and then we get to work. We will send updates.
President Douglas Earl
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