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
