Week 27 (12/13/11): body builder?

Hellooooo

 

So..transfers are NEXT WEEK!!!  Time is seriously flying by so fast!  I'm sort of not ok with it right. :)  I will get transferred on Dec 22.. hopefully I will still serve at the Trail Center, but you never know.

 

I don't talk much about the tours I give at the Trail Center, so here is one..  I took a family of 6, 3 generations, Parents, their kids, and their kids..all adults.  They were all non members.  They, like most, came in for the gingerbread displays.  I talked to them about the history of the area and they were interested.  Then as I took them on tour, I of course brought the gospel in, and the Plan of Salvation.  I felt prompted to share my testimony of the Plan of Salvation as we were in the memorial room looking at the temple and the cemetery.  The spirit was strong.  They began asking questions.  By the time I had finished the tour, 3 of them took a copy of the book of Mormon and one is currently meeting with missionaries.  I later found out that the oldest gentleman was a Pastor and had been most of his life.  He was one of the three who wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon. SO COOL!  The spirit is so strong at the trail center.  I love it.  You try to give a book of Mormon to someone on the street and they think you're crazy (they're generally right)  BUT the trail center is a whole different deal...

 

We decorated the Marlers ( less actives for like 40 years..who have now been coming to church for the past 2 months!!!!) Christmas tree with them and their family ( also less active) We taught about the Savior's birth. It was such a neat night.  I love them. They are a LOT of fun.  I told Brother Marler to find dad on facebook...I may be sorry later...

 

There was an old lady at the Trail Center ..and when I say old..I mean like 95??  She was PLAYING the piano.  I was so nervous when she came in I thought she was going to kill over.. next thang I know.. shes all over the place on the piano!!!  I couldn't believe it. I thought surely I had taken too much Day Quil or something.. totally reminded me of dad... of course not the old part. just the real good at the piano part... :)

 

Weird weather here... its snowed like crazy.. and then all melted..THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS!!!!!!!!  :)

 

I think my companion may be a body builder???  I don't know... I'm still trying to figure it out....... its weird. but I love her.

 

ok.. I gotta runza. Love you all....

Week 26 (12/05/11): burrrrrsies

Hello!!

IT:S SO COLD!!!!!  Why didn't anyone tell me it was going to be cold???  :)  Our cars were grounded on Saturday.  It was exciting/kind of annoying.  When the roads are so bad, they ground all the mission cars and we can't drive anywhere.  Which I'm fine with, because I'm the one who has to drive!!  Yikes.  BUT the snow is beautiful.  It's definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!  

Speaking of Christmas...wasn't the First Presidency's  Christmas Devotional amazing??  Wow.  I loved it.  Our polish guy said it resolved all of his concerns!  WOOHOO!!  The power of the spirit is incredible.  Nothing that was said, was anything he was concerned about.  But the feeling that had as they were speaking, he KNEW they were men called of God.  So amazing.  

We have been teaching a lot.  Freezing a lot. and having fun. a lot.  I am so excited for Christmas.  We are going caroling with Heather's, (our recent convert who just left on her mission) father.  We are so excited.  He is so much fun.  He reminds me a lot of dad.  

Not much happened this week..or at least I don't remember much.  It's all a white blur. a cold white blur. 

Sorry this letter is a total snoozefest.  I'll try to write down the exciting stuff for next week.  My p day will be on TUESDAY next week.

Remember, you never stand taller than when you do something that you don't want to do.  Get out of your comfort zone...and GROW!  :)

I love you all.  mucho.

Sister Atkin

Week 25 (11/28/11): clownin' around

Hellooo!

 

Oh geeez.  I don't even know where to start this week. 

 

I forgot to follow up with you on the tour with Elder Golden.  It was AMAZING!  He is incredible!  To answer your questions..no. I did not get interviewed..BUT I was asked to bear my testimony at the end of the conference, for the whole mission.  and Elder Golden. No big deal.  AHHH I wanted to throw up.  Whats new..I know.  But after all was said and done..it was an incredible experience and opportunity I will never forget.  I am so grateful for that invitation.  I took lots of notes and learned so much.  The main thing I walked away with..is WHERE IS YOUR FAITH!  and TRUST IN THE LORD.  We hear these things ALL the time, but when you're doing what the Lord wants you to..we just need to relax and stop worrying.  EVERYTHING will work.  We just need to TRUST! 

 

I've been praying my entire time in Skyline for a member's less active son who has been in and out of jail and is just a hot mess.  Last night, we were teaching his girl friend(who is not a member) and the son just happened to be there (as he is out of jail)  We had the most powerful spiritual experience.  The father bore his testimony and the son was in tears, as were we.  He had never had the opportunity to share these things with his son (who is adopted).  We set the girlfriend for bbaptism in January and after the lesson the son thanked us and said he couldn't wait until Saturday (our next lesson) Miracles are definitely happening in Skyline!!  I called President and told him all about it and then he asked me if I had any questions..and I said yes.  Just one.  What are the chances of me staying in Skyline for another transfer??  He laughed..and said..not very good, but keep praying!  :) 

 

Ok, so Thanksgiving??  WHAT A TRIP!!  Me. Sister Unice.  The Furr Family.  Single mother with 10 adopted special needs children. Craziest day of my life. I have some pictures I'll send.  It was so fun!  --Thanks for the Dixie Salad :)  One of the boys hated me.  Everything I said he would roll his eyes.  I was trying to figure out how to make their ice machine make ice..and I was talking to my companion and I said " how do I make the ice??"  the kid came up to me and he was like.."ARE YOU SERIOUS??  YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO MAKE ICE???  I don't know why God made girls, they don't know ANYTHING!"  haha  my laughing didn't really help the situation.  BUT on the other hand..one of the other boys kept signing to me that I was his girlfriend and followed me everywhere. and yes.  we have lots of pictures together.  :)

 

I met a guy that went to clown school. and has his "clown degree".  For reals?  He showed me his licence.  "Tickles the Clown".  gross.  He also attends a clown convention once a year.  Where everyone goes in their git up.  This is a thing I think I would enjoy attending.....

 

 

AND before I forget..or Kim sends me another email in ALL CAPS RAGE :)  .. here are the Christmas deets....

 

For Christmas this year any of things would be GREAT...

Bobby Brown Make up (mom knows what I like...)

Jillian Michael's work out DVD's

Very Sexy Mist from Victoria Secret...totally missionary approved.. :)

Stationary

PICTURES OF EVERYONE!  I send pictures..it's only fair I get some back...

AND LAST but definitely not least...for everyone to attend the temple EVERY week...

 

You can send stuff to the Bartletts, where you've been sending stuff... but Transfers are on Dec 20.  So anything sent after the 17th, needs to go to Mission Office, because who knows where I'll be!

 

11930 Arbor St STE 203

Omaha, NE 68144

 

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!!  I LOVE YOU!!!!

 

Sister Atkin

Week 24 (11/21/11): jack FROST

Holy. Smokes!!!

 

It's cold.  Why didn't anyone tell me it was going to be cold here???  ha.  When I tell the members I'm FREEZING, they laugh, and tell me "just you wait" with a smirk.  I'm so not excited. Just thought I'd throw that out there...

 

SOO this email is going to be SHORT!  Not a whole happened this week.  The Gingerbread Festival at the Trail Center started today.  And it smells sooooo GOOD!  I'll take pictures of them and send..they are AMAZING!  These people are serious about their gingerbread.  I'm not kidding.  It's an ACTUAL calling ...to be on the Gingerbread Committee.  hilarious. 

 

We started teaching this young girl, we'll call her Jane, and now her MOM wants to start taking the discussions after talking to her less active neighbor (who we also teach) ...  SO COOL! 

 

I heard Heather Furr called you guys to get my favorite Thanksgiving recipe??  She is the CUTEST!  She was just baptized a year ago and leaves for her mission to IDAHO in 2 weeks!!!  She is a superstar.  I love that girl.  We will be having Thanksgiving at her house with her non member parents who are HILARIOUS!  We always have a good time. They have also invited this family over who have adopted TEN  SPECIAL NEEDS children.  I cannot even imagine.  This is going to be one BUSY Thanksgiving.  I'm excited for the new adventure, but will miss our traditional family  Thanksgiving that generally consists of too much food, sleeping, and the infamous sharing of the inappropriate things we are thankful for.  I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!  and you miss you all soooo much!  I hope you enjoy it and make it a special day for someone.  We are all SO loved, and so blessed.

 

MUAH!

Sister Atkin

Week 23 (11/15/11): no shave november

Hello!!

 

I was just thinking..its about this time of year that Dad forgets to shave for several weeks at a time.  Sooo DAD!  It's time to start growing your santa beard. You grow yours and I'll grow mine.  :)

 

This week has been AMAZING!  It seems like I say that a lot..but it's TRUE!  We set a darling girl for baptism on December 10!  She can't wait.  WEEE can't wait! :)  She is friends with a couple girls in our ward.  She is 17 and has led a pretty rough life.  She has found peace and comfort as she comes to church and she feels at home. Of course she does!  THIS IS HOME! 

 

In Relief Society they had these two girls sing "When He Comes Again" and I started bawling my eyes out.  It totally reminded me of Kimi's Farewell.  And I started missing my family..BIG TIME!  BUT don't worry, its not the first time.  Good thing Heavenly Father has been blessing us with so many teaching opportunities to keep me busy and focused!

 

Elder Golden of the Seventy is coming to speak to our mission tomorrow!!  I'm so excited!  He is going to interview 3 missionaries. I want to be one of the missionaries so bad!  What an incredible experience that would be. I have been preparing ALL week for this conference.  He is also going to do a training for all the leaders...( trainers included ) so I get to be apart of that too!

 

I got my boots and a big fatty coat so now I'm a LITTLE bit more ok with winter rolling around. :)  I can't believe it still hasn't snowed yet..BUT i"M SOOO OK WITH IT. 

 

I know cross dressing is frowned upon..but seriously, sometimes I think it would be SO much easier if we were in white shirts and ties... because that = mormons.  Two girls in long skirts= Jehovah's Witness's. SO ANNOYING.  Everyone and their dog thinks we're JW..even when we introduce ourselves and MISSIONARIES from THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST of LATTER DAY SAINTS.  Maybe this is something I will suggest to my Mission President...  :)

 

Walked 5 miles in my little cowboy boots.  bad idea.

 

You know its time..WAY passed time..when your less active says:

" oh sister atkin! girrrl when yous get a weave???" 

me: haha I didn't!

" sister atkin!  yous cannot lie to me!  yous an angel of God and you gots yoself a weave!"

me: listen, annette...I don't have time to get a weave..nor the $$$  I just REALLY need a haircut... ( then I let her check out my hair..)

"sister atkin..girrrl. yous have GOT ta git yer hurrs cut."

 

aaand this is the story of my life. and I love it. 

 

The gospel of Jesus Christ not only blesses lives, but it changes lives.  Rory is a man that was recently baptized in our ward and his story is INCREDIBLE.  There is no way he would still be here if he hadn't met the missionaries.  His story is touching and it is real.  Check it out.. http://mormon.org/me/52T0/ 

 

I love and miss you all so much! 

Make someones day today..

 

Sister Atkin

Week 22 (11/09/11): Donny and Marie

It's me again.... 

 

I forgot to mention that this week is transfers. TODAY actually..but good news.. I'M STAYING SKYLINE!!!!!  Best. day. ever.  I'm leaving my district, which I'm SUPER sad about it.  Those Elders are hilarious and I love them all!  I've been with them since I got here..so I guess its time to make new friends!  Oh..and I'm staying still training Sister Unice.  Which I'm also excited about it.  She is totally crazy...and this is why we get along so well.  I love that girl.

 

MIRACLES!!!!  So many are happening here in Skyline.  It's crazy.  When I got here we had a teaching pool of ZERO.  It's been hard work, but we have 2 people set for baptism and are now teaching THREE families and have THREE appointments set up with members and their friends who already want to be baptized!!  and we haven't even taught them anything yet!  I'm so excited... We are so so SO blessed to be trusted with having so many teaching opportunities!

 

A few night ago we were following up with a man we had given a mormon.org card to. His son invited us in (because it was FREEZING) and the wife was like "WHO ARE YOU???" and we told her.. and she said "we aren't interested, we're Christian!!"  and I said, "thats wonderful!  We are too!  and she said "@#$45 6$%&%^*  GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!  YOU'RE A CULT AND YOU THINK YOU ARE GOD!!!! "  It was terrifying.  I'm thinking about sending her a Finding Faith In Christ DVD... :)  I know she said she was Christian...but..lady definitely needs Jesus.

 

We were serving in the Trail Center yesterday, and Sister Proctor(SO AWESOME) is sitting there waiting for someone to come in.. and shes like " OH WOW.. ok.. who is this?  This is someone famous?  Yeah? No? WHO IS THIS GUY?"  These two guys walk in and are SO friendly and come right up and shake our hands and ask us our names...blah blah anyway we find out one of the guys had serve his Mission here about 6 months ago.  Well while he and his cousin were talking to Elder Watson (the Director) it hit me.  He totally looks like Donny Osmond!  We all starting laughing and cracking Marie jokes.  I told Sister Proctor when she take them on tour just keep calling  him brother Osmond.  We were laughing pretty hard. (easily amused out here in the mission..i know..)  Anyway.. long story short..She starts the tour and asks them their names..and he's like oh Thomas and Justin Osmond.  WE LOST IT.  hahahaha  They were totally related.  Made my day.

 

Fast and Testimony meeting this week including the following...

Stories about warts

kids teeth turning black

"the church is better here than in California"

and than some other REALLY great testimonies.

 

I love this work and I love the Lord.  Have an AMAZING day.  Love and miss you all!!!! 

and Nikki... GIVE EM HEAVEN!!!!  :)

 

Sister Atkin

Week 21 (11/01/11): ghost busters

Hello My Little Monsters...

 

This week has been nutso.  So crazy busy. I love it. We had exchanges last week and for the first time I left SKYLINE!  It was scary/exciting.  I went to Ralston.  So..let me help you understand what that means.  I went from country clubs to ghetto thugs. SO SCARY.  I've been so spoiled in Skyline that a common everyday event totally freaked me out. But don't worry.  I lived and was able to laugh it off.  We were talking to black guy by his trunk about prophets or something... and this drunken girl comes stumbling out of her apartment and is yelling..  @##$%$%&*&$^$#!!!!!!!  I didn't know who exactly she was talking to... but then the guy we were talking to ended up being her boy friend and he starts laughing he's like "Baby baby relax, its the MORMONS!"  and shes like I don't care who the #$%$#%^ ... you get the idea. So we start to leave and crazy chucks her keys at me and starts clawing at her boyfriends face while trying to chase after us...hahaha  its funny now.. but.. was absolutely terrifying at the time.  I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK!  :)  But we actually did have a pretty cool experience right after.  We tracted into this woman who had met with the missionaries before and she had had a very difficult experience with her mothers death and she was upset with God and long story short..the spirit was so strong that was willing to let us teach her how to pray.  and she DID!  It was so amazing. She felt so good.  We felt so good.  And she wanted to set up another appointment.  AMAZING. 

 

Ok so this week in District meeting, Elder from Space, who is now im my district, (I'm sure you remember him from past e-mails...) had all of us in tears.  He was talking about an investigator who they have been having trouble getting a hold of.. well I guess they FINALLY called them back and told them that she thought there were ghosts in her house and she wanted them to come and get rid of them.  and this was his reply.. "Who do you think we are??? GHOST BUSTERS?? We're missionaries."  haha  and he was dead serious.  I have been laughing about that all week. 

 

Also, I had a dream. I have been SOOOO blessed to get my favorite candy from all my favorite people and thus I am literally swimming in pumpkin reeses.  and am NOT complaining.  Anyway. Back to my dream. I was at the grocery store with one of our recent converts (who just got her call to IDAHO :( haha.  I totally get it.  )  and there were reeses on EVERY isle.  It was like super market sweep and I was opening as many bags as I could I was eating all these reeses and I'm pretty sure by time I had woken up I eaten at least 400.  I woke up and seriously felt soooo disgusting.  and you better believe I checked to see if I chocolate all up in my sheets.  good news.  it really was just a dream.

 

I've given up on my journal.  

 

I need Christmas music!!  I can listen to ANY Christmas music as long as it "directs my thoughts to the Savior"  sooo I'd like to invite you all to be creative and see what you can find.  Maybe Local Natives or Mumford has a Christmas album???  pleasepleaseplease 

 

I got Jen's article!!  SO AMAZING!!  and SO PROUD!!  She is so beautiful and so talented. I love that girl. and miss her. 

 

Ok well..I gotta goooo

 

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Sister Atkin

Week 20 (10/24/11): lack of weird things..

Well Hello!!

 

Let me just begin by saying... I am in the library right now... and this kid next to me has his head phones on and is listening to birds chirping.  He is laughing so hard. I don't know what he is watching..or what is going on. I am so confused/entrained.  I'm having a hard time focusing...

 

Sooo this week has been great!  We decided to have a scripture study class to help out those who have a hard time understanding the scriptures.  We had our cute little Polish guy there, a less active member, a recent convert, and 3 ward missionaries all at our Ward Mission Leaders home.  It was amazing!  The spirit was so strong as everyone was reading about Jesus Christ and then teaching and testifying to one another.  It was a totally success!  It totally made my week seeing everyone be strengthened, uplifted, and inspired.  IT WAS AMAZING!

 

We had a cleaning day at the trail center. and..Fauntelle, you would be so proud of me.  I VOLUNTEERED to dust.  Mainly because I knew I would be getting out of the gross stuff...but still.. :)  Anyway..it was great.  Afterwards, for working so hard to get everything cleaned up so nice, they surprised us....and let us watch 17 MIRACLES!!!  It was sooo amazing.  Holy smokes.  Talk about making stories come alive.  It made me feel so grateful and honored to be called to the Trail Center where I could share those sacred experience that those faith saints had.  It was a very powerful and moving film.  If you haven't seen yet...SEE IT!!!!  It will change your life.

 

My comp is great.  She is weird. Just like me.  So we get along great. :)  Its like we're SISTERSS!!  haha. just kidding. bad joke. geeez its already happening.

 

We are carving pumpkins today with our zone..and making ugly sweaters tomorrow with our district.  I'M SO EXCITED!!!!  I love my district. So much. 

 

Hmm I can't really think of anything else...I didn't really write down all the weird stuff that normal happens to me...and I've already forgotten!  I'll do better this week.  I PROMISE!

 

I love my Companion. I love Skyline.  I love Omaha.  I love Nebraska.

but most of all...

 

I LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!!!!

 

Have an amazing week! 

 

Sister Atkin

Week 19 (10/18/11): burnt offerings

Hello!!

 

Ok. I know I've said this before..but this week really was the BEST ever!  So much has happened.  I hate putting details on here..so  I'll leave those out.  BUT I'll still share the highlights!

 

>Our Polish guy we have set for baptism is HILARIOUS!  He came into the trail center for a tour and a lesson and we asked him how he was feeling about his baptism.  He said, "well, I'm not scared, because I can SWIM!"  Then later as I was talking to him, he said, "Whoa. You look different. I better go."  and he seriously left!   Then he called us today and said he was sorry he left...but that the light freaked him out... hahaha  I have no idea what he's talking about..because most of the time I have trouble understanding what he's saying with his thick accent.  But..he's doing great!

 

>I was walking down this driveway..looking up..for ANYONE to talk to..and the next thing I knew I was falling. hard.  Stupid acorns are EVERYWHERE!  SO embarrassing. I was hoping have have some huge battle wound..but don't worry..just a little scratch on my foot.

 

>Speaking of battle wounds..the bruises are gone.. not an SOS guys...I'm FINE.  haha I promise. 

 

>Our less active who hasn't been to church in over 40 years...has come the past two weeks and he bore his TESTIMONY!!  It was amazing!!!!  and inspirational! and soo powerful!  He is hilarious and reminds me sooo much of dad. I love him.

 

>This week at the trail center we had our Area Seventy come along with Sister Dalton (General YW President) Sister Wixom (General Primary President) and Sister Thompson (General RS 2nd Counselor)  It was AMAZING!!!  I got to meet and talk with all of them.  and I cried when they left.  They all have such a strong spirit.  It was am incredible experience.

 

>Remember that gross spider paper by our front door???  While..we found a mouse on it. Don't worry..I have pictures of that too... :)  Actually I think its s vole?  Or something..It looks like mouse but has a mole face?  I don't know.. its weird. 

 

>We tracted into this MEAN black lady.  When we knocked..she said who is it???  and we said.. THE MISSIONARIES!  and he was like aagghhg #$%^&*^*  YOU MORMONS!!!   $#%^%$&&(   hahaha.  It was hilarious/terrifying.  It made my day.

 

>My adorable comp...Sister Unice...burnt chicken in the microwave.  It was BLACK. and HOLLOW. and we smelt for days.... 

 

>And the best thing ever...WE GET TO CHAT!!!  We have a 6 hour shift every week where we chat with people on mormon.org.  It is sooo amazing!  I love it.  It takes me back to the days of msn...  We answer ALL sorts of questions, talk to creeps, and teach lessons! 

 

  Ok well this is long enough.. I love you all and wish you the BEST!!

 

Sister Atkin

Week 18 (10/10/11): mr president

Hellohellohello!

 

This week has been crazy busy!  We have been tracting our little hearts out.  My companion wants to kill me..I'm sure of it. :)  We are so excited with this whole mormon.org thang.  The billboards or so cute and everyone, member or nonmember, are loving the commercials!  Now we're just looking for people to teach!

 

I had an amazing experience at the Trail Center the other day.  I was just sitting there, waiting for someone to come in, when I saw this kid about 19 years old walking by outside with his backpack on. I got so excited thinking he was on his way in..THEN he just kept walking past!  I thought..WHAT THE HECK!  WHERE IS HE GOING???  So i got up and started walking towards the door..and my companion said, "What, are you gonna chase him down?" and then I thought..well YEAH!  Why not?  So I ran outside, and said "HEY!!!! Where are you going?" and he said.." home?"  I asked him if he had ever been inside the Trail Center before and he said he hadn't.  So I asked him if I could take him for a tour and he sure.  So he came in and it was the most amazing tour ever. EVER!  The spirit was so strong he was in tears and he said he had never felt Jesus before in his life.  He said he would never forget that experience. He is now currently meeting with the missionaries.  Miracles happen at the Trail Center.  I love it. 

 

The Hales have gone home to Salt Lake.  They are one of my favorite Senior Couples from the Trail Center.  You might remember me talking about Unlce Fred or...Uncle Phred as he spells it.  The funniest old guy.  I'm sure going to miss them.

 

Its been REAL windy...I have daily Marilyn Monroe moments. 

 

I heard Steve Jobs died.  Thats sad.  All I thought about was how excited Tyler must be to meet him..  :)

 

I've been waking up with bruises ALL over.  Its the weirdest thing.  I don't get it...

 

This is getting long.  Just know that I love and miss you all..but I'm LOVING and LEARNING so much!!!

 

Thanks for all your support! 

 

Sister Atkin

Week 17 (10/03/11): one jump ahead of the hitman

Oh!  HELLO!

 

Friends, Countrymen, Romans, LEND ME YOUR EARS!  This week has been nothing short of AMAZING!  I can't tell you how excited I am to still be serving in Skyline!  I seriously love it here.  I could stay here FOREVER!  The weather warmed up for a bit, but its starting to get chilly again.  The leaves are all changing and its BEAUTIFUL!  Sorry I've been slacking on the pictures.  I'll get them out TODAY!  

 

Soo...TRAINER??  I'm a hot mess..trying to figure out with the heck a "trainer" is supposed to do..BUT I'm somehow doing it. ( Just being thrown into things...story of my life. :) ) We have been SO BUSY!  My new companion, Sister Unice is great!  I think she hates me because I make us going tracting EVERY day.  Most Sisters are ANTI tracting..but the truth of the matter is...we can't teach people if we don't find them.  SO...waiting for members to find people is clearly a bad idea.  The Lord has prepared these individuals..and they can run..but they can't hide.  We're gonna find em.. :)  

 

Conference was simply amazing.  Conference on the mission is like Christmas.  I can't believe I just said that..but its true.  It was weird not sitting in my PJs on the couch falling asleep with cheetos in my mouth.  We watched it at the Stake Center and the spirit was so strong.  President Monson is incredible.  He is so real and down to earth.  I love him.  President Uchtdorf's talk, Forget ME Not, at the RS broadcast???  WOWOWWWOOOO.  SO good.  If you haven't watched it yet...do it.  It will open your eyes and change your life.     

 

Things here are wonderful.  My back is better.  My head is spinning.  My heart is full.

 

I love you all so much.  I hope you know that.

Thanks for your prayers...

 

Sister Atkin

Week 16: BIG Time News (9/28/11)

Hellooo

 

Ok..so today is TRANSFERS!!!!  and I just found out what is happening...like 5 min ago.  I"M TRAINING A NEW SISTER!!!!  Sisters have never trained that soon before but with the new training program they think I'll be prepared... ahhhhh I am so excited/so scared out of my mind,  This is a HUGE responsibility.  I don't feel prepared at all.  I'm just a big goof and now I've GOT to be an example.  I guess I knew this was going to have to happen sooner or later... :)  Her name is Sister Unice.  She is from Utah.  and thats about all I know about her...I meet her tomorrow.  YIKES!!!  So..I am staying in Skyline..and I'm SO Excited about that!  I love this area.  and I LOVE the ward!  President said that Skyline is THE hardest area of the mission.  My guess is probably because everyone is so dang rich.  I mean FILTHY rich.  BUT I love a challenge.  I know I have a LOT of HARD work ahead of me.  I'm going to be DRIVING!!  I haven't driven in MONTHS!!  So many things are running through my head right now.  I can't even think!  I'm so grateful for the opportunity but I'm going to need some SERIOUS prayers. Thank you for all the packages and letters.  They really mean so much.  YOU HAVE NO IDEA!  I'm going to be real busy the next 2 transfers so my emails are probably going to be short.. :(  I love you all so much but I've got to go!!!  I have SO MUCH TO DO!!!!  

 

MUAH!!!

xoxo

Sister Atkin 

Week 15: Chicken Little

Helloooo!

 

So the work here in Skyline is finally starting to move again!  Woohoo!  We've been meeting a lot of new people and had some interesting conversations.  I love it.  These people just have the most interesting lives.  It's inspiring really. We have a Polish man set for baptism.  He is so excited. WE are SO excited.  We had Stake Conference on Sunday..I think it was the only Stake Conference I've ever been to...in my life..because lets be honest..Whenever I hear CONFERENCE..I hear FREE DAY!  But.. of course..I don't really have a choice.. :)  It was good though.  Long. But good.  I think it just felt long because a) it was. and b) i hurt my lower back digging up these trees for a widow. We got the hard chairs..no bueno.  BUT I've been going to the doctor like everyday this week.. OWWW  but its getting better. with the help of some muscle relaxers.. :) 

 

its so cold. i hope i'm still alive come spring.

 

We were talking to some Elders..by our car...and a birds body comes flying down from the sky and flops on the ground by our feet.  withOUT its head. WHAT THE HECK!!!!!!!!!!  Weirdest thing in my life. or... i guess a 'weird thing' would be a more accurate account.

 

We went singing to some women in a home with dementia.  It was the saddest/most amazing feeling ever. They were sooo out of their minds.. but as they felt the spirit as we sang it was like as if they were whole for that short minute.  Its amazing..and I don't know how to explain it.  All I know is the spirit is incredible and so powerful.  and so real.  I LOVE IT HERE!!!!

 

I know it is by the small and simple things that help us to progress and become all that we desire. DO SOME GOOD!!!!!  Love someone today.  They need it. Trust me. :)

 

Alma 37:6-7

 

Love you ALL. SO MUCH!

 

Sister Atkin 

Week 14: white girl problems..

Hello My Beauties! 

 

This week has been MUCHO better.  I found my planner...and lost my white handbook..which contains all the "rules"  OOOPSIES :)  Don't worry though..I'm sure it'll turn up..ha. 

 

SO..I was in desperate need for some hair love..and went in search for the goods.  I was told about this HUGE beauty supply store with posters all over.."you can't miss it!"  so..way didn't miss it..  We pulled up and it was BLACK BEAUTY.  I looked in the winderrr and saw rows and rows of black mannequins and weaves. great. just my luck. I'm still on the hunt....

 

I've found like 6 gray hairs. SO DEPRESSING.  Its happening....

 

I was serving in the Trail Center last week and I looked out the window and I saw ALL these motorcycles!  Then I see like 20 bikers in their leather chapps strut in.  I greeted them..and they're TEMPLE RIDERS!!!  They've been riding their bikes all over the US visiting all the Temples.  It was the coolest thing.  I took a picture of one of the bikes.. I'll send it.  Dad will love it. Maybe he could join them with his Ruckus??? ha  just kidding.....

 

I think my scriptures are getting smaller... I don't think I could grip them before... maybe? I can't remember..

 

I am in love with the storms here.  It gets SO dark.  The wind blows SO hard.. and it rains like CRAZY!!!!  Thunder like you wouldn't believe..and the most incredible lightning shows...LOVE IT!!!

 

There is Quilt Show going on at the Trail Center..Mom would LOVE IT!  I'll take pictures and send them... they are truly inspiring.  Its no secret I don't have one domestic bone in my body..but these quilts just make me want to do something CRAZY! 

 

Mom's letters are so funny. I laugh every time. thanks mom.. :)

 

The latest mission movement...NO MORE MEMBER MEALS.  bummer.  but hopefully well find more people to teach!

 

Well that about sums it up this week... General Conference is coming up...and I'm so excited...ha But really..I am.  I would hope you were all preparing yourselves to seek personal revelation and have your hearts softened to be open to the direction we will be given.  We ALL have room to improve and progress.  Thats kind of what life is about.... LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! 

 

xoxo

Sister Atkin

Week 13: here comes the sun..

Well Well Well....

 

This has been a great week.  Our Mission President has changed the focused for the next few weeks to be on mormon.org.  We are having a HUGE media blitz here in Omaha! They will be running commercials on all the main stations, billboards, and radio ads.  ITs going to be REAL BIG!  So we have been meeting with all the members and giving trainings to prepare the members.  Pretty exciting.  I have a profile...     http://mormon.org/me/4ZWG/         Ya'll should make one...or at least check out the site.  :)

 

We've been doing physical therapy with a woman in our ward who as MS.  It is the most humbling experience.  My heart just aches for this woman.  It is the saddest thing thinking just years before she led a healthy normal life, and now she is confined to a bed and can barely move.  I am so grateful for EVERYTHING the Lord has blessed me with. 

 

I saw my first homeless in Omaha... he had a little braid..it was so cute.

 

When you open the door of our car...there is dead fly sitting there..and its been there since my first transfer.  I look every day to make sure he's still there.  He was gone yesterday. I was devastated.

 

Gotta run... love you all.  so so much!

 

Muah!

Sister Atkin

It's cute and needs to be on there

Marci wanted this pic on her blog because "it's cute and needs to be on there."  Of course I will put it on for her.  Also, week 8 is obviously suppose to be after week 7 but for some reason it is mixed up and I don't know how to fix it.  I will keep trying!

Week 8: another week....

Hello..

So. Another week down. It's hard to focus when EVERYTHING around me reminds me of Tyler. Its rough. BUT I've been blessed with a lot of work to keep me busy. I've been at the Trail Center a lot lately.  I have to admit..I love it.  Its been such a blessing to be there especially at this time.  I've been able to teach and talk with so many individuals..and I've LEARNED to much.  I love it.  The Senior Couples here are so amazing.  I love them all!  Everyone here is WAY into Genealogy...so you should be getting a big ol fatty book of relatives..just what you've always wanted.. :)  AND some cool stories of theirs too!  My ward here is amazing.  The members are so great.  I hope I can stay in Skyline for awhile!  I don't have too much to say this week...but just know that I love and miss you all so much.  AND I'll be home NEXT Thanksgiving :)

Sister Atkin

Enos 1:27

Week 12

Hellooo

Ok. so. I'll just be real honest..this week was ROUGH. like...real rough. Every single appointment we had fell through.  We worked so hard and didn't get to teach at all.  SO frustrating. and SO humbling. So.. needless to say..I"M SO EXCITED FOR A NEW WEEK!!!!!  :) 

There was the cutest family come into the Trail Center that was from Saudi Arabia.  Long story short.. They are incredible people..and referred themselves to meet with the missionaries.  It was such a neat experience. Those people have so much love and are so beautiful.  He is going to medical school here and she is just working and raising their little girl.  She was all in her Indian get up.. shawl and everything.  I loved it. and it made me want to watch Aladdin...

We are also teaching a Jewish woman.  a VERY DEVOUT Jewish woman.  She reads from her Jewish Hebrew Bible..and wears her prayer shawl to sacrament.. its all very interesting.  and I'm learning lots. believe me... :)

So I found out that the bird that lives above us..that is so loud. every day.. his name is Larry.  Larry BIRD.... seriously?

I ran away from 2 different skunks in the past week. If I get sprayed...I'm going to lose it....

I was sitting in the back room reading my scriptures at the trail center...because we've been so slow.. and I texted one of the sisters at the Trail Center.. and said.. "come rub my feet?"   as a JOKE of course... and the next thing I know.. she is on the floor with lotion and is RUBBING MY FEET!!!!  I love it here!!!!  Prayers are answered so fast!!!  haha.

So I guess thats about it for this week. I love and and miss you all!!  and I really do meant that.... :)

MUAH!

Sister Atkin

Week 11: oh.my.HAIL.

Hello my beauties!!

This week has been nothing short of WONDERFUL!  My new companion, Sister Jenkins, is great!  She if just what i needed.  But..isn't that how its supposed to work??  :)  She is my follow up trainer.  I am still the Jr companion and still training.  I did however have to give a training in district meeting...which went great!  But I'm still just hanging by the tail coat of my companion..or whatever that saying it..ha. 

SOoooo the weather last week was NUTS!!!  Yes dad..the news was right!  We had baseball sized hail and all the cars are dinged up real bad.  bummer deal.  Lots of cars had windows bust, but ours was fine...thankfully!  The power was out forever and there were trees knocked down all over.  That was the night we had the departing testimonies for the missionaries who were leaving and we had to do it by flash light..it was pretty cool actually.  The weather warning thing was so annoying and kept going off.. and I went down stairs to look at the tornado tunnel that we have.. and I was coming up the stairs I said, "I wish something crazy would just finally happen..but that no one would get hurt.."  and as soon as I said that my companion was like.. AHHHHH and it sounded like the 4th of July..but louder..and scary.  SO COOL!  :)

We are working with this lady who is AMAZING!  We invited her to read FROM the Book of Mormon.. and we went back and followed up with her.. she said "Well I tried to read the whole thing before you came back.. but I realized I couldn't do it!  So I just started reading every other book so I would have a good idea of what was going on..." ahhh I love this lady!  She has definitely been prepared!  We are excited for her! 

So I was talking..or laughing.. or singing.. I can't remember which..All I remember..is that a HUGE bug got stuck in my throat and I starting CHOKING!!!  WHAT THE HECK!  so grossed out.  I can't for the bugs to be gonzo.  It is starting to cool down..YAY!  The weather here is perrrfect!  I love it. 

I found the cutest store here.. (gik..ky.. you would loove) its called the giving tree.  It has all these cute vintage dresses for like $8!!  I love it!  You'll have to check it out when ya'll come to Omaha! :)

Ok.. so pictures??  I've lost my camera charger.. sad day.  so theres going to be a stall on the pictures for bitty..  BUT if anyone has an extra GPS hanging around.. and they don't know what to do with it...that would be AWESOME if you'd like to share for..ohh... 14.5 months..  (ps did you know my mission is only 17.5 months??  :)  ) 

I think that about wraps it up.. I love you all so so much.  Like you wouldn't even believe.  MUAH!

xoxo

Sister Atkin

Week 10: its bacon....

First things first...

TRANSFERS!!  are tomorrow..BUT I know who my new companion is!  I'm sad to see Sister Larsen go..but she needs to find a man.  So if you know a guy.. :)  She's great..and has promised to send me all sorts of goods..we'll see..  sooo my new companion is Sister Jenkins! and..I will be staying in Skyline!  I am so excited!  The Sisters here are so great though..I would be happy to serve with any of them!  The work here is going great.  I am loving the ward and all the members.  They make me feel at home.  I love it.  The weather here has been beautiful! I think I might be in love with Omaha...maybe.  I'm sure I'll have a different attitude once winter rolls around..ugh.

So..I saw this place, and it was called Long Dog Fat Cat.  That is the WORST name for a Chinese Restaurant.  I couldn't believe it.  What kind of sick person would do that???  So...two days ago..we drove by again and I noticed it said something under the Long Dog Fat Cat.  It said Organic All Natural Pet Food.  Jokes on me.  But I felt a whole lot better about the name...

We had some members buy us chocolate bacon.  I was so excited.. thinking it would be chocolate..in the SHAPE of bacon.  wrongo.  it was DISGUSTING..and I don't recommend it. ever.

Last week we went to Joslyn Art Museum. SO COOL!  I felt so cultured and smart.  It made me want to be ambitious..and do something spectacular!!!  Be then I thought..naaaa.  It was a great experience though.. :)

So I think thats about it for this week..We keep having this powerful lessons where the spirit is so strong.  It is the most amazing thing. Just when you think your testimony couldn't get any stronger...it does.  and I just keep growing.  I love it.  I am so in my element.

The gospel is the best party everrrrr!  Invite EVERYONE!  :)  haha..ok.. I'm done.

Love you all!!! so so much..

Sister Atkin!

Week 9: Visions.....

HELLO!!

This week has been nothing short of amazing.  First of all I just want to say I am sooo sorry i have been horrible at writing!  Things have just been crazy.  BUT I'm back..so is the work.  So..plan on hearing from me.. :)  aaaand.. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the letters, the packages, and the love. It really means so much.  It has truly helped!  If only you could all just stay here with me..things would be perfect.  So things in Skyline have been pretty slow..so Sister Larson and I decided to do a SERIOUS 24 hour fast.  The miracles are STILL being thrown our way.  There is so much power in fasting and prayer.  We are teaching a new girl..and shes DARLING.  She reminds me soo much of Kimi. Sara, the girl that was just baptized..her mother came to church with her this week!  TWO of our recent converts have decided to go missions...and we are having great success with our less actives!  Things are so good!  Transfers are next week!  I can't believe it!!!  I've already been out 2 months!  CRAZY!!!  (my p day will be Wednesday next week...fyi)

So.. cool things that have happened this week...

1. Uncle Fred.  He is one of the Senior Couples here.. and he is HILARIOUS!  He is old and walks slow..and is pretty fragile.. and he thinks its funny to pretend falling.. and well.. I guess it is funny. /absolutely terrifying. he just laughs.

2. I thought I lost my scriptures at the Library last week..and cried by brains out.  I begged Sis Larsen to take me back the next day..and they were THERE!!!  so... false alarm.  My scriptures are back!  woohoo!

3. We got lost. Around a lake.  Don't ask me how that happens... its round. I know this..but neither of us had our glasses on..and there were all these forks on the trail!!  and it started getting dark!  I kept seeing fireflies in the dark bushes and there were huge trees everywhere..no civilization to be seen...and it made me think of Harry Potter.. and I started freaking myself out.. and then a HUGE deer jump in front of us!! IT WAS TERRIFYING!!!  but i guess its funny now.. sort of.

4. I have been having visions. of cinnamon rolls. for like 3 days.  i smell them everywhere i go.  this is NOT a hint to send me some.. heaven knows that is NOT what i need.. :)  THANKS for the healthy treats though!!  I LOVED THEM!! 

5. I always thought I was patient...until I started taking tours with children. Oh. My. GOSH!!  I can't do kids. It's bad news. Sorry mom and dad...... :) 

Ok.. I think this is long enough..Just remember...you get blessings for writing missionaries... you know who you are...  :)

Love you all so so so much! 

Give em' Heaven..

Sister Atkin

Week 7- All Is Well

My Loves,

 

I honestly don't even know where to start with this weeks email. My mission thus far has been nothing short of wonderful. Thursday, I was in such a funk..all day.  I didn't know why. I just had such a heavy heart for absolutely no reason. It was the very next morning I was called into the Presidents office.  I had no idea why. I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. But still felt sick. When President said he had some bad news, I knew immediately it was Tyler before he said anymore. I don't remember much about that day. I have never felt so sick and hurt and mad and confused and lost and emotionally and physically exhausted in my life. I had so many questions.  So much to say. President Kunz gave me a blessing that I will never forget.  I also had the opportunity to attend the temple. I cannot express the overwhelming amount of love I have felt.  As much as I want to be there with all of you, I KNOW this is where I need to be. Tyler was a HUGE part of my decision to serve a mission.  I know I would not be here if it wasn't for him. He continues to help me and I feel his spirit with me here in the mission field.  I don't know how I would ever be able to handle such an event, without COMPLETELY relying on the savior and his infinite atonement.  I have never felt the comforting and healing power of the atonement more in my life.  My heavy heart has been made light.  I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for Tyler. He always has.  As does he have a plan for all of us. I know Tyler lived life to FULLEST!  and accomplished more than any of us in just his short 25 years here.  I know he lives and I know he is in the spirit world doing what he does best, teaching and learning. I hope we can all continue to learn from Tyler, and commit ourselves to live, love, and learn.  I love you all so much. I have felt your prayers more than you will ever know.  I know that it is through our Heavenly Father and and His Son Jesus Christ that we are made strong.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve and to share my testimony with those who have been prepared to receive the message of the restored gospel. I know I will see Tyler again. The Plan of Salvation is real, and is Gods plan for us. 

 

Mosiah 16:8  But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

 

I cannot explain what has happened to me this week.  All I know, is that the sting of Tyler's death has without a doubt been swallowed up in Christ.

 

I love you all so much. I hope you know that. Stay strong. I pray for you all. ALWAYS.

 

Sister Atkin

Week 6- farmers tan in my white t shirt

Hello Hello!

Ok!  so..sorry about the delay in emails/letters!!  Its crazy busy here. BUT..I love it.  My p-day switches from Monday to Tuesday every week.  So you won't hear from my until Tuesday next week.  Mom..I love your letters..everyday.  You crack me up.  Yes, things sound like they are going great...but thats because I leave out the serious details.  Everything isn't as wonderful as it seems.  I have a farmers tan from sand bagging...I'm in desperate need of a manicure...and I had to buy cheap shampoo. :(  SERIOUS SACRIFICE!!!!!!  :)  But other than that...things really are SO AMAZING!  We have a Jimmy Johns here??...YEAH..I'm so spoiled .  So I work in the Trail Center about 4 days a week for 6 hours.. and the REST of the time I'm out teaching.  I took my first tour at the TC with non members.. and I CRIED.  It was so amazing and so spiritual.  I love the people here.  Such big hearts and so much love.  I've been in some of the most humble homes I've every seen..and the people are just so grateful for everything.  It's been a really neat experience.  I try to journal these things but I seriously have NO time. Its just gogogo all the time.  Which is what I need.. :) 

Ok.. so my mission mama challenged us to pray EVERY day..for THIRTY minutes..for a MONTH.  She said it changed her life.  Completely.  I took the challenge and I will tell you..straight up.. DO IT.  You will feel so much closer to Savior and feel of Gods love for you in a way you have never felt before.  I hope you will all take the challenge as well...and document the change you feel.  and REMEBER it.  and continue to give thanks and offer heart felt prayers. My testimony of prayer is strengthened everyday.  I rely FULLY on the promptings of the spirit to keep me safe and to use our time to find the people God has prepared to hear the Gospel. ok..I'm done preaching.  But..its kind of my job..so deal with it.  :)   I gotta make cookies for a family we met the other night!  I hope you're all doing well!!  I pray for you. every night.  MUAH!!!!!

xoxo

Sister Atkin

 Sister Larsen.... Me!

 Bad news for more than one reason!

 Elder from space...

Haha.

Week 5

I"M ALIVE!

Ahhhhh i'm in OMAHAAAA!! The Kuns picked us up from the air port..and I LOVE THEM!  They are truly the most inspiring individuals. I'm excited to get to work with them.  soo omaha? i'll admit..i'm pleasantly surprised.  It is SO green and SO beautiful here!!  Its like I'm in Europe..but in stead of everyone having BAD teeth..they have NO teeth. I love it. The weather here is not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.  I actually don't mind the humidity at all!  My skin is LOVING it!  I need a tan though. so bad. So we pull up to where I'll be living.. and I feel like a princess.  I totally lucked out.  We live in the basement of the Stake Presidents beautiful home.  Of course I have to go through the back yard to get in...and walk by their AMAZING pool. everyday. soo not fair. but i'm over it.  FIRE FLIES!  They're everywhere!!  and they never get old. I love it!  Oh! When we were flying over Omaha..we saw all the flooding. SO sad. It's a hot mess ova heya.  I'm in the Skyline area so I don't see much flooding.  I'm in the wealthiest part.  So the work is mainly through member referrals. ok..so my companion/trainer.. Her name is Ashley Larsen.  and I love her!  Shes so great! Shes from Arizona. Shes 23. She wants to be a school teacher. She loves wearing my clothes. and this is her last transfer.  I'll have to turn over the Skyline area.  and I'm terrified.  So I have a good 5 weeks to get to know EVERYONE in the ward before she leaves.  I love the Ward Mission Leader Brother Davis.  He is hilarious and such a nerd!  His wife is beautiful and so poised.  She has the best posture of anyone I know.  She reminds of those ritzy ladies on the titanic. They have the cutest little kids too.  BYU success story..THE Davis's.  So we had our first baptism on saturday.  It was amazing. It was  young girl named Sara. shes 17. The rest of her family is Catholic.  The have not been supportive AT ALL..but showed up at her baptism.  I didn't know I would be speaking at the baptism until we got there. I may have had a  mini panic attack.  BUT we talked about the restoration of the gospel since her parents were there.  and again..the first vision has moved me.  As I quoted it.. the room which was FILLED with people was absolutely silent.  The spirit was SO strong. I don't think i've EVER felt the spirit that strong in my entire life. I knew Sara's parents felt it too.  When her dad first walked in he was so unfriendly and would not make eye contact with anyone.  By the end of the baptism..he was shaking hands with everyone and stayed for another HOUR and just talked to members.  It was so neat to see his complete countenance change.  He showed up to her confirmation on sunday too. 

Another experience I JUST had... we prayed over a list of individuals who we felt we needed to just "drop in" and see..and both felt like we needed to see this lady Mary.  We planned on going and seeing her at 1:00.  Through a series of events we ended spending longer at our other appointments and in result were an hour late to Mary's.  As soon as we got out of our appointment..Mary had called us..and left a message crying.  She has cancer and we thought she may have gotten some bad news. We told her we were on our way.  When we got there..she was in tears.  Apparently her and her boyfriend had gotten in a HUGE fight.  He ripped her phone of the wall and stole her car. Her mom ran to the neighbors to call the police on him.  Mary ran to another neighbors house and called us to come over.. but we were already planning on that..she just didn't know it. We got there, and she told us what was going on..I was TERRIFIED!  I thought for sure he was going to come back with a gun or something and shoot us!  BUT..then I realized. We were protected. Which is why our plans got messed up and we weren't there for the fight.  We knelt down with mary and her mom and prayed with them.  Then we sang i need thee every hour.  The spirit was so strong and we knew she felt comfort and safety.  She is so sweet and felt told us how that she knew there was a God...and she knew that he sent us to her..  SHE'S SO CUTE! I wish I had time share EVERYTHING with you.  But I'm having so many spiritual experiences.  I am so humbled to see the lives and living conditions of these people.  We are all sooo blessed. You have no idea. 

I love you all so much! 

xoxo

Sister Atkin

 Me. Sara. Katie. Sis Larsen

 Closest I've been to a man in awhile

Me and Sister Larsen (Second Companion)

Week 4

Hello Hello!!

 

sooo this is my P day...for today..weird. i know.. two in a week?  i'm ok with it.

 

Well i'm in week four and I'm so ready to bust out of here! I'm so over it. But, I've learned so much and I've had the most amazing experience this week.

I've really been praying about Joseph Smith and the first vision. And through a series of events, I have felt my prayers being answered LOUDLY. Yesterday, when I was quoting the first vision in our visitor center training, the spirit was so strong and I knew it was true. It was such an amazing experience and such a testimony builder. So if there's anything that you are questioning or are unsure of just ask and listen. And I know you will receive an answer. Okay enough with sappy sap.

VIVI DIED???????????????????????????????????? Saddest thing ever!!! Has anyon talked to Linda? Are you going to the funeral? If you do, please send them my love.

I'm so glad I got all of those things when I did.

How is Daisy? Tell her thanks for the letter. I miss her stupid tongue and crazy ears. and snotty bubbly nose.

Dad, how did things go with uncle Kent? did he give you the gas? and did you love it? I feel like i already know the answer to all of those questions. Baaaaaaaaah I'm so excited to talk to you clowns on tuesday!!!!! and you all have my new addresss, so make sure Kimi gets that.

I still love my companion. Like CRAZY!! Her ginger hair is my favorite ever....plus Kylee's. She is actually typing this for me because I am the worst at typing, and we have like zero time on these computers. and all of the letters are rubbed off on the keys. FML. *LML.

I'll talk to you more on Tuesday. Thank you for your letters. Y'all are amazing. and i keep you in my prayers.

  MUAAAAAAH!!!

 

sister marci atkin

Week 3

Hellooooo!!!

Ok so the weeks are FLYING by!! It's crazy!! I have one week left here at the MTC for visitor center training and then I'm OUTTA heeeya for OMAHA!!! I'm actually kind of excited. but don't tell anyone. I was talking to one of the teachers here who just got home from my exact same mission.. and she said i will LOVE it!! She said President Kunz and his wife are CRAZY! She said they always say such inappropriate things..and they're hilarious. She said sister Kunz is ALWAYS trying to set everyone up. sooo sounds like we're all gonna get along just fine! ha. I'm so excited. 


I'm flying out on July 5th at 10:31am. Delta Flight number 2466. but DON"T come..because I'm the freakin TRAVEL LEADER and have to keep everyone in line and make sure they don't meet up with their families..and all that jazz..sooo mamas gotta set the example... BUT I can CALL home while i'm there!!!!!! WOOHOO!! so send me a calling card and I'll CALL YOU!!! I was asked to take the new mission presidents and their wives around the MTC.. it was SO COOL!!! I loved it! They are such amazing individuals. They have such a love for EVERYONE! and you can literally feel it!

what to send to omaha?? Mom.. could you just send my purple blanket..sheets and pillow..just bed stuff ya know.. and..MAYBE the receipt for those garments?? I'd like to see if i can trade them in for the silky ones.. :) and I think thats it for right now.. THANK YOU!!!

I'll send soem pictures when i get to omaha..I don't have time to send anything on these computers..I literally have like 20 min. so annoying. but ok.. gotta run.. LOVE YOU ALL!!! MUAH!!!

sister atkin!

Week 2

Helloooooo

Week 2....still sooo great!! Everyone still has gas. But it's good. its breaks up the silence in class. :) I am still learning so much! I love the spirit here. Its amazing. I haven't missed my phone, facebook, tv, my music... its weird... but i'm sure all of that will change once i leave the MTC. I've been to the provo temple twice now..and I love it! So many things are starting to make sense. THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!!! :)

I've been sick the past few days.. missed some class. Its that dumb cold thing that I get at the start of every school year..ya know? ugh. i'm feeling MUCH better though. Lots of day/night quill! :)

We have this class called TRC where we teach "investigators" most of them are members who volunteer...but some are REAL investigators! this is their job! So we've been teaching this lady Hely Mesa. She is the cutest! I love her! Shes from Guatemala and we had the neatest experience with her. SHE'S REAL!! We read scriptures with her that applied directly to her and what she has been feeling.. and she broke down in tears and said THAT IS ME! My soul has been racked with torment! We invited to get down on her knees with us and pray about the feeling she was having. She only felt comfortable praying in spanish. My companion and I had no idea what she saying.. but the spirit was soo strong! and she was crying through the whole prayer! Then she began to say "wow wow. this is REAL? this is REAL! I have so much respect for you all and what you do. this is real!" then she would say.."we gotta quit talking! I'm starting to believe!!!!" haha shes so cute! It was soo neat. We are going to talk to her about the atonement this week..and invite her to prepare for baptism! I'm so excited. I know this just going to be a little glimpse of what I will experience out in the field.

ALSO! I don't know if i mentioned it.. but last sunday in relief society Pres Monson's daughter spoke to us all about him and his life. It was really neat to learn more about the prophet. My companion and I were asked to escort the New Mission Presidents and their wives around the MTC..and give them a tour!!! We're so excited!! We are doing that next week! They are also releasing the MTC president and Announcing a new one.. so next sunday we're expected to have the entire 12 here!!! Pres Monson!!! I'm so EXCITED!!!!

and no mom... you cannot send too many letters... :) they don't get mad. just my district gets jelly...but i can deal with that.. I LOVE IT!!! ha. THANK YOU for all my packages! And thank you Kimi for all my CARDS!!! i love them!!!

Mom could you send my addresses for the ward people who sent me money?? fifes, dorothy, betty, those lady's??? THANK YOU!!!

ok I gotta run.. LOVE YOU ALL!!! MUAH!!!!

sister ATKIN!