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