September 23, 2013

Dear Faimly,

Hey how di day???

This week has been a very full week of working hard. Elder Vinson for the Seventy came to Liberia. We had a wonderful Zone Conference about How to be better missionaries. Our APs talked to us then President Kirkham who talked to us about Member Presents. Then we heard from Elder Vinson. He gave us the simple instruct to not only listen to what he has to say but what the spirit says and testifies to us. This conference i really tried hard to listen to that still small voice. At first there was nothing but as i tried harder i had thoughts put into my mind that i had never really thought about before. It was cool to be there in this conference. Elder Vinson is straight up powerful. If you read about his conversion story it is really cool as well. Sister vinson (Elder Vinson's wife) told us more about that. That he was a strong man inside his church and she converted him and now he is a General Authority. Really a sweet story. He knows the scriptures backwards and forwards especially the Bible and Old Testament. He talked about "considering our Ways" in the book of Haggai. Very wonderful to hear his great instruction. 

After the Conference he then decided to do Apartment Inspections. He only had time for about 3 apartments but Mom you should be very proud. President and Sister Kirkham walked in taking pictures to show what a clean apartment should look like. They all were very impressed with our kitchen and floors and really everything. Let me just give a quick shout out. I just want to thank my Mother for teaching me know to clean things good, and her mother my grandmother for teaching her. Ya we got an A+.

This week has also been a good one inside good ole Doe Community Branch. We are teaching a women from Sierra Leone and i be learnin de krio small small. She has had a problem with smoking and drinking in the past. When we were on Exchange with the APs Elder Willis and i decided to change our lesson to The Word of Wisdom the second lesson and wow what a change she has made. She came that sunday into church almost yelling at me that her body had never felt better. She says she could breath so well and her mind was clear. Really just another testimony to me to how important Gods commandments are. She is truly talking and using the Atonement in her life.

Yesterday at our PEC meeting the Branch President President Slamie gave us an Assignment. Becuase i have almost been inside Doe commuinty for close to a year, i happen to know most of the people inside the branch. Here in Liberia we are just starting to get solid records and they are finally going in the computers.There is a lot of missing information which my companion and i are going to go out a get from many of these members. It might even be my last week inside Doe Com. Hopefully not but transfers are next week. I guess we will see. If so its a great oppourtunity for me to see everyone before i go.
 

Thank you so much for getting me that information about the Military. I would definitely go the officer route, but one last quick question to clear my mind small. Would i be able to stop after those 4 years of service or still have to remain in? I would like the military to pay for my schooling where ever it may be. And then start my own career after sometime. and Do they pay you for your service every year the 45000 or just the years you serve??

Dont worry i am still working hard as i can. I love you all so much and thank you for the amazing support you have for me.

Love,
Elder Skouson

P.s. Its coming to be dry season. Will you send me Aloe Vera?? Gold bond medicated powder?? and Gold bond lotion ultimate healing with aloe vera. Food seasoning especially (spaghetti and chicken seasonings). 

P.ps. Happy Late birthday to ELder Harper and Happy birthday to ELder Fisher.