September 9, 2013

Hello Mi Familia,

This week has been a great week just to let everything out. No pun intended. No but seriously its been great to get some time for some extra study and just building my testimony. I have never been one who knows everything about the gospel and trys to know deep doctrine but i know that the gospel is true. I had the opportunity to read a few Liahonas general conference additions. I still just got a major gospel talk crush on Elaine S. Dalton. I'm not really sure why but i think it is just those simple sayings that she talks about that just really hit the spot. Mom i can remember you always quoting things like that so that probably why it has such a profound effect on me. As we had a leadership meeting in which my companion and i conducted i reflected back on one of those profound simple sayings. This time it was "Whatev'e thou art, act well thy part." We introduced this as our Leadership Meeting theme. It simply just means what ever thing you are doing, do your very best at it. In this talk she was explaining about a time when she went traveling on the BYU folk dance club. At this time she felt very alone and depressed she saw this and it lifted her spirits. (Interesting that i found this quote when i was in a similar situation.)  Well needless to say it too lifted my spirits and made things just come out so much easier. Again no pun intended.  But don't worry i didn't stop just with sister Dalton after she is now released but i have to say my favorite apostle is Definitely Elder Jeffery R. Holland. The way he describes more complex doctrine is easy to understand. I love the talks he gave. If you get the chance Look up the talk he gave at a CES fireside about leaving our religion at the door i highly recommend it. By the way WE NEVER LEAVE OUR RELIGION AT THE DOOR. It very good and talks about the gathering of Israel something like Israel, Israel god is calling?? calling thee from lands of woe???

As you can see i didn't do much proselyting but i did learn a lot. Amazingly we still had many of our investigators come to church. I gave one of our investigators a promise. Liberians have the best excuses of not coming to church, "the rain" " by gods grace". I gave our investigator a promise that if they come to church on time they would not be beaten by the rain. And surely it come to pass, about 10 mins after church had started the rains came down and the floods almost came into the church. Thankfully our investigators were all seated ready to listen and feel the spirit. A total of 9 came and there childern it is so wonderful to see the church progressing so much here in LIB.

Speaking of progression, Kakata has just opened and for the first time missionaries will be sleeping there on Wednesday. Elder Elliott and his son Elder Cooper we be some of the first as well as Elder Harris the great Elder Finau and two more. Hopefully sometime i will make my way out that way. So amazing if you could here about the Branch there. i am sure President kirkham has talked about it but what a miracle. WOW. the Church is True. Not only the Church but the Gospel and atonement of Jesus Christ is real. What profound effects it can have on a person if they just let it. I have been thankful enough to see it time and time again. Many wonderful stories i have witnessed and been a part of. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY, now that i have grown a foot or two.

Notice for future missionaries: I was thinking about it this last week about what a person needs to do before mission. Of course they need to study from Preach my Gospel and the Book of Mormon hard core but there are other things to work on. There is a great quote "People dont care how much you know, until they know how much you care". You can know the scriptures backwards and forwards but if you dont actually care about the person they wont ever listen to the words you are saying. Now how do you do that?? You practice now. Find and listen to the spirit now, if it isnt there fix that problem now now. Go out with the missionaries. GO TO SEMINARY. and dont fall asleep. All these small small things are cruciale to having and being a successful missionary.

Family and friends i love you very much, because of your prayers the sickness has moved and i am back and at them again. Dont worry about me i am doing great. nothing is falling out anymore everything is back in place.

Love,
Elder Skouson

(the white african)

P.s. dad great krio, but you need to work on your kolokwa. Im a liberian not from saleone.(sierra leone)

September 3, 2013

Dear Family,

Well!!!!!!!!!!! WHO IS UP FOR ROUND TWO?

This past week i have not been feeling the best. Now nobody wig out or nothing but. Round two as in Malaria and Typhoid. They are minor cases but about every two week for the last 4 months there are just days when my stomach has been just hurting. So Sister Kirkham finally decided i should go to the clinic. Couple hours of some back laboratory things found out that i "not doing ight".

Mom i dont want you to break out in hives or even stress about it. I just am telling you because you all got mad last time. Just know i will be back to normal in a few days. Just reducing small as people here say. I don't tell you this to worry you just letting you know what i am dealing with. NO WORRIES.

Despite that.... we had a great week the days we went out. On Saturday we were privileged to go to Bro. Johnson Cheas funeral. Before he passed away he was a driver for the Liberian National Police. The LNP showed up with their band which was actually pretty sweet and the prayed and played in memory of the Late Chea. It all was pretty cool. Each of the different sides of his family came and gave tribute. Even my companion Elder Humpherys and i gave our own Tribute. We Sang Hymn #165 Abide with me, and I gave a little speech on his behalf. Just explained that i had known and taught him the simple truths of the gospel. I also explained that we had taught him and he understood that this life is the time to prepare and meet God. It was a great funeral and many people had questions answered. I was just a good time for all.

We have been doing our best as a branch in Doe Community. President Kirkham made a visit to our branch and helped us out with our Branch council. THings are coming on small small.

This mission has really opened my eyes to a few things. I realized how easy it was for me to be able to come on mission with my family and friends supporting me the whole time. Elder Myaka and I had a good long conversation about his conversion to the gospel, how his family really just turned there backs on him. He also had to get all of his passport visa and everything by himself. He told me about the tender mercies the lord showered upon him at the time. Miracle after miracle happen for him as he really tired hard to earn money for his mission.

I love to be a missionary here to hear and live so many wonderfully hard experiences. I know I have been blessed to come here to Liberia at a time with so much missionary progress. Our heavenly father knows each and everyone of us and knows exactly what we need. As its states, Our ways are not his ways and our thoughts are not his thoughts. He will make a way everything will get accomplished. I am excited to be here and now.

I love you all and i am trying to work as hard as i can. Know that nothing will stop this work. If anyone trys its just like sticking your puny arm in a great river and saying that you will stop the work. (d and c 121.) I miss you and love you.

Love,

Elder Skouson

(the white african)

August 26, 2013

Dear Family,

Thank goodness everything went alright. Lets pray nobody else goes under surgery while i am on mission. Its just to stinkin hard for me.

Well this week has been flying by. Elder humpheries and i are working very hard. I have been teaching him how to be a zone leader but he has been teaching me everything you need to know about the Old Testament. We are doing so great. Its been a lot of fun in our area seeing so many people willing to help us in missionary work. We are trying so hard to get the branch to be doing as much missionary work as we are. We have at least 2 branch missionaries come with us each day.

That has been really helpful because with have been dealing with a lot of African culture these past few days. One of the family's we have been teaching are bereaving and its nice to have Liberians to show us how we can express our condolences to the family.

We had the great opportunity to have President Kirkham and his wife come to our branch and give some training that really helped the branch out a bunch. We even saw him and his wife drink a soft drink they said first time in 2 years or more. Pretty cool its even hard for them to turn down food.

Well i am so glad that everything worked out just great. I am so happy that Dad is back at home now to get his rest. Thank you for the pictures even though they were a little disturbing the were comforting at the same time if that makes any sense at all. Not that i didn't believe you its just reassuring to see something.

Marissa i didn't forget. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You and your family are looking great sounds like your not feeling great, just remember its your birthday you can cry if you want to. cry if you want to. or cry if you want to.

Well i have to make this short, but i love you very much i am continually praying for you all. Thank you for all your prayers coming my way i definitely need them. Just know i am working hard, keeping the missionary rules and love the work i am doing. There is really no greater work i could be doing at this time in my life.

Love,
Elder Skouson

(the white african)

August 19, 2013

Dear Family,

This week has really opened my eyes to many things. Things that i need to work on, things i need to remember and things that just don't really matter that much. Us as missionaries we teach about the eternal perspective everyday. But sometimes we don't even know the full extent of it. I pray that everything will go fine these next few days with surgery and everything. I want to know all about it. (cause you know i going to be a brain surgeon when i get back). 

Yes it is true Elder Finau has left me to go out into uncharted territory, Kakata and Harbel are waiting for him as we speak. Elder Humpherys will be my new companion. I will be teaching him how to be a Zone leader as he teaches me to be a District Leader. He is super funny and really smart so i cant wait to learn from him.

We had a great day Saturday participating in the All Africa service Project. We decided to clean some of the main road in Doe Community. Really sweet to see the support we had from our branch as well as many people outside.

My i just say thank you very much for the Packages i received. I got 4. 3 for my birthday packages and 1 from Christmas time from Mikayla. Wooooo hoooo i have been waiting forever for them and they came at a great time. We live the law of consecration for real out here so they are all divide up between those who did not receive any. Elder Finau took most out to kakata with him. Maybe in a transfer i will be out there with him. I don't know but i know that would be so sweet. The field is truly ripe and ready to harvest. President Kirkham told the kakata missionarys to recite Alma 26:22 everyday before the go out. He also emphisized on the Thousands they would bring in. 

One of our Baptismal candidates passed away last night about 8 pm. If you could keep Bro. Chea family in your prayer it would be much needed. We know he is being taught the remaining lessons on the other side of the veil. Truly a great man. 

Thank you for the prayers and thoughts put towards my direction. As i am given new responsiblities and oppunities I difinatly need those Prayers. I really hope everything will be alright with everyone. I know this gospel is true, i am having such a wonderful time out here in Liberia. These things that i have learned will truly bless my life for years to come. 

I love you all and pray for you constantly. 

Love,

Elder Skouson

( the white african) 

P.s. Happy 10 months. hahaha

August 5, 2013

Dear the greatest Family in the world,

Thank you so much for the birthday shout outs. Especially the support I am receiving to keep me out here on mission in best mission in the world. Thank s Grandma for the support you have given me.I know you prayed me to come and serve exactly were i need to be.
Well just because it is my birthday doesn't mean the worked has slowed at all I love the work i am learning so much.

I am still working very hard and am continuing to be blessed. Thank you again for the support. I haven't gotten the packages yet but hopefully soon. Sorry about the short emails but just know that i love you very much.

Love,

Elder Skouson

(the white african)

July 8, 2013

Hey i forgot to tell you i need new retainers for my teeth... they fell apart and got eatin by africa. Also i need a new memory card because i am almost filled my first one. thank you.

Just a few pictures from the area... Sweet-o

i like these two pictures because they are us in action. and these monkeys are sweet. i totally love them.

July 1, 2013

My dearest Family,

Well how di day. This week has been one for the books. At least for the angels and there silent note taking. No this week was a great week. On Friday we got a little view of what this mission is turning into by going into the mission home to pick up a few things. Can i just say WOW. Air conditioning, Sea side view, computers, actual power all the time, and what do you know an actual washing machine.hahah it was pretty abnormal to see one of those things. I can see there is going to be many improvments in this mission when President Kirkham has engaged in the work. Its good to go and see town life every once and a while to readjust to real life. Well to be honest i kind of just going into a modern day coma. 

We have been working very hard to get ready for Saturday. We had a baptismal service that we had to put on and we have been worried about our pump to get the font full. Thankfully our font is outside and i has been raining quite a bit, it really didn't look the pretties but the baptism was able to go on. My Companion baptized Watta H. a young girl who has really improved and become converted to the gospel, L. B. who has had a hard time before with drugs and different worldly things, and an old papa Issac M.. All three of these people really have had to have huge changes in life to turn there life to christ. Isaac massaquoi is a 69 year old man who is just the sweetest guy ever. Every time we pass his house he is doing three things; working in his yard, studying the Book of Mormon, and sleeping. Here is a man who has work all of his life and still going strong. He has a huge problem with ants in his yard and its because of one tree. This tree is about 30 feet tall and we offered our help to remove it. SO Saturday was the day. We gathered up our district for a great hard working service project. It took us about four hours to cut the tree down and cut it into sections using hand axes and machetes. Totally fun thing to do. Now we are all super sore and just beat. Papa Isaac worked the hardest. he would transfer the machete from his hands to his mouth to pick up palm frans. He kind of looked like a pirate when he would do that.

To end this great week we went to a Birthday party for a couple in our branch and thats where the pictures are from. There are very sweet and good to us missionaries. The Zeahns are a sweet family and very strong and active in the church. This missionary work is just so sweet.

We have really been searching for new investigaotrs and praying that the branch would help us out in that regard. From all of our labors these last couple of day the fruits are beginning to be very sweet. Our heavenly father is very mindful of this work and protects us missionaries. I feel more guided then i have ever been before i my life. 

My companion and i are still working out our Coconut challenge. We are learning to stick to our goals. I know heavenly father has sent me to this place to help me see what i am made of. I love this gospel and the help and comfort it provides for each and everyone of us.

I love you all very much. I hope you know i am still sprinting. 

Love,

Elder Skouson

(the white african)