March 18, 2013: Hi There

Dear Family,
Ya Hello!!!!!
SO What a Week! This week has been really great here in Doe Community. We are Finding a lot of families to teach this past few weeks. I LOVE MY MISSION!!!!! I truly enjoy it out here. WE have two families scheduled to be baptized on March 30th. They are the Nagbe's and the Toe families. They both are becoming strong families in the church. There children are loving the youth classes and primary. It wonderful how the people are just so willing to sit down and here what message we bring with us. I really do love my area and its no lie going to be really hard to leave this place. Elder Zolo just got transferred from his area and i just don't want to do that yet. I would seriously be totally fine spending my two years just in Doe Community. But i know in the next couple transfers i will be leaving and going on to "bigger and better things". For me i really want to go out into the bush if i went anywhere.
Anyways sorry just had to put my feelings out there. This past week was very interesting. We went to go and eat an FM. We had a really good duck and it was some really nice potato greens. It was really nice to hang out with the district and just have a meal. I also had some ice cream for the first time in a couple months. It was pretty big too like the size of a McDonald Cone. Didn't taste like that but still. After i ate it, it really upset my stomach. I hope that was just a fluke, because when i get back i getting some on the way home from the airport.
I'm really trying hard to refocus myself on my mission, there are definitely things i want myself to become better at. I'm doing well here in Liberia. Keep sending letters and packages... speaking of packages i received two today. I got one from The Stout Family which i thank them very very much. Also i received one from you Mom. I love you soooo much. Thank you very much. BTW they just changed the rules for emails. We Can email friends too. This is so sweet. So if you would like shoot me an email. No lie this is going to be really weird at first.
I don't have too much time though computers turned off.
I love you so so so very much.
Happy Birthday Mikayla,
Love,
Elder SKouson
(the white African)

Sweet Family of Mine

Ohhhh wooo woo Sweet Family of mine,

Sorry you put 'son of mine' and just turned me back to our high school talent show when we lip synced that song.
Anyway you had a question about rainy days/ season, the only reason we stayed in is because my companion ELder Park does not have boot yet. We normally would still go out even if it is raining. Rainy Season begins like the end of April beginning of may. Not gonna lie its going to be really nice when that happens because it drops a good 15 degrees and about 10 in our apartment. SO instead of it being 92 in our apartment it will be about 82.

So since when does my little sister get hurt????? This cannot happen what the heck? I knew she hurt her knee but an ACL tare. This is no good looks like i'm going to have to coach her from here on how to get back on tract in the least amount of time. If you were here i would run her over to the nearest medicine women and have her do some Ju-Ju and she would be fine in no time at all. Just let me know if i can do anything to help. And btw go to SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY don't go to the awkward old man that just rubs your fingers for an hour and sends you on your way. I really wish i could be there to help.
Umm so we are in the internet cafe we always go to and there is a lady next to me who is sitting in front of the fan. Lets just say she doesnt smell very good and its all blowing straight at me. Sorry ya.

Congrats to Mikayla on getting that job sounds so sweet. Sounds like the perfect location too you could visit your old job at the flower shop as well. Btw Happy Birthday In a few days crazy to think its your Birthday already. I hope it is a wonderful one. How long until you finish your student teaching? And i haven't seen any pictures of you at the temple so if you wouldn't mind i would love to see some.
Question the name popped up again, Who is Deborah Weed? I have a picture of her in my photo album and still i don't know who she is.

So for me i really don't want to eat monkey meat cause i know how bad it can be for me but its really almost offensive to ask what meat is this. I know i will be blessed as i keep the rules so i will try very hard not to eat the monkey meat.

Well this week Missionary wise was very very good. I think i talked about the man who wasn't married Daniel Toe, i know that our prayers have been answered this week because he was married last week on Tuesday and was able to keep his baptism date of last Saturday. It was a wonderful opportunity for him to enter into the waters of baptisms. He is a wonderful older man and his kids and his wife are going to be baptized on March 30th. We are also teaching The Nagbe Family. Richard Nagbe three weeks ago came to church randomly just wanting to know what the latter day saints were all about. He came to the church and just felt the power of the holy ghost and knew it was true. He has brought his family the last two weeks and they are all just so prepared by our heavenly father. We as missionaries have truly done close to nothing. The just soaked up the church just like a sponge.

Its so wonderful to see and look for the hand of the Lord in our day. I would encourage you to look for it to. I know he is here in Liberia helping the people accept the gospel. He guides us missionaries to the people who are ready and willing to accept the gospel.

This week i had this wonderful idea but i need your help to accomplish this. So i was looking at E. Humpheries Miniture Book of Mormon which i really want by the way. Wink Wink Nudge Nudge. And i thought how cool it would be to have people from home Highlight a few versus from The BOM which really have inspired them or hepled them in anyway and just explain how it has on a posted note. That would be totally cool to do maybe pass it around at church for a few weeks even friends from school or people i know. I would really love that if it could happen. Even in letters you could tell me a spiritual thought you have had throughout the week or just anything.

 Well I don't have very much time but i love you all very much and miss you like crazy. If you are ever thinking of me just shoot me a quick dear Elder or a little Email if you are family. :)

For always and Forever,
Elder Skouson
(the White African)

March 4, 2013 Hello Dere

Dear Family,
Olo oh sorry Hello.
So maybe today is Super P-day and i was able to watch MEGAMIND!!!!!!! Wow i almost had forgotten how good that movie was. Well let me start with this morning we first got up at 630 to go and play basketball!!! Maybe if we continue to play every week for the rest of my mission i might be able to dunk or just make a layup. We then has small personal study on the beach again. I cant describe how cool it is just to sit out and look at the ocean sometimes. Well and after that we went home took showers and went to Duala to the big church to have super P-Day.
Anyways that was just today this last week has been good though. Like i said last week that Young Girl got a little bit of help and went to the clinic to get some treatment and some liquids in her. She came back on i think Thursday and she is able to keep food down. Many prayers have been answered this past week. We really were questioning if she was going to see the next day. I know that the Lord lives and helps people in this day as well as in days of old. She is coming on small small or she is recovering and will soon be back to normal.
You ask how is the branch is doing since Elder Kouao left? And have they received us into the branch?
Interesting question, so the branch is doing really well and we are really focusing on helping the branch become a strong branch. We are helping people magnify there callings. But still i'm no Elder Kouao, i'm trying become a better missionary but we have hit a few speed bumps this week. Two of our brothers we found out yesterday aren't married. This is Really kind of hard on us because we work so hard and they are so good and just cant be baptized because they haven't married there women.
We also had some very good news though, a whole family walked through the church doors yesterday. We went to there house and sat down and taught a small lesson and they all committed to be baptized. Its so wonderful to see how the Lord has prepared the people here.
Elder Park and I are working very hard and hopefully going to reach our goal of 12 baptisms in March. If more people were married we would definitely reach our goal. We will continure to do our best as missionaries and turn the rest over to the Lord. I know i have said this before but Training really teaches me a lot. I have a ton of responsibility placed on my shoulders that if i was back at home and not set apart i think i would crumple under the weight. I know between my companion and the Lord we are all yoked together. Its so nice having a companion who has the same goal as mine. We are really making sure are converts are converted and want to be apart when they become members of the church.

Oh about the egg sandwich i eat every night... yes it is true she actually does chew up some of the herbs and then spits it into the eggs. I think its kind of funny how everybody is grossed out about that. That really is nothing compared to some of the things i eat. Pig and Chicken feet i'm starting to really enjoy. The cow skin is still a little weird and my favorite is Monkey. Don't Tell President. Well its not actually our fault we are eating it. The members sometimes just give it to us and we don't know what it is. We cant exactly stop eating half-way though too. But we found out that a live monkey you can buy for 700 LD which is about 10 US. Have i been tempted???...... Yes very, monkeys are just so sweet.

Well I don't have plenty time left but i have bought and paid for my African suit which is 35 US. Now i'm just waiting for it to be tailored. I will try to sneak a pic or two next week. I know its going to be pretty sweet i'm really excited for it. I don't think i will wear it much here but it will definitely come home with me.

I love you all very very much and cant wait to hear from you next week. Tell everybody i said hi.
Love,
Elder SKouson
(the white African)

Feb 25, 2013 Liberia Monrovia - A New Mission

Wow crazy week its so amazing to see how the work is going forward. Not gonna lie being in Liberia we really only here things that happen in the world from email and once and a while from our mission president.  SO what I'm trying to say here is keep telling me everything that is happening. I'm so thankful for you being so supportive to me. BTW our new mission president is going to be Elder Kirkham one of the senior couples on mission now so its pretty sweet. I'm so glad too if it was any other person it would take so long to get the mission back up and running after the Roggias leave.

Its sweet to here about all of my friends receiving mission calls and leaving to various parts of the world. Girls no matter what your decision is whether its going on a mission or not i know that the lord will bless you. The Prophet has not yet said (or that i have heard) that girls are commanded to serve missions. I was reading an article in the liahona about "the Decision". Its really between you and the lord. I dont think anybody should judge someones DECISION. This is just for the women. Guys get your butts out on missions.

 This is true. For true. I think of how maybe i would have prepared alot more during my senior year in high school. I know one thing for sure. Whether you are going on a mission or still deciding Be a Boy/GIrl Scout and BE PREPARED. Prepare by doing the little things. Read your scriptures small small everyday. Most importantly develop a relationship with our heavenly father by Praying Everyday. This is so vital and important for a mission. You have to have the spirit to be your constant companion or really you cant do anything. Oh and dont just read the scriptures, STUDY them. Focus mainly on the book of mormon but also know the bible. Use Preach My Gospel to help you on your way to your mission. Dont think that if you dont go on a mission you cant be a missionary. Look around there are people everywhere who need the gospel of jesus christ in there lives. Sorry i kind of went on a tangent. But these things are very important so START NOW!!!!!!

Well this week in Liberia has been hard. One of our investigators has had malaria for over a month now and has lost 30-40 pounds on her little African Body. Its really hard to not being able do really anything. So please keep these people in your prayers.

People always have said missions are hard. I thought they were talking about the work when they said this. For me the work is life its just the things i cant do that are hard. Dealing with people that you absolutely love and would give your heart or kidney too and not being able to help them that's what is hard for me. I thankful of what i have in this life, i kick my self everyday about taking those things for granted when i was back home.

Today has been a wonderful day though. This morning we got up at 630 and got ready to go play some basketball next to the beach. After about an hour and a half i finally made one basket. No i joke. We then went down to the beach for some personal study. We lad on our Lapas and studied Lehi's Dream.;) No i studied in Alma about him and Amulek. It was so sweet to have our personal study with the sound of waves crashing into the beach. Felt like i was in a different mission. After that we played some Football or soccer on the beach which is always fun to stretch out our blistered ingrown toes. haha.

So this day has been sort of a break from the heck-deck week Elder Park and i had Last week.    I get to eat all the fish i want now in the meals we get from our Families we teach. Elder Park is a great missionary and its been fun getting to know him a little bit more this week.
Well i dont have a lot of time we are going to get more lapas and finish measurements for my African suit so maybe next week i will have my suit. Ah its so sweet. I'm so Excited.
I love you all very much. Remind People on Facebook to write me or dear elder me some time soon. Its always really nice to get letters they really boost my week. So sometimes the letters they don't quite get here so just keep sending them. Thank you very much.
Love,
Elder Skouson
(the WHite African)

New Mission in Liberia Monrovia!!

February 22, 2013
It was announced that Liberia would become it's own mission.   Great to see the work progressing!!
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/news-releases/

List of 58 Additional Missions Being Created

With the influx of new missionaries, some existing missions will be divided to form these additional missions:
Angola Luanda
Argentina Comodoro Rivadavia
Argentina Posadas
Arizona Gilbert
Arizona Scottsdale
Australia Sydney North
Bolivia Santa Cruz North
Botswana Gaborone
Brazil Curitiba South
Brazil Fortaleza East
Brazil Juiz de Fora
Brazil Natal
Brazil Piracicaba
Brazil Santos
Brazil São Paulo West
California Bakersfield
California Irvine
California Rancho Cucamonga
Chile Santiago South
Colorado Fort Collins
Ecuador Guayaquil West
Ecuador Quito North
El Salvador San Salvador East
Georgia Macon
Ghana Accra West
Guatemala Cobán
Honduras San Pedro Sula West
Idaho Nampa
Idaho Twin Falls
Illinois Chicago West
Japan Tokyo South
Kansas Wichita
Korea Seoul South
Liberia Monrovia
México Cancún
México Ciudad Juarez
México Ciudad Obregón
México México City Chalco
México Pachuca
México Queretaro
México Reynosa
México Saltillo
New Zealand Hamilton
Nigeria Benin City
Ohio Cincinnati
Oregon Salem
Papua New Guinea Lae
Perú Huancayo
Perú Iquitos
Philippines Cavite
Philippines Cebu East
Philippines Legaspi
Philippines Urdaneta
Ukraine L'viv
Utah Salt Lake City East
Virginia Chesapeake
Washington Federal Way
Washington Vancouver

Pictures: Feb. 15th

Life in Liberia:  pulling this wheelbarrow behind the motorbike.



Elder Widdison, Elder Sekrime, Elder Park (new comp.) and Elder Skouson

Training Awesome Feb.18

                                                                   
Sounds like a busy week. I'm glad to have a mother that is willing to work with her kids to nurture us through the eternities.

(This is in reference to cutting his fingers just one year ago on Feb. 13th delivering flowers.)Ya um lets just say im one of those people that honestly just hate Valentines day. Its crazy even here they still celebrate the big V day. I really have a different reason for not liking it. Well i decided to think about all the things i can still do now that i have my fingers and the work alright. So i washed by hand, ate some finger foods and played our little keyboard for an hour or so. Ya btw i can almost play Choose the Right to perfection. Not trying to toot my own horn or anything. No i really cant play at all. Maybe sometime in the future you can send me a simplified hymn book. I dont know only if you want me to play some hymn for people. Its up to you really.;) No well it turned out to be a great day. I thought about all the things i accomplished since that happened and realized the blessings in my life.

Anyways, Elder Park wow what a great guy. We have only spent a little time together but its cool to see how much he has learned in such a small amount of time. I learn new things from him everyday. Like i have said in the past Training is different. I'm trying to figure out the right amount of stewardship i have to have over him. No i joke. We are both learning new things everyday. Both about the gospel and about Africa. For me i have already decided i want to become an African. I'm learning more and more kolokail everyday. Also there about 16 different tribes just in Liberia I'm trying to learn small small paylay and gia. Its hard though. There are different sounds that my mouth just isn't use to making. But I'm coming on small small.

We have met with some really great people in these last few days. we are really trying to work with the members of our branch to both find less active members and referals. Its been sweet. We have been working pretty hard this last week and everyday i learn something new about the gospel from Elder Park. We met with a JW yesterday and tried not to bible bash but what he was say just really had no truth behind it. So we tried to act dignified and respectful and i told him he needed to repent and be baptized and pray to our heavenly father. So hopefully he isn't too angry with me. It was right after our missionary Sunday which really just drains me.

Speaking of Missionary Sunday. I had the opportunity to give another talk. This talk i could really feel the spirit testify to me that this is what the people needed hear. I based my talk off of Mosiah 2:17 which talks about when you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. This last week i read that scripture to one of our Recent converts and knew i was suppose to speak on this. I read from the True to the Faith about service and Charity. I thought it turned out all right. Usually the people here in the church are chastised a lot so when ever i speak i try to encourage with a loving heart.

After my talk I had the wonderful opportunity to teach Releif Soicety. I taught them how they could have a stronger family. I think "by small and simple things great things are brought to pass" is going to be my theme for this year. I taught about how through Pray, Scripture study and going to church on time will help us personally to be examples to our children. Also how we can also pray with our families and read the scriptures with our families everyday. and once a week have FHE.
This week was really great though I'm learning new things everyday and cant wait to tell you what has been happening in my life next week.

I Love you all so much and thank you for being loving parents to me. I can see now why you pushed me so hard to become the man i am today. So i thank you very much. But why didn't you tell me to continue to play the piano. ;) Sorry Ya.
I love you all!!!
Love,
Elder Skouson
(the white African)