April 22, 2013

Helloooooo!

 

This weeks email really, really brightened my day and the upcoming week. I feel so good right now even though I'm in the middle of no-where. Its been tough with all sorts of stresses that come from being doubled in to an new area with a missionary less experienced than me. I guess you could say i'm "training". He is awesome though and I can tell he wants to work hard. Elder Coleman is an 18 year old from Provo, Utah. He reminds me most of a heavy set Jake Finch. He broke his collar bone a few weeks ago and is still recovering from the surgery. He was going hardcore mountain biking on a road bike that was, at the time, brakeless before disaster struck. He chose to stay out in the field for recovery and I respect him for that.

Church yesterday was awesome! the members here are great and love to talk. They really seemed to like us and were excited to feed us when we handed them an empty dinner calendar. We were called up to introduce ourselves and bear our testimonies. They know we're both new but they could see our willingness to work hard. As I was speaking I remember feeling so much more relaxed and comfortable. The mission is changing me! The people here love to talk and I love to talk back. That's how you survive as a missionary I've come to find out. The only problems I've run into here is small town rumors and grudges. Forgiveness is a tough lesson to learn for everyone but if we all just would do as Christ would and forgive, we would all be happier. Just forgive! Most of our work here is focused on less actives and part member families. There are a ton here especially on the Lame Deer Indian reservation that we cover. It's hard to get people to come to church when they don't like someone or aren't apart of a certain clique. This is why its important as members to include everyone and make everyone feel welcomed. My testimony has grown a lot this week on how important it is to be a friend to everyone. We've visited a lot of cool less active members this week. I met another person who has family in Ramona. She just got back from Ramona when I talked to her which I thought was pretty crazy. She's related to David and Aaron Davis but I don't think we know them. They aren't members.

I'm trying hard to stay productive here in Colstrip but its kinda hard because its pretty much over tracted and the other areas we can't get to because we don't have a car. New green Missionaries, New huge area, no car. Its a learning experience for sure.

I just found out that this is Sports Illustrated voted number 1 sports town in Montana. They have a free golf course, Frisbee golf course, tons of parks, a skate park, and a nice gym with weights, racquet ball, treadmills, and a sauna. The best part is that its all free so we actually are allowed to go there every morning (as long as we finish before 7). I'm excited I found that out and I think it will help out a lot with stress!

Mom, That's awesome that you get to go to Paris! Feel free to hold on to my tax return to help pay for it. That sounds super exciting. Maybe I'll be in Norway and someone can come visit me on the way home!

I remember doing that Pioneer youth conference! It definitely opened my eyes as to how hard it must have been to be a pioneer. That and the time I walked to the beach with the Franco's. Still blows my mind how tough you'd have to be to pull wagon all those miles day after day. Especially in rough weather. The weather here in Montana and Wyoming is ridiculous. Its snowed every weekend for the past 3 weekends. It always snows on Sunday and P day! Every time! I don't hate the snow yet though as long as I'm well dressed.

So Patrik is really playing Polo!?!?! WOW. That's the best news I've heard all day. He fits in perfectly with it. Coach Donnie is awesome.

Thanks for keeping me posted about the Padres, I bet that was a crazy game to watch. Go padres! With my luck, they're going to win within the next 2 years. Ehh, probably not.

Anyways, I miss you guys like crazy but I'm making you proud. It's great to share the gospel with and focus on others. I'm experiencing so much, its a crazy rollercoaster ride and not always smooth but that's the earth life we chose. When things aren't going smoothly, that's when we get to see how committed to Christ, and His gospel, we really are. Heavenly Father keeps trying me because he wants to see what he can do with me. Jeg er glad I dere! Be happy! 

 

Eldste Niklas Anton Skinner

"I'll get there eventually"

Heisan!

Things are going a lot better! All I need to know is that I'll get there eventually and it makes it all worth it. Thank you so much for checking that out for me even though I didn't ask. You guys are awesome.

I did go see Scott's brother. He was super nice and really into the outdoors (like everyone else in Montana). I did try to bring up church thinking something miraculous would happen but was quickly shut down. Oh well, I did all that I could. He was super cool though and was happy to chat with someone related to me. He definitely looks like a Moffitt with white hair and a white hunters mustache.

I'm sorry you guys are getting a hampster. haha.

Thanks for doing taxes! I didn't even think about that! woohoo! I need to get a digital camera so I can take pictures of how lovely Montana is..........

Im getting transferred on Wednesday to the tropical paradise of Colestrip. hahah. Technically its in the US, but it might as well be on another planet. I might die and Im super sad to leave my 2 companions Elder Payne and Wasden. They've been awesome but Its time for me and Elder Coleman to see what we can do. We're doubling in to a new area and neither of us have been fully trained yet. President Mecham must trust us. I'm pretty excited because I'll learn and grow a lot, especially when it gets tough. I know I can do this.

I met a crazy redneck truck driver dude from Ramona here in (my old) apartment complex. He's a super cool resent convert who loves to talk. He has a super strong testimony and is sad that his work keeps him from his wife, one year old son, and church. Count your blessings! His name is Charlie Hartness and he has some nieces and nephews at Ramona High (Chris and Amanda Hartness?) I think ones a junior and the others a freshman. Maybe Melissa and Patrik know them. If they're anything like their uncle, then they must be pretty crazy and awesome.

My big thing right now is drinking a bunch of water. I got a water bottle with a straw type of thing and I drink like 100 ounces a day. Its amazing how much of a difference it makes and it eventually starts to taste good. I get more energy for sure and at first I constantly had to pee. Oh, and elder wasden (who's allergic to gluten and dairy) got me to fall in love with Almond Milk. The vanilla sweetened almond milk is what I get every week now and its super good and supposedly more healthy than milk.

Good job feeding the Elders back at home! I've been getting fed a lot here in Billings and hopefully it will continue in Colestrip.

I already have a hole in one of my shoes! the sole cracked and water gets in them when it rains or snows! So we must be doing work. I can email everybody now so send me some emails of people who wanna hear from me. What's brooks'?

 I know that the church is true. Conference was super awesome! Elder Holland and Bednar are  always amazing. Everyone of the apostles just go to show how true the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is. They all spoke boldly and its awesome to be apart of the missionary work in the latter days. We don't have much more time so make sure you all do your part as member missionaries and find families for us to teach! Pray for missionary opportunities, its crazy to see how they'll come to you.

Jeg er glad i dere veldig mye,

Eldste Niklas Anton Skinner

Oh and how is baseball!? I heard the Padres and dodgers got in a Huge fight!!!

Endure

So I didn't get my Visa. I really don't know what to say other than i'm barely holding back tears. All I want and have been praying for for the past month is to go serve the Lord in Norway. I have so much love for the country, the people, and the work to be done there. This has been such a trial for me and I will have to endure waiting in Montana a little longer. I really am doing my best here in Montana and taking so much out of it, but I know I belong in Norway. I'm not sure whats happening but I'm super worried. The two I came here with are leaving to Norway tomorrow. I'm super excited for them and i'd be lying if I didn't say I was jealous. Norway's been in my thoughts and prayers since November 2011. Sorry for whining but there's just so many emotions right now.

Heavenly Father has a specific purpose for me in Montana and its pretty obvious. I'll have to keep doing what i'm supposed to and hope everything works out. I know they will but its so hard. I've always been a patient person but this is killing me. I will never quit though. I will keep going and doing what the Lord commands of me. No matter how tough it may be, apparently He trusts that I can handle it. 

General Conference was awesome though and I'll definitely be reviewing my notes for some encouragement. Thanks for being so awesome! I love you all so much and think about you guys everyday. The Church is true. Following the Commandments are infinitely important. I see witnesses of it every single day.

Love, 

Eldste Niklas Anton Skinner

4.1.13

Happy Easter!

I only ended up being in Laurel for 2 days. It was a pretty cool place and I had a cool visit with an inactive cop. He hasn't been to church in a long time and he's had some rough experiences lately. His son died 6 years ago and he's obviously seen some scary stuff as a cop. He couldn't why Heavenly Father would allow things like this to happen, especially good people. I don't really remember all that I said but the spirit was strong and I could tell he took our conversation to heart. It was so weird because I was the "talker" and was able to carry on our discussion for over an hour. As I opened my mouth the spirit filled it with words. Such an awesome experience and it boosted my confidence when he was surprised that I had only been out for so short of a time. No way I could have done this 2 months ago.   

 This week I've really been trying to finish the Book of Mormon and I did it! But even cooler, I finished it in the Celestial room of the Montana Billings Temple! Saturday was the last weekend of the transfer so we were able to do an early morning sesh since we live so close. I was so lucky to be able to go. Something I'll always remember. The Book of Mormon is true. I promise. I hope you're all taking time to read a little bit each day. Its evidence that the true church has been restored and living righteously brings blessings. 

I did get my easter package. Thank you so much for all the love! I sending letters to the kids today so look for them in the mail sometime soon. 

Time keeps flying by over here and I think i'll be in Norway pretty soon. I keep hearing scary visa waiting stories just about everyday from people. I hope I'm not one of those elders who never ends up getting their visa, but even if I am, its where Heavenly Father needs me more. 

Love you all so Much and I hope you all have an awesome spring break! And Happy 18th to Melissa:)

Peace out,

Eldste Niklas Skinner