Deaf Nation Expo and a Special Anniversary

Hey Everyone!

What a wonderfully crazy week!

Sister Graham and I had the opportunity to go to the Deaf Nation Expo at Rochester Institute of Technology.  We got to drive up to Rochester which was the first time in the city for both of us.  We've both served in the country up to now.  When we got there, it was packed!  Thousands of people were there.  When we got into the building, it was SO quiet!  At first I felt like I had to whisper because it was so quiet.  It was the first time I had ever been in a room with thousands of people and could still talk in an "inside voice".  Sister Graham taught me a few words and phrases in ASL.  I got really good at saying "hi" to people walking past our booth but if they started walking over, I was good at freaking out a little and getting Sister Graham or one of the ASL Elders to talk with them.  We taught a few lessons and one person is going to be meeting with missionaries in her area!  It was fun being immersed in such a different culture than mine and see that the Gospel is the same as it applies to everyone.

Sister Graham and Sister Killen at the Deaf Nation Expo at Rochester Institute of Technology

The morning of the Deaf Nation Expo, all of the site sisters, site couples, and President Francis got together to celebrate September 21st & 22nd.  The 21st was the anniversary of the night when the Angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith and the 22nd was the anniversary of the day that Joseph Smith received instruction for four years (on the 22nd each year) and then was directed to take them on the fourth year.  To celebrate, we all walked the 4.1 miles from the Smith Farm to the Hill Cumorah.

Ready to walk the 4.1 miles to the Hill Cumorah

Ready to walk to Hill Cumorah!

Because Sister Graham and I were scheduled to attend the Expo, we cut our walk short but what we did walk was so memorable.  The next day (on the 22nd), Sister Graham and I ran up the Hill Cumorah to celebrate.  I am so blessed to be living in Palmyra and to serve here at the sites.

Sister Graham and I are constantly busy with the Site Trainer duties that it's difficult to get into our area sometimes.  But our investigators are doing great spiritually.  They all have some sort of physical illness right now, making it difficult to see them but they are all so strong.

At the Chill & Grill with Sister Roommates

Sister Graham and I were able to get a lot done in such a short amount of time.  We got two weeks of the Site Schedule done, our mission newsletter  article in, our Site Meeting Training, and our specialized training prepared.  It's just nice to be able to have it all done.

I hope everyone is doing well!
Miss and love you all!
Sister Killen