Time Out For Women

So Friday my mom, 2 of my sisters, Stephanie and Katie, and I drove to St. George for Time Out For Women. None of us had ever been to it before but we were all anxious for the experience. We weren't quite sure what to expect but we were sure it would be fun. It was wonderful! The presenters for Friday night were Jason Wright, Jenny Oaks Baker, and Heidi Swinton.  Jason Wright wrote Christmas Jars. Jenny Oaks Baker is a professional violinist. She is absolutely incredible! So talented! I never knew a violin could sound like that. I never knew you could do things like that with a violin. Incredible! I hope she does a concert some day so I can hear her again. Heidi Swinton wrote President Monson's Biography. She told us some very neat stories. What a neat lady. How exciting to have the
Prophet call and request that she write his biography!

Saturday Hilary Weeks was the musical presenter. Mariama Kallon was the first presenter. She was raised in Sierra Leone. She saw her parents murdered by rebels. She and all the other women and girls in her town were raped. Then they lined them all up and made them choose whether they wanted to have their arms cut off with machetes or their legs cut off. Her sister was in the front of the line and had he arms cut off and bled to death. Mariama was 10th in line. She prayed to Heavenly Father and said I know that you can help us...PLEASE help us!!! Right then the military guys rolled into town and the rebels left. They got there just after the 8th woman had been tortured. So Mariama was spared. She was given a humanitarian kit from our church. At some point she was taught the gospel and was baptized and was called to the Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission. She has THE.MOST.AMAZING.FAITH! I can't get over her strength and forgiving heart. A truly, TRULY amazing woman!!
Then Hilary Weeks sang. She is so hilarious! She was crackin' us all up! She would talk for a while and then sing a song or two. Love her! She's awesome!!!
After a break Deanne Flynn spoke. She wrote The Time-Starved Family: Helping Overloaded Families, Focus on What Matters Most and The Mother's Mite: Why Even Our Smallest Efforts Matter. She has such a positive attitude. She's funny, down to earth, and inspiring!
Then Brad Wilcox spoke. He has written some books also. I'll Never Do It Again and The Continuous Atonement. He recently served as Mission President of the Santiago East Mission and he currently serves as a member of the Sunday School general board. He was a great speaker also.
After lunch break Hilary Weeks spoke and sang (is that the right word? Is it a word? I'm tired!)another song or two.
Then Wendy Ulrich spoke. She is a therapist. She wrote some book also. Forgiving Ourselves. Weakness Is Not Sin. The Why of Work: How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win. She gave such an uplifting talk. She was funny and really had some great advice for us.
Then after a final break Hilary Weeks sung Is that any better? Still not so sure) another song.
Emily Freeman was that last presenter. She Wrote a couple of books, too. Love Life and See Good Days.  21 Days Closer to Christ. She did a fantastic job! I was taking some notes from all the other talks but when she spoke I was so mesmerized by her talk that I didn't remember to take notes. She is one talented and inspiring speaker!!! We stayed the night there again and then drove home Sunday. We had a great time and it was so much fun to talk and laugh and cry and eat yummy food. We are already talking about what our plan for next year is going to be. 
Me, Mom, Stephanie Katie.