Storymakers 2016

I absolutely love going the the LDS Storymakers conference.  I learn so much every time and I am inspired to write more.  One of these days I'll know enough and be good enough to have something published, or so I hope! The conference is huge, about 750 people, and there would have been more if they didn't have to cap it.

 

I went with Mindi Quail and intended to stay with Rebekah Call again in her apartment.  Unfortunately, she had to move out just a few days before the conference and move in her brother's small apartment.  She's resourceful, though, and immediately found us a couple of rooms in someone's house through Air B&B.  I was impressed, and I think I'd travel this way again.  We only paid $20 each for two nights, so it was a real steal.  The owner was very friendly and wanted to talk to us about our lives and the church and all kinds of other things.  He was from Israel and had joined the church but gone inactive when his wife didn't join the church.  It was great to be able to share our testimonies with him and encourage him to go back because the ward needs him.

 Storymakers partnered with Catholic Charities to collect school supplies and children's books for the refugees in SLC.  I gathered lots of supplies I'd had in storage and then went to DI and bought boxes of books.  I also posted it on Facebook and ended up with $300 to donate, and it felt really good to help.

 The classes are always wonderful, and I really enjoyed Jennifer Nielsen's 2 hour intensive.  The slide on the screen says, "Do not give up.  You are closer than you think." 

 My friends, Wendy and Marcy, each won the 1st chapter contest for their category.

Rebekah took me to a fun candy shop in Provo that specializes in candy from all over the world.  I loved this chocolate Santa because he looked like he was about to pick his nose. I bought some Russian chocolate since Maren bragged about how good it is.

 

 
I also made time to visit Kathy Broberg while I was there and have lunch at Guru's restaurant.  The sweet potato fries and sauce were the most amazing things I've ever had, and catching up with Kathy was awesome!