Women from all over the world excited for Women's Conference at BYU

PROVO — For six months, Lydia Stekkinger has been eagerly awaiting her trip to Utah and her first Women's Conference. Coming from the Netherlands and a ward of 70 active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stekkinger is anxious to listen to the testimonies of thousands of her LDS sisters.

"I think women in the church are often so busy juggling their education, jobs, homemaking, rearing children, church callings and a variety of other things, not to mention the added jeering from the world, that this will be a much-needed breather," she said. "They can take a step back and look at what their relationship is with God. I think for myself, it will give me renewed energy and a better understanding of where my priorities lie. And it will be a fun time, too."

Women's Conference, an annual tradition for some women and a new adventure for others, is this weekend at Brigham Young University.

The conference will feature talks by the Relief Society General Presidency, as well as Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve and his wife, Kristen.

Dozens of classes during the two days will address topics such as emotional fidelity, child rearing and stress management, as well as how to improve communication and increase faith.

Marla Olson of Pleasant Grove has been coming to Women's Conference for almost 13 years and is especially excited this year to help organize the assembling of newborn kits during Thursday's evening of service.

This year, the goal is to make 7,600 newborn kits for the LDS Humanitarian Center, as well as 12,800 hygiene kits and 9,600 school kits. Attendees can also tie quilts and fleece blankets, make children's activity kits or crochet cancer ribbons, said Ann Herd, program administrator for Women's Conference.

It's a massive undertaking, requiring nearly 1,700 volunteers.

Olson said each time she comes, she's reminded of her value and encouraged to be her best self.

"Being there gives you an example of what to do," she said. "I can't fix my husband or children … but I can do my role as a wife and a mother better than I did yesterday."

Sarah Turner of West Yorkshire, England, said one of her sons compared Women's Conference to EFY for Relief Society women.

A mother to three grown sons, 23, 19 and 15, and a foster mother to three young children, 4, 3 and 18 months, Turner said she is excited to come "sharpen her saw."