Week 57

Hello Family!

Well this week has been just another week. I don’t know what to say really but we'll see how it turns out :) I absolutely loved the General Women’s conference I hope you watched it because it was awesome :) I loved having the little girls there too it was so fun and I felt like we were all such precious daughters of our Heavenly Father! Monday was a fun day, we went to lunch with the sisters and then we went to this beach called Priest Point Park and it was way fun :) We just took a bunch of pictures and explored! I am trying to make it fun for Sister Flanigan and have a day to not stress because she likes to stress and she has been super homesick :/ poor girl...but she's strong and puts on a good attitude! :) Today we are going to the mall to buy her a coat with a hood :) I'm grateful for my coat! :) Monday night we had a great lesson with Gary! :) We took the Mcowen's with us and it was so spiritual! I don't know why, but it's always such a spiritual lesson with Gary. He's getting so close I can feel it!! :) HE keeps saying he's getting close; he's just so stubborn :) But he is going to get baptized this month I just know it! :) I decided that I'll either stay here one more transfer or go somewhere else for 3 transfers but it's all in God's hands :) We taught him on Monday about commandments and the blessings associated with them. I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to grow up living these commandments because it's always hard to change especially with addictive substances...It seriously is such a blessing that we don't have to struggle with those things. Self-control is very God-like and I feel as though I was taught to have it from my youth, but that's not the case with everyone and it's still hard for me and even harder for them. I only wish these addictive substances could be demolished! But he stopped smoking! which is awesome :) haha I am so proud of him for his progression and change over the last 6 months! :) He is awesome :) On Tuesday we had interviews with president and sister weaver and yes I found out what he wanted to talk to me about. Before we even said a prayer he told me that I was his hero because I am a good missionary but I'm still humble and insecure about it. I don’t know what he's talking about because I have so much room for improvement, but that's what it was :) Everyone loves how much I laugh too, I have a laugh for everything, funny things, insecurities, awkwardness, I am just constantly laughing :) I like to laugh! It’s good for the soul!!! :) But interviews were great, I asked president a ton of questions, and he gave me a ton of good advice, one thing that we talked about the most probably was about how I can prepare myself to come home and he told me to just be me. And to lay aside the things of this world and seek for things of a better world. And it's not about my abilities but my choices :) So basically he just told me to design who I want to be and what I want to have in my world and then to create it. So that's what I've been doing this week, and that's one of my questions for general conference "what do I want in my world?" President told me a story about a lady who had a problem with an addiction and she said that's it was just something that happens in the world and president said in his head "well not in my world" We can define what we want to have in our world and who we want to be. And I started reading over my patriarchal blessing and picking out things that it says I need to do, and then writing it down and a few ways that I can accomplish that thing. It was just a really good interview :)  With Sister Weaver we just basically talked about how it's going to be hard when the weavers leave and most of my friends! That's not going to be a fun transfer meeting! haha but she told me that maybe I have a best friend still coming. Sister Weaver is the greatest :) On Wednesday we had District meeting and afterward we went to the hospital and found out a miracle had happened! One time we went with Elder Genereux, and Pierce to the hospital to give this guy Michael Forrest a blessing. Michael had terminal cancer, and he was in pretty bad shape, so they gave him the blessing and it was way powerful and spiritual. And when we went to go find him this week we found out that he was at home!! And getting better! The priesthood is real!!! :)  it works! Isn't that so cool? I thought it was pretty amazing. Thursday was a good day :) we went to visit June and Don our 98 year old recent convert and her 86 year old member boyfriend :) haha they're so much fun! Don quizzes us on our gospel knowledge and sings songs and June tells us stories about her childhood! :) It's fun :) That night we finally had a lesson with Crystal and Jesus and we decided with them that we would start the lessons over so we taught the Restoration and they're on date for the 17th!!!! :) YAY!!! :) I 'm so excited you don't even know! I love them so much! :) Prayer totally works, when they left for that month we thought for sure that they would be antied, and it would be so sad! But we prayed and prayed continually for them and it worked! They weren't antied and they are doing so good! The Mcowens are lifesavers too because they are such good friends to them! I love these people :) On Friday we spent pretty much all day with Elder Gerenreux and Pierce helping a family move! It was a lot of work but a lot of fun :) I seriously love those elders! :) The people we helped move are not members, and they have 2 little deaf kids! So I was having fun signing to them and making them laugh! they were so cute! :) I am so sore though! but it's so worth it :) haha We packed up an entire U-Haul and it was very rewarding at the end :)  I felt pretty accomplished anyways...On Saturday we walked a ton, we've walked a lot this whole week, because we're out of miles :) woops! but it's been fun..... :)  we walked like a good 6 miles on Saturday though. We went to the Hospital to visit Maria with our bishop. She was really terrified of the drugs and violence at the Salvation Army and so she checked herself into the hospital. I would too if I was homeless! Decent food, protection, you're taken care of, you can take showers, etc. poor lady just needed something! So she's there until Thursday and we are trying to help her find a job and a place to live. She called us this morning and told us that she had a revelation! AKA she knows the church is true!!!! :) I love Maria very much! All of these investigators have such a special place in my heart! I had no idea I could love people so much, I really appreciate the fact that I can be here as a missionary and strive to see the divine nature of those that I speak with. We all have such  a marvelous potential and I feel like God has blessed me with the ability to love these people who I work with and see just a small portion of their potential. It's so wonderful being a missionary, you get to watch people change and then you change in the process. It is the biggest blessing in the whole world. I am just so grateful to be a part of this gospel, I can't even express the love and appreciation I feel for my Father in Heaven for allowing me to be born in the covenant. And to partake in His gospel from birth, so that I could be one to take it to the world and help those who know not where to find it, find their everlasting joy and salvation. It is a marvelous work and a wonder! :) I am so grateful for the Savior and His saving grace, for the ability I have to change to become more like him. So that I can receive joy in this life as well as in the next. I am grateful for His sacrifice for me. This morning I was reading mosiah 14 and it just touched me so much to think about my Savior and His atoning sacrifice for me. I know that because of it I can have sorrow and I can have joy. I am so grateful for Him. I am grateful for this gospel. It's the truth guys, embrace it and live and love it! :) Because it's absolutely amazing! :) This week is GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!! I am pumped!!!! It’s like missionary Christmas FEAST!!! :) haha I challenge you all to take notes not of what is said, but what you feel and what the spirit tells you, the words will all come out later for us to study, but write down what you get from the spirit! These are servants and Prophets of GOD!!!! :) So get excited! :) And listen to their counsel. And read this talk!!! :)

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https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/general-conference-strengthening-faith-and-testimony?lang=eng

 

This month is going to be one of the greatest months of my young life! I can just feel it! :) Conference, temple trip, and people entering into the sacred waters of baptism! :) I pray continually that you all will have success this happy April! :) I can't wait to hear about all the good stuff that goes on in your lives! :) It's going to be GREAT! :) I love you all and hope you have a wonderful and happy week and focus on the Savior and His constant, consistent, unconditional love for you! And always remember that I love and miss you dearly! And Remember Every day's a good day!!! :)

Love always

Sister Wilkins :)

 

 1 Yea, even doth not Isaiah say: Who hath ^abelieved our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him.

 3 He is ^adespised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

 4 Surely he has ^aborne our ^bgriefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

 5 But he was ^awounded for our ^btransgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are ^chealed.

 6 All we, like ^asheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.

 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he ^aopened not his mouth; he is brought as a ^blamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth.

 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people was he stricken.

 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the ^arich in his death; because he had done no ^bevil, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to ^abruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his ^bseed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

 11 He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall ^abear their iniquities.

 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the ^agreat, and ^bhe shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made ^cintercession for the transgressors.

Week 56

Hello Family!

It seriously feels like forever since I last talked to you!!! this week has been way good though! My new child is Sister Sarah Flanigan! She is awesome!!! she's from Pennsylvania, is 19 years old, and has 13 siblings!!! I have already memorized all of their names :) haha she's a lot of fun! and I have loved having her as my companion so far! :) We have laughed a lot :) and I have already learned a lot from her, she has a great desire to learn, work hard and be a good missionary. I think we'll get along great! I already love her lots!! :) So to tell you about this week...on Monday after I e-mailed y'all we got to go bowling as a zone!!! It was SO fun! but really weird..I'm so not used to seeing these people in normal clothes!!! :)  but it was so fun and I'm so grateful for president and sister weaver for all that they do to help us have a wonderful mission experience! :) They are absolutely amazing! :) That night Gary took us to a pizza place for dinner to say goodbye to sister Horgesheimer! :) IT was so fun to just get to know him and chat. :) Tuesday was transfer day and it was SO much fun! It was actually the most hilarious and spiritual transfer meeting in like...ever!  Just to let you know Sister Baird and Thompson (my first 2 babies) are now STL's! Sister Hall is training again on Bainbridge Island and Sister Packard went to Minnete Bremerton with the most adorable sister in our mission sister k! She's from Thailand and her name is like Kiawalantana who knows?  but we call her sister K :) Sister Chipman is still luckily in chambers creek! I miss that place! :)  So at transfer meeting I of course got to see everyone I love! :) And at the beginning the trainers go in and wait in the gym then the rest of the mission goes into the chapel and then we run into the relief society room and get our babies and walk in with everyone staring at us :)  then we sing and pray and then they introduce the new missionaries and the trainer always has to do something. Well this time the intros were SO funny! Everyone was rolling on the floor! Sister Chipman and Rea got married and had a baby and did it right! (when you are together for 3 transfers you get married haha and they had a baby! :) ) Sister Logan knew it was a girl!  the old AP's were hilarious! One of the Zl's did this knight’s tale skit! SO FUNNY I can't even tell you!! haha but then we sang As Sisters in Zion/Armies of Helaman and the spirit was so strong that half the room way crying!  it was so good! great pump up! :) That night we got back and went knocking and then we taught a lesson to a kid named Jordan who is part of a part member family and we put him on date!!! :) it was awesome! :) Afterwards I texted C  And asked her when she was coming back and she was over at Sister McOwens! So we ran next door and said hello I WAS SO EXCITED!!!! She looked so good and she didn't get antied and she was happy to see us!!! AHHHHHHH!!!! I was jumping off the walls :)  On Wednesday we had a district meeting and I got to give a training which is always fun :)  During 5-7's we got to push a car over to the side of the road and I felt like Hulk and it reminded me of the many times TC had to come save me :)  Thursday we had the new missionary meeting and it was way fun! All the trainers are my friends and so it was awesome and President Weaver is hilarious! :) He's such a great man! :)  he told me he has lots to talk to me at interviews which are tomorrow so I'm interested to see what he's going to say!! Friday was such a good day! We did weekly planning and that morning we got a referral from the Lacey Zl's and it was for this homeless lady who wanted to learn about the church. So after planning we went and taught her and she kept saying "I am just looking for my restoration" She speaks Portuguese and Spanish but she wants to be taught in English. She's really struggling right now though. She's like a high class homeless person, she's not homeless because she wants to be, she just doesn't have a job. And so she's looking all over the place to find a job and a house, she called us last night crying because the shelter she's staying at is horrible. It's so sad! but she is so ready for the gospel! We put her on date the very first lesson. She's so prepared! She just needs a lot of prayers! During knocking we just had so much fun and we FOUND NEW INVESTIGATORS! it's been a while, knocking hasn't been super successful here in Olympia. So it was good :) Haha one funny thing was that we heard Sirens and Flanigan was freaking out and she's like "sorry I'm probably freaking you out" and I said "no I don't get freaked out very easily" and then I screamed so loud! At that moment a dog came and jumped on me!!!  It was pretty ironic and hilarious :) we laugh a lot during 5-7's :) we also got to teach Gary! I can't even explain to you how spiritual his lessons are! :) he's so flippin amazing! And he's SO CLOSE!! he told us that he knows God wants him to be baptized, but he just doesn't want to yet. He has problems with some commandments, but he's seriously SO close! He will get baptized so soon :) And yesterday he told us that he started believing in latter day prophets! YAY! :)  I love that man so much! Then Sunday was just your normal day, I was sitting in church hour # 6 of being there and guess who walks in?!?!?!??!?! JUAN JON AND KYLE!!!! If I wasn't in the chapel I would've freaked out!!! I was freaking out on the inside and I couldn't stop smiling!!! :) AHHHHHH!!!! I can't believe them! They are seriously the best in the whole world! I love them with my whole heart!!!!! I miss them so much and it was so wonderful to be able to see them again, it pretty much made my whole life! And Juan gave us chocolate covered strawberries and we ate them all :)  I LOVE THEM SO FLIPPIN MUCH! ah, I can't even tell you, they are amazing :) They are angels! :) I love them :)  other than that we are just doing work! This week has been a really good week and I'm feeling so happy and it's sunny and it's awesome!!! :) Seriously, I love being a missionary :) It's awesome! Best thing ever! :) Yesterday we got to teach the gospel principles class in the YSA ward, it was Juan Jon Kyle and 2 other guys but at the end of the lesson we talked about trials. And I shared D&C 136:31 which says something like "I will try my people in all things that they may be prepared for the glory which I have prepared for them" I know that through these trials that we have we may see the light at the end of the tunnel. 2 weeks ago I had a pretty rough week, but now I am stronger and a better person and missionary. And this week was AWESOME!! :) I testify that my Savior helped me learn and grow and become more like my Heavenly Father. I love Him and I am so grateful for this gospel. I love all of you and hope you have a wonderful week!!! :)

Love always

Sister Wilkins :)

Pretty picture of the capitol :)

Long tree lined roads! :)

Nichole Fordham!!! :) She's finally baptized!! :)

My Brotha's :)

I LOVE them!! :) 

Us with Gary! I Love him so much! :) 

This is the Howes! They are awesome! They take GOOD care of us! Sister Howe is a member and she has been going through chemo for cancer. Brother Howe is a non-member but he loves us :)

Giant burger from tugboat Annie’s :) 

We have way too much fun : )

Creepy :) haha

My zone at bowling :) isn't it weird to see us in normal clothes?!

The gospel must be preached to all!!! :) 

My new Companion! :) 

 

Week 55

So...I've decided sister Logan and I are starting a colony! :) hahaha Baby #4 is on the way tomorrow! Yep that's right! I'm TRAINING!!! AGAIN!!!! haha oh heavens...and so is sister Logan! that's why I said we are starting a colony! haha we have both trained together every single time! I am staying in Olympia 1/5th which I am way happy about! I feel like I'm not finished here yet....I feel like I have a lot of work here to do :) It's probably the hardest knocking area because we've only gotten 1 new this week! But I am still way pumped to stay here! I love the people we are working with! I am way pumped to train again too! I have learned SO much from Horge that I am just so excited to learn from another greenie! I love their greenie faith! and I feel like I already love the one on the way!!! :) haha I have been praying that I can just LOVE her. This transfer has been a huge learning transfer...they keep getting shorter and shorter :) I can't even believe it...I only have 4 left! Which is kinda good because if I keep getting surprises like this I might DIE! :) hahaha I have learned so much from Sister H about just being yourself and embracing the weaknesses that you have. I was absolutely amazed by the way she just hit the ground running and is already a stellar missionary! She teaches like a champ! :) I'm sad because I feel like with the move and everything else it was just so crazy and we didn't have as much time to just get to know each other, but I love that girl to DEATH! She is the cutest and sweetest ever! :) She taught me a lot about humility too, every time I would tell her something to work on she would say "you're right I do need to work on that" She took it like a champ! She is on her way to be follow up trained at the other end of the mission in Port Angeles by Sister Gherring! She came out with sister
Baird and sister Chipman! :) She's way sweet and I know that sister H will love her! It's funny because Sister H is so worried that Gherring isn't going to be as bold as I am hahahah I didn't know that I was even the slightest bit bold! but whatevs :) I am so happy and excited! :) I love Sister H and I am going to miss her like crazy! But I am excited for a new adventure! It was so weird, usually I am way nervous about transfer calls but this one I just felt so calm and I instantly knew that God had a perfect plan for me. I think I am coming to trust in Him more that I am just ready to do whatever He needs me to do! Haha I guess that's a good sign right!? Also good news is that sister Logan and Elder Genereux and Pierce are staying too!!!! SO EXCITED!!! :) I dunno if Juan posted it, but I got to go to Tacoma this weekend! It was SO AWESOME!!!! :) We went up there at like 3 and got home at 9! haha First we went to this baptism of Lindsey. She is in our ward boundaries but she was poached from us! and taught in Tacoma. (her fellowship was there..) but she has 6 UBC's! (unbaptized children) age 9-20 So we are hoping that we will be able to start teaching them, and helping them be baptized as well. That's why we got to go though, President wanted us to be there for her and it was a way sweet baptism! Then Nichole Fordham from chambers creek finally got baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have been working with her since I was with Dean and Packard! haha She was a part member family and her husband wasn't very active either. His parents were though! and they were in the sound view ward which goes to the same building as Chambers. anyways, it took a long time, but Aaron (her husband) got to baptize nichole! It was SO special and way sweet! AND I got to sit by Jon, Juan, Anthony and Kyle!!!!! AH I love those guys so much! They bring me so much joy! Seriously I was smiling like crazy! :) I love those people so much! :) It was so good to see them again, it felt like going home. (only you weren't there.... :( ) but really! I can't even tell you how happy and excited I was! :) haha It was SO awesome! Saturday was like the greatest day ever! :) (I guess I'm starting this e-mail backwards :) ) Also! On Saturday we had a baptism for the Olympia ward! Ok, so this is kind of a crazy story, but a way big blessing from God! :) So on Tuesday I get a call from president Weaver (I love that guy!) and he asked me if I knew a Mary Boyd and I was like no I have no idea who that is. So he talked to me for a while and hung up :) Then the next day the Zl's texted the zone and asked them to look at their ward list. So I did and guess what?! Mary Boyd was there! haha so Mary had an 8 year old son, who turned 8 on Thursday and he wanted to be baptized. Now, Seth’s father lives in Oregon and can't leave, so he wanted to get baptized in Oregon but we had to meet with him and interview him first. So we went over there Wednesday night and started talking about the restoration and he basically taught us all 4 lessons! He is way smart and such a good kid! On Thursday Elder Pierce Interviewed him, he left to Oregon on Friday and got baptized on Saturday! It was awesome! Haha president was so excited and happy to find out that Seth was in my ward, because He loves me :P I love him so much! haha but it was such a huge blessing from God, because we have been trying SO hard to get a baptism here in the month of march and it's been a struggle, but we have been working diligently and being obedient and that's what matters. Miracles are the natural result of true principles applied. And so we got to help Seth enter the waters of baptism, even though we didn't do much, I still feel like it was such a blessing and I freakin love that kid!!! haha As far as the rest of the week I got to go on an exchange on Friday with sister Langi! She was being trained in Lakewood zone when I was being follow up trained by sister Hall. She's so funny! I haven't laughed that hard in SOOOO long! It was so fun! It was kinda weird because I felt like I was the one who still had to be the example...haha :) but it was a good learning experience and I think that's the reason for them, to learn from the other missionaries! :) Wow this time is going so fast! :) I am going to have to print out pictures and send them to you :) Gary is getting SO close to being baptized! He is so ready! We are going out to desert with him tonight! I love that guy so much! I think he is one reason why I am staying here. He and I just have a really great connection. I love him so much and I just tell him exactly how it is and what I think and he loves it! haha :) Ah man he's the greatest ever! :) We went to his house on Saturday and watched the Restoration movie and he realized that Joseph smith wasn't really his big concern (which I knew) But that he didn't feel like he would fit in. So I just printed off the "come join with us talk" and we are going to get him baptized!!!!! gosh dang it!!! :) hahaha Every day's a good day! :) So today we get to do something fun! that's why I'm e-mailing so late! But the past 6 weeks we have been doing some intense PMG assignments and we turned them into the office and everyone that did it gets to do an activity paid for by the weavers! :) and we also get to go to lunch since it's the last p-day of the transfer! :) haha so this morning we went to this place called Tugboat Annie's and it is right on the water so pretty! And they have the most GIGANTIC hamburgers I have ever seen! we got 3 of them and shared them between 14 people. That's how big they are! hahaha :) SO GOOD! :) And then after this we get to go bowling! Since I did all the assignments I get to go and I am so excited! We get to wear jeans! That will be way weird! hahaha but it will be fun! :) Other than that, just the usual happened this week, nothing too crazy (which was good :) ) haha No more shootings or car accidents! Let’s just say I've made sure to be EXACTLY obedient and I am a good driver already but now I'm even more careful and defensive haha :) Anyways, I just am excited for this new transfer! I hope that I can get some energy because I feel like I am just getting more and more tired! haha you know the feeling I'm sure! I am just ready to hit the ground running and work hard and love this new missionary! Pray that I get a good one! hahaha I have decided that I'm never going to be just a normal missionary :) I guess God had different plans for me :) But that's ok! I love it! And I am so excited to continue doing His work! This transfer is going to be SO GOOD!!! we get to go to the temple this transfer! I am So excited! :) So get ready for a good one :) haha I just want to tell all of you that I absolutely love being a missionary. There is no greater work. I know that this church is true, I know that because of Joseph Smith, we can be baptized, and sealed together forever as families, we can also access the Atonement in our lives to bring to us guidance, love joy and healing. We can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and we can have immortality and eternal life. I think a theme sick scrip from his week was moronic7:33

                                         

33 And Christ hath said: ^aIf ye will have ^bfaith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is ^cexpedient in me.

If we have faith in Christ, not in Sister Wilkins, not in ourselves, but in Christ, we can and WILL have power to do whatever God wants us to do. :) We can do all things through Christ! I know that I can handle whatever comes my way not because of my own strength, but because I've got God on my side. Follow Him love Him, lean on Him. LET HIM HELP YOU. I love y'all SO much!!!! have a wonderful week! :)

Love always

Sister Wilkins :)

Week 54

Well hello family!!!

Well to tell you the truth, this week has been one of the hardest weeks of my mission. and really, it wasn't that hard :) haha but a lot of crap happened :P But, it was also one of the most sacred weeks of my mission. I do have to tell you that we have AMAZING members of our ward! haha Sister Woolf came last Monday and helped us clean the alexander's pool house and then she came over with bags full of dishes and such and desks! Holy cow!!! :) She is an angel! And the rest of the ward gave us everything we need! they are amazing and so great! Sister Howe is putting together a party to make mixes for the missionaries so we can cook stuff! :) haha I'm stoked! Now both of us our hoping that we don't get transferred! haha Transfer calls are THIS SATURDAY!!! craziness :) I also have to tell you all about Gary! Oh my goodness I love that man so much!!! he's doing so good and getting so close to being baptized!! :) And for some reason he and I just have a connection, haha he made me say both the opening and closing prayers in his lesson this week! :) man, I just feel the spirit so much when we go to his house and I just feel like God is talking to him through me and it's amazing how much I feel that God truly loves Gary so much. And my love for him continues to grow as well! This week I challenged him to finish the Book of Mormon on my birthday!!! haha he only has like 195 pages left so he can totally do it :) I believe in him :) I'll tell you more about his lesson later but I just wanted to add the fact that I love that man so much! :) So Wednesday was my year mark in the WA-TAC. It was a pretty good day we ate a meconies, had a lesson with Axle about the priesthood. But then we went tracting...and we were on Legion street (which I realized afterward that that's the name of the deamon in mark 5! :) ) and on the street there was just a lot of really rude people. One guy wanted us to prove that God was real but he wasn't going to believe unless God showed up on that doorstep with us then another guy just yelled at us for 10 minutes about all of the horrible things that have happened in his life and how he has NO faith. And the list goes on. it was a bad street. Then it gets to be about 6pm and we knock on this door and no one answered so we rang the doorbell and then we hear this giant BOOM that scared the crap out of us and I told Sister H to run and we quickly walked away and as we were walking away I saw the window cracked open and smelled the smell of smoke. Some guy shot a firework at us! no I don't know what's wrong with people. Haha so I called The zone leaders (Elder Genereux and Pierce) and told them about it they were worried sick haha sister H and I were crying and freaking out a little bit. :) So we moved to a different street and continued. That night elder genereux called again to make sure we were ok and made me call president! haha so I called him and told him about it and he asked if we would be ok doing 5-7's still and I told him of course! because I didn't want to get emergency transferred :) haha then I called Genereux back and we asked him for a blessing. Then Thursday was a way awesome day! It was sunny outside and we did weekly planning and then we went and visited this part member family and we are going to start teaching 2 of the kids in the family!!! :) Jordan (17) and Savannah (11) :) I'm so excited! :) and during tracting we found 3 more new investigators and it was way awesome! Happy day! haha but we had to leave 10 minutes early from tracting because sister H got scared. On Friday morning I woke up feeling like crap due to endometriosis and I was actually quite afraid that if I wasn't 100% obedient something bad would happen to us (that firework shook us up a bit :) ) so I had worked myself way too hard. So we called the Zone leaders and asked them for a blessing. But before that we went to the hospital with them and they gave this man named Michael Forrest a blessing. Michael is a Christian and has terminal cancer. And it was one of the most spiritual blessings, afterward Elder Pierce told us that he felt that while he was giving the blessing that he was standing on air. :) It was so cool! And Michael was way nice. We are teaching him now. :) Then we went to the church to have the Elders give us a blessing. We talked for a minute and I just started crying and told them how I was afraid and felt like crap :) haha so Elder Genereux gave me a blessing and it was such a good blessing. I just felt so strongly that my Heavenly Father loves me, and was aware of me and was proud of me. Which made me cry even more! haha And he also told me that God is giving me these trials because He knows that I am strong. And that reminded me of D&C 136:31 which tells us that we must be tried in all things so that we can be prepared for the glory which God has prepared for us. He also told me that Heavenly Father was grateful for the work I am doing. And that when I got through these hard times He wants me to remember Him. And to lean on Christ and remember His sacrifice for me. After that I felt like I was on could 9! I was SO much happier and felt like a giant burden had been lifted off of me. So we went to Gary's house and had such a spiritual lesson about the Priesthood. I told him about our experience with the blessings we had just gotten and how Gary needed to let God help him. And he said that's exactly what he needs. He is working so hard! We talked to him about praying and reading the book of Mormon and he said that he had been slacking in that a little and he felt so bad, so I challenged him to read it by my birthday and then we are going to call him every day and make him a prayer rock so that he will remember! It was a way good lesson. Guys, I just want to bear you my testimony that I know that Joseph smith restored the priesthood; I know that it's 100% real. I know that when we are struggling or when we are sick that we can turn to the men in our lives who let God work through them and God can help us and heal us as long as we have faith sufficient to be whole. I know that it works. And I know that God did not send us down here to be sorrowful, or to hurt, or to be afraid. But He sent us here to learn, to grow, and to come to know happiness. And I tell you right now that it can be hard, it's ok to have bad days. But in those days we keep our Savior close to us and we remember Him and rely on Him. And He will give us strength and help when we feel like no one could help us. He is the truth and the way and He lives and loves us so much! Christ already suffered all of the things that I went through this week and He knew exactly how I felt. And when I turned to Him and asked Him for help he gave it to me instantly. The Priesthood is real. So now that we have that high note another trial came into my life! 20 minutes after Gary's lesson we got hit by a car. haha (aka our car got hit by another car) AGH!!!! I was so mad! Why in the world did Satan have to ruin my day?! I stopped the car and honked for literally 3 seconds and he still ran into me! I was shaken up again and I was just upset. No one was hurt, but I was just like...UGH! haha luckily the person who hit us was a member of the church so he was way nice and we got everything figured out, after that it was dinner time and we didn't have anyone so we just went home and I lay on the floor and just cried to elder Genereux on the phone. haha I was just sick of it. Why in the world was this happening to us?! When was my bad luck going to end?! We went out knocking and I honestly just did not feel motivated, I felt sick. but we went and did anyways. Then we had an appointment with a YSA with the Elders (Genereux and Pierce) and they could tell that we were kinda bummed so Pierce bought us frosties! haha seriously he is the greatest and kindest kid. I love these elders so much! But I literally just wanted to go home and go to bed so I could have a new day :) haha So Elder Genereux talked to me and made sure I was doing ok and I just told him how I felt and he reminded me of the blessing and what it had said and so we left and I really pondered it. The next day we woke up and I was so pumped! Fireside night! We went to church and it was good, I wrote a poem called "It can be hard" and it made me feel a lot better about things, I'll have to send it to you in a letter because I'm running out of time :) But anyways we went to the fireside and it was absolutely amazing. it was exactly what I needed. Some things that were said just hit me right on the nose and told me that you know what God really does love me! :) I tell you all of these unhappy things not to make you stressed or feel bad for me because right now I feel better than ever! I am so happy! I tell you these things because I know that we all have hard times, we all have stressful days and I know that it's not easy. Life just isn't easy sometimes. Satan sucks!!! :) But I want you all to know that I know that God loves you. I know it. He is very aware and mindful of you. He knows your pain. He knows. Part of my poem says "Remember the drop of blood on olive leaves, a man down on his knees in agony. And it's all for me. In these times of test and trial when bad things seem to come in piles, He walks next to us for miles and miles Remember Him." I testify to you all that Jesus Christ is your personal Savior. He knows all that you feel. He knows what you are going through. And I promise you that if you keep Him close during these times of trial the sorrow will only last for a moment and at the end of it you will feel more joy than before. I know that these things make us stronger. I am so grateful to be a missionary. I am so grateful I have the opportunity to bless the lives of others. There is nothing better than the joy I feel in this gospel. It is the best thing that could've ever happened to me. I love it so much. It's not the end if it's not ok because in the end it will all be ok. I testify to you that It will all be alright :) Life is amazing! And there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. The Savior will always be there for you, you just have to let Him in. Be not afraid, only believe. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and He loves all of you so much. I love all of you and miss you :) And I can't even tell you the joy I feel when I think of the fact that I am a missionary, and I have this opportunity to learn and grow more than ever before. I am so happy! I am so joyful! Because I know that I am a disciple of Christ. I LOVE IT! :) And life will always get better! :) And I love you!

Love always

Sister Wilkins :)

P.s. don't worry about me because I seriously am doing SO great! :) :D Happy as ever! :) Love love love! :)

Week 53

Hello Family!

Today is a special day! It is a day where I start the program which we call "6 months to sexy" haha! In exactly 6 months I will be on a plane coming home to you! It's kinda crazy how flippin fast this time has flown by! I can't believe that I have been a missionary for over a year! :) You already know I love it so much! :) I am so grateful I still have 6 months left because I never want to not be a missionary! haha I'd knock on doors for the rest of my life if I could! :) But I kinda like you guys and want to see you again. I do miss you a lot and always keep you in my prayers! I hope you are receiving blessings and recognizing them in your life! I know that as you strive to live the gospel, you will receive even more blessings :) By the way...I moved! haha my new address is:

606 Lilly Rd Ne Apt 425       

Olympia WA 98516

It's a pretty nice apartment! We are on the 2nd floor so we have someone above us and someone below us so we try to be quiet :) haha they are nice apartments though! they're called "Arbor square" there are a lot of old people that live there. We also have the Mcowen's in the stairwell next to us and the senior couple Clarkes just a few stairwells down from us so we are safe and in good company! :) It was weird to move everything. It took time out of proselyting and I didn't like that! haha we moved on Saturday and our ward mission leader and a ward missionary came and helped us. All we could take were our beds and the stuff we brought! So we didn't have any furniture to bring other than our beds! haha It took about an hour cuz we had already packed pretty much everything. So we just hauled it all over and threw it in the apartment and went to work! haha so it's still pretty messy! The ward has been so supportive though, it has been wonderful! They are having a house warming party for us on Saturday so that we can get some furniture and kitchen stuff :) The Mcowen's were so sweet and they bought us a table! So we have that and it's been good :) haha I have some pictures of Christ and I started decorating the walls as soon as we got there! :) I decided I should just do interior design! haha jk :) so now we have carpet and a stove and a bedroom and privacy! :) haha My favorite part is the bedroom! I don't remember if I ever mentioned this. But I learned something very special from Sister Packard in Chambers Creek. We would each have our "sacred space" at night that we could be alone and pray. So I sang a hymn and prayed out loud. And I just have to tell you the spirit is so strong and my relationship with Heavenly Father increased so much. Which I didn't really realize how extremely important it was to me until we moved into the pool house and I had nowhere to pray alone. SO SAD! :( But now I do! :) Saturday night I literally prayed for 30 minutes! haha It was so good! :) I can't even explain it, but you should try it! Praying out loud helps you focus on what you are saying and helps you to be more sincere! Something else I do while I pray is always have a journal open in front of me. So that If I have questions or thoughts I can write them down! It's amazing how much more revelation God is willing to give you when you are writing down what you receive. It's wonderful!!! :) We also have a big living room so I can dance around it just like I did back home! :) haha So yes, I love the new apartment and I feel very safe and sound! :)

    So this week was a doosy I don't even know what that means but it sounded like it would describe the week well :) haha it was a weird one... but still so good! On Monday we went to the Capitol building for our zone activity! It is so beautiful! :) and it was fun to rub George Washington’s nose :) haha we then got a call telling us we were moving on Saturday. that night I got to hear a really amazing conversion story. Elder Genereux! He was totally going to go home from his mission, he had the ticket and everything and then he didn't and his conversion since then has been absolutely amazing. He is the only active member of his family. So it's so amazing. by the end of the 20 minute story he just told us "I just want you guys to know that the gospel is true." And both Sister H and I were crying our eyes out. The church is so true guys! :) On Tuesday we met these people named "the Boths" they have Mormon sons and daughters but they are Lutheran. We knocked into them and visited with them for like an hour! and they're going to invite us over for dinner soon! Which is cool! We are totally going to convert them! They're so funny! they're in their 70's and the man has all sorts of good quotes and stories and jokes! He told us this one that I thought was pretty funny! :) “A young man asked God "God how long is a million years to you?" and God replies "eh, like a second" the young man then asked "what's a billion dollars to you?" God answers "Eh like a penny" The young men then asks if God will give him a penny and He answers "sure, give me a sec!"" HAHAHA!!! I thought it was pretty funny :) there's your laugh for the day :) Wednesday we had a way fun district meeting. Sometimes role plays are hilarious! We had to do a door approach and introduce the Book of Mormon and Elder Holt (our District leader) was such a good actor! We were all rolling it was way fun! See? I'm getting along with Elders :) haha I'm nice to them sometimes! :) Meh I just hate disobedience and no offence but some elders like being "funny" and disobedient. But these ones are pretty stellar :)  I enjoy the district! :) haha On Thursday I got a surprise call from Tierra! A recent convert from Steilacoom whom I love so much! She went to my old apartment in Chambers Creek to try to find me and then I get a call from there and it's Tierra! I WAS SO EXCITED!!!! :) haha so then on Friday she came to Olympia and we went to lunch together! She is doing so well and I'm so proud of her! :) I LOVE that girl so much! :) It was a lot of fun to see her. That night we started teaching a part member family and they are awesome! Michael is the dad and he's not a member and he just wants to know if it's true! :) So I'm excited to teach him :) Saturday we had breakfast at bishops and then we moved and then we went and saw some people! This week was weird. All of our appointments fell through so we just went and visited people a lot :) haha That night we had a miracle. After falling in a large ditch we found another part member family the Morrissey’s! They reminded me of TC because they had coke stuff all over the place :) haha but they are super sweet! The wife never came to church cuz she didn't want to be alone and we are hoping to teach the husband, but we'll see. It's so sad to see families torn apart because they don't have the same religion. it's so hard for them and we see it all the time here. It's just not the same as if you have the same values and goals. Saturday night we got a call from Elder Generuex telling us President was asking the whole mission to fast for an increased desire and commitment to baptize in March. So I don't really have a giant and strong testimony of fasting. I know it's a true principle....I just don't feel it as much as I want to...so I asked him for advice and I got a little lesson over the phone. So after we hung up he had me read Isaiah 58 and pray my little heart out. Which I did, and yesterday was SO spiritual. I felt the spirit so strongly and I knew that because I was sacrificing something for the Lord he was blessing me with His spirit more abundantly. It was wonderful!!! :) So fasting works! Wow. this is really short but I only have a few minutes left and I've typed the whole time! haha sorry :) Sometimes time just goes too fast! I hope you all have a wonderful week and know that I love you! Keep looking for the constant miracles in your life. I know they happen. And I promise you that you will be happier as you look for miracles and live the gospel! :) I love you SO much!!! :)

Love always

Sister Wilkins :)

Part of the capitol you can't see the top cuz of the clouds! Haha

The dome :)

The seal :)

Me and sister H giving a speech :)

Me and Logan! I love her! :)

G Washington! his nose is shiny because people always rub it for good luck! Yes I rubbed it! :) 

He's the only man I can kiss :) ha-ha!!!

Me and Tierra! I LOVE HER SO MUCH! :)

Me with June and Don! The oldest members of our ward! June turns 99 in June!!! :)