Hello all and welcome to another episode of "Sister Wilkins is sick"
That has been my week. haha. So for those who don't know, last year, before I left on my mission, I started getting what is called "complicated migraines". Basically it's migraines, but they're complicated to explain.. haha.. hence the name. But anyways, a year ago I was given medication, and it solved the problem. Fast forward to now, I've grown immune or something and the migraines are coming back. But this time, there's no headache, just all of the other side affects. like dizziness, shakiness, and all over just not feeling right. So I've been to a million doctors (ok, maybe that's an exaggeration. I've been to 4.) and everyone seems like they know what they're doing when they say "whatever it is, it's not what my specialty is". I've been given medicine from a neurologist, and so far, it's not really working. Sister Guanzon has said if we can't figure it out, she'll send me to the Missionary Recovery Center in Manila to figure it out. I've had two priesthood blessings and I've been promised that I'll return to health, so no worries.
So, Monday was checkups all day. Then Tuesday, checkups. The rest of the week was lots of resting. And also we had an early curfew for three nights because it was holy week. All I have to say is Catholic traditions scare me. But we did get to teach a few people. I miss the people. I hate doctors.
Wednesday we went on exchanges. I worked with Sister Pajaro and she is one incredible missionary. I got to teach Iza's sister, Gie, who lives in their area. Sister Delgado and I referred them to the missionaries when we first became companions forever ago. We got word last night that Gie has finally gotten permission from her husband and she'll be baptized on Saturday. I'm SO excited for her!! So I got to hang out with the Daraga sisters and have a sleepover and teach a family I already love! Exchanges are so fun.
Thursday after our district meeting, Bishop took us all out for lunch at this buffet by the airport and it was amazing. Then we got to teach Ester. We've finally located her membership records and she is in fact a member! haha. She was asking me what my first name is and she wrote it in her Book of Mormon and said to me "I'll never forget you, sister. You're the one who brought me back." I basically was crying inside. Guys. I love being a missionary. It's so hard. Sometimes you just want to give up. But the PEOPLE are what make it so worth it. Every person you get to help even in the smallest way is what makes it ALL worth it.
I have to tell y'all a little story about my favorite investigator. Yes, I have one. She's golden. Her name is Kate. When I first got to Legazpi, I tracted her house. She didn't let us in. She came to church three weeks ago with a member, and then last week again she came with her boyfriend who is a less-active member. We've been teaching her this week and can you say GOLDEN? First lesson, we invite her to be baptized and she says "of course I'll be baptized! I have to be baptized first if I want to get married in the temple!" I was just not believing my ears.. haha. She is SO PREPARED to receive the message of the Gospel. She's only 17 years old but she's SO ready. When she prays, she asks Heavenly Father to make it so we can teach her everyday. She said after our first lesson, she knew she wanted to be baptized, but she wasn't sure if she'd be ready by the date we extended to her. She went home and it was a few days before we taught her again. She said every movie she watched, everything she did, she thought about it and found ties in the things she was doing to our message or to the church in some way. The second time we taught her she said it was way too long to wait three days to be taught again. haha. I love her. I see some very good things coming!
So, all in all, even when there are challenges, the work never stops, and it was still another incredible week as a missionary! It's actually kind of a blessing, everything going on with my health, because I literally have to spend every day and every lesson in Legazpi like it's my last, because I really don't know what's going to happen. Whatever does happen, I know it will be according to God's plan, and I'm willing to just do what He wants me to do. I'm so grateful to be a missionary and for every day that I get to put on this name tag, especially during this Easter season. I'm so grateful for my Savior and for the perfect love He has for us and for the sacrifice that He gave for us. Not only did He die for us, but He lived for us. And He lives for us.
"He lives, and while He lives, I'll sing"
I love you all, have a great week!
Sister Wilkins
