IM TRAINING A FOREIGNER

Wowowowowowow. This week man.

So early Tuesday morning we left for transfer point in Sorsogon. Sister Tarantan has been assigned as the newest Sister Training Leader in Legazpi. We then got in the AP's car and headed to the Daraga chapel. I got pretty carsick. these roads man. But then I got to be temporary companions with Sister Delgado and I absolutely adore her! I met her in my first transfer at zone conference and we got along from the start! The rest of Tuesday was trainer's training in Legazpi. Then I slept in the Legazpi sister's apartment which was super fun!

The next morning we went to the Legazpi chapel to meet our trainees. The night before, one of the AP's had accidentally let it slip that I would be training a foreigner. So basically I was pretty freaked out the whole time. Turns out that I'm the very first sister in the entire mission to ever train a foreigner after their training. There has been one other elder who did it. It was weird and it is weird because people are expecting a lot of me and it's sort of overwhelming sometimes. But it's all good! So the night before, I knew I would be training a foreigner and sister Guanzon showed us a list of the incoming missionaries and I saw where this one missionary was from and I knew instantly that I'd be her trainer. She's from Taylor, Arizona. Her name is Sister Routhier and I love her to death. Sure enough when we sit down and president announces the companionships, of course I'm last being Wilkins, and she's the only trainee left. I can't even explain it. I just knew. But like it's so weird. Because she knows my cousin, Britt Adcox, and she lives on Love Lake Road. And it's named after my however many greats grandma. And my ancestors founded that place. Like it's so weird. It's just proof it's meant to be!

On Thursday we headed back to Bulan! The people love her! It's just so good! And guys, I like never realized how much my progression in the language had been, but like I can make conversation. I can teach. It's so weird having to lead out in lessons, but I can do it. I did it. I can do this! It's scary being a trainer when I feel like I know so little, but I'm so very grateful that Heavenly Father has trusted me with this. Sister Routhier is a gem and I know there's a reason that we're together. It's going to be a lot of team work to do this, but I know this is right!

Basically it's been an insane week and there just simply isn't time to write everything, but I love you all and thank you SO much for all of your support and prayers! I can definitely feel them! I love you!

Sister Wilkins

Re: pictures week 18

The greatest ever. Them caribou though.

Re: pictures week 18

1. Splits! I love them!!!

Magiging Nanay

Hi. Oh my holy cows. This week.

So on Friday night we attended Tatay Aldrin Nares' funeral. They're different here. They bring the body in the casket into the house and we had the service there. So it was just like 15 ward members surrounded by other family members who are all catholic. We had a little service. I was the chorister and led music right next to the casket. It was different than your average funeral service, but the Spirit was so strong. Sister Tarantan and Sister Sebia spoke as well as Apple (Tatay's daughter) and Tatay Alfredo (Tatay Aldrin's father who is a member). I'm a very lucky missionary to have known him and to be able to help the family in this time. Nanay Merly (his mother) isn't a member and we're hoping this is the thing that gets her interested in the gospel. She cried during the talks about the Plan of Salvation. So we're crossing our fingers!

Saturday night we went on splits! Sister Tarantan went with Sister Mary Rose and I went with Sister Shazel and Sister Cally. It was the best! We made them cute little name tags too! I adore them.

So transfer announcement was on Saturday night. Andddd I'm going to be training a new missionary. The words freaking and out are a complete understatement. I literally finished my training today. And now I'll be training a new missionary. Oh boy. But it's okay! I'm very humbled and grateful for the opportunity! I'm going to learn A LOT in the next 3 months. Tomorrow we head to Legazpi and I'll attend trainers training, and wednesday I'll meet my trainee. Oh man. I was reading my scriptures the other day in Tagalog during language study and 1 NE 17:8-9 really stuck out to me. The Lord commands Nephi to build a boat to carry him and his family across the ocean. Nephi doesn't know how to build a boat and he's never done anything like that before. But he doesn't question it. He doesn't doubt for one second. He simply asks the Lord where to go to get the materials to make tools so he can start right away. I plan on taking this approach. I know I can do this, but only if I rely on the Lord. So, please pray for me! haha I need all the help I can get.

I love you all! I wish you all the best! And never forget that "In His strength... [we]... can do all things"! Mahal na mahal kita!

Sister Wilkins

pictures week 18

1. FHE

2. You can see Mount Mayon!

Re: Pictures Week 17

Zone Activity today

Week 17

What a week, man. ups, downs, twists, turns, I've felt it all.

On Wednesday we had our interview with President Guanzon. So guess who is leading the mission? I can't even believe it, man. President knew just what to say to help us. We've been struggling with disobedient missionaries getting mad at us for being obedient and trying to do our best. Basically the word stress defines it. President thanked us for our work and showed us the statistics of where we fall in the mission. The interview in general was just a tender mercy. I needed the encouragement and to see that the Lord recognizes my hard work and that's all that matters.

On Thursday we get to the Nares family's house - a part member family. We've been there for about 3 minutes just talking to them when the daughter Apple gets a text from her grandpa telling them that their father had died. He got in a terrible accident in Manila (where he was for work). He had a word of wisdom problem before but he had overcome it and wanted to be baptized when he returned from Manila. Nanay was baptized this last march. They have 10 kids and Tatay was the only means of income. (P.S. Tatay means father and Nanay means mother). It was such a devastating thing. I can't even imagine being in their shoes. But I do know that a year from now, Tatay can be baptized in the Temple and then the Nares family can become a forever family. Sometimes the Lord lets bad things happen so that even better things can happen later. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I've had to meet this family. They are very special to me.

Saturday and Sunday we had District Conference. President Guanzon was presiding. After the meeting on saturday, he and sister Guanzon went with us to the Nares Family's home to visit the family. Basically the whole district conference was amazing and we had 7 of our investigators come! We were on top of the world!

The Molina family is progressing! They accepted our baptismal invitations and they're older daughter came to church! They want the whole family to be baptized at the same time, so we just need to teach the oldest two who live away from home. I'm very excited for their family!

So we've got one week left of training. Then it's off to the big leagues. Transfer announcement is on Saturday and transfers are next Tuesday. I'm pretty sure I'll be staying here in San Vicente and leading the area but who knows. I'm just excited for whatever is next! I've seen many miracles in the past 4 months and I can't wait to see what the rest will bring.

I love you all! Have an amazing week! Mahal Kita! Kita Kits!

Sister Wilkins