Week 2 in Coatzacoalcos

In the hills of Coatza

Another fantastic week in Coatza! An interesting one, and it kind of flew by so I´m hoping I don´t forget any important details... First, my companion: love her. She´s the life of the party. Really good analyzer, hard worker. She has a cookie addiction and realized that she´s gained 9 kilos since getting here so my new full-time job is to help her control herself. Besides the weight-gain, she´s going great. Oh wait I forgot to mention the the UTI. She had to get a nice big injection in the butt the other day. And today. And tomorrow. And she has like 3 bottles of medications to take. Ah my poor companion! But she´s a big girl, she´s staying strong, doesn´t complain, except when her backside is a bit sore. Second, I´m learning that hard work really pays off. Like, REALLY. I feel so happy even though getting a baptism is nowhere close. It´s incredible to work with members, establish that trust and just be walking and talking and contacting all the day long. It´s so great in fact, that sometimes when I´m not thinking 100% straight I tell myself that I would like to keep this job my whole life. And then I get home with sore feet and thank God for the little He requires of me. Third, my funny story of today: It´s P-day. Which means: laundry, mopping, showering, washing dishes. All of which require one important ingredient. WATER. And guess what they took from us at the peak of the job. The water. SOOOOOO like the brilliant problem-solvers we are, we decided to take a taxi in our sweaty running clothes with towels draped over our shoulders and a suitcase to a sister´s house so that we could become CLEAN again. She has a really nice shower by the way, I haven´t felt so clean and pretty in my whole mission. So refreshing. Which reminds me of the gift of repentance: He aquí, quien se ha arrepentido de sus pecados es perdonado, y yo, el Señor, no los recuerdo más. Sorry you're all gonna have to put that in Google Translate or go to D&C 84:42 because I´m too lazy to translate.  I cannot express how much I love this gospel. That´s why I´m here! Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts and I wish you all a very wonderful week!

Sister Wilson

On the way to take a  real shower!

Got a little distracted in the lesson with these cuties

Transfers

Celebrating my "daughter's" first three months of her mission before I got transferred :(

They moved me to Coatzacoalcos. And I totally did not see it coming.

But it's cool, it's a nice change. It's a lot cooler here --the weather I mean. Rains every night, cloudy during the day, sea-breeze (yes, they sent me to the beach again)

My new companion, Sister Morales

And I have an awesome companion. Her name is Sister Morales. She's from Mexico City, she's a really hard worker, only has 3 months on the mission but acts like she has 10. I know I'm gonna learn a ton from her and she's really great about coming up with new ideas, actively seeking people to teach... Ah I just love her so much already! Super exciting. If I had gotten any other companion, I feel like the transfers from Carmen would've been hard. But I'm adjusting well :) Did I mention she likes running? So we run every single morning (well, except Sunday, Day of Rest). I almost don't want this companionship to end!!!

Saying goodbye to the recent converts and some of the members was difficult, but LUCKY ME I get to carry all those memories and precious moments with me forever, and the hope that someday soon I will get to see them again.

Too many feelings to say what I wanna say, so I´ll communicate it with a scripture (Moroni 7:45-46)

45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity,ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all

It´s true! Couldn't have learned it better anywhere else!

Five feet big iguanas ins El Carmen

Last Week in El Carmen

Tough week but it ended on a really good note, kind of:

Today I would like to address an issue many missionaries experience when they have regular baptisms: people stop coming. Seriously it's like the ward, the bishop, his counselors --they get scared of more baptisms. Luckily they don't have authority to fire us because if they did, I think they would do it. NOBODY showed up, except two families that are recent converts and Sister Bartola and her daughter. Our ward mission leaders showed up an hour and half late, and then we didn't have the two witnesses so I had to call the stake president so that the missionaries would come. Poor elders had to leave their visit to help us with the baptism. Whew. But here's the cool part --two minutes in I felt WONDERFUL. This family that we're teaching is incredible, and Paola was so excited and ready that you could feel a peace that is NOT normal in that kind of situation. I couldn't stop smiling. And her little sister sang the Baptism song from the primary for her. So CUTE! The point is this: members, please attend the ward baptisms. So you can meet the new members, congratulate the adorable little 8-year-olds that have been waiting for this day their whole life. I know this gospel is true because too many times God has worked miracles in my life. For example, miracle that baptism happened --an hour and a half late, but it happened. When we don't have food, someone graciously and ignorantly offers us food, when we're thirsty, someone gives us free water from their store because they know what we're doing, and when we're disappointed and feeling down, he sends a companion or a friend or a spiritual hug and wipes away our tears. GOD LIVES! This is my testimony. And as weird as it feels in an email, I share this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

P.S. Happy Mexican Independence day! (16th)

Paola got baptized on Saturday!

Future missionaries (the kid in front is getting baptized in 2 weeks)

Leadership conference on Wednesday (something distracted the elders on the left...)  

I'm a Happy Mom

Sister Castaneda and Sister Wilson

July 11, 2016

First week training a new missionary. Hermana Castaneda (from El Salvador) is the best daughter a mission mom could have. Takes the initiative, makes me food, we laugh at ourselves, she wants to learn English, she teaches me Spanish, she has a strong testimony, sensitive to the Spirit . . . The list goes on. So life is really good right now. Also, training has given me a lot more motivation to teach and work hard and find the people God has prepared for us. And it´s been fun introducing her to all the members. We´re gonna work this ward to death in the process of baptizing this city.

Met so many wonderful people this week! One of them is the new president of the mission and his wife, President and Sister Haws. They are incredible. You can feel the Spirit so strong when he talks, it makes me want to be a Sister Training Leader forever so I can go listen to him talk every month in the conference. What a blast! And I got to see Hermana Scholes again, my sister from Palenque :)

What I learned this week: Men are that they might have joy. So grateful to be here and to enjoy this learning process with adopted family and friends.Thanks always for your thoughts and prayers. They´re working ;)

Love you all!

The streets of El Carmen :)

Sister Sump

Week 5

This is gonna be short and sweet but I promise to include more details and photos the next week. Promise. ;)

First baptism!!! Took place on Sunday in between the two beautiful conference sessions. If you haven´t watched General Conference yet, here´s the link:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04?HP_SU_3-4-2016_dPFD_fGC_xLIDyL1-A_&lang=spa

Sweet, old, lovely Genoveva. She looks like the Grandma from Mulan. Not. Kidding. She´s adorable. She talks the same way too. Ah, chance of a lifetime to meet a real life cartoon character. But yes, she is now officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. WAHOO!

And next week is the baptism of my almost-twin, Liliana. So pumped.

This week I tried many things, but my favorites were Pozol, real churros (actually they taste almost identical to the ones in CostCo...), chamoyadas (photo to come next week...that good) and Mole!!! pronounced MOL-e. Maybe that didn´t help...Anyway, that wonderful famous Mexican dish that everyone talks about. I think. Still don´t know whats in it because apparently there are different kinds, but it is Delicious. I've eaten it like 5 times this last week. Never gets old. Well it might.

Anyway, love you all! Remember that God loves us all and is waiting with open arms. And if you're one of the lost sheep, he's busy looking for you. Just let Him lift you up and bring you home.

God bless!

And much love from Hermana Wilson


Week 6

Wow 6 weeks have already gone by! Don´t know where the time went but it has been a very fulfilling week. Another baptism. A very very special baptism. This is one of our first investigators that we taught here in Palenque. She accepted baptism on the second visit, and even though she had her baby by Csection, she was super excited as the date of partial recovery got closer and closer so that she could get baptized. Her baby got blessed too. She dressed him all in white. Can't express how ecstatic I was to see her get baptized. We are hoping little baby Ian Aaron Cruz is a future Elder in the church. How exciting!

The week previous we went to the ruins of Palenque. Freaking huge. Apparently they have only uncovered about 10 percent, and from what I understood, a lot of the more ´recent´ones were built with a similar purpose as the ones the Egyptians built--for kings, princes, who wanted fancy tombstones. Spoiled.

I have also been having a blast learning and laughing with my companion. Hermana Calva is the bomb.com. Even though sometimes I feel like I'm being mothered, sometimes she goes crazy and she also buys me candy. That's nice. And she teaches me and makes sure I eat my vegetables and laughs with me when I screw up, which is... a lot. Life is fun that way. :p

Love you all and please please PLEASE call the missionaries right now and send them to visit one of your friends. Everyone needs the gospel because everyone needs a Savior, and the missionaries can help :) I promise :)

Have a wonderful week! 

Week 7

Sorry the pics are so small but Mexican Internet isn´t too fab so sometimes I need to sacrifice the space so I can write more.

My companion celebrated 16 months on the mission! Almost done. And I celebrate 3 months tomorrow... WOW how time flies. I know the next 15 are gonna go by even quicker. Still not sure how I feel about that.

Miracles of the week: Well there were lots, as usual. The picture with the family is one of them. It's a privilege to teach them every week. Actually the missionaries have been teaching them for almost a year because even though Nestor, the husband, practically jumped into the font, his wife is a little more skeptical. She shows up to church almost every Sunday, reads the Book of Mormon and the D&C but she just. wont. get. in. the. font. But we love her anyway ;)

Also, the members here are fabulous. Lots are super willing to go out and visit with us and even go out on their own to pick up our investigators. Couldn't ask for a better ward to serve in!

And the baptism scheduled for this Sunday is a special one (aren't they all) because Liz is AWESOME. One of the sweetest people I have ever met. When we prayed about the Book of Mormon with her, she had tears in her eyes and took a deep breath when we looked at her. We asked her what she felt and she said, Í can´t explain it. But I know it's true. Without a doubt.´BAM power of prayer. And the Book of Mormon.

Anyway, love you all and I know that this gospel is true! Without a doubt. Too many people sacrificed their life and time and everything else for it not to be true, and I wanna keep that legacy going.

Magnify your callings--moms, dads, brothers and sisters, bishops, friends, presidents of various things--and know that God lives and loves you! And I do too!

Much love

Hermana Wilson

WEEK 4 - PALENQUE

A long hot week in Mexico but full of lots of good lessons and good people!

Lessons learned: Charity is KEY. If you don't have charity in service, the work gives back nothing but exhaustion. I'm falling in love with the people of Mexico. They're the ones that make me excited to wake up in the morning, happy to teach and ready to bring them to the waters of baptism! Smile. Just smile. I've also learned that you can't work well with someone without that bond of trust. My companion has taught me that. So much. When she feels like our chi is off, she jumps right into the hard questions: What is your biggest flaw? Do you really believe that God appeared to Joseph Smith? If you wanna cry, let it out in front of me. What bothers you about me? You won't believe the stuff  I've shared with this girl. (She's more like my mom, but...) But it helps. I firmly believe that the basis of all relationships must be founded on mutual trust or it won't be a fulfilling one.
The fun stuff: If you haven´t seen the Studio C video on youtube of "Two Guys on a Scooter" GO WATCH IT RIGHT NOW. I see it in Mexico all the time and it cracks me up. The husband, the wife, the kids, and the chihuahua. Yup. Real life. Also, I think I've eaten more tortillas this last month than I have in my life. Ah I exaggerate but no, seriously, tortillas at EVERY meal. The nice thing about Mexico is that as we walk and walk and walk, I get to enjoy nature's sauna. I am finally becoming accustomed to the constant film of sweat that envelopes my body. Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd... I saw monkeys yesterday. Score! Weird because we were only two blocks from the city center and yet there was mama monkey and her baby hanging out in the trees by the park. The only animals left on my checklist are jaguars and toucans. :) Also, there's a family we've been teaching since day one, and if you're allowed to have favorites, they are mine: Liliana and Karla are sisters. Lili is my age (I beat her by a week) and Karla is a year younger. Lili just had her baby so of course every time we go over now we spend like 15 minutes just ogling at the baby. He's flawless. Well, Lili is getting baptized April 9th sooooooo I'M SUPER EXCITED! Karla's hesitant but I know that someday, maybe long after I'm gone, she´ll get baptized too.
Suggestions for Future Missionaries: DON'T do countdowns. Do count UPs. To prepare: exercise, study, practice. Study the scriptures, Gospel Library, the language, practice contacting, go out with the missionaries. It will all help. Answer your own doubts and questions. Even if you think you have the faith to go without knowing exactly WHY or WHAT something means, find the answer because a lot of your investigators need it. Get. A. Job. Bring as many mini things as you can. I´m talking mini Preach My Gospel, mini hymnal (English AND Mission lang), mini anything else you can think of. The weight adds up on the mission. KNOW THYSELF.
Scripture of the week: 2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Love you all and hope you have a wonderful week!

WEEK 2 - PALENQUE

Hey Everyone!

Once again, email time is short. This week was a lot better than the first. A little less homesick, the days went by faster. God´s definitely helping me cope because if it were just me on my own, I´d be in Italy already crying my eyes out. I have a good companion, and the culture, appearance and traditions of Mexico are starting to become "normal" to me. I think that helps the most.
There are eight of us in the district, four sisters and four elders. Two of the elders are American. It is a relief talking to them in English at classes :) But Hermana Calva is my trainer. She´s very, VERY obedient. Like, even more than me. Imagine.... But she's a fantastic trainer! She's really funny, She only has a couple months left before she heads home. P days here consist mostly of laundry and grocery shopping, but tonight is super special because we will be showing the Church´s new video, #Hallelujah. Yay, Easter Season!

I haven´t posted pictures in a while so I figured it´s about time. I´ll send them in the emails following.

So the members feed us lunch every day here. Lucky us. Lots of lentils, caldos,  soups, rice, TORTILLAS. (Tortillas at every single meal, I kid you not.) It is obviously my favorite time of day.

I think I´ve tanned two shades in just these last two weeks. It´s freaking hot here but there´s usually a nice breeze to cool our sweaty bodies every couple of minutes. Very nice people here. They all smell good--except for the hippie tourists that come to visit. And me, maybe, haha.

They have macaws here, and iguanas. Beautiful big macaws that squack like a banshee. It's really ugly actually. But a lot of the other birds sound beautiful. The house-parrots even sing songs. No joke, they know the lyrics and the tune and everything. Very impressive.
One of the most surprising things for me was going up to talk to an old woman on the street, saying "Hey, can we share a message about Jesus Christ with you?" and getting "Sorry I don´t speak Spanish" as a response. Uh what? You´re clearly Mexican, and you don´t speak Spanish? Apparently some of the older generation only speaks Chol, some native dialect. Kind of a problem, but that´s okay, I´m sure they speak Chol in the Spirit World ;)

FIRST WEEK IN THE FIELD

National Park of Palenque

I regret to say that I have no pictures to send right now, but know that I am safe and sound in Palenque, Mexico. I´ve seen iguanas, macaws, lots of stray cats and dogs, and I can´t believe God sent me here. I know I´m gonna learn a lot. I already have and it´s only been a week!

I have an amazing trainer. Couldn´t even begin to list her strengths. She´s going to turn me into an awesome missionary.
Wish I had more time but I have to go fold laundry so I can get out and teach. It´s been a roller coaster of a week. Lots of emotions but most importantly, I know that God is right here with me, protecting me and reminding me about all the things He has and will bless me with. Pretty awesome :) I´m already over on email time but I wanted to mention how strongly I know that God is with us always and that He has all power to protect, to save, to love and to forgive.

Love you all and talk to you next Monday!

Hermana Wilson

MTC-WEEK 6

Our teacher Sister Richards on the bottom left with the pretty light brown hair and maroon skirt; and our other teacher Sister Imbler on the bottom right with the dirty blonde hair, black skirt. Love all these people so much!

This is the closing chapter of my MTC experience!

Since I'll be in Mexico on Monday, this last week involved much planning, learning and mental preparation, so not a whole lot of stories to share. But I must express my gratitude for the amazing experiences I've had here. I know that they've helped prepare me as much as possible for what I need to teach and express and do while I'm serving in Mexico.

One of my favorite things from the last week was District meeting. We had two very special ones: Monday involved talking about our families and Thursday was all about miracles--there were so many! I wish every one of you could relive the last six weeks of my life, especially those who haven't served missions. I've never been so full of love, never tried so hard to be patient, never received so much revelation, never been so engulfed by the Spirit . . . The Spirit testifies of truth. It also testifies of love. And I have felt that so much since I've been here. I hope all of you have a chance to experience it as well. I've felt it most strongly as I've studied the scriptures--all of them! So anyone can do that from anywhere they are, so do it!

My invitation ('cause Hey, I'm a missionary!) is for you to share a miracle or a favorite scripture with a friend this week. There are miracles all around us and I have loved finding ones to record every single day since I've gotten here.

Much love from Sister Wilson!

God bless! 

MTC-WEEK 5 ENGLISH VERSION

This was a week full of miracles! I can't even name them all, let alone describe each one, so I'll try my best to prioritize:

Miracle #1: Temple work. Our Spanish branch gets to go to the temple every Saturday and I cannot believe how many answers I've gotten each time I go. The key is to ASK. And if you can't go to the temple, just pray sincerely--find a quiet spot and talk to God as if he were right in front of you and know that He hears everything. I mean EVERYTHING.

Miracle #2: Girl Talk and naps. Sister Freckleton and I have a propensity for drifting into the subject of marriage and our futures and study abroad trips. There was one day when we were feeling particularly exhausted and totally intended on a nap but ended up talking for the entire hour of nap time instead. Best break ever. As a missionary, you appreciate every break you have and you appreciate it even more when you get answers and free therapy out of that break.

Miracle #3. WARNING: Ummmm this one is a little gross so it is only for the strong-stomached and those who have humor similar to mine. You won't appreciate it if you don't enjoy a good toilet joke every once in a while. So feel free to skip this one. So here's the story: Hermana Freckleton and I promised our investigator that if she quit drinking coffee, we'd quit sugar. Great idea, right? No. And of course I'm so freakin' motivated. That same night, the minute we get home, I say firmly and very audibly, "Let God strike us down should we break our promise!" And I was being dead serious because I really wanted to experience a little of what Ivette  (our TRC investigator) was about to experience while trying to quit coffee. That was last Thursday (10ish days ago). Fast forward to Monday; so I've been off sugar for 4 days. Up to this point I am feeling really . . . well, desperate for sugar. So while my companions aren't looking, I sneak a chocolate (maybe two) into my mouth to satisfy myself. Guess what happened the next morning? I woke up at 6 AM, went into the restroom and didn't leave the toilet for 40 whole minutes. I'll leave out the nasty details because you simply can't appreciate it unless I'm telling the story in person, but just image me being really sick in the stomach. Bad things happened. I felt constantly on the verge of vomiting for the next two hours. And then I was fine. Weirdest thing ever. Later that day after I was feeling all happy and grateful that my good health had returned, I sat for a second and realized God was definitely listening to me. Seriously, God hears everything.

Miracle #4. Praises for the Weather. My district says that I must have a really close (and humorous) connection to God because about 3 seconds after I said, "I just love all sorts of weather! The sky is always beautiful" (at this point, it was a beautiful, cloudy, brisk day!), God immediately sends a hailstorm. No joke. HAIL. I screamed and ran for cover as my companions laughed behind me. But I really do see weather as a miracle. All sorts of beautiful show up in every different kind of weather. Even when it's hailing.

Miracle #5. Elder Rasband came to the MTC. If you don't know who Elder Rasband is, he was just called last October to serve as an apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve. That's a big deal. When he showed up to speak at the MTC for a Tuesday devotional, my heart was beating so quickly, I couldn't stop smiling and when he walked about two yards in front of me and then looked me in the eyes and smiled, all I could think was, "I cannot believe this. I'm sitting right in front of an Apostle!" Like, Peter/James/John/Andrew/Philip/Bartholomew/Thomas/James#2/Matthew/Thaddaeus/Simon kind of apostle, except this one is on the earth right now!!!!!! The love of God just radiated from him. I can't even explain it. Watch General Conference in April and listen for an Apostle's "I love you." That's what it feels like. I'm pretty sure there were angels in the room.

There are more but these are all I have time to explain. Hope you all look for the hand of God in your life. I know it's there. No doubt about it!

"And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of they faith." Enos 1:12

Mucho amor,

Sister Wilson 

MTC-WEEK 3 ENGLISH VERSION

Almost done with Week #3!

It has been a crazy fun week at the MTC, mostly because I was in a very giggly mood (let's be honest, am I not that way all the time?) But seriously, so many funny phrases I must list:

• "Brother Norton, can you explain how to make comparisons in Spanish? Like, 'Today was better than yesterday.' Or, 'They say I'm like a raccoon.'" -Elder Chappell
• "Dios tiene un cuerpo de carne y huevos." -Hermana Strode (translation: God has a body of flesh and eggs)
• Please go to Youtube and look for a video about Canadian border patrol that goes something like this, "Hey you people! Stop crossin the border! Get in my truck!" Hermana Strode quotes it and it never gets old...
• "I've hit a wall..." -Hermana Stephens, followed by a series of giggles and stomping around the room as if trying to shake out her slap-happiness.

On the spiritual side, two wonderful devotionals full of inspiration, revelation and great tips; for example, the question was posed, "What price will I be asked to pay for obedience?" I love that! Sometimes obedience is hard, but I want to always be one He can count on, like Abraham or Nephi. Also, this week I have learned how little I understand and how greatly the Spirit can work through me to help me as I teach and talk with investigators. Prayers have become more meaningful and I now wish that I had said them more often out loud than inside my head. There's something special about saying prayers aloud--it's almost like God answers them louder afterward than He does when you give silent prayers. And the example my companions set for me--I cannot express how strongly I KNOW that God put me with these people. THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES. GOD DOES NOT ROLL DICE. He loves each of us and if we are obedient, He blesses us in every way He can. I lost track a long time ago of how many blessings He's given me. I wish I could pay Him back but I can't. I'll try anyway.

I have learned how essential communication is in relationships. Honestly, I think I'm preparing more for marriage now than ever before. I am with my companions every second--not an exaggeration--of the day and we don't always agree. But we love and respect each other, and as I've expressed my feelings honestly and openly, I've seen us grow closer. Pillow talk is definitely my favorite, though. You would not believe some of the stories I've heard :)

Anyway, that's pretty much all I have to say this week. Pictures to follow. Love you all so much. God be with you!!!

Sister Wilson

CEM SEMANA 2

VERSION EN ESPAÑOL

SEMANA 2

Una vez mas, esta semana fue fenomenal llena de experiencias espirituales y muchas risas.
Primero, recibí el llamamiento de Coordinadora de Música de la Rama. Es un trabajo en el que prácticamente no tengo que hacer mucho—por ejemplo, tengo que buscar voluntarios para que toquen el piano en la reunión sacramental, para que dirijan la música o presenten un numero musical, pero en lugar de yo buscar voluntarios, ellos me buscan a mi. Es el trabajo mas fácil del mundo. Al día siguiente empezamos a enseñar a investigadores en situaciones ficticias. Por el momento, Angela, Samuel e Ivette son nuestros investigadores. Les enseñamos a ellos por lo menos tres veces a la semana. Es increíble ver como el espíritu nos ayuda y guía durante las lecciones. Necesito compartir una experiencia del espíritu muy poderosa que tuvimos y no quiero olvidarla: Estamos acostumbradas al sentimiento de paz y entendimiento que el espíritu trae, pero cuando estábamos conversando con un grupo de elderes antes de una lección, nosotras (mis compañeras y yo) físicamente sentimos que el espíritu se alejó. Es uno de los peores sentimientos que he tenido y espero no volverme a sentir así nunca más. Este grupo de elderes fueron muy negativos y ninguno de ellos parecía estar aquí en el CEM por la razón correcta. Al instante que ellos se fueron,  la hermana Freckleton, la hermana Stephens y yo cerramos la puerta del cuarto donde estábamos y nos arrodillamos a orar. Apenas la hermana Freckleton empezó la oración pidiendo a Dios que alejara los malos sentimientos  que teníamos en ese momento y nos bendijera con su amor, inmediatamente sentí que se mi quitaba todo el peso que tenia encima. Sonreí con lágrimas en mis ojos durante toda su oración. Después de terminar la hermana Stephens comentó que ella sitió como si alguien más estuviera en el cuarto y lo sé porque yo también lo sentí. Pasamos de un momento incómodo espiritualmente a un momento muy especial. Quiero testificar de la veracidad del Espíritu Santo. Él es real y nos hace saber las cosas que Dios quiere que sepamos—así sea por medio de otras personas,  pensamientos, o sentimientos de tranquilidad y paz. Él nos da a conocer el amor eterno e incondicional de Nuestro Padre Celestial.  Los susurros del Espíritu Santo son lo mejor!
Como dije antes, también pasaron cosas muy divertidas esta semana, especialmente momentos vergonzosos con los errores del idioma. Por ejemplo, el Elder Sperry accidentalmente le dijo a un investigador: “Puede tener la pez y la felicidad” en lugar de “paz”. También la hermana Freckleton dijo: “Es mi cuerpo” en lugar de: “Es mi culpa”.  O la hermana Stephens cuando confundió la palabra tierra con tarea y dijo: “Vinimos a esta tarea” en lugar de “Vinimos a esta tierra”. 
En fin, hay muchas mas experiencias chistosa pero no tendrían mucho sentido escribiéndolas.
Quiero decirles que estoy muy agradecida por la oportunidad de estar aquí y saber que Dios está presente en mi vida. He sido muy bendecida con buenas compañeras y sé que no es coincidencia. Amo a todas las personas que he conocido. Cada una de ellas me ha enseñado mucho de lo que es la amistad, la sinceridad, el testimonio y la perseverancia. Una vez más, no quisiera estar en ningún otro lugar. Sé que Cristo vive y que gracias a Él, viviremos de nuevo y seremos felices si sólo lo seguimos.

Los amo a todos,

La hermana Wilson

MTC-WEEK 2 ENGLISH VERSION

ENGLISH VERSION

MTC: Week 2!

It was another fantastic week full of the Spirit and so so SO many laughs.

It started with me getting called as the Branch Music coordinator. The job practically does itself--as in, I'm supposed to ask people to play the piano in sacrament meeting, conduct and give special musical numbers, but people come up to me and ask if they can do it. Easiest job ever. It continued the next day with teaching "investigators" in a role-play situation. Angela, Samuel and Ivette are our investigators for now. We talk face-to-face with each of them at least three times a week and it's amazing to see how the Spirit aids and directs the lessons. *** I need to share this because it was the most powerful memory of the Spirit that I have and I don't want to ever forget it: We are so used to feeling the peace and understanding that come with the Spirit that when a group of young men in the Training Center were chatting with us before a lesson, we (my companions and I) physically felt the Spirit leave the room. It was the second-to-worst feeling I've ever felt in my life and I never want to feel that again. These elders were so negative and none of them seemed to be here at the MTC for the right reason. The second they left, Sisters Freckleton, Stephens and I shut the door of the room we were in and knelt down in prayer. Sister Freckleton opened the prayer and I instantly felt, as she begged God to take away the bad feelings and bless us with His love, that a weight was being lifted off my shoulders. I was smiling during the whole prayer with tears in my eyes. Sister Stephens commented afterward that she felt as if someone else were in the room and I KNOW she was right. We went from a super-low to a spiritual High. I want to testify that the Holy Ghost is real, that He can tell us the things that God would have us know--either from other people, from thoughts, impressions or feelings, or simply in the comfort of Heavenly Father's unconditional and eternal love. I love that still, small voice!!!

As I mentioned before, we did a TON of laughing this week. Everything seems funny: like naming the 12 people in our class/district after animals (I'm a chocolate lab, BTW), talking for an hour into the night about "hot yams" and embarrassing moments and all our language mistakes--like the time when Elder Sperry accidentally told an investigator: "Puede tener la pez y la felicidad" instead of "paz" (translation: you can have fish and happiness); also, when Hermana Freckleton said "Es mi cuerpo" (It's my body) instead of "Es mi culpa" (It's my fault)--oh and the time Hermana Stephens confused the word tierrawith tarea (earth vs homework): "When we came to this homework . . ." And of course everyone laughed when we were in class and the teacher asked, "Hermana Wilson, como esta?" And I responded with, "Estoy feliz porque anoche tuve un sueno muy bueno." It would've been fine if he'd ended it there, but no he just HAD to ask if I'd share my good dream with the class. I said, "No, no es... appropriate" and I'm sure everyone assumed I had some completely carnal dream that I'd never confess out loud. Lies. It was just a pleasant dream that was not appropriate for the class. I told everyone afterward.

Joke of the week: "These bread-what-whats are so good." In Spanish, pancakes get called something like, "Panque'que's" so pan=bread, que'=what ...sooooooo... Bread What Whats!!!! yum.

There are so many other funny stories but they just wouldn't make sense unless you were here. I'll express how grateful I am for the chance to be here. And I know that God's hand is in my life. I can't believe how much luck I've had in roommates and companions. There's no way it's all coincidence. I love everyone I've met so much. They teach me so much about friendship and sincerity and testimony and endurance. I wouldn't wanna be anywhere else! I know that Jesus Christ lives and that because of Him, we will live again and we can be the happiest people in the whole world if we simply come unto Him.

Love you all!!! ❤

Sister Wilson

SEMANA 1-VERSION EN ESPAÑOL

MISION MEXICO-VILLAHERMOSA
VERSION EN ESPAÑOL

CEM- SEMANA 1

No hay palabras lo suficientemente poderosas para expresar los sentimientos que he tenido en el Centro de Entrenamiento Misional. Todo comenzó cuando Karen, Vede y mi abuela me dejaron en el CEM (gracias a ellos y a mi tia Bonnie por ayudarme con todos los preparativos y llevarme a mi nuevo “hogar”). Y luego, directo a clase. No, no es broma. Deje mis maletas en mi cuarto y a clase! Pero fue un buen día. Como entre un día antes al CEM, tuve la oportunidad de pasar el día con la Hermana Broughton. Y adivinen de donde es ella… Nueva Zelandia!! Tenia un acento increíble J También tenia algunas quejas contra nuestras monedas americanas. “Porque tienen tantas monedas? Porque monedas de un centavo? Porque la de cinco centavos es mas grande que la de diez centavos? Porque tiene que ser tan confuso?” En fin, ella piensa que Nueva Zelandia es mas avanzado en ese aspecto. Tal vez tiene razón.

Para los que se están preparando para salir a una misión, quiero que sepan que no hay NADA que temer. El CEM es un lugar seguro y siempre habrá alguien disponible para ayudar o guiarlos donde tienen que ir. Este lugar es mas o menos como una cárcel, con la excepción que tienes la llave de tu celda compartida. Pero no se siente como una cárcel. Hay un espíritu increíble en este lugar. Aunque nosotros, los nuevos misioneros, nos sentimos estresados o cansados (normalmente las dos cosas al mismo tiempo), es tan fácil hacer amigos y sentir el espíritu que estoy realmente segura que no me gustaría estar en ningún otro lugar. Si leen en el Libro de Mormón, en Mosiah 5:2-5, así es como nos sentimos los misioneros. La verdad, no extraño nada de mi vida anterior (con excepción de mi familia y amigos, por supuesto). Pensé que iba a extrañar la universidad, o escuchar música, o mi carro, o mi libertad, pero no. Me siento tan feliz y emocionada de servir una misión que no me apetecen en absoluto las cosas que pensé que extrañaría. Ser misionero es trabajo de TIEMPO COMPLETO, pero es el mejor trabajo no remunerado que alguien tenga el placer de tener (bueno, me imagino que con la excepción de ser padre -los quiero mucho, mami y papi).

Bueno, suficiente con el aburrido resumen. La comida aquí es muy buena. Siempre tienen comida que apetece, diría yo que demasiado! Hace que sea difícil decidir que escoger…Y la gente aquí es increíble! Mi compañera, la Hermana Stephens es una de las personas mas inspiradoras que he conocido. Llego aquí el miércoles. Sabe tanto español como un estudiante que ha estudiado solo un año de español, pero practica cada minuto disponible, estudia y hace muchas preguntas. No se imaginan donde empezó y cuanto ha progresado en solo unos días. Si sigue así, para mediados de febrero hablara mejor español que yo! Yo se que es el don que Dios le ha dado. Ella esta haciendo todo lo que este a su alcance para aprender el idioma y no hay manera alguna en que ella haya progresado tanto en solo tres días sin ayuda celestial. La quiero y admiro mucho y espero que yo pueda mantener su ritmo y entusiasmo. Hay un total de 12 misioneros en nuestro distrito (o clase) y ya les he cogido mucho cariño. Los misioneros son muy dedicados a la obra y las hermanas son muy cálidas y dedicadas al aprendizaje del idioma. Pienso que me han puesto en el mejor grupo! También tenemos unos maestros increíbles. El hermano Norton (el sirvió su misión en España) y la hermana Richards (ella sirvió su misión en California en español). Los dos son muy serviciales, y son tan agradables que las tres horas de clase de español se pasan volando. Nuestro presidente de Rama también se ve que es increíble. El jueves por la noche lo conocimos a el, a su esposa y a unos de sus consejeros (el hermano Cannon) y nunca he luchado tanto para controlar mis sentimientos. Afortunadamente, yo fui la única que lloro cuando me toco compartir mi testimonio así que la caja de Kleenex fue solo para mi!!! J Sin mentir, lo único que alcance a decir fue: “Me siento muy agradecida de estar aquí. Amo el evangelio--“ y ya no me pude contener. Demasiado espíritu, bueno, me imagino que nunca se puede tener demasiado espíritu. Y luego, otra vez a llorar cuando tuve una entrevista con el hermano Cannon. Estábamos sentados en un pasillo lleno de fotos de misioneros. Yo empecé con la oración y allí pedí que el espíritu nos acompañara. Durante la entrevista el hermano Cannon dijo exactamente lo que yo necesitaba escuchar.

Yo se que esta es la iglesia verdadera! Cada parte de ella! Yo se que mi experiencia en la misión no será perfecta y yo definitivamente no seré perfecta, pero la belleza del evangelio de Jesucristo es que seamos lo mejor que podamos--que usemos nuestros talentos; que compartamos nuestro tiempo con otros; que no seamos egoístas; que tomemos tiempo para conocer a otros, ayudando y edificando; que seamos buenos, caritativos y virtuosos, leales y fieles. En este momento no quisiera estar en ningún otro lugar ni ser alguien mas.

Los quiero a todos!!

La Hermana Wilson

P.D. Les prometo mandar fotos hoy o la próxima semana. No nos queda mucho tiempo. Hasta la próxima.

Mi dirección por las próximas cinco semanas:

Hermana Nicole Elena Wilson

FEB29 MEX-VIL

2005 N 900 E Unit 156

Provo UT 84602