Monday, July 12, 2010: 8 days.

And it really hasnt hit me.

Not much to report. Teaching a lot. Helping people be happy. Thats what I was called to do, right?

Part of me feels like I needed to serve a mission so that I could be shaped into the person that God needs me to be... And along the way I helped Him out a bit by teching some people. I feel like a totally new person.... Ashley 2.0!

This is basically the last mass email I'm gonna send on the mission.... Wow. How's that for TRIPPY?!

I hope to see people when I come visit Utah the 28-31! BBQ!!!!! American style, w00t!

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

All I have to say is this (click on the link!)

Love you all. Stay Strong.

Monday, July 5, 2010: Happy Independence Day!

This week was quite adventerous.

( And I would send pictures, but this LAN house is being weird and wont let me........ unfortunate, né?)

Well, we had a fun adventure with getting a mosquito net set up for Sis Lindsey, becasue she was being eaten ALIVE by the huge mosquitos here (Seriously over a half inch long!) We got creative and ended up duct taping PVC pipe to the four corners of her bed and draping this mosquito net over it. Now it looks like a camp-style princess bed, hahaha.

We also had an INCREDIBLY fun São João party with the ward. We even dressed up a little =D The members had a lot of fun dancing forró and square dancing, haha.

I also made some chocolate cookies this week... Seriously the BEST cookies I have ever made in my life. I dont know what I did, but the members and investigators we shared them with were quite happy =D

The work goes on. We were all set to have a baptism, Alexandre, this Sunday; we even made the cake... And he didnt come. It was kinda a mess... His girlfriend of 4 years had just broken up with him and basically he's super depressed and, even thought he believes its true and wants to be baptised... He just felt too sad to be baptised... Kinda frustrating, because he will feel a LOT better with the gospel in his life and the Holy Ghost to lift him up.

I've noticed that the greatest trials ALWAYS come before the greatest blessings. The time right before my mission was incredibly difficult, and I had a lot of doubts about my ability to serve a mission and if this was really the right thing and right place for me to be. That is because satan KNOWS what blessing are in store, and tries to deter us. But he does this in vain, and inadvertantly shoots himself in the foot, because in going through the trials that he throws at us, we draw closer to Christ become stronger and firmer in our testimony and in the gospel. Ultimately, even bad things work to the strengthening and building up of the kingdom of God.

I've seen this on the mission with almost every single investigator. They meet with us, and suddenly they are not on neutral ground anymore. They encounter trials, doubts, and then they either stay strong through reading the scriptures and praying and going to church and are baptised... or they succumb and fade away. This is one of the saddest things I've seen, because I KNOW if they just hold on a little longer and do these things, they will ultimately reach salvation. I have to have patience with people like Alexandre, who really are broken hearted and passing through a difficult time, and help them understand the light and the peace and the happiness and the HEALING that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings. I know this because that is exactly what I have found, especially here on the mission.

I had a special thought yesterday, being the 4th of July. We celebrate this day to remember the War of Independence, to remember the men that fought and died so that we may be free. Then I thought of a different war, one that we are all fighting, everyday. And I thought of the Man that died so that we may be free; free from sin and from saddness and all the things which afflict us here in our mortal state. We have the path given to us to follow straight to eternal life, but it's our choice whether we'll follow it or not. Ultimately, this is the reason I decided to serve a mission, and the reason I'm here doing it. I want to help others find that path, and find the peace and healing that goes along with it.

I can't believe I only have 2 weeks left. Time goes by WAY too quickly.

That's about all for this week... I'll see you all pretty soon ;)

Stay strong! I love you all!

~Sister Wilkinson

Monday, June 28, 2010: O Fim Se Aproxima...

Well family, not much new stuff.

We've been teaching some good people. We had to let go of a couple of people because they dont want to get married/stop smoking... Always hard when you have to do that becasue they become people you love.

The US is out of the World Cup... As I had many people tell me. Today Brasil is playing. Basically the world shuts down for the games. CRAZY.

It's been raining raining raining. There was flooding in the south of Pernambuco (which is the state we're in). Basically wiped the whole town out. Literally. So the church has been sending a lot of help down there. The members here are AWESOME--so many people volunteering and helping out and donating clothes and stuff (see attached pictures... Sis Lindsey and I had some fun modeling the donated clothing... Perhaps a little TOO much fun...).

It was also São João, which is a HUGE holiday here in Brasil, and especially the Nordeste. There were lots of bonfires and loud music called forró. Pretty crazy. Combined with the bug spray we always wear, I really felt like I was camping. Just missed the marshmallows, hahaha.

Well, next week, we'll have some good baptism pictures! (Fell this week because he went to another state for são joão... I hate holidays on the mission)

For now, enjoy the picture of me making French toast!

Até mais!

Monday, June 21, 2010: One month.......................

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH my goodness familia. Remember how last week didnt really have much going on? Well I feel like this week had EVERYTHING.

First things first: I'm a mommy!!! I have my daughter!!! Sister Lindsey from ALASKA! So she's basically dying in the Brasilian "winter". I got to go to the airport and get her! (see foto) and it was so cool. I love her already--it really s like she's my daughter because we have SO MUCH in common!!!! She is my second american companion, and she is also blonde like Sis Ortolani.

And she definitely had quite the first week. Wednesday it POURED POURED POURED and we got SOAKED. And it didnt stop Thursday. We actually got stuck in a place waiting for the rain to calm down a little for like a half hour, then got the bus back to our house. What is usually a 5 minute ride turned into a 40 minute wait. The roads were TOTALLY flooded and the bus had to take another route and then we ended up in the middle of the intersection blocking traffic for 20 minutes while everyone honked around us. Pretty exciting, too bad I didnt have my camera. We ended up staying in the house until our appointment in the evening because it was raining SOO hard. The water was almost up to my knees in the street as we waded to our appointment (and think where it reached on the short brasilians!). I kept telling Sis Lindsey "Welcome to the Mission!" but laughing about it. Really, everything is an adventure on the mission! She has a pretty good attitude though, and we've been laughing the whole week.

Friday we had a conference with ELDER ANDERSON of the twelve apostles!!!!!!! It was amazing to shake his hand and hear his words. It was very short and simple--he mostly just talked about the Atonement of Christ and how we need to apply it in our lives to really have success on the mish. It was amazing.

We're having miracles in our area in regards to investigators! Basically people just showing up at church who dont drink or smoke or drink coffee and we ask them if they want to get baptised and theyre like "yeah, ok". Its so amazing. I really want to make this transfer the best one--I want to finish strong! So we're working with some amazing people and I fully expect to see some amazing miracles in the next month.

I dont even really want to think about coming home... Like, I'm excited to be home and walk on carpet and drink out of the sink and eat peanut butter and wear jeans, but I get kinda anxious thinking about leaving this work and this country and these people that I love with all my heart.... I'm actually not really trunky....

Fotos!

1) Me and Sister Lindsey in the airport!!!!!!!!!

2) Me and my district that I arrived with at the conference (Hansen, Goodwin, Snarr, Brunken, Wagoner and Me) This was basically the last time we would all be together until they all get home in 6 months

3) The Brasilians I arrived with (Tenório, Bezerra, and Francisco)

4) Me and Elder Francisco being silly in a store. (This is the foto of me Sis Lindsey sent to her family, hahahaha)

Ok, well, I love you all SOOOOOO MUCH! I am way excited to see you SOON. It's gonna fly by... Oh man... Cant think about it!

Monday, June 14, 2010: And the Rain Rain Rain came Down Down Down..

Hey Família

It's been POURING these days!!!!! Its like someone is dumping a bucket of water continually. So that makes walking in the streets a bit more interesting, with navagating around huge puddles.

Other than that, not much to report this week. No baptisms, but we do have a few investigators taht are really progressing, and we've been contacting a lot of references this week finding new people.

We're still teaching the American, Dwayne, and his Brasilian wife, Maria. I made American cookies for them and Dwayne about died from happiness, hahahaha. This has been a miracle couple. He stopped with coffee and has cut down on the cigarettes by half in less tahn a week. Theyre reading scriptures together and praying. Its AMAZING the effect and the change that comes through the gospel!

I get my "daughter" tomorrow, Sister Lindsey!!!!! Hahahahahahahahaha, I thought that was funny/somewhat ironic. I just know she's American and blonde. But I'll let you all know more about that next Monday =D

Also this Friday we have a conference with ELDER ANDERSON!!!!!!!!!! And Sister Lemos and I might give a training for him! AHHHHHH Pray hard for me!!!!!!!!!

But other than that... not much news this week. Next week there will be a LOT mroe!

Fotos: (From our walk to Alto da Sé, a tourist point here in Olinda)

1) An old church

2) Beautiful sunset

3) View of Recife

4) Another old church

Beautiful Brasil =]

Wednesday, June 9, 2010: MY LAST TRANSFER!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT?! How did that happen?!

So the big news: I'm training!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An American!

But my "daughter" isn't here yet, so I'm with Sis Lemos for one more week! (That was kinda funny, we ran around saying goodbye to everyone Monday and Tuesday only to have her stay one more week. But such is life!)

Nothing too exciting happened this week. Turns out that fever I had was dengue; so I was in bed all week with a 102*F fever. Saturday night it finally went away, and Sunday I had this red rash-like spotting alllll over my body, especially my arms and legs, and my hands were bright red, and it ITCHED. It looked like lizard skin kinda, all molted (see foto) But this is good because it means its over and going away. But yeah, I'm fine now and I have my energy back.

We've been teaching an AMERICAN!!!!!!! Hahahahaha, he's from New Orleans and Philly and has the CRAZIEST southern black accent I have ever heard. He says things like "Whats you was sayin?" and "I aks hims" My lingustics professor would have a hay day with him. He doesnt speak any portuguese, but he's married to a brasilian woman.,.. who doesnt speak very much English. But hey, that never stopped anyone, right? He was SUPER happy to talk to an American, and they both really like our message. Maria (his wife) is a lot more open to believing and praying than him... I dunno ifs its a man thing or an American thing, but they're both reading the Book of Mormon and praying. He's stopped drinking coffee and has lessened the cigarettes too!!!!!!!!!

And it is SOOO HARD to teach in English!!!!!!!!!!! I have to think so much about what I want to stay. And I'm developing a stutter kinda too in English. Oy vey.

well, that's about it for this week.

Fotos!

1) Baptism of Rayane and Patricia (Lemos, Rayane, Patricia, Jairo, and Me!)

2) Patricia, me, Rayane, and Lemos

3) Me being "ghetto chick" for a night, hahaha. (Aka, this is what happens when you let the young women play with your hair)

4) Juliana, me, and Lemos at the temple

5) Looking to the beautiful Recife Temple!!!!

6) Dengue

7) Our "little" box of chocolate milk we bought today, hahaha

I love you familia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll see you soon!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010: 49 Days...

...Not that I'm counting... But really, família and amigos... It's absolutely INSANE how quickly time goes by. I swear on the mission we're actually on Kolob time, because I feel like I've only been here for a short amount of time!

Well, there are LOTS of exciting things happening at home, with Linny graduating and cousins getting married and dad shaving off his moustache after 33 years!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!! I'm excited to be home and share it all with you guys!

As I said, I'm flying into San Jose July 22, but we'll be up in Utah the next weekend. I'm so excited to see you all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next week is transfers. Sis Lemos is for sure leaving Olinda ( =´[ ) but I'm for sure staying!!!! (yayy!!!) And most likely, I will be training the newbie!!! Woohoo!

So, news for this week: (Unfortunately, there will be no pictures because I forgot my cable... But next week expect a ton!)

We had two baptisms!!!! Rayane and Patrícia. It was super special. They are both amazing young women who have made a LOT of changes in their lives since they came in contact with the gospel, especially Patrícia. (We marked the baptism of her mom too!!!) I feel so honored and blessed to have a part in helping these fine young daughtersof God enter the path that ultimately leads to Eternal Life. There really is nothing better than knowing I helped out just a tad ;)

We went to the temple today!!!! It's been 6 months since we last went, and it was sooooo nice. I'm excited to go every week when i'm home. And after was fun too beasue I got to see my friend Ildelídia (from my area Madalena) and my friend Juliana from Casa Amarela!!!!! Ju hung out with us for most of the afternoon, taking fun pictures at the temple and getting some tasty ice cream =] I havent seen her for 6 months either, so I was super excited. I love that I've made some amazing friendships here on the mission.

Health-wise, I've been sick with a fever for the last 3 days, so i've been popping ibuprofen and sleeping a lot. I was waiting to see if it would go away after a couple days, but it hasnt, so i'll probably be going to the doctor tomorrow. I've never been sick so much in my life than I have been here on the mission. But i'm still happy and working as much as I can =] This too shall pass, ne?

Oh, other exciting news is that Elder Neil L Anderson is coming to our mission in a couple weeks!!!! I don't know what we do to deserve all this Apostolic attention, but I ain't complaining ;) I'm way excited!

Well, família... That's about all for this week. I love you all and thank you for your love and support. It always makes me so happy to open my email and see the names of people I love. It helps me make it through the hard times.

Until next week!

Monday, 24 May, 2010: BATISMOOOOOOOOOO

Ola Família!

I feel like time is going by SOOOO fast! I swear it was my birthday yesterday and now it's almost JUNE. Oh man. Soon i'll be coming home!

Just as a note, I'm flying into San Jose July 22! But I'll be up in Utah the next weekend, huzzah!

So this week! We had the baptism of LUIZA (see fotos!) Luiza is THE cutest little 8 year old--she stole my heart the first lesson. She lives with her "mom" and "dad", who are really her aunt and uncle. They're inactive members, and thus for Luiza to be baptised, we had to teach her. She is so smart and I swear she understands the gospel better than some adults we teach. When we asked her what repentence is, she said "When you hit someone, you have to say your sorry, and never do it again!" Awwwwww. And her baptism was really fun, with a lot of support from the ward.

Next week we should have 4 or 5 baptisms of the group of people we're teaching! I'm so excited. I love these people that i'm teaching so much and its so great to see the changes they make in their lives. One girl we started teaching, Patricia, has changed sooo much. Her family LOVES us--we never leave their house without eating something (I once heard the sign of a good missionary is getting food from people ;)) and we're gonna start teaching her family soon. We've just had so many miracles. We did a special fast to find people and to help our investigators and our prayers have been answered almost instantaneously. I love how the Lord really does love us and guide us. Its amazing the miracles I see every day here.

Other news... Lemos and I got the vaccine for the pig flu or swine flu or whatever its called in English (H1N1). Aaaaaaaaaaand we've been sick all week. the first couple days after I was dizzy and nauseous, and then i had a sore throat, and now i've had a stuffy nose and a headache for a week straight. Thats the first, and LAST, time I get a flu shot. But the work goes on!

thats about it for this week! You'll only be getting about 7 more of these emails before I get home! AHHHHHHHH!!! Cant think about it!

Love you all soooo much!

Monday, 3 May, 2010: Go Shorty, It's yo Birfday

Ok, so I'm not short, and I probably shouldnt be quoting lines from 50 Cent as a missioanry, but hey, my birthday IS tomorrow!!!!!!!!! Aééééééé!!!! I cant believe it! 23 seems so OLD to me... And it's weird to think that I spent 22 as a missionary. It really does not seem like a year went by SOOOO fast! My last birthday I was in my first area, barely able to speak portuguese... Man..... Time flies, ne?

Well, família, not too much to report. The start of a transfer is always a little slow, especially because we baptised all our investigators, so now we dont have many. Thats a good thing, but still a little annoying =]

One interesting thing. Jairo, the kid we recently baptised, told us that other missionaries had already passed by and tried to teach him and stuff, but that he never wanted to listen until us. That there was something special and different about US that made him want to listen. When he said that, I just felt... I dont even know. So grateful, I guess, that Heavenly Father has prepared people for each one of us. That there truly are people who will only hear the gospel because of ME... That I am a valuable instrument in the hands of God to bring people unto Him. It just really struck me when he said that.

Everyday here on the mission I experience little miracles. From silly things like finding my lost hairbrush to having the Spirit whisper we need to go to a certain house at a certain time and to show up when we were needed most.

Thank you all for your support and love. it means so much to me to know that I have a whole gaggle of people rooting for me! Its the best birthday present I could ask for =]

Fotos:

1) Our awesome Zone from the last transfer. We had 39 baptisms with 3 men!

2) The lighthouse in Olinda that we went to last p-day... in the rain... and we arrived there after climbing up this huge hill only to find it is now closed to tourists. Sis Lemos talked to the guard for like 15 minutes trying to convince him to let us in, but to no avail

3) This is my "I hiked up a hill in the pouring rain to not get to see the lighthouse" face =] But it was a good bonding moment and after we ate pizza, so its all good!!!!

~Sister Wilkinson, a velhinha.

Monday, 26 April, 2010: My New Favorite Color is WHITE

Well Familia,

Sis Lemos and I are staying together for one more transfer! Yay!

This weekend was pretty much amazing. Why? Because we had a WEDDING and THREE baptisms!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!

This couple is AMAZING. We've been working with them for FOREVER, because first the guy (Cleiton) didnt want to get married, but Sis Lemos fixed that. Then he was really wishy-washy on the baptism thing. He believed, and knows, that its the right thing to do, but he has some ideas in his head he cant quite get rid of, like he doesnt believe in free will. He says that everything is "written" already. So Friday night sis lemos and Ana (his wife) were arguing with him and it was late and he is very stubborn, so finally I just said "Ok, fine, its written that you'll be baptised!". I was half joking, but suddenly he smiled and started laughing and said "ok!" and i thought maybe he was kinda joking too. But no, come Saturday, we had their wedding (beautiful, I cried) and then he put on the white jumpsuit and went into the water! And sunday he showed up in a white shirt and tie and was actively participating in the classes... man. Its truly incredible what the gospel does to people. His wife, Ana, has been ready to be baptised for like 6 months--she's just been waiting on the marriage.

Our other baptism, Jairo, is the friend of the first kid we baptised this transfer, Junior. And guess who baptised him? Junior!!!! How cool is that? Our first baptism of the transfer baptised our last baptism!!!! I thought it was pretty neat =]

Thats about it for the week. We basically ran around following up with everyone. The week goes by SOOOO fast! I cant believe i'll be home in 3 months!

Fotos:

1) Jairo (left) and Junior

2) I love white!!!! Junior, Ana, Cleiton, Marlo (member that baptised them) and Jairo

3) The most beautiful little family that you ever did see =D

4) Us with our baptisms

5) Our chapel is going to be demolished to build a bigger and better one starting today, so I did a little Top Model pose with some of the equipment ;)

LOVE YOU ALL!!!! THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!!!!!!!!

Monday, 19 April, 2010: Another Wee

Well familia, this week hasnt been too exciting.

We had Zone Conference on Wednesday--That was AWESOME. I think it was the best zone Conference we've had yet. We had a really powerful training by the Assisstents and we played a fun game with the Zones (Our Zone WON becasue we ROCK) and bother Pres and Sis Emerick spoke about some really good things, like why we're here on the mission and how we're working to establish Zion--Just all really really good and uplifting. Its liek my energy booster here on the mission--I always come back so pumped up and ready to work! And it was way fun, as always, to see friends who are in other Zones. And the lunch was great.

Our Zone is really tight--we're all super good friends and really work together to have success. We had one of our Zone Leaders and our District Leader come to our area the other night to help us with our couple thats going to get married next week (and baptised!!!!) The girl, Ana, is way way way excited to get baptised. Shes been going to church for awhile and always reads her scriptures--shes just waiting on the marriage. And the guy, Cleiton, at first didnt want to get married, but now he's SUPER excited too (he showed me and Sis Lemos the ring he bought), but he's a little shaky on the baptism. But Elders Correia and Bezerra gave a really powerful lesson and now we're set to go =] I just really love our Zone!!!! Too bad its all gonna get mixed up next week with transfers. I'm pretty sure i'm gonna stay, and we're hoping sis lemos stays one mroe too, but we'll see. Pres always has a surprise up his sleeve.

thats about it this week. We're teaching some great people and have a bunch of baptisms lined up for this Saturday and Sunday, so the next email will be quite a few pictures =]

Love you all!

Monday, 12 April, 2010: Felicidadeeeee

Hello Family!

This week went by SOOOOOOOOO fast! I cant even believe it! We've been running around teaching and following up on baptisms. So crazy. But its been great to just really be working and to come home at night totally exhausted and satisfied with the day.

Yesterday for P-day we went PAINTBALLING with our Zone in this old abandoned apartment building. Way fun. We also paid a visit to this GORGEOUS beach that was right next to the area, called Maria Farinha.

And today for p-day me and Sis Lemos and Sis Ortolani and Sis Hernandes went on a SUPER SECRET trip with the Presidents wife, Sis Emerick, to this GORGEOUS little beach way in the couth part of our mission. When me and Sis Ortolani were comps, Pres told us he thinks its a shame that the Americans come all the way to Brasil and only see ugly things like the city. Then he told us that we could have a super special p-day with Sis Emerick and see some of the beautiful beaches here... and with Sis Ortolani leaving in 2 weeks, we definitely took advantage of that offer! It was a really fun morning and great to spend time with Sis Emerick also!

I love the mission. I love this beautiful country and the people here. I love the lessons I learn everyday from the scriptures and from the daily miracles I see. I'm just happy =]

Here's a story for you. Once upon a time there were two buckets. One was always depressed and said to the other "I hate my life. Everyday I come up full, but I always go down empty". The other bucket said "Dude! Thats interesting! But I'm always happy because everyday, even though I go down empty, I always come up full"

Think about that.

Fotos!

1) Us four at the BEAUTIFUL beach!!!!!!

2) How many missionaries have pics like this?

3) Paintball! E. Hansen, Bezerra, me, E. Francisco and E. Fonseca (they all arrived with me!)

4) The beautiful Maria Farinha

Eu amo vocês!

Monday, 5 April, 2010: Feliz Páscoa

Familia!!!!!!!!!!!

So sorry i didnt send an email last week! We had a big Zone BBQ and game day at the church and we literally had nooo time to check email or anything!

We've had a couple baptisms (see fotos). This area is amazing. We're always finding people to teach, the members are alweays bringing us to their friends, and basically its amazing. This last week was a little trying, but I've learned the times are hardest right before the biggest blessings. We just have to keep working hard!

Conference was AMAZINGGGGGGGG. I cant believe how much they talked about the importance of the family and the atonement of Christ. It seemed like it went by so fast. We had a few investigators with us on the last session, and they really liked it. I'm so grateful for to have a living prophet here on the earth today, and that we can recieve guidence from him and other chosen servants of the Lord in the things of our lives.

And it was also EASTER!!!! Brasil is a very Catholic country, so Friday everyone was eating fish and talking about the Passion of Christ. I tried dying eggs, but it wasnt much fun by myself and Sis Lemos thought I was crazy. We did make american cookies for the elders! We had a good family home evening with a family in our apartment building (members) and we talked about the atonement and why we celebrate that Christ lives.

I just want to leave you all with my testimony that I know that Christ lives. He is a real Being who truly suffered every pain, sickness, sadness, and sin of every person who has lived, lives, or will live. He died on the cross, but He took his life up again three days later and because of this we will all live again. I will see my mom again, in the flesh. I know that Jesus Christ is truly by our side. I cannot even number the amount of times I have felt Him carry me through trials that I thought were impossible. He has left a path for us to return to Him, and I'm here in Brasil ultimately to teach people how they can have this same happiness that I have. There is nothing better in this life than to see the love and light of Christ enter someones life.

Feliz Páscoa (Happy easter). Every day we should remember why we celebrate Easter. We celebrate the triumph over death by our Saviour.

~Sister Wilkinson

PS: Fotos (i dont remember the order)

1) with the other sisters and some members. I look Brasilian!!!! haha.

2) Baptism of Cris with E Bezerra, one of the only elders more tall than me.

3) Me and Lemos with Junior, our other baptism

Monday, 24 March, 2010: TRANSFERED!!

I actually got transferred a week early. I'm here in OLINDA with SISTER LEMOS, who is my favorite companion EVER. We had 3 baptisms this weekend with a wedding and have two more for this week. This is going to be an amazing area

Dont get me wrong, I like the people in Carpina and everything, and I learned a lot of lessons about patience and humility that will help me out on the mission and later in life, yadda yadda yadda, but I was SOOOOO happy to get OUT of there! I was singing songs from the Sound of Music! You really can't get much happier than the Von Trapp family, gotta admit.

So basically, all is extremely well. Me and Lemos go running on the BEACH every morning for exercise!!!!!!!!! Wooo!!!!! And our apartment is seriously super nice. I love being able to see the ocean every day!!!!

Thats about it. I know today was Grandpa's funeral. I wish I could have been there, but I know he's helping me out on the other side. i'm truly grateful I got to visit him before I left.

Well, thats about it for this week! I'll send fotos Monday.

Monday, 15 March, 2010: When it rains it pours...

Well, first off... I am quite sad to hear about Grandpa =[ I started crying here in the lan house when i read the email from dad. I'm glad I was able to visit him before I left. I know he was ready to go, and I know grandma and my mom met him with open arms =] But still... I know we all are sad and miss him.

And Grandma Dorothy, I'm glad your hip surgery went well. You and Grandpa take care of yourselves!!!!! I dont want anymore emails like that!!!

Well, Pres is gonna close this area becasue its dead. We have two kind of investigators... I'm excited to leave. This area has really drained me.

We had Zone conference on Friday!!! It was really good and very uplifting. The cool part was that we have a new senior couple, and Bro Ivey speaks portuguese, but Sis Ivey doesnt, so Pres had me sit next to her and translate the whole time--almost 4 hours. There were times when i was in the groove and was translating almost word for word with the person speaking, but other times i got thrown off by a word and i was offbeat for a few minutes. But it was kinda fun, and its a skill i'd like to improve on.

Well, we have interviews tomorrow with pres, and then transfers on the 24th. Thats about it. This area was hard, but I learned a lot about myself, about patience, about unreasonable self-expectations, about faith, and so much more. So guess some good came out of it =] And maybe Mateus (the kid Sis Ortolani and I baptized) will go on a mission and baptise like 500 people. Just like Abinadi... He died not knowing anyone was converted, and look how many people joined through Alma's example!! The biggest thing i've learned is that as long as I'm doing the Lords work, nothing is wasted.

Thats about it. Until next week...

Monday, 8 March 2010: Its already March?!

Hey Família!

Things are going a lot better, health wise. My cough is gone for the most part, and i've had a lot more energy!!!!

The work is............ trickling along.........

We have Fernanda, our marked baptism, is IMPOSSIBLE to get to church, but certainly not for lack of trying. She just lives freakishly far away and theres only one bus every hour and her step-mom makes her stay home sometimes and take cer of her little brother and sister and yeah........... But shes awesome, and im amazed at the confidence ive seen growing in her as we've taught her. Shes definitely developing a testimony of the scriptures--she started reading the Book of mormon from the beginning!!!!!!!!! By herself! So i'm excited... We just need to get her to church to be baptised!! Gah. Everyone pray for a miracle this Sunday.

We had another guy that went to church, but he said everyone was soooo irreverant during sacrament that he doesnt want to go back. I dont blame him. This ward has a serious problem with reverence during the meetings--everyone whispering back and forth. I can hardly hear the speakers, much less understand!! But we're working on it.

And thats about it. We've been knocking doors at night. During the afternoon we go home because it is SO. STINKIN. HOT. that we get super bad headaches and get dehydrated really really fast. And yeah. Nothing, No one wants to hear, and all of our references just fall through really fast. Im pretty sure Pres is gonna close this area after this transfer. I have to look it it as NOT a failure on my part, because ive been trying, and trying not to be frustrated and give up.

But i'm still happy!

One thing i've learned here on the mission is patience for myself. I am SO SO SO hard on myself, which is why I break down a lot, een though not many people are hard on me. I'm learning its ok to take a break if I dont feel tiptop shape. I used to be like "No, im a slacker if i stop working just because i have a headache! I'm just using as an excuse to slack" but after that whole throwing up in the street incident, i'm seeing that I need to take care of myself, and the Lord knows my intentions.

I need to not beat myself up about not having much success here. I was feling like President sent me here to save the area and i failed because i have only baptised one kid (who is sooo firm hes better tha some adults ive baptised!). I realized I was called to Preach the Gospel, not Baptise Everyone. Theres a big difference there. I remember once my friend Kerianna told me, when I was super duper sick one summer like 5 years ago, that I always just go go go and push myself until something knocks me flat on my back. So I'm learning moderation, and patience with myself. Itll be good when i go back to school haha.

In other news, AHHHHHHHHHHH THE US LOST THE HOCKEY GAME!!!! Dang. I really miss hockey, haha. I miss watching it, and I really miss playing it. I dont go running here because ) i want my sleep and 2) Its soo stinkin hot at 6:30 that no siree i aint goin! I wish I could watch the olympics, but no one really cares about there here in Brasil, unless a Brasilian wins, but that hardly happens, haha.

Turns out i cant read calanders and we have Zone Conference THIS week. So i'll let you know how it goes!

Thats about it. Thanks for all your love and support!!!!!

Monday, 1 March, 2010: Happy Março!

Well, its March, and we're heading into Fall here... But holy cow, its HOT. And apperantly this is one of the hottest years of the century. Lucky me!!!!!!!!!

The work is chugging along... This week was kinda shot because i've been sick. Turns out I have a bit of Bronchitis. That explains the coughing and the extreme fatigue!

We still managed a good amount of lessons, and had someone in church!!!!!!!! its a guy we've been teaching, and he just showed up! That was a miracle.

Other than that, I realy dont have much to report. I've been kinda struggling here, feeling like i'm not a good missionary because i'm sooo tied and just want to sleep but I dont want to slack off and i'm hardly seeing any success, aka no baptisms..... And as my Ward mission leader said, two things a missionary needs to be happy are letters from home and baptisms, haha.

I've been really strengthened by what i've been reading in the Book of Mormon. Nephi is my hero, for real. The other day I read the story about when he broke his bow. Everyone else started complaining, and what did he do? He made a new bow and went hunting. I've been trying to follow his example, not getting down on myself and looking for new ways to improve the situation. And I have to keep reminding myself that as long as i'm working, even if I dont baptise I'm still doing what the Lord wants me to do here.

We have Zone conference this week, and thats usually a good booster, so i'm looking forward to that!

Fotos:

1) At the BEACH on our special p-day last week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2) Me and Roziane at Laçador, the best churrascaria EVER

3) My plate of food... half eaten. First real salad I've had in a YEAR.

4) Planner covers I made for Sis Lemos. I'm proud of my craftiness

Love you all! Hope This month is a geart one for you all!

Thursday, 11 Feb 2010: Summertime... And the beginnings of Carnaval

We had transfers this week! I'm still in Carpina. My new comp is a "curto prazer", which means shes not really a missionary. Because we have an odd number of sisters right now and Pres detests doing trios, he asked a member girl to be my comp. Her name is Roziane and I like her so far... shes kinda quiet, but i'm sure thatll change soon =]

This week was fairly uneventful. Both Sis O and I were sick, like we've been almost all transfer. First I'm sick, then when i'm feeling better, she gets sick, then when she's feeling better, I get sick again. Bah! So last thursday we traveled way the freak out to Vicência to visit that one lady, Nininha, who keeps not going to church and being flaky. We marked an appointment with her FINALLY and I was determined to go, even though I wasnt feeling well. What ended up happening is that 1) she wasnt there and 2) I puked in the street. That was embarrassing, haha. But yeah, thankfully, there was a taxi guy driving by right then who was going to Carpina and he pulled over for us b/c he's seen up in Carpina a lot, so we got a nice ride back. That was definitely a prayer answered right there---I did NOT want to walk all the back to the town centre to get a car. I spent that whole day in bed and most the next one, then Sis O was sick Mon and Tuesday.

Yesterday was transfer/P-day and it was my buddy E. Whiting's birthday. B/c there were a ton of us in Recife for the transfer, we had a big group that went to lunch and played games in the chapel and got milkshakes--way fun!!!! But then we almost missed the last bus back to Carpina... Thankfully God loves us and once again answered our prayers. So we got home pretty late... And on the bus there were all these teenagers going to the Carnaval party here in Carpina. They were singing and drumming the overhead big and it was funny and extremely annoying at the same time.

Carnaval is officially next week, but it started last Sunday (with almost all the men in town dressing up like women and dancing in the street. I must say, i was impressed with a lot of the outfits). What's sad is Carnaval is HUGE here. The biggest Carnaval in the world, even bigger than Rio. But Christmas is like any other day. People act like... Oh, it's Christmas? I guess I'll put up some lights or something.... But Carnaval, holy cow. All the streets are decorated and there are parties every night (RIGHT outside our house... soooo loud and hard to sleep)

Also, MyLDSMail got switched over to a Google server and it's WAY better. It's basically Gmail. There might be a few kinks in the system. My address says it's ashley.wilkinson@myldsmail.net, but just keep sending emails to ashley.wilk@myldsmail.net until further notice (it just forwards it to this account)

And thats about it. I really want to work hard this transfer and really get some good work done. I want to step it up a notch and just really throw myself into the work. I decided that I'm done serving a mission. Now I'm just going to serve God.

Love you all. Stay strong. Jesus loves you.

Until Monday,

May 17, 2010: Note from Ashley's "ghost writer"

A certain someone had promised Ashley that she would keep the blog updated while Ashley was serving faithfully in Brazil, but unfortunately she fell behind and now the postings are not quite in proper order... so bear with me, the ghost writer, for a moment or two and we'll try to get everything updated. Thanks for your patience.

Ashley, AKA Sister Wilk, ROCKS, no?!

Monday, 2/22/2010

Hello family

Yes, we did survive carnaval.... It was kinda boring being in the house for like 2 days straight. And then this week seriously kicked my butt. We had NO help from the members, no references, nothing. And so we just knocked doors. And we did manage to mark the baptism of this girl, fernada, but when we went to get her sunday, she said her dad wouldnt let her go to church. And that was insane because we had to talk like a half hour bus ride to get out there, and it was the ONLY one that made the loop, so we asked the bus driver to wait two minutes, and basically when we got close to her house we jumped off and ran to her house, she said she couldnt go, and then we ran back up this hill to get to the bus where everyone was watching, haha. Then we got to the church, and no investigators were there, so we walked around for like another 45 minutes trying to find SOMEONE, ANYONE, and NOTHING. I'm trying really hard to stay upbeat and optimistic, but this area just kinda sucks. And I dunno what pres is gonna do for the next transfer, if he's gonna leave me here or close the area. Depends on how many baptisms we have, but more on how much the members are helping.

So thats about my week. On a slightly happier note, I went to a Churruscaria today for my ONE YEAR!!!!! Me and the Five elders I arrived with (and comps) went and it was SOOOOOOOOOOOO fun. Not to mention absolutely delicious. Omg. I have never had meat so good before. It was seriously the best steak ive ever eaten. And they had CAESER SALAD!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you know how LONG its been since I had a REAL salad!?!?!?!?! Oh man, I about died. And then we walked by the beach and looked at it, since we are forbidden to touch it. But oh man, it made me really miss Santa Cruz.

My comp is good, I like her. Shes quiet, but she works with me and its good. Shes leaving in a week and I'll be getting a new one... so i'll be like the CTM and a trainer at the same time, hahaha

Keep reading the Book of Mormon, keep praying. Things will always work out if we just do our part. Thats what I've been telling myself all week when I really just feel like throwing in the towel. Things will get better, things will get better. And for you too!!!

Love you all

17 Maio 2010

(Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!)

Hey family!

Well, this has been a great week! I'll tell you about some of the awesome things that we've been doing.

First off, on Tuesday we had Junior and Jairo come with us to teach again, and we visited a lot of our awesome investigators and they actually taught a lesson! And we FINALLY went up to the top of the Lighthouse! Unfortunately, I didnt have my camera =[ But it was beautiful and we could see for miles and miles!

Thursday we got creative. The leaders of the church have asked us to work more in apartment buildings/richer areas and not just in the favelas. We had lunch with a member, Lizi, who served a mission 4 years ago and who is AWESOME, and she said we could knock doors in her building. But we didnt just knock on the door, ohhhhhh no! The Sisters of Olinda are better than that. We brought along my guitar, and when the person answered the door, we told them we had a musical message from a friend. After they let us in, we sang a couple hymns with me plucking out a few chords on the guitar. After they had wiped their tears and finished praising and complimenting us, we told them that the friend is Jesus Christ, and we have a message about His gospel we want to share.

Incredibily, it WORKED. We taught 4 lessons in 3 hours, and the first two ladies CRIED and said it was an answer to their prayers and the Spirit was SOOO strong. And it was much mroe fun than just knocking on a door and saying "Hi, we're missionaries..." and having them close the door in our face. We plan on doing this in other apartment buildings too =D

We also fasted this week to be able to find some elects and to help our marked baptisms. That very day we taught a friend of Jairo (recent convert) named Patricia and she accepted baptism RIGHT away and said she had been looking for a church to be baptised.

And then SUNDAY (yesterday) was crazy because we were running around with the help of a member and his huge van picking up a TON of investigators and then running to another persons house and getting them too, and Patricia brought her friend to church and some of our other investigators also brought friends (we had 7 total in sacrament meeting) and it's just going great =] We've got 4 baptisms this Sunday, so expect some fun pictures the next email!

But its truly amazing how the Lord really does hear our prayers and recognizes our efforts and the blessings He gives us instantly! I am sooo greatful to have a part in this work, even if it's a very small one.

I love you all sooo much! It's crazy how quickly the time is going! I only have a little over two months left! Ahh! I cant think about it...

Love you!

~Sister Wilkinson

Explicação

So this hasnt been updated in about 2 months.... and i dont have the time or patience to update the missing links.

I was transferred out of Carpina in the middle of March, and I've been in Olinda with my favorite Comp, Sis Lemos, ever since. we've had a lot of fun and a lot of success and its just getting better! I'll post more from now on, i promise!!!

~Sis Wilkinson

10 Maio 2010

Happy Mothers day (a day late) to all you mothers out there!!!

Well, hold on tight folks, because I have a LOT to write about! This week was AWESOME.

First off, we got some new investigators! Like I said before, we were lacking investigators because we baptised all of our old ones (haha, yay!) this week the Lord truly guided us. We looked up some references that we had, and apperantly the Elders 6 months ago had contacted them, but then the Elders were transfered and these investigators were just forgotten. But we found them and they are still very interested and we are teaching them! We already marked the baptism of one of them, a 16 year old girl named Rayane. ALSO! We are teaching Luiza, the 8 year old neice of an inactive member. She already goes to church by herself for 3 years. Pretty amazing for an 8 year old, ne? She is SOOO cute and I already LOVE her to death. She is always so excited to see us and we always play a little after the lessons. Last time we were practicing our Top Model walk and poses with her scarf. So cute!!!

Like I've said before, its truly amazing the LOVE i feel for these people. I jsut want what is best for them sooo much. And I love seeing them grow in the understanding of who they are and why they're here and the role the Saviour plays in their life.

So my birthday was good! The day before we went to an AWESOME churruscaria (mmm, Brasilian meat!) and I got a free peice of cake =] The actual b-day was good too. As far as missionary work days go, it wasnt super exciting. Our Golden Family said they dont want to hear the messages anymore, and Sis Lemos got a hair cut. But we had an FHE/birthday party that night with a girl in the ward and her two friends who we're currently teaching. it was SO fun, and the cake was gorgeous (see attached fotos). I love this ward. I feel so much love from the members and have truly made some great friendships with the members and our investigators.

Friday we had our Tour da Missão with Elder Araújo of the 70. WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW. He spoke from 10am-2pm and I didnt want it to end! He is an AMAZING speaker--hilarious, but at the same time really driving home some important doctrine and principles and other things about missionary work. I took SO many notes and just had so much personal revelation and it was just amazing. What I really realized is how what I do here will reflect in the rest of my life. that the mission is the "MTC" for life! I have to keep asking myself if what i'm doing here is who I want to be for the rest of my life! If I dont like something, I need to change and be better. By far the best conference I've had yet.

Saturday was an awesome day. We had our two recent converts, Junior and Jairo (ages 17 and 18) come with us for a taste of the missionary life. Theyve been members 1-2 months, but they're both SO excited to serve missions already. And they picked a great day to come with us too. We started at 1:30 and didnt get stop until 9 pm and we visted a TON of people. They were like "how do you WALK SO MUCH?!?!?!" and it also POURED for like an hour as we all tried to huddle under my huge umbrella, hahahahaha. But they loved it and even helped teach! Theyre excited to go with us again. We were excited because its always good to have members with you at the lessons because they help integrate the investigator more in the ward. they were already making friends with the people we teach. Just awesome =]

Yesterday was good. Followed up some investigators, and church was great. I taught the Gospel Principles class. it was basically teaching the first discussion, but in more detail. I really like teaching. After, we were talking to some members, and they were liek "hey, we have a reference of a family for you!" so we were really excited. Then they were like "do you want some cake? we have a bunch of left over chocolate cake at home" so we got even more excited. Then they offered us a ride, and as we were at their house eating this delicious cake, they offered us dinner, and then they were talking about their chain of jewelery stores and how they wanted to open some in Sao Paulo and they basically offered Sis Lemos a job when she gets home. Then they invited us to an FHE tonight with some neighbors!!!! Walking home we were like "We did SOMETHING right this week, because the Lord sure blessed us today!" hahahaha. It was just really funny.

Moral of the story! Feed Missionaries and give references!

Ok, enough talk. FOTOS!

1) Me and Sis Lemos being goofy in the Brasilian verson of Walmart

2) Drinking Fanta Uva (grape soda)

3) My birthday party! Me, Mari, Bethe, Gabi, Lemos, Polly

4) Blowing out the candle of the gorgeous cake Gabi made

5) Sis Lemos, Gabi (investigator) and Me!!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

~Sister Wilkinson

17 Fev 2010: ONE YEAR

First off.... Tomorrow is......... ONE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cant believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How has one year gone by SOOOOOOOOOO quickly?! Its just surreal. I was packing my suitcases this time a year ago and getting set apart. Its been weird because i always think "what was i doing last year at this time?" And now its the mission! Holy cow! I'll be coming home soon!

So I totally didnt remember it was Valentines day until I looked at my planner. I told my district leader Happy Valentines Day! And he was like "... Is that really today?!" Its not a holiday here, and its not like i have a significant other to remind me, haha.

Also, thanks Trent for reminding me about the Olympics--TOTALLY forgot about that. And I had no idea it was in Vancouver.

This week was CARNAVALLLLLLLLLL Wow. You know Christmas is like super big in the US? Here Christmas is whatever, but Carnaval is like Christmas, Halloween and New Years combined. MINHA nossa. The whole town gets decked out and its a party for basically the whole month, but especially the four days leading up to Carnaval. Then last night there was a huge parade and everyone dancing in the street and lots of loud music. We watched a tiny part of the parade from behind our gate to our apartment. Here in Carpina wasnt tooo wild.... The dancers we saw at least had kinda "shirts" on... A lot of time, the samba dancers only have a skimpy thong and paint the rest on....... Eita! Recife and Olinda have the biggest Carnaval in the world. I always thought it was Rio, but apperantly I was wrong. We saw footage of the parties on TV at a members house and HOLY COW. SOOOO many people! Man. O Babylon O Babylon... haha.

So because of Carnaval, we've been going home early every night. And also EVERYTHING was close Monday and Tuesday, hence why I didnt send an email. Its been raining a bit too, which just makes it hotter and muggy, ugh. But we've managed to work! I feel like we're really making some progress. We've found a few people who seem really interested--they just need to go to church!!!!!!!! But I think this is going to be a great transfer of miracles. I hope so at least.

And thats about it... I finished the Book of Mormon for the second time in a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I challenge you all to read it with me before I get home (July 22--Happy birthday trent! You get me!) My testimony has grown and been fortified by the Book of Mormon so much this year. I love the book and the principles it contains. If you havent been reading it--start now!

Fotos:Of some of the killer costumes from the Carnaval parade

Love you all!

~Sis Wilkinson

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 - Eu nao sei o que...

Well, as for news from the mish, we had interviews with Presidente o Thursday. I love that man. He basically told us that 1) we're not staying together next transfer because he needs hard workers in more areas and 2) he might be closing the area if it doesnt pick up. We have 16 missionaries leaving and only 3 arriving because ALL the americans are still stuck in the US. Bummerrrrrrr. I'm kinda with the idea of giving it one more transfer. I like this area. I dont LOVE it, but i like it, and dont want to give up. But at the same tme, pres needs to close 8 or 9 areas, and why keep open an area thats not working? It has a lot to do with the help from the members and potential, etc. This area has always been a bit.... difficult. The members give references, but then just leave it at that, and dont even help their neightbor go to church. But we'll see. I hate packing, but I would love to be back in the city, closer to people. I feel so isolated out here, haha.

As for a little culture note: Everyday we ride things called "conveys" which are basically an old white VW van that someone drives back and forth between the many cities here, and they cram as many people into it as they can. My personal space bubble has definitely popped. But its much cheaper and much faster than the bus, so there is a healthy, thriving business here in Carpina of these conveys. Tey have them otehr areas, we took a few in Caruaru too. And there are also little cars that go between the cities, which are a lot faster, but a bit more expensive... thought still not more than the bus.

Aother culture note. Jesus is used as a Marketing item here. Everything has something, like "Reborn with Jesus Chicken!" or "God Provides Lanchonete" or every car has "É Deus quem me deu" (Its God that gave me it) or everyone has t-shirts or other bumper stickers. I mean, its good that everyone is christian and believes in God and Christ, but cmon.... Have some respect. Its kinda ridiculous.

Ok, fotos (theres a LOT)

1) HUGE CLAY HEADS from this little city we went to today for p-day, where we met this guy that makes these things from clay to make molds to make huge heads out of fiberglass for carnaval. We had a great chat with him and he was very kind to let us poke around a bit =]

2) Pulling a little michael jackson move

3) What it looks like where we are.... aka nothing.

4) Mateus, our cute baptism, with his cake we made for him!

5) Us and Mateus! I'm sooooooo tall

6) With the family

7) At zone conference, me, E Taylor and Sis Ortolani. I promise he's not flipping off the camera.

8) Me in my heels next to elder serra (who is already short, haha)

9) Fashion week!!!!!!!!!

10) A fun friend we found on the street, tasty!