Ticks and Blisters

Hey y'all,

I'm just going to jump right in to this email, here's what happened this week:

Tuesday was like a road trip day. We got a referral, Randa, and she lives out way past the Pearson's (who are already out in the middle of no where). She has 14 Chihuahuas. Yup. Very sweet lady, and she agreed to have a lesson this next Tuesday, so we will see how that goes. After we met Randa we realized that we were real close to this member that neither of us had met yet. We dropped by and she was just getting home from grocery shopping. And guess what? She lives on a homestead! It was the best thing ever! She has a whole flock of muscovy ducks, chickens, and sheep! Her house is an old Amish house, and her husband is Irish! She gave us duck eggs!

Later that day we had our first lesson with Lucy and Joe. We wanted to have a better understanding of what they remembered from previous lessons with missionaries, it was a good discussion. Joe has a lot of questions, so we're excited to continue teaching them!

Wednesday was crazy. We had district council, but we had to drive there this time because the Karrens' grandkids were in town so they couldn't take us to Sulfer Well. Also, it was only Sister Johnson's second day driving... it was a little scary. She's not used to country roads, but she's gotten a lot better! Anyways so we drove all the way out there, then afterwards we had district lunch at a Mexican restaurant. After that we went to a members house to do some service. She wanted us to muck out horse stalls, which I have no problem doing, only these stalls had not been cleaned since January- which was when Sister Young and I did them. I had to use a pickaxe y'all, you shouldn't have to use a pickaxe! I got blisters like you wouldn't believe!

After that, we went to the Jensons for a Young men- young women activity where they were pulling weeds and mulching to earn money for camps and stuff. The Pearson's were supposed to be there, but something came up. So we did more service and I was covered in dirt, but it was great! We got to talk to the youth more and we got to light some grass on fire. Also, Brother Jensons son moved his p day to that day and we got to talk to him for a bit when he Skyped in, which was weird and cool. He's serving in Guatemala and comes home right after I do!

We were dead tired Wednesday. And Thursday. Oh! And I had 2 ticks on my ankles! They were tiny! They weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but I just hope that I don't get a disease from them! 😅 It is tick season people, we cannot go anywhere without people telling us to watch out for them. Apparently they fall from trees into your hair too. Yay.

Thursday happened, and I can't remember what happened so, yikes. Sorry!

We saw Sister Hersey on Friday! We haven't seen her in forever because she has been so under the weather with all the allergens in the air. It was so good to see her. She's still on the fence as far as church is concerned, but she's warmed up a lot. I hope she keeps trying and keeps going.

We had a good lesson with Allie and Clay that night, they only have one left before their baptism! We are scrambling around trying to get everything organized for this Saturday. They're being baptized this Saturday! I can't belive it! And how quickly time has flown! They have their baptismal interviews tonight and one more lesson and then that's it! This is craziness! We are so excited for them! Thank you for any prayers said in their behalf, they have really come a long way and they are so ready!

On Saturday we did service for Lucy and Joe. They're getting little things done around the house, and the more they do, the better they feel and more focused they seem. So that's been good. We wiped down cabinets for them, and Lucy had LATINO MUSIC playing in the background!!!! And it was the good stuff!!! I tried not to enjoy it too much, but it didn't work 😂

In the afternoon we went out to try people and we went to see Marie again. I haven't seen that lady in a while! But she was home and we got to catch up with her and invite her to church. Two of her neighbors popped in while we were there and it was so cool getting to know them and having Marie introduce us as the missionaries, it was much easier than meeting these people on our own! We don't know what will come of it, but if they have questions, they have a friend who knows quite a lot about what we do and maybe one day they will wan t to find out more? ;)

In the evening we had a lesson with Francisco. Baseball season is over, so he had time to meet. He's graduating though, and leaving for Florida soon, so that was sad to hear, but he still wants to meet with missionaries in Florida, so that was cool. We read some of the book of Mormon with him, but he was afraid to read in English because he thinks he reads poorly. Sister Johnson and I offered to read in Spanish to make him feel more comfortable. After that he wasn't bashful about reading in English, cuz he heard how bad I was in Spanish! 😂😂

While we were reading the Book of Mormon in these two languages, I had such a strong confirmation in my heart that this message is for all people everywhere. The testimony of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the gospel found in the book of Mormon is meant to be shared with everyone. It's not for one nation. It's not in one single language. Christ is the Savior of all. His teachings are for all. The happiness found in living His gospel, is for all. And I just thought that was beautiful. How unifying. When the world finally has peace, it will be because every being on the face of the earth will have a knowledge of and a testimony in Christ and His love for them. I truly believe that. So pass on the good word!

One last thing. I stalked a guy in Wal-Mart today because he was wearing an Oregon Ducks sweater and had Oregon plates on his car. Am I creepy? Yes. We did eventually meet him, and he is from Eugene! It made my day! So much so that I forgot to give him our card!!!😅

Well, that's all I got folks! I love ya! Have a blessed week! Hope y'all got to watch Derby, cuz I didn't!

With love,
Sister Wilcox ❤

Some of the photos are old, and I can't remember if I already sent them 😁