The Minnakay Monthly

New Beginnings

2012-01-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

January 23, 2012 (email)

Well....Goodbye Shiprock. We got transfer news....I'm going to Cortez, CO....its just north of Shiprock. Actually, it is the ward that touches Shiprock, but it is a completely different Stake. I'm kinda bummed, but at the same time I am at peace. I was indifferent to staying or leaving. I knew I would be happy either way. And I actually felt like I might go to Cortez if I was transferred. (There is a lady in the Cortez ward who we run into a lot here, and she really likes me and said she would pray really hard that I come up her way soon...she must have been given the gift of prayer.)

Elder Buynak is going to Tohatchi, NM, which is north of Gallup. Sister Kesler is going to be "step-training" meaning her companion came out one transfer back. Elder Wise is getting an Elder who knows EVERYTHING about Disney (probably more than dad) and I'm pretty sure if I stayed he would get on my nerves because he knows more than me :)

Well, Mom said way back in a letter not to tell her the scary things about my mission until I came home safe and sound....Well since I'm leaving Shiprock tomorrow, I thought I could send a picture of what part of our area looks like...so here is the burnt out house. There are 2 entire neighborhoods that have NICE houses like this one, but the gangs didn't like something about the whole situation, so they burned them all out and destroyed them. Most of the homes have extreme profanity on them, so I didn't send any of my other photos. I was pretty shocked when Sister Tsosie drove me through the area my first day, but now it doesn't even phase me. I was always really curious about the layout of the houses, so one day Sister Kesler and I explored one...it was pretty spooky....but now I'm moving to Ute country...so I shouldn't have to worry about the Navajo gangs much. :) Have I got you nervous yet? Here are 2 more "scary" details.... 1) I was given pepper spray and I carry it everywhere....among other things.... 2) the Elders in Toadalina had their trailer and vehicle attacked by a drunk man this week. He broke all the windows on everything. They called the police and then President Jones. Our President is a cowboy, and he suggested that the Elders rope him and sit on him until the cops come :) They would have done it too if they had any rope.

This week we had the Baptism for Angelia (Angie Garcia). I included LOTS of photos of her baptism. She is a stud. She is amazing. She was planning on her whole family coming, but then at the last minute they were all "too busy" and NO ONE came! It was her, us, the Elders, and the ward members we had presiding and helping out. She was changing after being wet, and her mom and brother walked into the church and asked for her. Angie's mom walked in the bathroom, and told her it was time to go. They had some family activity out and about, and they were her ride there, and they didn't want to wait anymore. I was shocked. Angie came over and asked me if we had to finish the rest of the program. I didn't know what to do, but the Elders and the Ward Mission Leader decided we could have a closing song and prayer and call it good. Wow.

Yesterday I bawled and bawled at church. I did pretty good until I had to say goodbye to April Yazzie and her girls. She and I are truly sisters. She says I am a Beligana version of her. (A beligana is a "white person" in Navajo.) Church time wasn't enough, so we went back over last night to say good bye. We cried and cried again. I love that photo of me and all her girls.

The last picture is me burning a jacket....IT wasn't mine....The tradition for elders is to burn a tie, a shirt, slacks, and an entire suit, every 6 months. Well, for sisters there isn't a set thing, at least that we know of...but I didn't want to burn anything of mine! I like it all too much. So I found a REALLY UGLY jacket that a sister of long ago left in the closet and we burned it this morning. It had crazy chemicals and dye in it, and the smoke is NASTY! It was on my clothing, so I changed my clothes. IT was on my hands, so I scrubbed them forever in the shower. Then I thought it was gone, but I kept smelling it in the trailer. I realized it was my hair! I washed it and everything and it still stinks 4 hours later!

I love you lots! I'll let you know how Cortez is!!

Love, Sister Wilkins

Winter in Shiprock...Ha! Funny joke! We skipped winter here

2012-01-18T04:54:00.000-08:00

January 17, 2012 (email)

Hello friends and family!

This week was all over the place. It felt like a long, miserable week, but we were finally able to meet some of our big goals, and I feel rather accomplished. Finally!

We have decided that Satan has moved to Shiprock. Everyone and their 15 rez dogs has felt miserable. Its like he is trying to ruin everyone's life here. We ran into so many broken hearts and families this week, and I think I cried very day. (I'm usually pretty tough, but this week the tears were flowing. Thank heavens Sister Kesler is kind and willing to let me cry in her lap.)

We went to visit a family of recent converts, the Smiths. Mom and daughters are members, dad is not. He's drunk all the time, and it is completely destroying their family. Sister Kesler has had lots of experience with alcoholics, and she took the reins dealing with him. She was so bold, and I just tried not to shake in my boots. She knew exactly what to say, and totally channeled the wrath and strength of heaven down. The women of the family came to understand how much we care for them and how much Heavenly Father cares. I think they were given the boost to keep going, and keep pushing to conquer this challenge in life.

On Wednesday night we got a call from another recent convert, Lisa Begay. She is 9 months pregnant, and was at the hospital. We didn't understand why she would want us instead of the Elders for a blessing. When we walked in and her husband was sitting next to her, we were REALLY confused....Her husband was there, but he wasn't really there. He was totally exhausted from watching their twins and working 2 jobs with crazy hours, and sitting in one place for that long made him conk out. She was pretty much alone, and was kind of scared. Her twins were delivered by C-Section, and they wanted her to try this one on her own. She didn't know what to think, hadn't planned for that, and didn't know what to do. She said her water had broken, and they put her on medication to start the contractions. She wanted someone who could cheer her up, and let her know what was going on....So she called us. Obviously we are rather cheerful, but I found it really funny that little me, who has never given birth, could give her all sorts of info on what to expect and what her body had to do and how it had to change to get this sweet baby here. We stayed with her until they kicked us out so she could sleep. Then we went back in the morning, and there was still no baby. After 24 hours, with really no change in anything, the doctors figured out her water had ruptured but not broken. She was bummed, and was kind of silly as she complained about going home again to wait out the next couple of weeks. Oh I hope we are here for the delivery of this baby! I have been waiting since my first day in Shiprock when she announced she was pregnant!!

We had stake Conference on Sunday, and our Beloved Angie Garcia drove the hour to the stake center, and then got situated between a bunch of our ward members, who took her up to meet the mission president, temple president, and the visiting member of the 70!!! Oh they are studs. She is a stud. We have the most amazing and golden investigator I have ever met! I'm so excited for her baptism this weekend. Please pray that she stays strong and can fight off the adversary this week.

We went hiking to a waterfall for P-Day. I thought it would be boring the 2nd time around, but not this time! IT had frozen over completely, and was one of the most incredible and beautiful things I have ever seen. oh, and we took Sister Kesler to 4 Corners because she had never seen it before. That was DEFINITELY NOT exciting the 2nd time. We were in and out in 10 min...and it would have been 5 min if the wind hadn't been blowing so bad.

The biggest thing of the week was a growing experience I had. I won't go into detail, because it was really intense for me...But I was thinking about humility and wondering how to become more humble. It was in my prayers, which is a dangerous thing to mention in prayers. :) But I had an experience where Heavenly Father let me experience what it is like to not have his light around. My eyes were opened. Being humble is knowing how much you need God in your life. Well, from that experience, I realized how critical it is to have him nearby. Without his light, I can't be myself. My bubbly, happy personality comes from the light he gives me. Without him I am nothing. I am not me. I need him just to be myself. It was amazing to figure it all out. I get it.

I am going to attach lots of photos this week. Things that I wanted to include from long ago without a camera, and things from this week.

I love you all. I hope you have fantastic weeks. Transfer news comes this Saturday. I'm trying not to think about it!

Sister Wilkins

January in Shiprock

2012-01-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

January 10, 2012 (email)

Everywhere else there is probably snow and gloomy misery...not in Shiprock. Its in the mid 40s every day, and the sun is always out. It still looks like a brown dead place, but at least the sky is always colorful. The sunrises and sunsets have been absolutely stunning the past couple weeks. We have tons and tons of photos of them.

We had a lot of good things this week! On Wednesday, we "butchered." A recent convert's family let Sister Kesler cut the throat on the sheep. Did I ever mention that EVERYONE has sheep and they love mutton!? Mutton this, and mutton that. I can't stand it anymore. ugh. Anyways, she was over the sheep ready to go, and I was in charge of recording it on her camera. I was a little nervous, because I have never seen anything die in person...but I wanted to be tough. I didn't have to be, because the Elders showed up and one recorded up close, while I stood behind the other watching through my fingers. (I may have been squealing the entire time) but I never passed out or got sick. Not even when they cut the intestine off of the stomach, and that repulsive smell filled the air.

Then Heavenly Father permitted us to be angels in another woman's life. We just showed up, and she was feeling so lost and lonely. We didn't say much, we just listened and loved. It is such a blessed thing to be a part of.

We also started working with a new investigator who has been completely prepared by the Lord. I met her a few months ago, and it just didn't work out. But now she is flying. She has shown more dedication and excitement than anyone I have ever met. She came to church and LOVED the entire experience. She started reading the Gospel Principles book and the George A. Smith book. Then she said she has only read a "little bit" of the Book of Mormon....SHE READ 17 CHAPTERS IN 4 DAYS!!!!!! I've never seen anything like it before! She has a baptismal date for the 21 of January! Her name is Angie Garcia, and I absolutely adore her.

We (the missionaries) gave talks on Sunday...we all focused on the Book of Mormon, and I think it went well. We just finished a challenge to read every day and had teams within the ward to see who could read the most, and it totally changed the ward. Now we are trying to get every member to read it within the year. We are so excited.

I got the camera from home! It is fantastic. I'm having way too much fun with it.

And the biggest news of all.....I got my driver's license!!! HALLELUJAH!! I wasn't sure if it would ever happen.

Yesterday we had interviews with president, and he hinted that unless the spirit told him otherwise, he didn't have any plans to move me from Shiprock next transfer! Yay!!

Love you!

Sister Wilkins

Oh, and I include some photos of fun.
We were messing around with the camera at lunch after district meeting, and took one of an elder by accident on the "poster" setting. It gave us an idea, so we did another shot later....

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

January 3, 2012 (email)

Hello hello hello!

I hope you all had a fantastic New Years! Mine was lame. We were home by 9 and we went to bed at the normal time. We slept through the illegal fireworks, and were bright eyed and bushy tailed at church the next morning. We may have been the only people that awake.

Last Monday for P-Day we had a Nerf war with our district. Everyone one had gotten Nerf guns for Christmas, and a couple of the Elders had some HUGE refill packs of bullets. We set up tables and chairs and walls and had an all out battle. It was WAY fun. I was obviously the wuss who screamed and squealed with every shot. I don't know why I react so badly, because they really don't hurt that bad. At one point I got so fed up with everyone aiming at me, that I started hiding all the bullets, and then was left with an entire armory at my disposal. No one can shoot my face if I am sitting on all the bullets :)

Monday night we also had an experience that wasn't very full of missionary work, but it was Heavenly Father using us to bless one of his daughters. We wanted to visit a recent convert who has been struggling, but it didn't look like anyone was home. We tried them anyways, and just as we were about to leave his mother opened the door. She is a very kind religious woman, but not LDS. She invited us in immediately and sat us on the couch. Something was obviously wrong, and it took a little probing, but we were able to learn that her family life was falling apart. Her soul was wounded and her heart was heavy. She didn't need a lesson from us, she just needed someone to talk to and to let her know she was loved. We didn't do much missionary work, but Heavenly Father used us to help lift the broken hearted and strengthen a lonely daughter. It was an amazing thing to be a part of.

We have been having problems with our heater going out. Its not too big of a deal, because we have 2 space heaters we can put in our room and it gets right toasty. Its just a frustration. Well, Elder Buynak does construction work and knows a lot about wiring and electrician stuff. He was able to fix it a while back, but it kept giving out. This week I called him and had him talk me through how to fix it. I did all right the first time, but the problem kept getting worse. I called again during the week, and he had me start re-routing some of the wiring in the heater. BAD PLAN. It was fun, but I blew up a couple wires by sending energy to the wrong place. It was quite entertaining. I eventually got the dumb thing fixed and all the wires going where they should, and we haven't had any problems since.

We also have had more problems with our truck. We kept getting a flat, so we put on the spare. We did it all by ourselves!! it took a really long time, longer than it should have, but we did it. Then we took it to a member to get it patched. The tire was pretty much shot, so he said to just get a new one. We told the new vehicle specialist, and he said take it to a certain shop in Farmington. We drove all the way in, I told them what the tire specialist in our ward said (that if he patched it, the thing would just blow out again). they PATCHED it and sent us on our way. Nobody listens to the little one. Nobody. Then on our drive back, KABLOOIE!!!! Lucky for us we were near a gas station and could pull over. Our Jack was busted, so we thought we were in for it. The wind was blowing like crazy and we were about to give the world a show as we tried to fix the tire. Thank Heavens some members from that area saw it blow and followed us to help. They didn't know we were sisters until they were half way done. It was such a blessing to have them there.

Yesterday for P-Day we went on an exploration of a bunch of deep washed out holes. It was like an Indiana Jones style adventure. We would climb down the 20+ foot river wash, and climb into the caves...crawl around in the dirt and cobwebs, and then when it opened up into a giant space (open to the sky) we would have the elder's climb out free style, and then Sister Kesler and I would climb the rope they tossed down. If it was too much for me to climb, I would get as high as I could, and they would reach down, take my hand, and pull me out like I was a rag doll. Sister Kesler didn't trust that they were strong enough to do that for her, so we tied the rope around her hips and the three of us pulled her out. Really, Elder Wise and I kinda held onto the rope while Elder Buynak pulled by himself. She was completely shocked he did it. He doesn't look that strong, but he must be, because she is kind of a giant.

Well, that was my week. I hope you all have a fantastic week. I know I'm really behind on writing snail mail letters, but I'm working on it. I have not forgotten, there is a pile that I'm slowing making a dent on. Love you lots!

Sister Melinda Wilkins

Just call me Rudolf

2011-12-19T22:04:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2011 (email)

Merry Christmas Everyone!! I hope you all are having a fantastic week! I said call me Rudolf because I've got this silly zit on the tip of my nose that is making it all red. Thank heavens I'm a missionary, and I don't have to look good for a date. And double thank heavens because I don't even have a camera to take pictures with! Hallelujah!!!!

Well, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!!!!! Sorry, I don't have a gift, and I won't be making you an ugly cake like when I was a kid. I hope you have a beautiful day! (Either with actual sunshine, or the day looks like the gloomy day you got married, so it makes you all mushy at remembering it, and then the day feels beautiful.)

Here are a couple tid-bits that only a few of you will understand:

1. Sister Kesler knows Mannheim Meets the Mouse!!!!!!! I nearly had a cow when we discovered that! We started singing all over the trailer and dancing too.

2. Our milk carton says best if used by: DEC 25!!!!!! WOOOOTTTTT!!!!! Twice in one lifetime! What a lucky girl I am!!

Now for the week's information.

We usually drive into Farmington once a month....but this week we drove there 4 times in 5 days! Yuck. Monday to pick up our cleaned out and detailed truck. Tuesday to figure out the New Mexico license junk. Thursday to get our new money cards from the office. And on Friday a ward member drove us in for a ward dinner at Golden Corral. Oye. This week we go in again on Thursday for the Christmas Zone Conference.

On Tuesday we went to meet a referral from the sister missionaries in Farmington. The girl's name is Cejay (CJ...ya, weird) and her brother was baptized last summer. She liked the transformation in him and was asking lots of questions. She let us in immediately and was AMAZING!! Her brother had been giving her scriptures to read from the Bible, discussing stories and ideas from the Book of Mormon, given her the movies: Praise to the Man, and the Best Two Years, and was having her read Hinckley's Stand a Little Taller!!!!! Oh, and a Gospel Principles book!!! She was reading it all!!! I have never met someone so prepared! I have been involved with baptisms and people who were prepared, but all of the hard work was done before I got into Shiprock. This is the first person that I will see transform from door to water. It will be amazing. She accepted a "soft" baptismal commitment, which means if she feels its true, she will eventually be baptized. We hope to extend a hard commitment this week, which means picking a day with her! I'm so excited! We are trying to see her everyday, and it is wonderful.

On Wednesday we went to Red Valley and saw Jay. He had completed the pot I had asked him to design, carve, and paint for me. It is absolutely exquisite! I will get a picture of it for you...eventually! He wants me to carry it around wherever I get transferred so I can always remember him, but I'm worried about it getting busted. I might send it home for safe keeping. I just love this guy. We hit a glitch this past week though. We were reading and explaining 1 Nephi 13, and his dream. He got hung up on the blessed people being "white and beautiful" and then that there were imperfections in the Bible. In general the Navajo people seem to struggle with not being worth anything because of their skin. It drives me nuts! I don't see skin color! I just see my brothers and sisters. I just see lost individuals who need love. All he needs is someone who believes in him, who will tell him that he's important, and that his life is not wasted. Oh, I get so fired up when I see people just needing support...I know what they need, and how to give it to them, but I cant physically take care of EVERYONE (as much as I want to!)

On Saturday we were involved in a couple baptisms. There was one for an 8 year old girl who comes from an active family. This ward is weird and has everyone, converts and children of record, go through the missionaries. That's not the way its supposed to work. But I think it comes from a lack of Primary structure, and the culture of the people to expect it is someone else's responsibility to teach their children....Anyways....Rant over and moving on....She was afraid of the water. Deathly afraid. She had 2 panic attacks. Sobbing. Yelling. Screaming at the top of her lungs that she didn't want to get in the water. Her dad was standing in the font, and everyone was waiting, but she just cried. Sister Kesler jumped in and took her hands and walked her to the font. "Just look in my eyes, don't look at the water." Then her dad took over. He held her hands and offered some of the most comforting words I have ever heard a father utter. She was still sobbing and hyperventilating. But they did the baptism. We know she wanted it, because she said she did, and she knew she had to get in the water. She cried that she didn't want to get in, but she never fought back or kicked or anything. She moved of her own choice, just cried otherwise. I was worried someone was going to throw a fit about her being forced into it.....but it happened, and as soon as it was over, she was fine.

Now, as for this next week: we hope it will be good, but there is potential for lots of canceled appointments. The members are all filled with Christmas cheer, and want to feed us, but we want to get in some teaching too. On Sunday, the Christmas program is going to be a pitiful sight to see. Someone volunteered all the missionaries (without even asking us) to BE the program. We are going to be breaking up Luke 2 and each reading little sections. Then between parts, we are being thrown into the "Choir" to sing some hymns. Well....the choir is the 4 of us, and 3 (maybe 4) other people. They have 2 sopranos, so Sister Kesler and I are singing alto. I'm fine, but she doesn't know how to pick out alto part. We don't know what part their men sing, but Elder Wise sings base...but he's not very loud...at all. He knows his part, but he doesn't get up high enough for Elder Buynak to pick out his part. And poor Elder Buynak....the kid is literally tone deaf. Not trying to be mean, but he doesn't pick out different notes well. We all sat at the piano last night and tried to help him get his part. His voice is WAY low, and we figured it out....He can sing an octave lower than the base part, or he can falsetto an octave higher (or 2.) We aren't sure how this is going to turn out.

Please pray that the angels sing with us, or everyone will be slipping down in their seats during sacrament meeting, out of embarrassment for us. This is going to be rough. I'm completely serious, please pray that the angels are with us!

I love you all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Love, Sister Melinda Wilkins

What a week

2011-12-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

December 12, 2011 (email)

Well, I'm amazed I'm still breathing from all the excitement and commotion that happened this week!

Monday after emailing you we went on a hike to some ruins. It was so cool! There was a river bed that had had lots of water flowing within the past week, but had all gone downstream. All that was left was mud...that froze over...sort of. We started to sink whenever we walked on it, and it was all kinds of funky colors from the minerals and chemicals in the ground here. I would send you photos, but I can't...I'll explain later...

Then on Tuesday we had to take the truck into Farmington to get something fixed. I woke up at 5 am so sick to my stomach, but I got ready to exercise at 6:30 anyways. Right before we walked out the door I puked, but I felt instantly better and thought I would be fine the rest of the day. No such luck. I was such a mess I had Sister Kesler drive. Good thing, because right as we got into town I said, "Wow, I'm feeling much better!" but I threw up 2 minutes later. The best part was, we were driving, and I didn't want to be distracting, and I didn't want to make a ton of noise. I tried so hard....and TADA!! she hardly knew I was sick. I was so dainty!!!!! Mom, you would be so proud! (It was like when you where throwing up while pregnant with Della when we went camping and you did it in between sentences with the park ranger.) I was shocked at my skill! Let it be known I am growing up! Well, we continued in Farmington and I got worse and worse. We stopped at Walmart for some stuff, and we ran into a long lost cousin: Derryl R. Herring. He knew Sister Kesler when she served in Farmington. He's the sweetest old man ever! He grew up in Toadalina. He's a Bloomfield. His line goes through George and Lucy Bloomfield. I don't know who they are, but someone does. Well, we were talking to them, and I thought I would pass out. I started bracing myself against the display, but by the end of the conversation it was holding me up. When they FINALLY walked away, I just sat on the floor and put my head between my knees. I had to sit down once more while inside. Thank heavens we were able to get home and I had the Elders come give me a blessing. The rest of the day was kinda rough, but I woke up Wednesday morning feeling oodles better.

Wednesday was a normal Wednesday: we drove to Red Valley, we saw Jay (LOVE HIM!!!) and came back into town for activities at the Church. We were talking with some of my favorite members: the Nosker-Tanners. They are an Anglo family living here while he teaches at the high school. They have a tiny little baby who is the sweetheart of the ward. Everybody adores this little girl. Well, she started to walk last week, and I was determined to have her walk to me before she leaves for the Midwest for Christmas. She toddled over, and when she landed in my lap I threw my arms in the air and yelled/screamed for joy....but I scared the living daylight out of her!!!!! She started to WAIL!!!! and SCREAM!!! and she had the biggest tears I have ever seen. All the missionaries and her mother started to laugh at the situation, but I just started to cry with her. They tried to console her, but every time she would look at me her eyes would well up and she would SOB again. I was totally heart broken!!! She and I just cried and cried while everyone else nearly wet themselves laughing.

While we were sitting there, 2 teenage girls walked in who we had never seen before. They asked if they could walk around and see our church. The elders jumped up and showed them around. They spent so much time looking at photos and books in the library and asking really good questions. They pretty much got the restoration lesson and we were all stoked for these new golden investigators who wandered into the church. We decided to fellowship them a little and play some basketball with them. Eventually all the ward members cleared out of the building and went home. It got to be late and we said it was time to call it quits. We told them to have a good night and we'd see them around. I collapsed on the floor in the gym (as I was not fully recovered from being sick) as they grabbed their backpacks. Sister Kesler had set our keys on the table next to the Elder's keys and wallets. When they grabbed their stuff they must have taken our keys, because Sister Kesler came walking back into the gym and said she just watched our truck peal out of the parking lot and drive away. No one could believe it. We called the vehicle specialist and the police immediately. Then I realized my wallet was in there...so I called President and he said to call dad...I didn't want to call because I knew I would fall apart the moment I heard dad's voice. I did. I was proud I kept the call under 2 min.

With President's permission, the Elders gave us a ride home and we tried to remember what had been inside the truck. They drove off with both our wallets, all of our CDs, my camera, her jacket, a scarf, some gloves, my Book of Mormon DVDs that mom and dad had just sent me, the truck's GPS, and all of our tracting supplies like copies of the Book of Mormon, pass along cards, and our movies. We were so glad that we had our bags and other clothing inside (we had our scriptures and all that stuff, thank heavens, and we had brought in our jeans and sneakers to play basket ball.)

We were all saying prayers left and right. I didn't want to be too greedy, so I only prayed to get the truck back, and not my stuff (bad plan: be specific with Heavenly father, because he will give you what you ask for.)

We had to break into our trailer because our house key was with the truck keys. But we weren't worried about getting our stuff stolen because the girls said they were from another city and we didn't expect them to know where we lived. The police showed up at midnight after we were in bed to get our official written statements.

Thursday was kinda rough, because we had to walk everywhere and our appointments started falling through and we couldn't get anywhere very easily. I had a mini melt down (no tears, just serious frustration and feeling like I was being pulled in every direction. It was the first time on my mission that I wasn't a happy camper, and was downright grumpy. The other missionaries didn't like seeing me down, because I am always so positive and cheerful.) But eventually it wore off and I was back to myself.

Friday was the same deal. I wasn't upset with the girls. I just felt bad for them. Their lives are so messed up that they thought it was okay to steal from "Jesus People" who had just been really kind to them. I thought how miserable their lives must have been to not have the good family upbringing I did. Sister Kesler thought I was nuts and that I should be upset, but Elder Buynak agreed with me. It was a long day, but we got it done. I resigned to the fact that it had now been almost 48hours and we would probably never see our stuff again.

Then around 6 the mission vehicle coordinator called and said he felt bad that we were stuck out here without any food or money, and that he wanted to bring us some supplies and have dinner with his wife and us at our trailer. He said he would be there at 8 pm. We did our thing that night, and came back at 7:30 to spruce up the place. At 8 they weren't there. Five after, ten after. Fifteen after...still nothing. Then I realized there was a message from President Jones on the phone, and we started to hyperventilate while listening. We didn't totally understand, but it sounded like they had found the truck!!! We called the Elders to tell them the news and while on the phone we hear honking outside. We ran outside and screamed into the phone! There was our truck with the mission vehicle guy driving it. The elders dropped everything and came immediately over. Then the coordinator's wife drove up. We all started to cry and celebrate as they told us what happened.

Elder Helquest was going to take his wife out to dinner on Friday night, but felt miserable that we were without food or money while he was sitting pretty. He decided to bring out food and dinner. He thought he would watch one more TV show before coming, but 5 minutes in something told him, "You need to leave NOW." They drove into Shiprock and were getting close to us, when a Colorado truck drove next to them. He thought, "Wouldn't it be nice if that were the sister's truck," but then he saw the plate and KNEW it was ours. He had a mini adrenaline attack and started to follow the truck while his wife called the police. The police came immediately and were able to pull over the truck. Inside were at least 5 people: the 2 girls who stole the truck, 2 guys, and a young teen passed out drunk in the backseat. The car was thrashed, but instead of impounding the vehicle like we were told they would do, they let Elder Helquest take it right then and there and bring it to us.

We were to go through all the stuff, out what was ours and then take the rest of it back to the police station that night. The Elder's helped me clean out all of the junk while Sister Kesler and the Helquests got dinner all situated. The entire car was covered in alcohol and vodka. They had candy and food and wrappers and filth everywhere. All kinds of clothing and make up and stuff. Our things were strewn across the floor and stuffed into the pockets behind the seats. At one point I started pulling clothing out of the cup holder in the door and realized it was a pair of little black underwear. The elders got quite a kick when I threw it disgustingly at the truck bed.

We got inside and started sorting through things. Sister Kesler's coat was missing, but that was about it. We found her wallet, and ID, her temple recommend, and her CD case. My cd's were in a holder on the visor, and they were all gone. My new dvds were gone. My wallet was there, but not my license (thank heavens they didn't toss my social security card, which I had just left in there since traveling at the airport.) My camera was gone. Elder Helquest says he saw a camera when they took the car back, but he didn't know where it went. We checked with the police on Saturday, but they don't know anything about it. There is one last officer we have to ask, and we plan to do that today.

Elder Helquest took the car to Farmington to get it detailed, and we got a loner for the weekend. I'm working on getting a license from New Mexico. I should have prayed to get my possessions back....Sister Kesler prayed for the car and her stuff, and her's was all returned. I only prayed for the truck, and didn't really get my stuff back. But she and I and the Elders are still praying for my belongings now, so maybe there is a chance..... So that was the story of the truck. I am going to ask Sister Kost, Sister Tsosie, Elder Munns, and Elder Buynak to make CDs for me of pictures they have that relate to me so that I can have some sort of collection of photos.

Saturday was just any other Saturday....except it was transfer news night. I was sure I was gone. Totally sure. Well...........nothing is changing in Shiprock! It is still Kesler, Wilkins, Buynak, and Wise.

Sunday there was an amazing Child of Record Baptism.

Now, we have to drive into Farmington to get our truck before a huge storm hits.

Love you all!

If you were going to get a gift for Christmas, it will have to wait because I don't have any access to money. SO you will get New Years gifts. And as for letters...it may take a while to respond because I don't have money to buy stamps.

Love,

Sister Melinda Wilkins

Christmas Has Come to Shiprock!!!

2011-12-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

December 5, 2011 (email)

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!

Ok, I know it isn't actually Christmas yet, but it seriously snowed here, and I we have Christmas music playing constantly, and... I got 2 HUGE packages from my Family! (Thanks mom and dad, and Hardy clan!!!) Look at how stinkin' cute that Christmas tree is!! I love it! you guys totally know me by getting sparkly, colorful ornaments, and as for those lights...DANG! Those little buggers are INTENSE!!!! I've got a whole loot of stuff, and I haven't even opened it yet!! Grandma and Grandpa Hardy: That "Good Stuff" is AMAZING!!! Holy Cow!!!! I'm trying to savor it, but I think I may have to make myself a batch, or two, or six. And the caramels from home....I screamed out loud, spun around, and did a little dance. (The Elders jumped back at my extreme reaction to the sugar....they delivered them to me and were just as excited to see what was in my big packages.)

I included a picture of me standing on a cliff, edge, thing....that is what a lot of our hikes look like. We rush to get all of our P-Day requirements done, and then hike all day. This thing was nuts! The ledge we walked on came to a point, with maybe only a foot wide space to walk. Either side was a steep drop. Then we got to the cliffs we wanted, and found a "path" that lead around it. The Elders were running along the path, but Sister Kesler and I just clung to the steep cliff wall and inched our way around straight rock up one side...a path barely 2 feet wide...and a "drop off" twenty feet down. We couldn't believe the Elders were dumb enough to climb it, but then we realized we were stupid for following them :)

I also threw in some photos of our baptism this last Saturday. His name is Kamriyano Tyler (Pronounced like the Toyota car : camry-ano.) He is 12 years old, and a stud. His mom and sisters were baptized years ago, but wen inactive when they moved to Shiprock. His mom stopped us one day and said to come teach him. OK!!! sure!!!! He is so smart, and so quick, and he really wanted to learn. He took to righteous principles quickly and his prayers were amazing! He would stutter and be a mess, but they were heartfelt and sincere. He gained a testimony of everything so quickly. It was great to work with him and fall in love with his family.

This week we find out about transfer news...I get the feeling I might get moved, but I really don't want to go. I want to stay here for Christmas, but it wouldn't surprise me to leave. I'll go where the Lord wants me to go....I hope I can just do it with a happy heart.

Did you get to watch the Christmas Devotional last night? It was AMAZING!!! I loved the little movie clip! It's going to be awesome for missionary work. My favorite parts were 1) the angel: he had such cool effects around him, and it worked really well. 2) When the shepherd came to Mary, she actually looked tired! I hate it when she looks all bright eyed and bushy tailed. She just had a BABY for heaven's sake! She should look exhausted!!!!

Did I tell you I got a hair cut? Not much, just a couple inches, but the lady is NOT as good as Aunt Melanie...the layers were a mess, so I had to fix them....that is tough...

Oh, and you can tell from the photos...I'm getting chunky. I'm not bashful about it. I'm getting round. You can totally see it in my face. I've put on 20 pounds since I left. It is all the fry bread and sheep fat! ugh.

I love you! Next time I write I'll know if I'm staying or leaving!!

Love,

Sis. Melinda Wilkins

Details for Dad

2011-12-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

November 28, 2011 (email)

Dad,

Dang, I'm a bad letter writer! You might want to put your questions and my answers on the blog for everyone else too. Okay, here goes...

1) Dad: We loved the details in your last letter. Could we get more of this? For example, you happened to mention that the dogs come back to the trailer to get food (so we know you live in a trailer, not a house or apartment) but you never describe it.
Sister Wilkins: We have a trailer. We call it The Ark because its the biggest one on the reservation and it has a giant ramp leading up to it. It is stationed perpendicular to the Seminary building/trailer across from the high school. It opens into a LARGE living room. There is a hall down the right with 2 rooms. One for study, and the other for all kinds of junk that has been left over the years. Next to the living room is a kitchen, LARGE thing. Then a short hallway to the left with washer and dyer, and a bathroom about the size of Della's bedroom. Our room is big, and we each have queen sized beds! The Elders are really jealous.

2) Dad: What is a typical day like?
Sister Wilkins: Our day starts at 6:30. We get up at 6:15, get dressed, and walk across the 2 lane highway to walk the track at the high school. From 7-8 we get ready. 8-9 is personal study. 9-11 is companion study. Then proselyting. Wednesday night is Young Women's and a Relief Society book club for the New Daughters in Our Kingdom book. Thursday night is Young Single Adults, which we are in charge of, and we play basketball or volleyball at the church.

3) Dad: How many people do you usually teach? What are their names? Could we pray for them by name?
Sister Wilkins: We teach mostly less active families that want to get involved again, and they always have children that are overage that they want to get baptized. We haven't been tracting this entire transfer because we've been busy. I could tell you their names. For now, here's one: Jasper (Jay) Deale. He lives an hour away from the church and doesn't have a car. He's a less-active man who was baptized as a kid with his mom but she stopped coming immediately. He is a long lost friend of mine from the pre-mortal life. I know it. I was sent to Shiprock for him. Please pray that he will find joy in the scriptures, that he will understand their teachings, and that he will be able to make it in for church.

4) Dad: How often do you chop wood? Is it scheduled or do you just ask an investigator/member if you can do service for them and you go out and chop wood in your dress? Do you have gloves?
Sister Wilkins: We chop wood for members a lot. We usually do it 2-3 times a month. I have gloves, because I was getting calluses. I'm a good little chopper. Elder Buynak and I have a pioneer work ethic and we chop and chop while our companions sort of stand around. We bring jeans and sneakers almost everywhere just in case someone needs help. I always change, but I wouldn't put it past me to chop in a skirt, it can TOTALLY be done. Actually, people are always surprised when they see me chopping wood. I'm little, but I'm a tough little bugger, and I don't give up on a piece easily.

5) Dad: How is it that you got to go to Four Corners? Isn't that out of your area. Or is your Shiprock area so large that it includes Four Corners?
Sister Wilkins: Shiprock District is HUGE! It covers Shiprock, TeesNosPos, and Toadalina. Four Corners is in Tees' area, like, 5 minutes from their trailer.

6) Dad: Your truck was low on allowable mileage so you had to walk home from the store in the rain. Do you get extra mileage because the reservation is so large? How do you get to go off-roading using 4-wheel drive, doesn't that use up your mileage?
Sister Wilkins: We have 1300 miles a month. Which is about 33 miles a day and we are really proud of ourselves when we do a 20 mile day, but every Wednesday when we drive to Red Valley, we easily do 90 miles. If we are smart with our miles, we have left over at the end of the month, and if we don't use them, our allotment will shrink, so we go exploring...

7) Dad: Does Shiprock have a regular sized chapel, or is a phase one building like Grandpa and Grandma had in San Carlos? Do you have a baptismal font or do you have to go somewhere else to find one?
Sister Wilkins: Shiprock has a good sized chapel, it is a normal little thing. One of the kind where everything is placed on a diagonal. The rooms are wonky shaped because the rectangle of the building is at 45 degrees to the rectangle of the chapel and gym. The building in Tees is tiny. Much smaller than the San Carlos building. We have a font, but Tees and Toad have to come in and use ours.

8) Dad: You've mentioned that there are also Elders in Shiprock. Is the area divided geographically, or do you dived it by the type of investigator you are teaching? Do the members give you referrals, or do you do a lot of tracting?
Sister Wilkins: The Elders are in charge of the North and East sides of Shiprock and we cover far West and deep South. We have the fun stuff.

As for Christmas...They ask us not to give out our PO box address, but they don't do anything to us if we do. If the package is sent Priority they can forward it to us in Shiprock. If not, we have to wait until we go into town, which is once or twice a month. They probably want them in early so that they can forward them before transfers, because the week before they start holding them until they know where everyone is going. Send it to the mission office, and it will get to me before transfers, and if it doesn't, I'll have to go to Farmington for transfers anyways.

I love you. Sorry I'm bad with details!

Sister Melinda Wilkins

Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

November 28, 2011 (email)

Hello everyone. This may be short because I wrote a long letter to dad...hopefully he will post it on the blog.

This week was rough numbers-wise because we had 2 p-days (Thanksgiving) and a zone conference. But Thanksgiving was great!

We went to our Ward Mission Leaders home with just him and his wife. Sister Kesler and I came early at 9 to cook food while the Ward Mission Leader and the Elders went to chop wood. We finished and all sat in the living room. Sister Walser had the Thanksgiving day parade on TV, and she watched while Sister Kesler gave her a foot massage and I wrote in my journal and tried to do letters. The Elders came back totally beat, but we made them stay awake and eat. We were totally surprised that we didn't have any sheep at Thanksgiving. We had turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, jello, yams, bread, cranberry stuff, and a bunch of other goodies. I was amazed at how much I packed in. For how small I am, I was able to eat as much as everyone else. They all watched as I sat and tried to finish it. They made me show I had swallowed like in Fear Factor.

We were all too full to do much, so we decided to go on a walk, and the Walsers suggested the actual Shiprock. They brought their dogs and it was funny watching them follow Elder Buynak all over the place. He's a monkey and climbs everything and the dogs were always by his side. You'd see him reach a peak and then pop! the dogs show up beside him.

We came back and had dessert: ice cream, yummy raspberry stuff, pumpkin pie, cheese cake and something else tasty. It was a really relaxing day.

We have a baptism this weekend...which means there will be tons of opposition this week. Ugh, but glad game: someone is entering the gate to the CELESTIAL KINGDOM!!! IT doesn't get much better than that. The little boy's name is Kamriyano Tyler. He's 12. He's way smart and quick. He's excited to get the priesthood and be able to go to the temple with his mom ( who is working on going to do baptisms for the first time in years!)

Well, I love you all!

Love,

Sister Melinda Wilkins

2011-12-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Hand-Written Letter Dated November 25, 2011

Dear Family,

I hope you had a TERRIFIC Thanksgiving. Mine was really nice, I mean as nice as a missionary holiday can be. We spent it with the Ward Mission Leader and his wife. They are sweet and enjoyed having missionaries over instead of it only being the two of them.

We started discussing what we were thankful for, and I said a Dad who would be/is healthy. First on the list is the Gospel, then my family, then dad's health, and then...toilet paper. Seriously, that stuff saves lives.

I am for sure in Shiprock for another two weeks, but then Transfers happen. I don't want to leave Shiprock, but I feel that I might be transferred. Bummer. I really want to be here for Christmas. I love the people here. The ward members know me now and they trust me. There are so many lives that are changing.

Many missionaries talk about "their focus" meaning some spend all their energies on finding (tracting), others on numbers, or baptisms, or building up the ward. I've discovered mine are 1) The Book of Mormon, and 2) reactivating less-active members.

1) The Book of Mormon has the power to change individuals and families. Reading it brings a surge of the spirit into lives, homes, and families. When someone knows it is true, nothing else can really stand in their way.

2) Reactivating less-active families is more the responsibility of the ward, but when a ward doesn't do that, the responsibility falls on the missionaries. It does no good if missionaries baptize four dozen people, if they all go inactive immediately. It means that missionary didn't do their job well enough and the person is practically "condemned" to the Terrestrial kingdom. I won't have that.

Most of these less-active members have been hurt and didn't want to come back, or didn't know how to come back. I want to love them all and show them what is possible. I want them to know someone loves them and believes they can accomplish anything. I want to bring families to the Celestial kingdom. I want to see temple sealings! I want to see strengthened families and love abounding where there was once only confusion and anger. At least in Shiprock, I'm having more success finding the lost sheep than I am bringing in new ones. And I'm okay with that. Either way, souls are coming into the light.

I hope that you all are making conscious steps into the light. It is so wonderful and peaceful. I have been so thankful recently for my family and the atmosphere I was raised in. We had love and joy. Lots of JOY. Lots of silliness. Lots of rootin' tootin' good times.

Speaking of good times, I included the photos of when we helped "butcher." That is the technical term for any part of the family and social gathering that involves killing, draining the blood and skinning a sheep; harvesting and cleaning out its insides; cutting and cooking the meat; and the big free-for-all when the food is served. If you look at the Ache'ee (the nasty fat wrapped in intestine), I think it looks like a mutant nasty grub thing that only an alien would eat. Then when it gets cooked on the grill, it looks like a burned centipede missing its legs. Not enticing. Once the intestine is cleaned out, it feels like slimy rubber-bands.

I know dad had surgery already, but if he needs another kidney, I know where to find one.

Wrapping the Ache'ee: Strips of fat with cleaned out intestine wrapped around it. Oh, and don't forget the bloody bowl of gizzards.

The cooked Ache'ee. Can you tell from my face that I'm dreading the next moment? Because I DID NOT want to put it in my mouth.

There is a photo of me patting out the fry-bread. It starts in a little dough ball and then you use your fingers to press it into a disk slightly bigger than your palm. Then you pat it back and forth as if you were clapping and rotating your wrists 180 degrees each clap. I'm getting much better at it. I haven't been taught how to make the dough yet. All I know is that they eyeball it and use flour, baking powder, salt and water. That's it. The same recipe and technique for patting it out is used for fry-bread and tortillas. I prefer the tortilla... less grease. Oh, and instead of using vegetable oil, they use LARD! Tastes great, but makes you want to roll over and die when the meal is over. You wonder why I've put on 20 pounds since I left home! Well, I can't think of what else to say. Do you have any questions for me?

Making fry-bread. It is actually round (instead of being lop-sided and messed up!)

Love you!

Sister Melinda Wilkins

SHEEP!!!!!!!

2011-11-23T05:28:00.000-08:00

November 22, 2011 (email)

GUESS WHAT!!!! WE HELPED BUTCHER A SHEEP!!!! It was AMAZING and TERRIBLE at the same time!

We went to do service at a member's home, went around back to chop wood, and TADA!! All of their extended family was there butchering. But it gets better: all of their extended family are less-actives and investigator families that we are working with!!!! We didn't even know they were related! Sis. Kesler got all into holding the innards. Gross. I didn't want to, but by the end I had held everything, poked the bucket of blood, watched them squeeze the poop from the intestine, and got blood splattered on me!

I thought we could sneak off, but no. We got roped into making Achee'ee. Its a terrible thing! Strands of fat, wrapped in INTESTINE!!! HORRIBLE!!! Then they made us eat it! I had vowed when I got to Shiprock that I would never touch the stuff. That worked well, because I not only touched it, but I made it, and then ate it. But it gets worse. I ate it from the bloody fingertips of the sister who had cleaned out the sheep and squeezed the poop out! It's AMAZING that I didn't die from food poisoning. I didn't even burp up the nasty taste. It was bad. You chew and chew and chew and chew and chew and chew and nothing happens, so you have to "SWALLOW IT WHOLE!!" (That quote was for you Ashlee and Charli.) Then we had all the other parts of the sheep. Plus fry bread, which I made by myself!!! Perfect circles! And I made dumpling stew: ripped up dough tossed in the boiling water that is cooking chunks of meat.

But is that the end of the crazy things they fed us?!? NOOOOO!!!!! They cut off the head, burn the hair off on the grill, and then wrap it in tin foil and they cook it for a few hours. Then they split the head open and fed us the TONGUE! BRAINS! and EYEBALL!!!! I ate them allllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe myself. The tongue was the best part of the whole sheep. The eye was like a fried egg with an olive sliver. And the brains were like hot rice pudding (in texture) they start out solid in your mouth, but then disintegrates into nothing. UGH! But they all taste like a barnyard. Ugh ugh ugh. We just laughed and giggled through the whole thing. I didn't have my camera, but they did. They printed off the photos yesterday and I will send them in the mail next week.

I attached a photo of me and Sis. Kesler. I really like it. You can tell how large of a girl she is. She towers over me and all the people here. They ALWAYS comment on how tall she is.

I also put a picture of me and Jay. He is probably one of the reasons I was sent to Shiprock. He lives out in Red Valley, so we only see him once a week, and it kills me. He is a less-active and he is amazing. He's an artist and he is making a custom Navajo pot for me. I'm so excited.

Then there is a picture of one of the elder's creations. The ward set up all the tables and chairs for a thanksgiving dinner, but we needed to move them for our YSA basketball. The elders got creative and TADA and Rameumptom (or however you spell it.)

WE had a miracle on Sunday! THEY OPENED THE OVERFLOW FOR THE CHAPEL!!!! For the second week in a row we had over 170 people!! (Instead of only 110.) AMAZING!!! Let's keep it up.

I hope this was a slightly more interesting letter, my last few have been sad and short. I have a challenge for you all this Thanksgiving week. Get a big piece of paper, and fill it completely with all the blessings in your life. Be specific and think. For example, at the top of my list would be my family and the gospel and specific blessings from following commandments. But right beneath that is toilet paper, bag balm, and stretchy clothing. Please do it. One last request, please have family prayer kneeling down every night: with family members or roommates. Please.

I love you!!!
Love, Sis. Wilkins

Overwhelmed

2011-11-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

November 15, 2011 (email)

I can't even think straight. I just heard about Dad's surgery, and I'm totally shocked and thrilled. I can't believe it happened! Can't believe it! We waited for this so long, and I can't believe it. I'm just sitting here, and I can't think straight I'm so excited and thankful.

Yesterday we had the miraculous blessing of going to the Monticello Temple as a mission. It was amazing!! I couldn't believe how strong the Spirit was, and how close I felt to Heavenly Father. I sobbed and sobbed in the Celestial room. IT was wonderful beyond words.

Things in Shiprock have really picked up. We are working with a lot of less active families and we had the highest sacrament attendance I have ever heard of. We had over 170 people in comparison to the average 110. WOAH! We couldn't believe our eyes. They blessed the sacrament 3 TIMES!!!!!

Its finally frozen here. It snows lightly, but melts before it hits the ground. We have to clean our windshield off with credit cards every morning.

We are still working with crummy computers, so I will send photos next week. Hopefully I will be able to send a better letter. This was a pretty sad letter.

Love, Sis. Melinda Wilkins

November

2011-11-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2011 (email)

Hello Everyone! Happy November!!

Well, I sent 2 photos of my Halloween pumpkin. I couldn't figure out what to do, so Elder Buynak and I decided to go all missionary on it. We carved the Plan of Salvation. It was a 2 person job. We had a pre-mortal life, veil, earth life, paradise/prison, "judgement", and the 3 kingdoms. I'm actually pretty happy with it. Bummer though, we didn't have any candles. We had to turn off the lights in the kitchen at the church, and hold it up to one of the spot lights. It looked pretty cool. I think we did a good job, especially because Sis. Thomas broke all of our carving knifes in the first five minutes. We accomplished our feat with switch blades and crummy steak knifes.

There is another photo of me on a tractor. I think I'm pretty stinking cute on it! I was trying to imitate the one we have of Grandpa Wilkins when he was a boy, but wearing a skirt and nice coat looks really different from thermals and a hat.

This week I got Sis. Kesler as my new companion. She is a combination of Kristin Lang and Cameron Smithson. So...We are going to get along very well. She is 6 foot even, and built like a linebacker. She is a tough cookie, in the most endearing way. She is really creative and writes songs and stories. She thinks I'm the silliest thing around (and I might be.) She loves Manheim Steamroller and we might listen to it 3+ times a day. We do a lot of giggling, thank heavens...I've missed that.

We did have a miracle this week: we got back in the door with 2 investigators who had pretty much dropped us. I guess they didn't bond well with Sis. Thomas, but they loved Sis. Kesler within the first 2 minutes. HOORAY!!! Oh how I love these girls! They are amazing.

Here is the BIGGEST NEWS OF THE CENTURY!!!! For the first time ever, the New Mexico Farmington Mission is going to have a TEMPLE DAY!!!! All of the missionaries are going to travel to Monticello and participate in a session. There are a couple different session through the day, but it will be only us missionaries. They don't rent clothing there, so we have to borrow from members. Most areas wouldn't have a problem with that, but we don't have a ton of endowed people. Let alone someone who is Sis. Kesler's size. We did find a larger woman who is willing to sew fabric on the bottom of her dress, and we thought we had made it to cloud nine. One of my favorite sisters in the ward is exactly my size and said I could borrow her clothing. Everyone is so excited. We all start to glow as we talk about it. I hope everything works out so that we can go without any complications.

I love you all! so very much!

Sharla and Alex, Congratulations!!

Sis. Wilkins.

sorry this was so short, I had extremely limited time

Happy Halloween!!

2011-11-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 31, 2011 (email)

Hallo, Happy Ween!

What a week: filled with stress, joy, giggles, tears, and sore muscles.

On Monday we drove out to Four Corners...not as big a deal as you think it might be. But I did buy a magnet (sarcastic woot.) And a turquoise ring. I wasn't going to do it, but Elder Buynak saw it and went nuts over it. (he rarely shows emotion, so I knew he must REALLY like it). It is stinking cute, and I've never seen one like it. We also drove out to a waterfall. When I say drove, I mean off-road in a truck. The road was really just a wash that had trees on either side. I have never seen a car do what we forced out truck to do. IT WAS AWESOME!!

We had rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. So much rain! Then we had to drive out to Red Valley and cove. WAY FAR. MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD MUD . Plus a couple rivers that weren't there the week before. We were fish tailing and sliding all over the place. Fun until Sister Thomas almost got us stuck. I was not excited to get out and push us out. Thank heavens for 4-wheel drive!!

Saturday night was the Ward Trunk or Treat. As you can see, "I'm a beautiful Butterfly!!!" (name that movie.) I have been so excited for this costume for a MONTH! and look at my make up!! ITS AWESOME!!! I've never done anything like it before, but I think I did a pretty good job.

Saturday night was really stressful. One, because of the activity: it wasn't our responsibility at all, but everyone left us missionaries to do the whole thing. Two, because it was transfer news night. NOT EXCITED!! I was freaking out. (Ask the elders, they were getting antsy because I was so jittery.) I did not want to leave, AT ALL. Well.......DRUM ROLL PLEASE.........I'm staying in Shiprock!!! YAY me! I love it here, and I hate the idea of going to the city. I often wish I was an elder so I could stay on the reservation as long as I can. The only other place kinda res is Gallup. And even then its a city that touches res. Oh, I hope I don't leave Shiprock until after Christmas!!

This week's letter isn't very interesting. Sorry. Life isn't tremendously interesting. Oh, but fun fact: my zone leader hates my guts!! And I'm loving every minute of it!!!! :) I'm totally serious! He thinks he's something really special, and acts all high and mighty. (I compare him to turd bucket from high school). Most people just ignore him, but I wasn't going to let him make fun of me and walk all over me and my companion, so I call him out on stuff. I'm quick witted enough that I can get him speechless. Its fun.

Well, I love you all. Stay safe! Have a wonderful week!

Love, Sis Melinda Wilkins

THREE MONTHS!!

2011-10-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2011 (email)

Good grief! Its been three months. It feels like no time at all, but also an ETERNITY!

This week was a normal missionary week, with one exception, WE HAD A BAPTISM! Aariyanna is 9 years old and comes from a less active family. She has taken amazing strides. The first few weeks we taught her I thought she would NEVER sit still or remember a single word we said. Well, the gospel changes people, even little children. Now she remembers everything, stays focused, and her reading has improved. It is so cool. We were a little worried about her and the Word of Wisdom. As we taught her about it she said, "We drink tea. I'll go get it to see if it is ok." It wasn't. She sat there CLUTCHING it, holding on for dear life. She did NOT want to give it up. After much discussion, she finally got it. We were worried she wouldn't keep it, but she totally surprised us. She has stayed completely devoted.

Another story: we had dinner with the elders outside our trailer a week ago and some dogs came by. Some one dumb fed them (NOT ME) and now they come back. They will sit at the door and cry. Here is a photo.
Here's another story, that I forgot last week! I was proposed to!!! By someone totally sober and serious!!! There is an "eternal investigator" at church who has taken a special liking to me. He asks to shake my hand, but then throws his arm around me. WEIRD. Not used to that. It wasn't a big deal, just awkward. Then last week he came up to me and told me how nice I looked with curled hair and then proceeded to tell me he thought I was a really nice person and that he liked my personality. HA. OK, thanks. Then he came up and said, "I probably shouldn't say this, but I would marry you if I could." I gave a nervous laugh and walked immediately to the elders. They thought it was funny until what happened next. I was trying to casually keep my distance, but HAD to walk by him. He waved me over. Oh drat, now what? He was sitting down and I bent over to talk to him. He grabbed both my hands and said, "Sis. Wilkins, can I marry you?" I YANKED my hands away. Smiled. "No. No you can not." and walked away. OH THE THINGS YOU SAY AS A MISSIONARY!! I nearly fell apart laughing. I was so blunt. HA!! It totally cracked me up. The elders did not find it so funny. E. Munns hardly left my side after that.

Oh yes, we have a new elder. Elder Wise. He may be half way through his mission, but the kid is just that...A KID. He'll do well in the area, but he proves himself to be a little boy sometimes. :)

Love you all!!

Sis. Wilkins

Tears in Shiprock

2011-10-20T04:46:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2011 (email)

Tragedy keeps striking in Shiprock. Elder Munns is being transferred out to the middle of nowhere to help out another Elder. I've not been a happy camper. Official transfers are in 2 weeks, but I was joking with him that I thought he was going to be voted off the island then. He didn't like it, but his companion agreed with me. The next day he sent us a text saying I was right and he was being ET'ed (emergency transferred). I didn't believe him until he told me in person. I thought I had 2 weeks to prepare myself for my best friend leaving, but no, I had 2 days. If I thought Sis. Tsosie and I were good friends, it was nothing compared to me and Elder Munns. I've not been a happy camper. I don't know what its like in other missions, but when an elder leaves, his companion or roommates give him a tie. I didn't want to miss out on the fun, so I bought him a tie. I gave it to him last night, and he's wearing it today. I feel so special. :)

There were good things that happened this week. We had exchanges with one of the Sisters who goes home in 2 weeks. It was Sis. Wilkes!!! The girl who was my EFY roommate 5 years ago. IT was AWESOME! We took her to Red Valley and took pictures on the wall and by Shiprock.

She was going to take a photo of how dirty our truck got, and started backing up but fell into a HUGE mud pit. I nearly fell over laughing. I couldn't believe the sucking noises as her feet sunk in and pulled out of the mud.

Then I put a picture of the Elders at the Flea Market. It always starts out freezing cold (hence their super heavy jackets) but then gets so hot we are all dripping in sweat. The last picture is Elder Munns with his handy rope. He started roping things at our trailer while his companion (the district leader) takes numbers for the area on Sunday nights. He got the bright idea to try to rope my feet. We actually got pretty good. He has this fancy swinging stuff, I jump, and then I land in the center of the rope as he yanks it tight around my knees. I'm pretty proud of myself.

Well, it has been a normal, missionary week. And it will probably be a normal missionary week. My companion and I are starting to figure things out together. Finally :) We understand one another, talk more, and find something to laugh about every day. Things are really looking up.

I love you all! Stay safe. Please read the Book of Mormon EVERY DAY! (It is something we are challenging the ward to do every day. There is going to be a ward-wide competition to see who can read the most. Its going to be awesome! I can't wait for them to recognize the blessings that come from reading the Book of Mormom daily.)

Love, Sis. Wilkins

100th Annual Navajo Nation Shiprock Fair

2011-10-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2011 (email)

It is over! PRAISE THE HEAVENS. It is over. The cars are gone. The drunks have gone home. We don't have to listen to them yelling or blowing kisses at us. The tempting food vendors are gone. Life is normal again. Hooray!

Well, last Monday we drove out to the actual Shiprock and climbed around. It was nuts! I drove the truck out on these CRAZY dirt roads for at least 5 miles of bumps, jolts, and flying. IT WAS AWESOME!! Then the Elders decided to really go exploring and we turned on the 4 wheel drive. WOOT. Fun, and scary at the same time. There were a couple times where I just stopped the truck, stuck my head out the window, and yelled. "NOPE!" I was not going to flip the Church's truck. not going to do it. We did lots of climbing and exploring on the actual Shiprock. We could only go so high because the walls were literally vertical. I sent a couple photos of that. Then we went exploring on the lava wall that extends out from Shiprock. That was way cool. There was one spot where it really looked like a person had built this retaining wall, but no..it was god. Then the entire thing was made of tiny slate pieces. WAY COOL!

On Wednesday we went out to Red Valley as always, but we had a service project to do. There is a bridge leading to a Less active's home and it keeps getting washed out. There is a giant hole that gets bigger and bigger with every rain. The guy said he wanted to pick up some river rocks and throw them in the hole, but there weren't any big enough around. We picked up some last week for him, but they weren't nearly enough. We told the Elders about it. MISTAKE. They showed up the night before we left with at least 300 pounds of rocks!!! They loaded up their truck while tracting. It was amazing. I couldn't believe my eyes. It took a while to load them into our truck and then to get them in the hole. But even then, we still didn't have enough to fill the hole. (that tells you how big this monster hole is)

Now, for the fair. CRAZY! A shanty town developed over night. HUNDREDS of road side vendors set up shop all along the highway. sometimes 3 deep. There were shacks and tents and converted truck beds everywhere. Imagine the sea of tents set up for the Quiditch world cup. Then on Saturday was the big parade. It shuts down the city completely. Visualize what University and Center St. look like for the 4th of July. Now do it Navajo style. Freezing cold outside. Fires in the streets. Fry-bread and tamales everywhere. Mismatched assortment of chairs and beds lining the streets. cars parked on the median and in the turning lanes. IT was ridiculous. We drove our trucks from our trailers to the other end of town at bishop's house (because we both had appointments on the north side of town at night, but we knew traffic would be at a stand still from lunch until midnight.). Then we walked the 4 miles back to the trailers. we walked the parade route all day, and then had to tromp back to the trucks at the end of the day. Holy cow. my hips and knees were not happy with me that day. We crossed paths with the Elders about dusk, and they got rather nervous about us walking with all the craziness and nastiness. Elder Munns leaned down and whispered, "Do you have a knife?" I giggled and shook my head. "We'll be fine. I have enough spunk to handle anything." He got a concerned look on his face and then handed me his really nice switch blade. It was kinda sweet. And I honestly felt better having it in my pocket all night.

Well, that was our week. It seems like ages ago already. I hope you are all safe and doing well. Keep looking for the miracles. They are there. Read the Book of Mormon every day, I beg of you. Say prayers with your family or roommates. Do your visiting and home teaching. They are all simple things, but they make all the difference in building Zion. I send my love to every one of you!

Love,

Sis. Wilkins

General Conference!!!

2011-10-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

October 3, 2011 (email)

Hello, Hello, Hello!!!

So.... PROVO TEMPLE!!!!!!!! WWWWAAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I can't sit still when I think about it!!! Totally stoked!!! And as for all the temples in Africa, I totally called it! (That was my guess from the beginning).

Conference is so cool as a missionary. Everything seems to have the utmost importance. I was glued to the screen for the entire time. I would look up and think, dang, that was a good 20 minutes but then look at the clock and see that it had been almost the entire session already! Was anyone else excited by the fact that the choir wore ORANGE ties on Saturday morning? (probably not...I'm the only person who would ever think about something as silly as that). And who doesn't love Pres. Monson! "Hello." HA! and how many times did he roll his eyes! he's such a cutie. I just want to hug him or walk around holding his hand. What a sweetheart! And then there was Sis. Dalton's talk! As if I didn't love her before! That was amazing. All you men take note, because she was exactly right.

Well, this week has been kinda wonky. The Shiprock Fair has started, and it takes over everything! Work slows down because you can't drive without lots of traffic and no one is home because they are out having fun. It also means we need to be inside by 7 because of all the drunks and messiness at night. It really wasn't that eventful. We keep running into less actives (i think its silly that the church has us call them that, because they are IN-ACTIVE. They don't come at all) who have been seriously offended by the core families of our ward. Who are those core families? People who's father has been the bishop over the past 30 years. Nobody likes anybody and it is seriously making me mad. I am not a person who takes offense, so I am really struggling to understand their views. I can't see why these people will let a thoughtless comment be the thing that separates them from ETERNAL SALVATION!! (Can you tell I have some intense opinions on the matter?)

As for Sis. Thomas, she and I are still in a rough place. We have NO chemistry. None. It's really making things tough. I don't like the lack of laughter. I love laughing, but...we don't laugh. It's tough. I'm looking for love in any way I can. Service is what I'm starting with. I look forward to the time when we can be a strong united force here in Shiprock. Here is what I know about her. She is from McHammon, Idaho (that's probably not how its spelled). It is a small town kinda near Pocatello. She has been out for 6 months, and has been in Durango, CO the whole time. She has 3 brothers and 1 sister. She is also the only non-red-head odd ball in her family. She went to school at UVU and did her pre-recs for nursing, but she might change it when she gets back. She likes to sleep...as in as soon as planning is over, she is in bed. It makes things kinda lonely at night, and there is no bonding time, but I do get to read the scriptures and ponder more. She likes being outdoors and playing sports, but she's not the sporty type. That's all I know. Not much. (What does that say about how much we talk?)

This last paragraph sounded really drab, but I am happy. I am serving the Lord. I am where he wants me. I am in a "foreign land." I have worthy priesthood holders nearby, who are dear friends. I have the spirit acting in my life. What more could I ask for? I love missionary service. It gives you a sense of belonging to an army of God.

Love,

Sis. Wilkins

the photos....
Elder Buynak pressed his face to the truck when it was clean. Then we drove all over town and red valley. The dust stuck, and then his face was with us every where we went. It was quite funny.
I wore my "Holland is my Hero" shirt during lunch on Sunday. Everybody loved it!!!!

P.S. Are you reading the Book of Mormon daily? Are you talking with Heavenly Father daily? Do it. That's all I tell people, every day. So please do it.

2 Months (email)

2011-09-27T04:47:00.000-07:00

September 26, 2011

This is new. Transfer number 2 shouldn't be a big deal. It was. I got my new Companion, Sis. Thomas. It was a rough day. Sis. Tsosie and I stuck together all morning, and we just clutched one another. Sis. Thomas was doing the same thing with her companion. You could tell there was a lot of love in each companionship, and we were both unsure of what this new experience would be like. We were nervous for good reason. We are so very different. I love her because she is a daughter of God, but I am working on loving her for all of her. I mentioned to the Elders how they were lucky that they were 2 peas in a pod. I mentioned that Sis. Thomas and I were from 2 separate gardens. Then they really shocked me with their profound response. They said, "You are owned by the same gardener, that should be all that matters." .....DANG!! Put me in my place. Thank Heavens for these inspired young men. That really changed my thinking. I know it will take work, but I seriously think we can have a very strong relationship. I know there is so much she can teach me, and I look forward to those lessons.

On another note, there are photos of all the great things that happened this week. We took photos with the Elders at a graffiti wall. It is a pretty building, and low and behold, it has CTR on it. We don't know if it stands for the same thing that we associated it with, but we like it none the less. Then there are photos of our baptisms from Saturday. Branden and Sage Foster, who are the studliest little kids I have ever met. I absolutely adore them. Then Deanndra, whose mother and sister were baptized last year, and have recently started coming back. IT was an amazing service.

Then there was the Relief Society Broadcast. LOVE IT!!!! I cried the whole thing through. I'm such a goober. I can't wait for General Conference. It is going to be the highlight of the transfer! Please pray for the leaders who are going to speak to us, and pray that you receive personal revelation that will help improve your life. IT is amazing what prayer can do. I am just starting to realize its implications. This morning I thought I was praying for only a couple of minutes, but after I really poured out my heart I realized that it had been 15. I love talking with my Father in Heaven. Sometimes its all I can do to keep from breaking down in frustration.

How I miss you all! I really do. I think about you daily, and you are in my prayers. Please stay strong. Please do the little things....they really make all the difference. Oh, and enjoy the nice northern weather and color changes, it still looks like death and brown here (and I think it always will).

LOVE YOU,

Sis. Wilkins

Surprise (email)

2011-09-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2011

We had a nasty surprise on Saturday night. We stopped by the Elder's trailer to drop something off, and while we were there, they got transfer news call from the zone leaders. We stood by and listened to the muffled voice. Sis. Tsosie's name was mentioned first...transferred to Gallup, NM. We looked at one another and didn't say a word. We used our eyes to communicate: WWHHHAATTTTT?????? Did he just say that? No. ...yes. This is not real....What do we do? Crud.

She leaves tomorrow morning. We are not happy about it. I seriously felt like we had known each other all our lives. She was such a dear friend, and I hardly knew her. The last 6 weeks have felt like maybe 1 or 2. Her new companion is Sis. Kost (MY MTC COMPANION!). I am going to get Sis. Thomas. We don't know a single thing about her. We'll see what happens, but I already know I need to act quickly to make her comfortable with me and Shiprock. Shiprock is the roughest and dirtiest area for sisters, and it definitely has shocking qualities. Oh, and I get to drive the truck now! Woot! So excited.

This week was normal. Personal Study. Companion study. Lessons with investigators. Knocking on doors. Driving a ton. We had one baptism on Saturday. Seneca Frazier. He is 10, and his family recently moved back to Shiprock and became active. Elder Munns was absolutely tickled to do the baptism (it was his first time performing a living baptism ordinance). And I think I look down-right tan. Yes everyone, it is possible, I am TAN!! Can you believe it? I still look terribly white compared to all the Navajos, but I am chocolate brown compared to my family.

Sis. Tsosie and I drove half way out to Shiprock (the actual rock) this week. We took lots of silly photos, but they are all on her camera. I'll print them out and send them to you. There was a crazy storm brewing as we took photos, and the lighting on Shiprock is stunning. I also wanted to show you this rock formation. Does is look like a man made wall? YES. Is it? Not at all. Shiprock is a volcanic rock formation, and coming out the backside is this 10 mile long wall. It rises probably 6-8 stories out of the ground. In some parts it is only 6 feet thick, but it is never thicker than 10 feet. It is the coolest thing. I think Shiprock looks like a mighty demon fortress rising out of death itself. Then the wall guards the dismal kingdom behind. (I might have a fanciful imagination, but at least I can keep myself entertained.)

I love you all! Talk to you next week!

Love, Sis. Wilkins

MONSOON SEASON! YIPPEEE (email)

2011-09-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

September 12, 2011
Hello!! Guess what? The heat is gone! sort of. It rains at least 4 times a week. and not just any rain...SERIOUS shake the trailer, mud puddles everywhere, lighting and thunder storms. ITS AMAZING! LOOOVVEEE IT!

I mentioned last week that we were doing service. We chopped wood! and I put my heart and soul into it!!! I had a very nice little pile after 2 hours. the elders showed off by blowing giant stumps to smithereens, but I'm content with my pile. We also weeded and weeded and weeded some more. lots of nasty pokey weeds. I hate them. Then there was the terrible yucca plants. Bishop had some giant yucca plants, but you had to risk your life to cut them. they were giant knives, and we all had gouges everywhere. lots of blood and swollen-ness involved.

Otherwise, the week was really plain. service. teaching. knocking doors. being disappointed by investigators not keeping commitments. elation by surprise investigators at sacrament meeting. frustration at 2 baptisms that didn't happen. normal missionary life.

This week was Sis. Ts's birthday. I woke up early and decorated the truck windows, made breakfast, and waffles. A member fed us birthday cake. We celebrated too many times..but I won't complain. Today we are going into Farmington to celebrate. We will go out for lunch, go bowling, and then I'm going to buy her a Ken barbie doll. (Her boyfriend/fiance's name is Ken. I asked her what she wanted, and she said Ken. Well, I'll do what I can.)

There was a surprise. We drove out to Red Valley on Wed like always, came back, stopped in at Amber's and called the Elders to give a blessing. They come over, but Amber sees someone else with Elder Munns through the peep hole. In walks E. Buynak, he and E. Cheney were involved in an emergency transfer. I don't know any of the situation, nor is it my business. I'm really looking forward to working with him. I loved E. Cheney, but I think now there is a different spirit about the work. We are going to actually be missionaries, rather than just people doing missionary work. Good deal. I'm ready to get to work. Things in Shiprock move slow. I want to speed it up.

There are photos of Sharon and Tyre's baptism, the Elders (Buynak on the left, Munns on the right), me and Sis. Tsosie (at the flea market, and just being silly. I think you can tell we love each other.)

Love you lots!!

I hope next week will be a more interesting letter.

Sis. Wilkins

Service (email)

2011-09-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

September 6, 2011

Hi, this is going to have to be a quick letter. We had a busy week, and things are going to get busier. We had a wedding on Wednesday for Amber and Matt Johnson. They only had us and the Elders there with the bishop. At the last minute her mother, sister, and grandmother agreed to come. Her family is against the whole thing, but we are hoping that after Amber is baptized next week their hearts will be softened. (there is a picture of us together, and another of the beads that I hand stitched on her bouquet, while we bounce along dirt roads).

We also had a Baptism! My first one! It was a mother and son, Sharon and Tyre. They were prepared by the Lord and are going to be excellent members of his kingdom. Sharon has such powerful faith and she is so excited to have her life turned around. She is changing the face of her family forever. E. Cheney, the district leader, told us he had an extremely powerful interview with her, and was prompted to promise some really incredible things.

There is another picture of a Birthday card I sent Katherine, that explains one of the mysteries of the world. Katherine, if you haven't opened it yet, don't look or read this. The the flabby arms always seem to come as women serve the lord. We get them as missionaries and when in relief society (AKA "Relief Society Arms"). It seems like a burden now, but really it is a secret blessing from Heavenly Father because of our worthiness. HAA! at least that's what I'm going to tell myself.

If you wrote me a letter this last week, I'm sorry, but I will have to write back next Monday. It didn't happen yesterday. No time. I have not forgotten about you, I promise!

I love you all!! I really do. You are in my prayers.

No Power (email)

2011-09-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 29, 2011

(as Elder Munns would say...) Wellll HelllOOOWWW.

Sorry I have no pictures to send this week. I didn't take a single one. Our week wasn't that exciting. We have been teaching some young boys and it has been really hard to keep their attention. Sis. Tsosie and I have been pulling out our hair trying to creatively keep them involved. We look for a mini miracle at the end of each day, but this week it was hard to find them.

We keep meeting with Leonard, our continual investigator. He has done time for drug and alcohol use and is on probation right now. He is the sweetest guy. Funny I put those sentences right next to one another. He got in a fight years ago, was stabbed, bled out, brought back, but his memory doesn't work so well. Our miracle is that he always remembers us and the things we teach him. Once his probation is up and he can be baptized, he's going to be a real help with the ward.

Speaking of the ward, we as missionaries are struggling. They are set in their ways, and don't want to come out of their bubble. We bring in people, but they struggle to fellowship and bring them in. We need members' help, but there aren't enough attending to even furnish the ward. We are going to make a big push and revamp of ward attendance. We are going to try to double attendance. Yikes. We're praying for an experience like when President Monson became bishop and quadrupled his ward attendance.

As for the subject line, we have lost power at our trailer a couple times. Half of Shiprock loses power, and we are always on the dark side. Last night we had such a tremendous storm. Thunder. Lightening. Pounding rain. It was glorius. Our power went out right before bed and we just watched it from the window.

The subject line also relates to the fact that Sis. Tsosie and I have been in awe of Priesthood power and slightly jealous that we don't hold it. We had a week of blessings. Thank heavens for Elder Cheney and Munns being close, willing, and able. We had a sick mother and daughter investigator. The blessing for the mother (Amber) brought the spirit so strong that it inspired and convinced her to marry her boyfriend and be married. Later in the week her sister (Rochelle) got a blessing too. She didn't know what her sister had meant when she described the spirit. Now she understands. She was in tears and it really softened her heart. The most amazing moment was an hour ago. Sis. Ts wanted a blessing and asked the Elders to do it. The came over and it started like every other blessing, but then the Word of God began to pour from the mouth of Elder Cheney. That was probably the most powerful blessing I have ever heard uttered. I could tell he was choking up, but it wasn't until after the prayer that I realized how big a deal it was. E. Munns immediately walked off to cry. E. Cheney had to turn around to wipe his tears, and Sis. Ts sat there in awe. I watched with hands trembling as they all sobbed. Those men of God were so overcome by the Spirit they could not stand. They cried and cried and we all struggled with the missionary rule that you aren't allowed to hug. It was amazing.

So how was that for a mini miracle. Here's my missionary commitment for you: I want you to look for the mini miracles in your life. Find one for every day. EVERY DAY. Write them down. look over them often. you will be amazed at what the lord has blessed you with. I know there are miracles in our life. I have seen them.

I hope my family can see the blessings in their life. People say your family will be blessed for missionary service. So far I have had reports from friends and how their life has changed in the last 2 months: healed bodies, healed hearts, new relationships and love, new jobs. Its amazing to see what the Lord does for his children.

I love you all. You are in my prayers.

Love, Sis. Wilkins

Shiprock never gets rain... not!! (email)

2011-08-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

August 22, 2011
Hi everyone! So this last week was really great and really terrible at the same time.

It has been miserably hot, but we have our lovely truck to keep us cool. We rarely go tracting because we have lots of appointments and it takes forever to drive there. We go from cool car to warmer houses and back to the cold car. nice. ...until we realized we were short on miles for the month, and started walking everywhere. less work got done, we looked horendous from the heat, and it was back breaking with a 20 lb bag.

we had 2 really productive days, and had 2 people commit to baptism (which is a big deal because in the last 6 months there have only been 2 baptisms). we currently have 6 people with dates set! its absolutely amazing. ...but...Sis. Tsosie and I may be letting it get to our heads because we had some really unproductive days. and we skipped companionship study to do service. service is good, but heavenly father definitely let us know he wanted us studying. we changed things around and life is looking up now.

I feel more confident with my teaching and ability to listen to the spirit. Sis. Ts is surprised how bold I already am. She is courageous with the things she says, and she thought it would take me a while, but I jumped in feet first. Yesterday we went to visit an investigator and got to her door at the exact same moment as some other crazy missionaries. They just wanted to bible bash and it was miserable. We felt as if the spirit was being sucked from our beings. You know what a fish looks like trying to breath out of water...that was us, gasping for the spirit. I was able to keep calm, ignore the desire to haul off and hit them, and calmly dismissed them. Sis. Ts was really impressed. Woot. 2 spirit points for me.

As for the subject line, we were told it NEVER rains in shiprock. if it does, it is just a sprinkle. We walked to the store and saw a "sand storm" coming and were thankful to go inside. when we came out we thought we missed it. nope. we got out of the parking lot and started home. oh, its only a couple drops and a couple blocks. nope. down pour and 1 whole mile of mud. did we have arms to hold everything? nope. so we walked in the rain, for a mile home (this was also one of the days we didn't study long enough, so we got the picture pretty quickly)

I included pictures from the MTC. Katy andrews always told me about her family "surfing" on the ironing board and I couldn't resist. Then sis. Laneir and her new shirt (we liked the secret identity). Me and sis. Lanier (she went to atlanta. she was my best friend there). My last photo with sis. kost. our district with my favorite teacher. our messy back seat from the truck (yes that is an ax...we chop wood for people). then of me soaked and a mess from our rain disaster. you should put these up on the blog.

love you lots!!!

I'm Here - email

2011-08-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

August 15, 2011

Hello everyone!! Well, I'm sorry it took over a week to contact you. We missed P day in the field by 1 day, so its been a while. I'm here! I'm in New Mexico! Drum Roll Please......I'm in Shiprock, NM. (which is about an hour west of Farmington). The Farmington Mission should be called the Navajo Nation Mission, but that probably isn't the most politically correct name. Shiprock is Reservation through and through. We are the ONLY sis. on a res, but to keep us safe, we have elders who also serve in the ward (the boundaries are huge!!!) blessing number 1: the elders are the district leader, and my favorite elder from my mtc district! elder munns. They are going to be great.

As for the area, things are slow. not the work being slow, but the people. no one drives fast, talks fast, walks fast, or even moves quickly. I'm going to certainly learn patience.

When we left the MTC and got to the airport, the E's got their feathers ruffled because I wasn't going to sit around and wait for them to unload the luggage. I jumped into the cargo hold, and started throwing bags out to them. they protested, but never did anything about it. yes, I am here to work, and I'm too stubborn to wait for any of you! We got picked up by the Mission pres. and his wife. Pres. Jones reminds me of Uncle Allen (its been a while since I've seen him in person, but I think there are definite similarities) and his wife is just like my boss April from Brick Oven. I love them already. The mission home is in a golf course development and is AMAZING!! and that's coming from me, the interior designer! It was beautiful. I found out they don't have sisters in Ramah, but they do have them in Gallup. They put me out on the res, which means we have a TRUCK!!!! actually, most missionaries here have trucks. big beasty things. LOVE IT!!!! Pres. Jones says we have the best fleat of cars in the world.

I met my companion, Sis. Tsosie (so-see) who has been in shiprock since january. she is navajo herself, and really get's us in with the people. We went to walmart in farmington, and bought food for a month. litterally. the cart was heaping ovetr the top. we only go into town once a month. there is a store like Smith's, but its expensive. We started right away with appointments. We have 3 bap dates from before I got here, but alot of our work is reactivation. Our ward has 1400 members!!! but only 150 come to church. oye. most of the older members were in the lamanite placement program. it gets me kinda upset because these people were baptized and had amazing experiences, but they didn't go to church when they came back to live on the res. ugh! ...see, i need to work on patience!

WE had an amazing experience with a recent convert, Lisa. I love her with all my heart. She came on exchanges with us, and we were going to read the BoM with her for a couple min and stayed for 2 hours. she told us about going to do bap for the dead for the first time and it reminded her of some dreams she had had. she proceeded to tell us about her dreams and sis. tsosie and i gaped at one another. This woman has seen the inside of the temple. she has looked in the mirrors. she has seen her family in white. it was amazing! we gushed our excitement as she told us about her dream, and we explained what we could about the temple. oh, she is just awesome.!!

we also had a service project where we drove an hour out with the elders to put plaster up on a less active member's house. when we got there it wasn't stucco, but cement. it didn't work so swell to get it to stay with the rocks, so I had the idea to sift them out. that worked, but it was still cement. to make matters worse, we had to use our hands...so the cement sucked the water out of our hands, and it started to eat the skin. i rubbed them raw and then got the rocks in it. they are a mess!

well, I'm running out of time! if you want to send any letters or packages, send them to the mission office address. I'm not allowed to give out our po box. if you send a package, send it priority so that the office can forward it to me. otherwise it sits in the office until someone drives out here to the middle of nowhere.

love you all

Sis. Wilkins (the new white missionary)

Arrived at the mission home

2011-08-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

President Jones sent a letter and this photo reporting that Sister Wilkins arrived. We hope to hear from her soon.

Photos

2011-08-07T16:54:00.001-07:00

Proof, it's real.

MTC companions.

Sisters in her MTC district.

Week 2 (email)

2011-08-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!! well, week 2 feels just like week one. LONG days. Short weeks. I really got in the groove of everything. My companion, Sis. Kost (who's going to Farmington) and I have really figured out how we teach best. I have finally figured out how to teach simply. The elders make fun of me constantly for being too complicated. They keep mentioning the KISS Formula: Keep It Simple Stupid!!! Ok. ok. its coming. I just have to constantly think how I would teach Della about the different topics.

Personal study time is one of my favorite parts of the day: Its just me and doctrine and covenants. There are so many inspiring scriptures about missionary work, holding out, and enduring with joy and singing praises. My companion and I have been memorizing all sorts of scriptures, lesson parts, and missionary mottos. We are really starting to feel confident in ourselves. Our disaster appointment from the first week has become a great testimony builder for us. We have really struggled to connect with Radleigh but this week he finally believes in God and said a BEAUTIFUL prayer. We came out and cried we were so happy (we also think this hard skinned investigator was trying not to cry!! woot!)

It feels like I've been here forever, and yet no time at all. We ship out on Monday at o' dark hundred. We are supposed to report to the travel office at 4am. We have a flight from Salt

Lake to Phoenix at 7:10 and then from Phoenix to Durango, Co at 11:50. It will be a long drive from Durango to Farmington. As for getting everything to fit, I hope I can do it. I think I will disperse the weight better than when I came to the MTC, and I'll ship a box of medicine and office supplies to the Mission Home and hopefully pick them up when I get there. My family made fun of me for having so much stuff, but when the Elders or Sisters in my district need something, they come right to me. I've already fixed a couple elder's clothing and had all the supplies sisters could need. As for clothes, I thought I had too much, but I have the least out of all the sisters in my apartment!! seriously! I don't know how they are going to get everything to fit.

The food is still good, but as much as I thought I was restricting myself, I wasn't. I can tell clothing is tighter. ugh. I'm working on it....like by going to the gym and running my body into the ground. I've been really working on flexibility and distance, and I feel pretty good about where I'm at.

Love you all!

Sis. Wilkins

Letter written July 27, 2011

2011-07-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

Hello family!

I love and feel at home (and I haven't been here long enough to have cabin fever.) I do like my teachers. I have three. Sister Dunn, Bother Reid, and Brother Wanket. Sister Dunn is great because she has a feminine touch. Brother Reid gives a good dose of reality, and Brother Wanket is the big brother of one of my yearbook boys (the skater kid.) Small world!

We use Preach My Gospel constantly. As well as some new workshops and notebooks that are a pilot program. I was prepared in maturity, but NOT prepared concerning studying Preach My Gospel. I'm trying to catch up, but its not coming as quickly as the Elders.

My companion is Sister (Daphnie) Kost (pronounced cost.) She's from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She's pretty quiet, but I'm breaking her in. We are starting to really bond in friendship. We went to the temple this morning and she hadn't been since her own endowment. I helped her along the way and I had a surge of love. We are starting to learn how to teach with the spirit, which is the key to all teaching and learning.

My district is AWESOME. There are 12 of us. Two sisters and four elders going to Farmington and two sisters and four elders going to Atlanta. It is amazing to be with them. We know how to work hard, but also to play and laugh hard.

Right now at the MTC, they have almost record breaking numbers. There were 400 0f us who came last week, which brought the total up to around 2600. Today's numbers will bring us closer to 3000.

We went to the temple (like I said before) and I couldn't believe how much I had missed it. It really is a part of who I am. I thank you mom and dad for making it a priority and teaching us its importance.

My P-day is Wednesday. You feel like you'll have oodles of time, but you don't.

Two nights back we woke up at 2:15 by the loudest fire alarm I've ever heard! We ran from the building and sat outside for 20 minutes. They don't know why it went off, but it sure wasn't planned. Obviously there were some rather sleepy sisters, but for some reason I was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. It must have been my training at the Tanner building.

I've seen tons of people. Mike, Brian Thacker, Cami Bingham (she lives across the hall), Wes Smith, and a couple of sisters from my singles ward.

Thank you for adding me to your prayers. As often as I play The Glad Game and look for reasons to smile, I need all the help I can get.

I love you all! Lots of kisses, hugs and spanks!

Love, Sister Wilkins

Hello from the MTC (email)

2011-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I can't believe it has been a whole week. The days all seem to mesh into one, except I've had a couple clothing changes. Two minutes after I stepped out of the car on Wednesday I ran into my first friend. Mike came out from his teaching shift and said hello. That was a nice transition between the old life and missionary life. It is still tough tuning out memories and old activities. I'm really trying to turn my heart to the work.

My companion's name is Sis. Kost. She's from Pennsylvania. She is rather quiet, but I'm breaking her in. :) We are getting along really well, despite our very different backgrounds. We are rooming with 3 other sisters. 2 going to Atlanta, Georgia. 1 to Denmark. I have really bonded with Sis. Lanier, who's going to Atlanta. She is just like me but 4 years older and really into athletics. I am totally in love with her. Sis. Moore is going to Denmark. She's a solo sister but so full of spunk its like she's 2 sisters.

My first teaching experience was an absolute disaster!!! (you all know me and how I like to tell stories, but this is NOT exaggerated.) My companion and I came back practically crying. The investigator (our teacher) did not believe in God and was rather hostile. It was a mess. Since then there have been some discouraging encounters, but for the most part we have continued to improve and learn how to listen to the spirit. Yesterday was the best lesson we have ever given. We fell in love with our less active member immediately. Everything just flowed well: we understood each other's teaching habits, we testified, but the best part of all was that we both felt the spirit tell us specific things to say to this woman, and we were able to follow the promptings and change the countenance of our sweet member.

As for the missionary schedule and rules, I have no real problems with it. My poor companion has to wait for me in the bathroom constantly, but that's the worst that it gets. The other companionship is really struggling. Sis. Lanier companion has no speed, no volume, is homesick, and sadly, hardly any courage. Her personality is really clashing with Sister L's get up and go attitude. We are all trying to help them along.

We LOVE our district. Half of us are going to Farmington and the other half is going to Atlanta. There are only 4 of us Sisters, and 8 Elders. Some of them are power couples and the others are just plain funny. We do a lot of laughing, which we need to keep from going crazy.

Love you all! I'll email next week!

Sis. Wilkins

I can't figure out to send photos to save my life...we'll see what I can do next week.

First Letter

2011-07-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Friday July 22nd, we received our first letter from Sister Wilkins: "I made it. I'm alive. I'm breathing. I don't have a clue what I'm doing, but I'm doing it!" She has seen a couple of friends, Mike (from her singles ward) teaches at the MTC, Brian (also from her singles ward) does janitorial work at the MTC, and Wes Smith (an Elder from Encinitas) is headed for Mexico.

At the bottom she wrote, "I'm going to make it. I'm going to fulfill Mosiah 27:36 'And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.'

"Farewell" Brunch Photos

2011-07-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks be to Aunt Christina for taking all the photos. Here are a few...

Wilkins Family Color Festival

2011-07-18T21:41:00.001-07:00

Do you remember the Color Festival mentioned a couple months back? Well, I saved some chalk from the giant party in Spanish Fork, and begged my family to have a color festival in our back yard for our last FHE. This is the before shot:

Then the 5 small bags of chalk...

Then the after picture:

Colorful sisters...

Colorful parents...thank you for playing along...

The Talk

2011-07-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

If you weren't able to come today, we missed you! Which also means you missed all the AMAZING food at the house. If you would still like to "hear" my talk, here it is:

Holy ghost’s role in testimonies

Preparing for a mission usually involves many purchases. And I have gladly sacrificed my time by shopping. As much fun as I have in stores, I have discovered this magic process where nice mail people deliver packages right to my door. It’s a pleasant surprise to step out on the porch or open the mailbox and say, “Hello, sweet treat. What might you be?” To those who have already experienced and forgotten the delight of first-time online shopping, a rain coat, an alarm clock, and a necklace are simple, everyday objects. But to me, the jacket is a strong protection against the elements; the clock will awaken my senses as I start a new day; and this engraved necklace is a visual reminder to take courage when I read “All Is Well.” They are all little objects and parts of a larger whole that will help me be a successful missionary.

Besides the postal service, I can think of another carrier who delivers personal and cherished items from an important source: The Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost does not wear a colorful uniform or make me sign on the dotted line; instead he gives me specific insights that help better my life. Through his deliveries, I receive the elements necessary to build a testimony.

M. Russell Ballard said, “A Testimony is a witness or confirmation of eternal truth impressed upon individual hearts and souls through the Holy Ghost, whose primary ministry is to testify of truth, particularly as it relates to the Father and the Son.” The development of a testimony is critically and intimately connected to the presence of the Holy Ghost in one’s life. The Spirit is the personage that affirms what we have heard is true. It is what compels us to do more and it is what we receive after exercising righteousness. The Holy Ghost is the medium that brings us closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Sheri Dew said, “The Holy Ghost gifts us with wisdom, divine encouragement, peace of mind, and a desire to change.” As it enters our life, it creates the desire to build, rebuild, and fortify our testimonies. As Alma the Younger said, the impact and recognition “will begin to swell within your breast; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves…the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea it beginneth to be delicious to me.” When something is delicious, we have a hard time staying away: we want to indulge in it and have it as often as we can. The same can be said of the Spirit: when we begin to recognize the goodness added to our lives, we place more importance on actively working on our testimonies.

What are the things we do to strengthen our testimonies? David Bednar explained that “Praying, studying, gathering, worshipping, serving, and obeying are not isolated and independent items on a lengthy gospel checklist of things to do. Rather each of these righteous practices is an important element in an overarching spiritual quest to fulfill the mandate to receive the Holy Ghost.” The more we try to follow Christ’s teachings, the more the Spirit will help us. The more we accomplish, the stronger the presence of the Spirit in our lives. As we tune in to the Holy Ghost, we notice more frequent sparks of insight.

This enlightenment is newfound knowledge: knowledge delivered by the guiding hand of the Holy Ghost. Sometimes it comes to us in perfect condition (with no visible scratches) right on schedule. Other times revelation appears as a pleasantly wrapped surprise gift from a friend. More often than we’d like to admit, this enlightenment arrives 3 weeks later than we hoped and in a smashed and unsightly form. In any variety that the peace or revelation comes, testimony builders should be cherished and implemented immediately.

If we lay aside these testimony deliveries, the packages may be forgotten, hidden under a pile junk, and not worth the exertion used to get them. Having a wall of purchases does me no good if I don’t pack them and bring them to the MTC. Having all the elements of a testimony are of no use to anyone we are not willing to share it. While gathering my clothing or bathroom supplies has prepared me to serve as a missionary, gathering my spiritual strength has been more important and has prepared my testimony so it can be shared with others.

I find Elder Ballard’s comments on sharing testimonies very empowering. “The fire of your testimony is all that you need in order to introduce the gospel to many more of our Father’s children. Trust in the Lord, and never underestimate the impact your testimony can have upon the lives of others as you bear it with the power of the Spirit. To bear testimony is ‘to bear witness by the power of the Holy Ghost; to make a solemn declaration of truth based on personal knowledge or belief.’” I know from watching friends and personal experiences that a child’s testimony to an inactive parent can change the future of a family. A quirky girls camp testimony can reduce the masses to a bucket of tears. Or most memorable of all, a commanding and podium shaking testimony from the pulpit at the Conference Center can influence the lives of millions.

My testimony may only affect a handful of people, but I say it with conviction. I want to show my Father in Heaven what I believe and know. There are many things that I know. I know how to add. I know how to bake cookies. I know how to make my bed. But more importantly, I know the Holy Ghost speaks to me. I know I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, and that this gospel is the restored truth. I know the exact moment when the Holy Ghost opened my eyes. I did not know how wonderful my package was going to be.

It was not a “wham-bam” moment. There were no lightning strikes from heaven. I was not on my knees all night. My conversion to understanding, living, and loving the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ was not a significant experience in physicality; instead it was one of the most joyful and inspiring moments of my young life.

As a high school student I became increasingly nervous and worried that I had never experienced a conference talk conversion. I also realized I had never knelt down to ask my Father in Heaven regarding the promise in Moroni 10:4 – “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” I began to wonder if I was living a lie: professing to live and know, without ever actually discovering the truth for myself. God knew better. He prepared me to be in the right mindset on that sunday, with that lesson, and my unsteady heart ready to move forward.

I don’t remember the teacher or lesson topic. All I know is I became lost in my own thoughts. I began to wonder why I had never formally asked my Father in Heaven. Well, why shouldn’t I ask him? Am I too prideful that I won’t even try? I bowed my head and silently prayed in class. I sat there in a daze. Wondering why I had been so silly to wait. I shuffled out the door and routinely turned toward the central courtyard of our church building. It was a unique structure, with a large patio and garden open to the sky. The classroom was down a dark hallway and was rather gloomy, and all pathways emptied out into the patio.

I did not expect a quick answer. Then the sunlight reached my eyes and I emerged out of a physical and spiritual shadow. I saw the rays of sun fill the garden and felt them warm my heart. I heard the giggles, and I noticed the children skipping, running and squealing for joy. I saw a big sister comforting a toddler. I saw the oldest and most devoted couple holding hands. I watched the flowers bob and the palm trees sway in the soft breeze. I could hear the words in my mind: You already know. You’ve always known. It is true. Look at the joy here in front of you. Look at the joy in your heart. This is the happiness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Embrace it as you always have. All is Well. My swelling heart began to glow as the light penetrated my soul. I knew. The Holy Ghost testified to me and in turn fortified my budding testimony.

The Holy Ghost told me that day. He was the messenger delivering physical and spiritual light. He showed up unexpectedly. I had sent in my request, but expected a long transit time. It came in a plain box but changed my life. Similarly, this necklace arrived unexpectedly this week, in a little white box. When I opened them both I it was filled with joy and beauty.

Maybe you have forgotten the special joy you recognized as the spirit. Maybe to you it is just a boring testimony; but to someone else it could be the item they have been waiting by the mailbox for: the rain coat protection they needed to make it through the storms of life. Or maybe your testimony is the alarm clock that opens their eyes to truth. To those who have lost sight, your simple testimony could be the reminder that “all is well.”

Elder Ballard has said a, “real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost – changes lives. It changes how you think and what you do. It changes what you say. It affects every priority you set and every choice you make….[A rich testimony] stirs the soul and has meaning, [with a] positive impact on the lives of all those who hear them.”

I ask you now to bear your testimony. Do so often and with conviction. Open the package and share what’s inside with others. Spread the joy of the Holy Ghost. What do you know? How can you flood the room with the spirit? I bear you my testimony now, that maybe in some form, it will spark a light, a remembrance, or a joy in you.

Pretty Little Me

2011-07-15T17:14:00.001-07:00

A while back I discovered Pretty Little Me on etsy.com. I love her work! I was so inspired by a necklace she made, that a couple weeks ago I just had to buy it. Well, its getting down to crunch time with my mission, and it hadn't shown up yet. I sent a sweet email asking if it would get here before I left. She never responded.

But the other day I did get an email from the post office telling me my order had been shipped. I have checked the mail every day waiting for it. Well, today it finally came, and the box was bigger than I expected.

(I should have taken a picture before I opened it, but this will have to do) I opened the box and I found a small yellow package with a butterfly and soft ribbon.

Then I found this note from her. I was so tickled that she would spend time wrapping it up all darling, and then writing a personal note.

I thought I was in heaven when I pulled the little package out, and noticed she had included this picture of a door nob from the Salt Lake Temple. I have admired this photo on her site many times, but never actually purchased it. Now I was in heaven. This photo had particular importance because that is the temple where I received my endowment.

She took my breathe away when I opened the package. She had included all kinds of goodies and pretty little things that I have admired for so long! I couldn't believe my eyes. The whole family gathered around the table as I giggled with joy. These are pins to put on your coat or purse. How could she know I have been looking all over town for something to spice up a boring missionary bag?

Then she added these bobby pins. They are so beautiful, I can't take my eyes off them.

The most stunning of all are these delicate earrings. I have wanted a pair of these forever, and had to decide between them and the necklace. Now I'm just a really happy little girlie!

And I apoligize about the photo, I can't get it to rotate, but this is the necklace that started it all. It represents how I try to get through every day. It comes from my favorite hymn and is focused on pioneers (which I love). All is well. I am going to make it. Life is beautiful. Life is good. Christ is my Redeemer. All is well. Thanks be to heaven for messages like this, but more importantly, thanks should be shouted for people like sweet Lady K.

JTW

2011-07-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

I love my dad. Yesterday was kind of scary, but looking at this picture reminds me that someday his Kidneys will be perfect. Someday. For now, we just wait. Until then, I'll remember this picture and his laugh.

Decency

2011-06-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

This article came to my attention through a friend. I have become increasingly disgusted by the people who applaud and celebrate the Tony Award winning play, "The Book of Mormon." The play completely mocks the LDS Church and their most sacred beliefs. Thank heavens for people like this author, who are willing to stand up for decency and what is left of morals.

Director of the Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University

John Mark Reynolds

Amos and Andy and The Book of Mormon

The creators of the play Book of Mormon have created the Amos and Andy for the South Park set. We may laugh, but our grandchildren will shudder as decent folk do at “wits” of the last century whose favorite dance was to “jump Jim Crow.”

The parts of the Book of Mormon I have seen are as innovative as a Newsies revival and as funny as the cruel, tasteless jokes told by an inebriated coworker at a Christmas party. The difference is that the coworker might sober up in the morning, but the mindless mockery that also gave us South Park will continue.

After all, the theater establishment toasted the two with Tony’s and the insiders would never cheapen themselves by rewarding a play for picking on a minority religion loathed in the theater community or behave like decadent Romans horrified by a growing moral minority comforting the libertines by mocking the moral.

I cannot know for sure without seeing the entire play.

If we assume the play a brilliant satire with PR unfortunate enough to release only the cruel and facile bits, then we are still left with two unfortunate truths about this play. First, the writers are cowards. They inflict pain and mockery on those already despised while going soft on the tired assumptions of their rich and powerful patrons. Second, in a pluralistic society they have targeted a group already misunderstood and discriminated against.

I am no Mormon, but I have witnessed bigotry and ignorance directed against this American community. The LDS Church is placed in the difficult position of seeing their most sacred beliefs mocked in a nation that murdered their prophet in a shameful lynching. Broadway has given aid and comfort to the mob of ignorant folk who know nothing of modern Mormonism outside of their prejudices.

No wonder Mormon politicians like Jon Huntsman, bob and weave when asked by bigots if they are part of the LDS church. Few of us have the Mitt Romney courage to stand by our people when the cost is high. For his steadfastness, Romney was linked to the play in a Newsweek parody cover that left only his profile, but a profile in religious courage.

I write this in Istanbul, a city awash in lies told about religious minorities by powerful interests. Here Christians and Jews face “amusing” pop cultural stereotypes, some quite clever, but a wicked cleverness that feeds hatreds. Against this my Turkish friends fight for a respect that goes “beyond tolerance” and voluntarily restrain themselves from inciting prejudice to score cheap gains. It is the only hope for a peaceful republican future for this land.

The same is true for the United States. Theater has an ugly record of pandering to the prejudices of ticket buyers. Minstrel shows produced catchy music and made New Yorkers laugh, but they were shameful and wrong.

The Book of Mormon is a minstrel show for our present age with Mormons as the joke.

Ugly plays did not by themselves produce the Klan or keep some Americans from voting for African-Americans. Original sin was enough for that, but minstrel shows did give racism an artistic and comedic whitewash. When Americans were hurt by the cruel stereotypes, they were told it was “just a joke” and were painted as petty for not laughing along.

Of course no group has been as cruelly treated as African-Americans, but Mormons have a history of being persecuted. They have been exiled in their own land, but have returned unfailing devotion to our Constitution.

This new play will pander to our prejudices and treat our Mormon neighbors as we would never wish to be treated. Some Americans will allow it to confirm unthinking prejudice, while cowardly Mormons will applaud it hoping for crumbs of respectability.

Meanwhile the actual Mormons in our midst will keep paying taxes, making strong families with children, and dying to protect the rights of a decayed and decadent theater “elite.”

I stand in solidarity with my Mormon neighbors.

love

2011-06-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

I found this on one of my favorite wedding blogs, and for some reason really wanted to share it. I can't explain why I like it so much. I just do.

They actually caught his proposal on video and then did photos after

Barrett & Asia - Engagement Session from Ryan Polei on Vimeo.

California

2011-06-10T12:54:00.001-07:00

The trip started with a Goose. Maddy dropped him off for a visit last week, and we had endured enough of his honking and pecking that we delivered him back to the McHales. He drove the whole way nestled between Ashlee and I in the front seat.

When we got to Camarillo, Ashlee took me to the Gardens of the World. Its a beautiful garden that was donated by and taken care of by a wealthy family from the area. It was gorgeous! And completely free!!

I took Ashlee to the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center in Old Town San Diego. We LOVED it!! It was like the place had been put on Disneyland steroids.

We stayed at the McHales' house and Norma Jean treated us to dinner at Five Guys. She showed us their "Mutant Soda Machine." It was soooo cool! Digital screen with all of those flavors. When you picked the one you wanted, it would then give you a handful of other flavor options. So I had peach Sprite while Norma Jean had Raspberry Coke.

We walked Ponto Beach, and loved spending some last moments together at one of the most beautiful places.

I had to stop and pose...resisting was just too much for me after all the traveling.

We also spent an afternoon at Moonlight Beach. Ashlee thought I was crazy for wearing this big "Mom Hat" but when she started to get burned, she swallowed her pride and used the beautiful monstrosity.

I spent my last 2 days with my grandparents. They are temple workers, so I went to the Newport Temple with them from 5am to Noon. It was a wonderful experience. The building in stunning, I got to participate in every ordinance (except baptisms), and the spirit was so strong.

I made it home in one piece, but I wish I could have spent more time with all my family and friends in California.

Bland

2011-05-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry.
I have no life. I work. I work.
I look for long skirts and practical shoes.
I work some more.

Life is just chugging along....

But what about all those boys? After you get a mission call aren't they supposed to come out of the woodwork?

ya-NO!!!! They are no where to be found. nada. zilch. nothing.

But you dated like crazy before your call?

Um, that was by the sweat of my own brow. I didn't wait around: I asked them out myself. Now I am removed from the dating element and practically broke from mission prep stuff.

Glad game: I am going to California for a week.

Mother's Day

2011-05-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

So, Mother's Day is supposed to a relaxing day where mom get's pampered by her family. At the Wilkins household, we don't follow those rules. We give our mom unique gifts. Della was the most generous daughter of all. She gave mom a snotty nose, naked bottom, and throw up.

It started a couple days before, Della was sick. REALLY sick. Stuffy nose, coughing, laying around totally out of if. Saturday night I put her to bed, but when she wasn't there in the morning, I didn't worry about it. She often bed hops, especially when she was sick. As I looked around, and she wasn't to be found, I noticed the bathroom door was closed. I peaked in and there she was, curled up in a ball, on the tiny mat between the toilet and shower. Her night gown was up around chest, and her panties were missing. She had made it to the bathroom, but was too wiped out that she just couldn't crawl back to bed.

I told mom, and she started to laugh, and begged me to take photos. I carried her back to bed and continued to get ready for church. A while later I heard Della call out for mom, and I responded that I could help her. "No, mom." I responded but could only hear funny girgling.

I walked in, and the poor thing was half asleep, lying in a pool of throw up, and choking. I rushed to her side and half yanked her out of bed so she could be miserable in the trashcan, rather than her sheets.

"Mom! We've got throw up!!!!!"

She came in and could only laugh. What a sight we must have been. She was a mess, I was half dressed and struggling to help Della be sick, while not getting it all over my church clothes. Her hair was thrashed, her nightgown soaked, and she still had a naked bottom. Mom grabbed a rag and started wiping her down, giggling the whole time. It only got worse when Dad walked in.

"Did you know there is a giant wet spot in the - What the? Is she throwing up? Why are you laugh - Is she NAKED?!"

He couldn't get a full sentence out before he registered more of the picture. Mom and I just laughed harder and harder.

Tulip Festival

2011-05-04T15:33:00.001-07:00

Ashlee took me to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. It was our last hoorah before she leaves for Ecuador this week. It was a beautiful morning, and the perfect day to do. I have never loved walking around in flowers so much (and I have spent A LOT of time walking among flowers).

I was impressed how often they played around with contrasting colors and the patterns they would create. One of our favorites was the orange tulips with bluish/purple pansies.

I confess, I started playing around with my camera like everyone else there, and this was my favorite. I have always wondered what it would be like to be very small walking beneath flowers and watching how the light spilled through their petals.

This picture doesn't do the pathways justice. They were breath-taking.

And, I HAD to take a photo of the Ranunculus at the front of the garden. They are my ALL TIME favorite flower, and the garden only had them in a couple pots around the main building.

Ice Cream

2011-05-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

I was out and about with Ashlee today, and we stopped for ice cream. While there, Ashlee ran into the cutest old man. He was standing in front of us in line, and turned around and started talking to her. I missed the conversation, but noticed her blushing. I got the recap:

How did you get to be so cute?
I don't know.
I do, its because you have freckles.
she rubs her face in embarrassment...
Don't try to rub them off! A girl without freckles is like a night without stars!

Big Day

2011-04-27T14:38:00.001-07:00

Today was a big day. I went to the temple today! I received my Endowment at the Salt Lake Temple, and it was a perfect day. The sun was shining. There was a slight breeze. I was having a particularly pretty-feeling day, and I was surrounded by people who love me. What more could I ask for. Even the flowers knew how important it was that they bloom for me.

Finals Week

2011-04-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

It is Finals Week, and I have 2 words for you:

Hershey Eggs

word to the unwise

2011-04-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Lesson of the Day: Don't make stove-top popcorn in a favorite blouse.
sputtering....searing....oil
ruined my blouse and pockmarked my neck.

I'm growing up

2011-04-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

I made a phone call today. It was to somewhere new.
I talked to new people about important things. I even made an appointment.
If you know me super well,
you know this is a big deal that I made a phone call to the unknown.
There was no panic attack, no tears, only a fast beating heart.

Who did I call?

The Salt Lake Temple
I made an appointment to receive my Endowment today. I was nervous as ever, but I was lucky to be alone in the apartment, and I could look as wonky as I wanted. The temple is not a scary place.

Just new. exciting. important. Eternally Important.

Life is happening.

Festival of Colors

2011-03-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

Chalk.
Lots of People.
Excitement.

Enough said.

bottoms

2011-03-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about the Wilkins Family, but we have this thing with bottoms. (Usually little girl bottoms, because we have had lots of those). Someone is always grabbing or pinching, and someone is squealing in delightful giggles. So, when I saw this photo from Natalie Norton Photography, I couldn't keep it to myself. It makes me smile. Why? Because I have seen this look many times and I'm sure many more times with my daughters.

It takes a Man to be a Dad

2011-03-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

We saw this clip in class today, and I HAD to share it!

Parable

2011-03-23T21:10:00.001-07:00

This last Sunday we learned about Parables in Sunday School. Our teacher, Dallin, said Christ told stories/parables with life situations the people would understand. Dallin challenged us to watch for situations in our life that could be related in a parable. As the week goes by, we are to e-mail him our Parables, and he will send them out to everyone in the class. I am going to post my parable, and add any that I think are amazing.

My parable:
Learning to be like Christ is like being a baby learning how to walk. It starts simple as the parent (Christ) helps the baby learn how to stand: they hold the baby's hands and support the inexperienced infant's weight. The child builds strength in their legs and learns balance.

Just when the baby get's comfortable, their parent (Christ) lets go and steps back. The baby is scared and nervous but they finally take a step. The success of 3 shuffles is forgotten as the baby tumbles down. But not to worry, the parent lifts them back up quickly and encourages the child onward.

We are like the baby, coming unto Christ as we walk toward him. He shows us the principles and guides us at first, but expects us to walk forward on our own. We are scared standing there alone, but he is watching encouragingly. We don't know we have the ability to move forward...but he does. While we may fall a couple times, he is always there to pull us up. When we finally get there, we look up to see Jesus standing there, with a smile and open arms to receive us (Mormon 6:17).

My Roommate's Parable:
I was going for a walk Sunday night. I was concerned about something and I had a friend walking with me to comfort me and help me decide what to do. As we walked along they said to me, "watch out for the pokeys". There was a bush that was growing out over the sidewalk that I could not even see, because I was so focused on my situation and because it was getting dark. When they said that I thought about this being my parable. The parable of the pokeys. Satan distracts us and wants us to be worried and occupied with other matters so that we won't notice the other harmful things he can put in our paths. If we have been baptized into the church and are living righteously and keeping the commandments, we have been promised the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can be our companion, He is a comforter, and He can "tell us all things what we should do". For the sake of this parable, my friend was able to help me see the situation clearly, protect me from what I couldn't see, help me feel calm and decide on what I should do. So, when the world is going too fast for you or you don't understand your circumstances, remember that the Holy Ghost is on your walk with you and will warn you when to "watch out for the pokeys", and you will make it through well.

Walking

2011-03-21T21:01:00.001-07:00

There is a moment.
You are walking across campus and you see something.
Another person.
No biggie, there are thousands of people walking around between classes.
Something is different, because you know this person...
...but you don't know how...

I saw someone today.
She had a dark coat like everyone else.
She was reading a book, but so is that other guy.
She walked really fast, bummer, another geek like me.
But she had a bright yellow scarf.
I know this woman...
...but how...

In that fraction of a millisecond, your brain runs through every interaction you have ever had.
Think. Think. Think.
THAT'S MY MOM!!!!

Quick, walk even faster and even more like a freak.
Stand in her way and wait until her millisecond is over and she realizes she almost died for you.

MELINDA!!!!

HI MOM!!!

hugging ensued

Bold

2011-03-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

I am too bold.
I don't know where it comes from.
It just does.

At work, I have a flirtatious relationship with this really good looking guy. I don't know why he plays along (while I'm a pretty cute little thing, he's a pretty, muscular, attractive man).

The other day he was trying to surprise me by yelling, pinching, or any other means.

"I'm going to really clobber you one of these times!!!"

"Oh really...Then what?"

think. think. think. something clever....got it

"Well, I'll just have to kiss it better."
A big smile stole across my face.

Then I proved I am too much of a little kid to be in his league:
I practically ran away with a hot pink flushed face.

Where did that come from?

Sappy

2011-03-09T15:27:00.001-08:00

If you couldn't tell, I'm a girl through and through. I love chick flicks, love stories, and sappy endings. As an over-fantasizing girl, I fall trap to daydreaming and getting lost in books. At first I don't feel bad for losing myself in those stories, and I don't feel too bad for wishing they were true in some way.

Why do I wish they were true, because they show boys being vulnerable, sappy, and in love.

Problem:
These books are all written by WOMEN!!!

Its a woman trying to channel the inner thoughts of a man. That doesn't work, because no
matter how hard she tries, her feminine bias shows up and subconsciously she writes what every girl wants to hear, rather than what a man would actually think. UGH.

There is no hope for a real life sappy love story is there?

The Call

2011-03-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

My call is here....

I am at peace. I was stressing out all afternoon, but after a prayer I was filled with calm and peace. I opened my call and felt the comforting confirming Spirit. This is where I'm supposed to be. Its not where I thought I would go, but it is where the Lord wants me. I know I am doing what he wants.

I am happy.

The Dream

2011-03-02T05:38:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a crazy, amazing dream.

School. Powerful bad men. Darth Vader. Jimmer. Surgery. Me.

I was at some sort of School meeting, working alongside these powerful men (they may have been professors or business men or whatever). I was stating my opinion a lot. They didn't like it. The best part is that I was right, and could talk circles around these men. HA. I knew they didn't like me, and would try anything to get rid of me. But I couldn't leave of my own accord, and they couldn't get me out. I could tell they were formulating a plan to have me disappear.

Then I see Darth Vader trudging down the hall. He has Jimmer with him. They are headed to a surgery. Jimmer is to be the surgeon. (wacky dream, but awesome) I am a spectator at the surgery, along with many of the bad professor men.

Jimmer walks in with that alarming blank face of his, and takes his place for the surgery. Instantly I know their plan. Jimmer is a generally calm but powerful person. Once you get him going, he's unstoppable. But it is also known that if you get him worked up, he will attack and he will win. I know what they are up to.

The plan: have Jimmer start the surgery. I will be a spectator. I will comment like I always do. I will be just as annoying to Jimmer as I am to these bad men. With Vader's influence, Jimmer will lose his cool, attack me, and then death. Jimmer get's the blame and consequences, and the bad men get rid of 2 annoying people at one time.

Well, how am I going to get myself out of this? I'll do what I do best...talk. So I start yammering on. At first it doesn't make any difference: Jimmer is intently focused on the surgery, the bad guys are just staring at me with the look in their eyes: "will you can it, or at least roll over and die?", and Darth Vader is standing along the wall ready when the action starts.

But then I start to come up with some really good jokes (I mean really good, as in I'm making myself laugh). Its the my laugh that catches his attention. Jimmer's concentration is broken for a moment, and he looks over and sees me. He tries to go back to work, but I can tell he was surprised at how pretty I was. Oh, this is going to be easy.

I keep going and his focused blank stare starts to melt away as the corner of his mouth starts to smile. Then he can't help but steal glances at me. Every time his smile gets bigger and he turns redder. I've done it. Eventually I have him laughing out loud.

The bad men are fuming! Darth Vader has started to shift his weight and look antsy. Ha, and you thought you could control me. Jimmer stands up and says, "I've completed the most critical part of the surgery. You can stitch him up. And he looks directly at me, takes my hand, and we walk out.

I can feel the shocked and angered looks of the the bad men as we walk away. And somehow I know inside Vader's stupid black helmet his jaw has dropped. They thought they could kill me, easy. But I showed them. And I ended up with a Happily Ever After.

*Note: I do NOT have a crush on Jimmer. I am actually kinda Anti-Jimmer. But for the purpose of this story, I'm going to assume that he was a man of power, that every girl in the "world" wanted, and yet he picked me.

Nope

2011-02-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

This is not going to be the week. The stake presidency messed with it a bit, and...it got delayed. So, maybe next week. I guess I wasted my day yesterday siting in front of the window waiting for the mail.

pouting

2011-02-23T15:40:00.001-08:00

it didn't come today

I Hope They Call Me On A Mission

2011-02-15T18:53:00.002-08:00

Well, if you didn't know, I have been working to submit Mission papers. Tonight I finished the final step by having an interview with a member of the Stake Presidency. It was the most wonderful interview I have ever had. He surprised me when he said he would fill in his remaining info that very night, directly after we finished. This means Headquarters would have my information tomorrow morning. He said when they have all the material by Tuesday night (and they would) that a Mission Call is usually issued that very week! SOO.....

My assignment could be issued in 2 days!

And I would receive it in the mail by next week!

OH MY GOSH!!!

So, here is my map.
My close friends and family are invited to make guesses as to where I will go. There is a state-side guess, and a world-wide wide guess. Feel free to make guesses and let me know.

Valentines Day

2011-02-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Valentines! Here are some pictures of the happening in CD 15.

Flowers for the Cottam Girls (as arranged by Sis. Cottom's personal florist) (me)
Lauren snuck into my room and decorated it all up. She's too good to me. I don't know why she's so nice. Any of you who knew our bickering ways as children should wonder why she likes me at all.
Then Ashlee made us pink heart pancakes for breakfast!

Indexing

2011-02-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

There is currently an Indexing Challenge for our ward. With my roommate Ashlee heading it up, we have taken it very seriously. Our apartment leads the ward with names.
As of Sunday, the entire ward had done almost 9,000 names.
The ward with the next highest numbers had only 2,600.
This stake wide ranking of Indexers might explain things...

Introducing CD15

2011-02-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Last night our apartment introduced themselves at ward prayer. I have been working on this video since APRIL! adding bits and pieces here and there. I had a couple melt downs in the process (most of them yesterday when everything fell apart a couple hours before our presentation). But it all came together in the end. I hope you enjoy it!

Mission Prep Paper

2011-01-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

I am in a Mission Prep class. So far I have fallen head over heals with the inspiring lessons and thought provoking assignments. I was asked to write short paper on my conversion story, and I was so impressed by my own, that I wanted to share it with you:

It was not a “wham-bam” moment. There were no lightning strikes from heaven. The roar of thunder did not deafen my ears. Light did not pierce a room of darkness. I was not on my knees all night. My conversion to understanding, living, and loving the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was not a significant experience in physicality; instead it was one of the most joyful and inspiring moments of my young life. My ability to know a plain and precious truth was the result of a child’s lifetime dedication and a particular instant of responsiveness.

I was raised in an active Later-Day Saint family. My parents come from sturdy pioneer ancestry and are the epitome of the classic BYU romance. My parents and grandparents have collectively held nearly every calling within a stake and each position multiple times. Church teachings have been a part of my daily life since infancy. We travel to Church History sites for vacation and write letters to missionaries for fun. Needless to say, we strive to be a righteous family.

As a high school student I became increasingly nervous and worried that I had not ever experienced a conference talk conversion. I did not remember anyone sitting me down and asking my opinion or understanding levels. I had never had an experience to challenge my faith so severely it required deliberate and deep soul searching. I also realized I had never knelt down to ask my Father in Heaven regarding the promise in Moroni 10:4 – “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Worry set in and nudged at my heart constantly. I began to wonder if I was living a lie: professing to live and know, without ever actually discovering the truth for myself. God knew better. He prepared me to be in the right mindset on that day, with that lesson, and the unsteady heart needed to move forward.

I don’t even remember the topic. I don’t remember the teacher. I do not know who was there. All I know is that I became lost in my own world of thought and I began to wonder why I had never formally asked my Father in Heaven about my life. Well, why shouldn’t I ask him? Am I too prideful that I won’t even ask? That’s silly. Ask him. Now? Yes now. In the middle of class.

I sat there in a daze. Wondering why I had been so silly to wait. Why was I silly enough to even ask. I folded my arms for the closing prayer, but my mind was a far way off. Now what? When does an answer come? Do you feel silly yet? I shuffled out the door and routinely turned toward the central courtyard of our strange but beautiful, ocean-view church.

Then the sunlight reached my eyes: I emerged out of a physical and spiritual shadow and saw the rays of sun fill the garden and my heart. I heard the giggles, and I noticed the children skipping, running and squealing for joy. I saw an older sister comforting a toddler. I saw the oldest and most devoted couple holding hands. I watched the flowers bob and the palm trees sway in the soft breeze. You already know. You’ve always known. It is true. Look at the joy here in front of you. Look at the joy in your heart. This is the happiness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Embrace it as you always have. My swelling heart began to glow as the light penetrated my soul. I know.

A conversion does not have to be ground shaking flash. A conversion needs to be a spiritually defining moment, however small or personal. It does not require your bosom to burn and quake so strongly that emotion and tears flood your eyes and spill out into the physical realm. A conversion requires a moment with you, the Lord, and a sweet prompting from the Holy Ghost. It is whatever and however the Lord speaks to you. For me, I saw joy and I knew.

Ice Skating

2011-01-19T18:42:00.000-08:00

Shocker: The Wilkins Family has NEVER been ice skating together before. 20 years of children in the family, and Monday night was the first time we were ALL out on the ice. Della started out quite timid, but by the end of the night she didn't need much help. It was really impressive that she could get up so quickly after falling (it didn't even phase her). The biggest surprise was that Mom has NEVER been skating before!!! She was pretty fun to watch. I think we should go more often.

Wordle

2011-01-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

This is the Coolest Thing ever!!!
you type in a bunch of words,
and they randomize it on the page.
I made a really cute one for
valentine's day. click this crazy
link to print it out.

 
           title="Wordle: love 2">         src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/2993191/love_2"
         alt="Wordle: love 2"
         style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">

Christmas at the Wilkins

2010-12-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

Many things have happened this holiday season, and there just hasn't been the time to blog about it (yet). But I couldn't pass up the craziness of today. So, Christmas at the Wilkins:

Dad passed a couple kidney stones Christmas Eve.
Melinda was sicker than death Christmas Eve through Christmas Day.
Lauren nursed Melinda to health in practically every way.
Emma is throwing up all over the place tonight.
Mom has been a trooper with everything.

Sound like a relaxing family vacation? you bet

Cherish & Tony's Wedding

2010-12-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my friend from work got married at the Bountiful Temple, and it was WONDERFUL! I was honored to be a bride's maid and then I also got to do the flowers and help with the reception set up and all that fun stuff. I LOVED the way her bouquet turned out! I'm sorry but I don't have any pictures of Cherish and Tony, because my camera was always out in the car at the most important moments. ugh.

These are the Bride's Maid little bouquets. The girls loved them, despite the flowers getting all shriveled up in the cold.

This is my date for the day: Chris. He also works at Brick Oven with me, and is probably one of my best friends I have ever worked with. He was such a gentleman all day and was a sweetheart to deal with all the flower craziness. Don't get too excited, he's a 19 year old Pre-Mi(ssion), but a cute one at that (I also know he will eventually read this post).

Scriptures for Finals

2010-12-12T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today I was in class and discovered a scripture that applies perfectly to Finals week.
So think:

Finals
No sleep
Nutella and pretzels
Sickness
More finals
Cooky personalities
Less sleep
Snotty nose
More finals
Tears

Now we read Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-20

18) And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health to their navel and marrow to their bones;
19) And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20) And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

FRAGILE

2010-12-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

There was a ward Christmas activity with a couples costume contest. My date wanted to be Ralphy from "The Christmas Story." My best option seemed to be the poor kid who gets his tongue stuck to the pole....bad plan. That is until I decided to be...

THE LEG LAMP!!!!!!

How did I do?

Singing Sisters

2010-11-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

My Relief Society is great. GREAT!!

Our music moment is always a song from the Children's Song Book, and today I decided it is my favorite part of the day. There is something about women singing these simple songs together than makes my soul leap with joy. We sing proud, and yet you can feel the love and kindness drift through the room. It is soothing and comforting, angelic and sweet, and motherly in every sense of the word.

Today as we sang prophetic truths in the humblest form, I began to think about all the good these women will accomplish in their lives. The primary lessons taught. The long drives to girls camp. The babies rocked and soothed. The cub scout meetings endured. The meals prepared. The shirts soiled from tears. And intimate relationships each woman has with her beloved child.

They are women of God. They are mothers. They are angels.

I LOVE BYU!!!

2010-11-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

This was overheard on campus....

There was a guy hugging a girl very tightly on campus..
Girl: Book of Mormon distance!!!! BOOK of MORMON!
Guy: Don't you know? They have Book of Mormon on CD now...

Ducks

2010-11-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

I walk past the duck pond at least 4 times a week. I LOVE IT! They "quack" me up every time. Seriously. I think they are the most pleasant type of bird: they waddle around and laugh all day. Can it get any better than that?

Scripture Posters

2010-11-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

I have found a new love!

Logophila

Whoever this person is, they are AWESOME!

They do artistic versions of scriptures, church material, and fun quotes.

I found them while working on an Interior Design Project, and I must have them. I took pictures of my computer screen for two of them.

Joshua 1:9 This one is best in this teal color

Joshua 23:15 This one is better in white with colored text (not this version)

And the last one is 2 Nephi 31:20. ( I like the dark teal one)

I must have them.
Hint Hint.

Exposed

2010-11-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday night

Ward Prayer is over.

Ashlee has a really bad muscle spasm in her shoulder

OK! I fix

She sprawls down on the floor, and I straddle her backside. Not weird, we do it all the time for massages. I fix.

I fix. I fix. I fix. I fix.

Gosh, I could fix a lot better if my shoulders were free. I'll hike up my skirt and unbutton my dress to my waist.

Ok, kinda exposed, but no one here cares. I still have an undershirt on and my dress is still totally on except for being unbuttoned.

knock knock knock...

COME IN!!!!!!!!
says Ashlee

WHAT! WAIT! NNNNOOOOOOOoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

I'm too late.

Trevor strides in the door, I'm straddling Ashlee, my skirt is much higher than modest, and my blouse is totally flapping open!!!

I'm thrashing to wrap myself up and get thrown off Ashlee's back (who is laughing while trying to apologize).

Trevor totally ignores the warning, and just stands there laughing at me. I'm burying my face in the floor and desperately trying to cover myself quickly.

BAD

Hallo, Happy-Ween!

2010-10-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

Hallo HAPPY WEEN!! oh wait, Happy Halloween! This is a joke in our apartment, its pretty darn fun to say. Sharla wanted to make cupcakes, so she did the hard stuff and I got to do the piping. She decided what shapes I should do, and tada!!

Ashlee and Katherine went out of town for the weekend, so Sharla and I got all dolled up alone. I was Belle (as I've been for the past who-knows-how-many years). Sharla was another Disney character. Can you guess from this view?

Did you get it right? Sharla and her good friend Brian were Ellie and Carl Fredrickson. They were so stinkin' CUTE! Everyone at the dances and parties LOVED them.

On Saturday night I was at a Brick Oven party and having a really lousy time. Everyone kept giving me guff about not having a beast or prince (tell me about it). I was bummed and ready to go. As I was about to leave, the two girls I was talking to started to gape at something behind me.

Then a deep booming voice said,
BELLE!

I turned around to see my GIANT (and rather handsome) friend Robbie dressed as Gaston and striding towards me. He heard about my costume and snuck into Brick to find me. He gave this whole rant about me leaving him at another party and publicly humiliating him. (He did the whole thing with a GIANT smile on his face.) I didn't let him finish. I jumped at him and he enveloped me in a GIANT hug.

Then I remembered my friends and looked over. Everyone in the restaurant was staring at us with their jaws on the ground! Who is the good looking man, and why is he here with Melinda?

Let's just say he escorted (arm in arm) me home and was much more charming than the real Gaston.

We took these photos Sunday night because we forgot before. The next one is my absolute favorite...it took him 5 min to compose himself, and only after I showed him up did Robbie get his act together and pucker.

maybe this is only funny after midnight....you tell me

2010-10-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

I found this on another blog I follow. I was cracking up so hard my sides hurt. Maybe it was because I watched it after midnight on a VERY long day. Tell me what you think...
(I don't know how to get rid of all the extra space. I've tried everything I know)

Arm Hair

2010-10-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this, you know me. Really well. So you know that either one of my arms have just as much if not more hair than Big Foot's. I deal with it. I've been stupid about it in the past, but now I'm to the point where I just look down and smile.

I smiled REALLY BIG today.

Sharla and I went to the BYU pool this morning before the sun was up. It will be our new thing...hopefully. You have to check in and get a wrist band. So what...

Well, the girl starts to wrap mine around without thinking, and then realizes that my fur is going to get stuck to the sticky part of the wrist band. She lets out an audible groan and gasp. She kinda fidgets with the bracelet a bit, trying to put it on with the least injury to me.

"Its ok, don't worry about it. I'm used to it. Just stick it."

She gave this big sigh of relief and a little smile.

Sharla and my smiles were bigger.

This Week

2010-10-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

This week was so full. Lots of school. Lots of school. Lots of school.

Thursday night I knew I was going country swing dancing, but I didn't know who with. Ashlee and Andrew arranged a date for me. I asked and asked but they never told me. I had hoped it would be a certain someone from work, but Ashlee assured me it wasn't anyone from Brick Oven. Well, she lied. He walked in and I squealed. (literally) We had so much fun and I'm official hooked on Country Swing.

On Saturday I was lucky enough to get work off and go to the Homecoming Football game. Mom, Emma, and I went and had a blast! WE WON!! FINALLY!!!

sniffle, sniffle...

2010-10-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not dead, but there were moments when I wished I was.

I've been sick. First a runny nose. Then I lost my voice. And then I started to have little thorns in my throat. Then the aches and fever.

Now, I'm to the point where my body feels great, my nose doesn't give me too many problems, and my voice is back....but when I cough it sounds like there's a baby rattle deep in there. I feel great, but everyone looks at me like I'm dying. As if at any moment they will look up and see my lung plopped in my lap.

Motherhood isn't for wimps

2010-09-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

I wrote this essay for my Advanced Writing class. It was supposed to have emotion and be persuasive, but written to the audience of Newsweek (so no LDS perspective). I like it so much I just wanted to share.

I am a driven person. I have goals. I have aspirations. In high school everyone knew I was going places. I attend an elite university. I have an A- grade average. I am tough. I overachieve. I can do hard things. But when I tell someone my deepest desire and goal in life, they scoff at me. Scruntch up their face. Blank stare. Walk away.

Why isn’t my goal good enough? Why do people think I am limiting myself? It is a “real” job. Isn’t it the toughest job on the planet? Motherhood is not for wimps. It is not for the faint at heart. It is not an excuse to escape the corporate world. It is not subjecting oneself to be less of a woman.

Being a mom does not simply mean bearing children, cleaning house, folding clothes, preparing lunches, or chauffeuring kids around town. It is the day in, day out tasks that keep a household running. It is being the optimist, cheerleader, and believer. It is nurturing the body and soul of another human being. Being a mother involves being a teacher, nurse, maid, philosopher, coach, seamstress, chef, organizer, therapist, body guard, and business woman. How many “real” women actually fulfill all those careers in a lifetime?

We need mothers in this world. Women to clean up throw up from the bed, down the hall, and splattered across the bathroom floor. Women to keep a calm face and stand firm as their toddler attempts to push the limits. Women to hold their sons’ hand with a stiff upper lip as a doctor sews his shredded skin together. Women to teach their teenage daughters virtue and grace, and their sons to recognize and acknowledge the value of such a woman.

I am not picking a generic or easy goal. I choose the hard road. I choose to give up sleep and privacy. I choose to bake 6 dozen cookies to help a fundraiser. I choose to struggle and fight until the Eight Times Tables are memorized.

I will be sick and miserable for months, knowing more struggles are soon to follow. I will bring myself to the gates of death, in effort to welcome a life. I will sacrifice my body and mind to take care of another person.

But I also choose to smell the sweet aroma of a clean baby. I choose to pull the sweaty curls away from my sleeping toddler’s face. I choose to have my daughter run to my arms after school. I choose to see my son’s surprised face at perfect birthday cake. I choose to watch my child grow and implement what I’ve taught them. I choose to see my daughter’s eyes glitter and her smile dance as she tells me of her first kiss.

I find beauty in the snot stains on my favorite blouse; joy in the scissor cuts on my grandmother’s quilt; humor in the scattered toys creating a wondrous city; and peace in the tattered bear and much loved blanket.

I see potential. I see an actress, an astronaut, and an accountant. I see their future: bright and free because I created a world for them to dream.

I choose motherhood. Not because it is what my body is built to do, not because it just happens. I choose motherhood because it is hard; because it the road less travel; because it will require every drop of physical, mental, and emotional strength I have; because it is the most honorable and noble title a woman can ever have. Mom.

Acts of Kindness

2010-09-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

I love BYU! I was rushing up to campus and was a block away from South Hill. I noticed a car pulling through the stop sign, but it was really slow. Then I realized the driver was outside pushing the car, and trying to steer it at the same time.

Out of nowhere 3 young men come running from 3 different directions. They all get to the car at the same time, and start pushing. The man didn't notice until he let go, and the car kept moving. He was so surprised that people were aware of his plight, let alone willing to help without being asked.

I love that people see a need and just jump, or in this case run.

No Doubt Della is a Wilkins

2010-09-25T07:12:00.001-07:00

I was running errands with Della the other day. As I put her in the booster, she pointed out a curvacious lady across the way.

"Do you see that lady with the truck?"

"Yes Della, what about her?"

"She's falling out of her clothes."

She said it so matter-of-factly; this was no observation, but sheer truth.

"Why?"

"Because she doesn't know how to dress."

And she just left it at that. Man, I love that kid!

Sooooo Long...

2010-09-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't die. No I'm not deathly sick. No I'm not in a relationship and too busy to write. Life is crazy. School has taken over. I've not done anything interesting enough to take pictures of. Sorry, I'm a boring girl.

But I am alive.
Glad game: alive and smiling

Part Three: Cedar City

2010-09-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

Ashlee's sweet grandparents let us stay at their home in Cedar City on our way back to Provo. They took us up the canyon for a simple morning hike. As we drove, we came upon this scene and Ashlee's grandfather insisted that we stop and appreciate it. I'm glad he did.

And I'm almost always willing to pose for the camera, so tada! Cute picture of me.

This is at the start of our hike to the waterfall. Look, we still like each other.

I'm not upset, I just like to make silly faces. If any of you have ever traveled with me before, you've seen this face many times.

I jumped on the rock, and Katherine snapped this picture. I actually really like it despite the fact I was starving and as sweaty as ever.

This is us at the waterfall outlook. Sorry no actual pictures of the water. (They didn't turn out as cute)

We kept driving and went to Brian Head and this way cool canyon (I forget the name, but its something important). No one wanted to jump on this fence and take the picture, but I got 3 surprised "Thank you, that was a really good idea"s. And the photo turned out really well too.

This is our illegal shot. We went to the Shakespeare Festival and saw Much Ado About Nothing. We weren't supposed to take pictures of the stage, but we didn't know that at this point. It was a great trip, and Ashlee's family will be blessed forever for being so hospitable and loving towards us.

The Rest of the (California) Trip

2010-09-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

So the rest of our time in California was wonderful! We hit up the beach and I finally got to boogie-board this summer! We were all smiles and a little camera-happy. Here is us at the beach, later that day going out for frozen yogurt, and Sunday morning before church and the long drive to Cedar City.

I've always wanted to be buried: the girls grumbled at first when I asked them to help, but they eventually got really into it. Sharla especially liked tickling me with her toes, and I couldn't do anything about it.

California girls wearing happy colors...

and Utah girls with black. (Personality differences are apparent)

But put us all together and we are pretty stinkin' cute!

Definitely cute, even from living out of a suitcase for a week.

Wakeboarding

2010-08-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Our first full day in California Ashlee's parents took us out on their boat and taught us how to wakeboard. After her brother showed off his skills, and made us all quiver in our bindings, I was the first to literally take the plunge. It took a couple tries, but eventually I started to get it.

I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

Oh my gosh, I'm up!!

Oops, too confident, getting kinda wobbly .

Up and steady and REALLY excited!

Katherine was amazing. She was up and out of the water so fast you didn't know what hit you.

She was really steady and not going anywhere, so we took a dozen pictures of her just chilling like this behind the boat.

Sharla was not so lucky. She tried and tried and tried and tried....

And tried...and tried....and tried.....

And then she got it!!!!!! We all squealed for joy!

And then Ashlee put us all to shame and did this. Look at that air. I was lucky if I could stay going in a straight line.

Needless to say I was happy to have her back in my life

When the water started to get choppy we got out the tube and slaughtered ourselves. This was obviously before round one of death. We were all sore for DAYS after. Everyone else got skinned elbows and knees (but I didn't because I'm tough) I however was the whimp who could hardly walk anywhere for the next week. Too bad I didn't have a stud to carry me around. (he offered later but by then I had made a full recovery)

Driving to California

2010-08-25T21:01:00.001-07:00

Ashlee went home to Camarillo, California for summer. We couldn't stand being alone any longer, so we went and got her. We left at 4:30 in the morning...I'm surprised we look this awake:

I learned a very valuable skill in Mesquite. It changed my life. I CAN PUMP GAS!!!! Sadly enough, I never learned how. (long story) Needless to say, I was pretty excited...

And I got kind of bored after 5 hours in the car, so I broke out the camera and started sneaking photos of people. This one I took through the hole between my headrest and the chair. It is one of my favorite shots of the day. I think its totally Sharla.

And I really wanted one of us in the car driving, but holding the camera out wasn't working too well. So I set up the timer and placed it on the dashboard...This is what we got (after 3 tries)

Let's just say a sugar rush kicked in...

stiff

2010-08-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up totally stiff, kinda scraped up, and definitely bruised.

Why?

Because I hauled 200 pounds across a field last night...
Yes, I am a stud.

Actually I was carrying a stud...

When I was stronger than he thought, he took matters into his own hands. He lunged forward, and we both went down. Hence the bruises and scrapes.

Then he carried me to the car. Not a simple piggy back.
NO
Rescuer/Prince Charming style

He pulled my arm over his neck, and gracefully lifted me...carried me the rest of the way to the car and placed me softly back on the ground.

It didn't even phase him...it was as though I were a small child

I guess I don't mind being stiff if that's what I get out of it. ;)

If That's not love....I don't know what is

2010-08-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

SO...Katherine and I have been roommates too long. Its official. We are too comfortable with each other.

We were reheating pizza with one chicken artichoke piece left. But we both wanted it....so we split it.

No big deal

Me: I love Katherine. I just need a taste. She can have the half with more goodies. I love her more than my dislike for the crust on my piece.

Katherine: Oh, Melinda doesn't like super fluffy crust, I'll take that one.

Me: "I call the piece on the right."

"No, I'll take it"

If I grab it right when it comes out of the toaster oven she's stuck with the better one. mwahahah

I pull down the toaster door, and hear a sucking sound. I try to pick it up and out of no where this slobbery finger jabs into my piece.

Katherine: "Its mine now! ha!!!"

"Oh, not so fast!"
I snatched it out the oven, plopped it onto my plate and
spit
on it.

She then grabs it and licks the entire top.

She ate it.
The end

Picky Eater

2010-08-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Katherine is growing a garden. It is the pride of her life. At the moment, all it does is pop out tomatoes.

Problem: non of us like tomatoes

Well, I'm 20, that makes me a big kid. I can eat tomatoes. I've probably grown out of that phase.

So, I popped in half a cherry tomato.
Small. Tiny. Hardly anything there.

I don't even have to chew.

NOPE!! I hate this.
must spit it out.
now!!
no, be nice, chew it

At this point my face is all scruntched up, and my taste buds are screaming at me.

keep chewing, it will be over soon.
chew. chew. chew. chew....

its not going down!!!
I forced myself to swallow.

I'm not eating any more tomatoes any time soon.

But there wasn't any blood!

2010-08-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

I am a reasonably responsible person, at least I thought so until this morning:

I was using a small exacto blade to cut pages out of a magazine. I saw something absolutely beautiful and set down my blade to admire it. This page was so great I wanted to show Katherine.

"Bring it over here so I can see it."

Oh, ok. Here.

LUNGE!!!

I went sprawling across the room with the magazine. After laying there for half a minute I realized I was on top of the blade.

I don't think I've been impaled...probably not, it would hurt more than this.

"Katherine, if I get up and there's blood spurting from my leg I want you to stick your hand in there and keep me alive."

She didn't need to. It barely broke skin.

Wedding Featured

2010-07-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

So mom did a wedding while I was home in California for Lauren and Emma's graduation. Well, today I found it on one of my favorite photographer's web sites! woot go mom!! everyone notice the scabiosa seed pod on the cake topper....that was my input!

http://www.jamiehammondphotography.com/blog

This is all copied from the web site, if you click on the pictures they will get big (sorry for them being cut off)

colby and maria

colby and maria were married in san diego, ca. they actually had a PREception before the wedding instead of afterwards, so i was able to set up a super sweet first look in her gorgeous house! maria wore her grandmother’s wedding gown and looked absolutely STUNNING in it! she said they didn’t even have to do anything to it, it just fit her perfectly. can you say GORGEOUS?? they were married the next day in the lds san diego temple, and had a reception afterwards at a restaurant on the marine corps base. i was fascinated (and a little nervous when asked to provide ID at the entrance by a uniformed guard!) by the mini-city going on inside the base, and the restaurant was super cute next to a lake and had some fabulous spanish looking tiles and doors!

5 (actually 7) Years Time

2010-07-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

This is Katherine's Aunt and Uncle. A couple months back they won a contest for a photo shoot and now the photographer has made a movie. It looks like a real music video, and it makes me smile. The best part, they have been married for 7 years!!!

5 Years Time from IRIS AND LIGHT on Vimeo.

Playing in the Rain

2010-07-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Summer Thunder Storms are so cool! It was miserably hot one moment. Then the wind kicked up. Then the rolling thunder...and then RAIN!!! LOTS and LOTS of it!
Big BUCKET raindrops!
It was wonderful. Katherine and I couldn't resist, so we frolicked.

One Problem: not wearing waterproof makeup

mini problem: wore substantially more mascara today than I have in a very long time

*disclaimer: these pictures may startle small children*

See Jane Blog

2010-07-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

So mom has followed in my footsteps! She goes off to college and get's a blog. I'm still holding her hand as I train her how to use it all, but she will pass me up on skills for sure.

See Jane Blog: We Survived Our Move!: "Life is planning and then adapting to the surprises that come your way. Moving was no different. We left Wednesday as planned before the sun..."