Part 2: Week 24--Following promptings

Some thoughts.

Next week is transfers. I can't believe there are only two transfers left for me,. When they merge the two NYC missions in July after I leave, there will be three Chinese areas. 

The leaders are so awesome and loving and helpful and kind. I've learned so much here. Joy in the journey .  I've enjoyed reading the memoriam for President Monson. It is so inspiring

Happy Valentine's Day! Easter is my favorite holiday! Looking forward to it.

In the missionary apartment in Harlem , there is a picture of Lindsay Sterling, the famous you-tube violinist and runner up for Dancing with the Stars,  from when she served here!

Guardian angels are family from the past and the future. Make the right choices! Cheering you on!

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Sylvia "This changes everything." An investigation said this. Her brother had died in an accident without being baptized. We promised she could see him again. 

Teyanateeya "He will reveal it to me." She was so touched by our message, and she knew that the only way she could know for herself was if she genuinely read the Book of Mormon and prayed and asked if it were true. She wants to bring her life back on the right path and be an example for her kids, and she wants to know which of the churches are true.

Sister Alsati "You answered a question that everyone else avoided. It's not a coincidence you were sent here." She is a member whose family had a specific hardship.  Because of questions I had asked leadership in the past to search for guidance, we were able to succor according to her needs. We were able to point her back to the gospel light and truth, that does provide a way for everyone to return. God is a just God.

Mamale will be baptized this Sunday. She is from Botswana. We are so thankful to have been a part of her journey. We have fasted and prayed for her so many times. She has as well, to know if it is true. It really builds our faith as well.  It is a blessing to see the light in her countenance and the desire to truly keep these commandments and receive the gift of the holy ghost... To follow Jesus Christ and His example... To have an eternal family!

The members are super loving and sweet as always. We made Valentine's Day care packages with Sister Neilson.
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My companion is so cute and sweet. We have fun and choose to have joy in the journey. She is very understanding and caring. We have faith and diligence according to our goals, and really want the best for our investigators and members. 

 We alternate days where we speak Mandarin only or English only, we don't use Cantonese as much since we don't have any Cantonese investigators. I'm learning some characters, it is pretty fun. 学习。

My companion is adjusting well to life in the USA. There are some culture differences but she is also very genuine and caring which is good. She says the water makes her sick. She also doesn't like cilantro haha. We have a fun time though, always recognizing miracles.

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2 Nephi 2 (born in afflictions, but he saw Christ. Choose joy). 2 Nephi 4 (destroyer of our peace, even Nephi... Find your peace! Allow good into your life).

Jacob 3 (firmness of mind. His love is there!)

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Miracles.

We had felt prompted to find a former investigator in a certain building. She was not there, so after knocking a couple of doors and returning downstairs we wondered what it was that prompted us to be there. At that moment, a lady walked in, and we gave her a card and invited her to church. It turns out, she was a less active member from the Bronx. She said her prayer had been answered that day (a miracle had happened in her life to help her meet the needs of her family). She wanted us to come and share a message and we are doing FHEs with her now. Her children are hoping to get the priesthood/ be baptized soon. What blessings!

We felt a prompting to do our daily contact in the lounge of our apartment building. The entire walk down we were just looking around us, searching for who Heavenly Father had put in our path. We really could feel that there was someone waiting for us somewhere so we walked with excitement, looking for this soul. When we walked into the lounge, we saw a woman sitting with her laptop. She looked up and we knew instantly this was who we needed to talk to. As we talked, she told us of how she remembered us inviting her to church a couple of weeks ago, and that she was planning on coming this Sunday. She wanted to know more of the Gospel, and her questions led to a perfect discussion of the restoration in Mandarin. It was so amazing how her heart was prepared, and we had felt that she was waiting for us. I am so thankful for the guidance and power of the Holy Ghost.

We were searching for a potential investigator we had taught a week ago. It was amazing because we had entered the wrong address into area book, and it took us around the building a couple times to figure out that we needed the other address. At the exact moment we were able to arrive, she was standing outside of the apartment , coming home from work. She told us that she recognized Heavenly Father kept putting us in her path. She was the one we had both felt prompted to run up the stairs after last week- learning that her husband had become completely free/ cured from cancer that very day. It is awesome the way these things divinely work out. Heavenly Father has a grand plan. Thankful to be a small part of it! 

爱你们

Sister A Wilcox

韦姐妹

 A birthday cake for an investigator.

Part 2: Week 23--Sister Wilcox and a burrito

"God knows your Tender Heart" 

Mamale is getting baptized two Sundays from now! We are so excited. We are fasting together today with her, so that she can truly feel that this is the right day for her and that she is prepared and ready. The Tun family is in Asia in their home country currently, but their young adult son is still here. He reads the book of mormon often and prays daily and we believe he will be a strength to his family to help them remember to read and pray together and to continue to learn. His cousin who served a mission at Temple Square and her testimony has a huge impact on him. 

Sister Au is doing well. The important things like teaching with the spirit and with unity are always good. We always really care about the investigators and members and how to help them progress or grow in faith. Also, we have been having more joy and laughing together more. I try to make conversations and stay positive and light-hearted about things to help us to feel uplifted as a companionship. She really cares about people, which is sweet and so evident. And she is genuine.

"That thought came from God." Tender mercies from Heaven that have helped me to feel hope in my life (Sister Neilson). A promise; each time I open the pages of the Book of Mormon, I feel His love. The Word of God allows us to draw closer to Him. I am so thankful. 

Reason called here. Someone I meet here will be able to find healing as I share my experiences. Lovely thoughts/ miracles that have come to me through leadership/ priesthood blessing this week.

I know that my Redeemer Lives. He lived and died for me, and he lived again. Through His sacrifice we can all overcome our weaknesses and be cleansed and become complete. Through Him, we can have hope and we can be saved; we can be with our families eternally.. And that is my greatest joy and hope. My family means everything to me. And I'm so thankful for my Savior and brother, Jesus Christ, who provided a way for us-- who continues to give us direction and walk with us on our path to eternal life. His love and and care and forgiveness mean everything to me. For Him, I am eternally grateful.

There have been lots of miracles this week. Like choosing to go to a building, and knock two doors. One person had been taught by the missionaries 10 years ago, the other in 1992. Today at the mall we found someone who took lessons from missionaries as a child and had fond memories of it! Their hearts are prepared. We were on the phone and a lady started walking past us on the stairs, and we quickly ended the conversation and ran after her all the way to her apartment. We both had the prompting to talk to her. We learned that her husband had become cancer free that very day and she invited us in to teach her. Sweet and special moments like these really build your faith. 

Thankful for Priesthood Blessings. Heavenly Father knows His children. Matthew 7:11 

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"Reverently and Meekly Now" Hymn!!

Alma 26: 26, 30, 37 Perhaps. Each soul. He is mindful of each individual. He is mindful of every people. 

Alma 31:34-35

"34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.

35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee."

Their souls are precious. It is so great to help these individuals see their own divine worth and potential, as they choose to follow Christ and choose that gift of Eternal Life.

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韋姐妹

Sister A Wilcox

Part 2: Week 22--Sleepy Hollow

We went to Sleepy Hollow today. I took a selfie on the sleepy hollow bridge.

Area is doing well. We had a miracle lesson with Mamale, with Sister Anderson fellowshipping. She asked/ addressed all of Mamale's concerns (by the spirit, we didn't even tell her beforehand). It was lovely, and Mamale told our senior missionary Sister Young that everything is actually coming together now. She is so prepared! She will be an amazing addition to this ward. We love her so much, and want to help her to have an eternal family! 

There was also a miracle where we felt prompted to knock on Chong's door even though we knew she wouldn't be able to come to church, and when we went to her floor we found a Chinese woman standing in the hallway. We knew immediately that it was Chong's mother, and she had such a glow about her! We got to know her and loved her and she was so excited to see us. She told us to call her "A-Yih" or Auntie, and that she would be so happy for us to stop by anytime to share about Christ! I know Heavenly Father really does love this family so much, and we have witnessed so many miracles with them. 

We also are teaching the Tun family from Asia. We discovered in their lesson that they happened to have a niece who just finished serving in Temple Square a couple days ago and is back in Asia. We had no idea they had family connections to the LDS church, and the simple invitation to church and been the answer to Sister Tun's prayers. She had been asking Heavenly Father if she could be baptized again in the right church. Now their family is super excited to learn about the Gospel, and has accepted the invitation to be baptized.  

We always happen to see people around after they've become investigators. Heavenly Father helps us to have literal daily contact. 

We also finally had contact again with our Christmas miracle, Sister Joan. She had had some negative feelings about the church after talking with family members, and we really wanted a chance to see her to just one her and help her to have a positive feeling again, without pushing her. The other day, we were in the area and kept wondering the whole day if we should try to meet her or not. The hand of the Lord really guided us and helped us. Right when we pulled in front of her door, she walked out to get her mail. We ran to her with such excitement and hugged her and she truly felt love and joy. We know Heavenly Father wanted her to have a positive feeling about the gospel as well, and he really loves her so much.

My companion is so sweet. We have some similarities I guess. We are both kind of quiet and sweet some times I guess. We are good listeners (and yes- our investigators appreciate the time to talk)! But we are also able to teach effectively and teach principles with analogy for understanding. I love that we always involve the scriptures though, because the Spirit is true teacher. We always lift each other and and continue to learn patience and love. I'm so thankful for her; she is the perfect trainee for me. I know it was the hand of the Lord to have us serving together at this moment. I'm thankful for how we've learned from each other. 

I love reading of Christ and reading those scriptures of His mercy and forgiveness. He is so humble and selfless and I am so thankful He really bridged the gap so that we could be saved. It would be so sad and hopeless if all of us were lost without an eternal plan. I am thankful that we can become, and grow, and be with our families/ loving, fun, support systems forever! They are what truly brings joy. Thankful for Christ and His sacrifice for us.

2 Nephi 8 stands out to me. Awake, put on thy Strength. We have God's power (priesthood) on the earth. What a blessing. God has reached out to us again in love, just as he has time and time again. Loose thy self from the bands that keep you captive. Commandments and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are true freedom. I am not sure the meant interpretation, but in this way, it meant a lot to me. I also thought Matthew 4:1-11 was really awe inspiring. Especially with the Joseph Smith translations. I can't describe it. Jesus Christ is perfect, though . The way he handled everything. And then selflessly turned outwards (like in Elder Bednar's talk) to send angels to minister to John in prison, after all that he had been through, not even stopping to think of himself. He is the perfect example and is so strong. I wrote, "Boss Jesus" in my scriptures, because I really do respect Him, and in a more reverent manner, I really am so thankful for all that we have on Earth to help us to follow Him and know of His Gospel. With healing in His wings. 

Sister Wilcox

韋姐妹

You all know the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Follow me to see if we can relive the adventure. Of course we'll have to stop to refresh ourselves if we survive!!

 

Part 2: Week 21-- Cool!

Family is doing well. My sister in Idaho is training, too! Cool!

Area is good. Excited for baptisms and an awesome family we will be teaching tomorrow. We always have so many people to teach! It is a blessing. And we see the answer to our servant prayers for each individuals, when we go to church and find them there with sincere desire to learn and to grow in the gospel!
Testimony. Coming to know Christ. So thankful for this "spiritual boot camp." This time I have to get to know my Savior (with the scriptures and as we continue learning to teach others). 

Miracle : We met the Tun couple (a couple from Burma) and taught them a quick restoration lesson on Monday during the split in the hallway of our apartment building. On Sunday, the whole family showed up to church. The mother told me after the lesson, "I had never heard of Joseph Smith or prophets before! We will come back next Sunday, because we have to learn more." It was so sweet and sincere, and they have been giving us all of their availability times, because the family is so eager to learn.

I was feeling spiritually, physically, emotionally unwell on Saturday and so after much praying, I decided to take a nap during our dinner hour to perhaps heal up a bit. When I woke up I felt so refreshed and happy and ready to work and to serve. I dreamed that chong and her cute son and her Mom were all there and that we were just loving them. No anxiety or stress for teaching them or helping them progress. Just love. The next morning, we called chong to invite her to church. She was so happy to hear from us, and told us that her mother just came from China and would be visiting until June. I felt so much love and awe in my heart, and I knew that Heavenly Father really is so aware of each individual. It was so special for me to hear that her mom was visiting after having that dream. I will press forward with joy in the work and we will continue to love and teach this family. Chong is genuinely reading the scriptures and praying. This is her first experience with Christianity. And she is truly seeking to learn and gain testimony. We have been helping her to recognize the spirit! What a blessing.

We have some of the highest numbers in the zone. Numbers aren't everything, but to me it means something because each of these new investigators and people at church and baptismal dates represent individual souls and countless fervent prayers. Some days it is very hard and you really truly rely on Heavenly Father through prayer and on Christ and on the guidance and power of the holy ghost . Fervent prayers for our investigators and less active members and even miracle people we meet during the day and teach on the street. That they will come to church and desire to meet with us and have softened and prepared hearts. And time after time we praise thanks to our loving Heavenly Father whose work this is, and to whom we have all the credit to give. It is through Him that we see success. We are just the utensils! May we ever be faithful and diligent so that we can bring about His success and miracles, and help His sweet children on that journey back home.

Daniel 9:9 Alma 24:10

 Thank you perfect brother, example, mentor and friend. Jesus Christ! 

韋姐妹

Sister Wilcox

 

Hudson River views

 

Part 2: Week 20--Yeah

My brother Stephen is going to be baptized by my brother David on January 21st! That is so special. 

The area is great. We are hitting the standards of excellence, and seeing people come unto Christ. Mamale and chong have baptismal dates so we hope to continue to have members fellowship and love them, and to help them read the bofm and grow their own testimony. Last week we all walked home together from church and Chong and Mamale said to each other, "See you next Sunday!" It was awesome to hear, and to see their genuine desire to come and to learn and to be a part of the ward.
On Monday we were on a split. Sister Neria came to New Rochelle and Sister Au went to Scarsdale. We saw many miracles and met many people whom desire to know more! Who were looking for something in their life (due to life changes, or hardships, or circumstances) and knew themselves that it wasn't a coincidence to meet.

We found the Tswana BofM for our investigator from Africa! It was a miracle / prompting from the spirit.

My companion is so sweet. She has so many strengths. I love her and continue to pray to love her even more. We've seen so many good things. She's taught me a lot! I just want her to be happy (through obedience and work and joy).

Testimony. I've grown a love for my studies everyday. I love the book of Mormon and the Bible. They bring me such peace. I learn so much and my soul is filled. I'm thankful for them.
Luke 12, Acts 16 (James 2:19 they know and tremble! Truth), John 14, 1 Thessalonians 1-2
Alma 5, Mormon 6

Miracle:  We found a man who was struggling with his faith in Jesus Christ because of past experiences he had had growing up. But he remembered the faith of his sweet mother. We testified and shared concepts from the plan of Salvation and also from the restoration. It really touched his heart and you could see his heart soften and his soul fill with light, in a way. We asked about his children and he told us he had a very close relationship with them, and that two of his daughters lived in Florida. One of the daughters just happens to live in the exact small hometown I'm from. And she has three children who are the same ages as my siblings. He told us that it would be good for missionaries to visit and build their faith and share a message with them. We requested for my family to help fellowship this family when we sent the referral. What a blessing.


Thomas Paine memorial in New Rochelle and Edgar Allen Poe went to Fordham University! So much rich history! 

很可愛的同伴！She is learning and growing everyday, and my vision for the future (what I hope I can instill in her heart as a trainer) is a deep love for the mission, and the people/ places Heavenly Father has prepared for her-- recognizing and being grateful for His hand in all things. Positivity, peace, and love for each other and those we teach and serve. Faith in our goals and diligence. Most importantly that charity and joy and sacredness of our calling! What a joy it is to serve and be a representative of Christ. 


I always gain insight at the temple. And it is so peaceful. Thankful. (Went today !)

Mormon 5 and 6: 15-21
Words cannot explain or describe the feeling in my heart. And how powerful, how much I FELT that. Like I was experiencing it myself; and then as I imagined myself to stand before Jesus Christ at that day of judgement. The desire to live well and follow Him and have a pure heart, with light and righteousness and joy in all that I do (to have become that and to have changed my nature to become more like Him. Comfortable and full of joy in His presence Moroni 7:48). To be excited and full of love for Him in my heart and for all around me. Not to escape His presence or feel uncomfortable. I have nothing to hide! To look Him in His eyes with confidence and gladness and joy and exclamation. To finally see Him. To be ready and prepared and pure in heart. I love Him, and am so thankful for His WAY. His saving grace and atonement. Thank you for this beautiful, Redeeming plan, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I say this in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, amen. 

Sister A Wilcox 

韋姐妹

Me and my companion

Going to the temple--views from the commuter train, NYC street, street view of temple

Part 2: Week 19--Snow Miracles

There was a blizzard last Thursday , and  Sister Au and I prayed and prayed to know what to do. We felt that we should try to get to all our appointments. However, at the time when we went out, the wind was so strong that it blew us flat into a fence and we couldn't walk any further! We went inside to the lounge and were wondering why we felt that we should go, but decided to video call our appointment downstairs in the lounge. At that moment, a Chinese mom with her baby walked in. We were able to talk to her and teach a bit of the restoration and get her information . She came to church with her cute little son this Sunday, and has been taking lessons. What miracles. We can see her family in the temple. I love them so much, she is so sweet, and from China! It is awesome. We knew that was the reason we felt the answer Heavenly Father had given, he had prepared someone who would come down at that moment.

We were looking for a less active member, and we could not find her house anywhere, so were knocking around the area. We had to go to district meeting so I asked my companion to find one more door to knock before we left. She felt strongly about a certain door, so we went and knocked. When the young man opened the door and we introduced ourselves, he directed us to his mother who happened to be a less active from a nearby ward. She told us that none of her family were members of the church and that her daughter was going through a hard time (it was her daughter's house we were at, but the family happened to just be visiting at that moment). She told us that it was time they had the gospel in their lives, and that it was no coincidence we had felt to knock on their door that day. We were able to pray with her and reschedule her. Miracles.

We walked with the two cute families from China to church on Sunday! It brought us so much joy to be there with them and see their kids really enjoy the primary, and to see the ward members reach out. A couple of them even speak Chinese! We also happened to meet a recent convert on the street on the way to church, who had been baptized during my last transfer in Chinatown . He had not been as active lately in Chinatown , but no one had any idea that he was up in new Rochelle working and living now.  He will help us to fellowship, and we can all strengthen each other's faith. Not a coincidence.

We had visited a less active member with our relief society president. We told her how much she had to offer; how much the ward would benefit from having her and her testimony and input. Her sweet roommates were there, and when she came on Sunday she brought 5 of her roommates and friends, who all had questions.  It was amazing to see so many lovely faces at church because of our efforts AND because of our reliance on Heavenly Father through prayers. This is His work. He will provide a way. He will guide us to those who are prepared and will help us to help others Come unto Christ. And to come to church! Lots of sincere prayers. And they are answered.

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I have a Burberry coat from a leaving missionary, yay. And we had so many people come to church last week (10) and a lot of new investigators! Heavenly Father helps us achieve our goals. Faith in goals and diligence. So thankful.

Our investigator from Macau in Chinatown got baptized! It brought me so much joy to hear. Sister Tai and I really loved her so much and were really able to need her grow and learn and change!


It got so cold! 2-30 degrees on all the days, THANKFUL when it is 30 degrees ! Haha. I heard iguanas fell out of trees in Florida.

Area is great! There are so many of our members roommates who came to church on Sunday so we really want to focus on meeting with them as well as having meaningful daily Contact with our Chinese families who came to church and help them to understand the book of Mormon .

Companion is so sweet and lovely! She has such strong teaching abilities and testimony. Always relies on the spirit.

My companion went in her first car wash today. She has also been a bit sick lately. It's going around! Also the three Hong Kong sisters found  each other and were able to get a picture :D (sister Tai is now in Morning side heights in Manhattan South and we happened to see her in Scarsdale just before she left to temple square to get a pic.) Love these sisters!!! From Tai Wo and Sha Tin! And some of my favorite temple pics in Los Angeles and New York!

韦姐妹

Sister A Wilcox

My favorite pictures from the Los Angeles (entryway) and the Manhattan temples (angel Moroni from above)

Baptism of our investigator from Macau

Me and my Chinese companions

Part 2: Week 18--Fun in the not so Sun!

What a week! Went on a split in Scarsdale. Saw some miracles. Love those sisters.

We were looking for a Less Active member and the only house number we couldn't find was hers; every other number was on the street. So I asked Sister Au which last house we should knock on before we left for district meeting, and she felt prompted to a particular door. In the house was a less active member from Scarsdale who was visiting her daughter's family, none of whom were members of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints! The mom wanted us to come back and teach the family while she fellowshipped saying her daughter was going through some hard things, and that it was time for them to learn of the blessings of the Gospel! It was a miracle. And the woman was so touched and recognized that it was no coincidence either. This is the Lord's work!

One of our potential investigators also wanted us to pray for her friend in the hospital. We realized after we started to drive to meet her there, that he was in the Bronx (a little out of our area). So we quickly called the Kingsbridge Hermanas (who also have a new missionary in the companionship), and they were able to teach a bit of the restoration and eternal families to the wife of the man in the hospital and to our investigator! It was a little miracle for both them and us. I was so thankfuk for the faith of our investigator and for the comfort and peace the truth of the Gospel brings.

My new companion Sister Au is so sweet. I love her! When she first walked into the room where the trainees and trainers meet each other, I already knew who she was and how special she was to heavenly father and to me!

It is also really fun, because Sister Au knows Brother Smith (one of my MTC teachers who served in her ward Sha Tin). And I served in her ward for a day when I was in Hong Kong! She also knows Elder Love from my MTC district, and Elder Jensen who was in butterfly when I was in Tuen Mun and also served in her ward before. Her brother is good friends with Sister Tai, my Chinatown companion, and he also served/is good friends in Hong Kong with Brother Anderson who served in Tuen Men at the same time as me! Small world.

But most importantly, she has such a sweet personality and the spirit is with her. We have such joy in this sacred work!

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Thankful to be a part of the Lord's work

I love New York and Hong Kong. Such lovely people, and serving is such a blessing. It has really refined and shaped my life. Truly. 

We found a bunch of new investigators last week! Hard work and staying organized does wonders! Also, there are a couple Chinese families, one who speaks Cantonese and the rest Mandarin. And of course, many English investigators!
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I love and am so grateful for President Monson's service! Here are some of favorite teachings of his that our mission president sent out to us.

"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."
"The choices we make determine our destiny.”
"Our Savior is our map."
"Choose harder right, instead of easier wrong"

His final General Conference testimony - "My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

"Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom, Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old...Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren; Death cannot conquer the hero again."

Oh the embrace with his mother, Nephi, Joseph, Moroni, Mormon, Gordon B. Hinckley,the widows he loved and served, his childhood friends, his missionaries, and most importantly being welcomed home by his Savior. The Plan of Salvation has been reveled through the Prophets and we know this to be true.  (President Smith sent this to us; so true! ^v)

What a blessing to have had President Nelson here so recently and to receive a witness that he truly is called of God.

So thankful to know that where I am and who I am serving/ serving with is called of God. It is the Lord's will. We will learn so much from each ohter! What a blessing and opportunity.

Sister Au is so sweet and an amazing missionary who relies on the spirit and teaches for understanding so well! I'm thankful for her kindness and happiness. I love her! 

I'm so thankful for the way this mission has helped to refine and shape my life. 

I hope to help people attend church as a companionship! Agency. We will continue to find those who are prepared and teach and love those who are most ready in order to help them keep commitments! The miracle family we found is so prepared! I know it! Faith and hope for our investigators. Future eternal families!

Sister Wilcox
韦姐妹

The pictures are of my new companion Sister Au and us looking out over the water (at an awesome beautiful quiet area that not many others know about according to a nice old man we met there), and the Hermanas and sister Christensen on the day she flew back to Utah!