Dude I freakin' got to ride a horse today!
Okay, let me back up - Stacy Fras... was baptized today. We had about 3 hours of preparation time - we walked to campus to email and guess what? No blinking light! President asks we don't spend all day emailing, but until it starts getting abused we have no time limit. We had a fun meeting before the baptism - I learned how to break into the church library with a credit card. The baptism was very special and the movie went well. I choose not to watch the calf get dragged under water 'cause I'm a little squeamish, but it was wonderful. We all got a ride out to "The Barn" where Stacy lives and we cleaned out all the spider webs - it was icky. Later I found spider eggs in my hair - Ewww!
But the good part of this is that I got to meet Teancum. Teancum is a beautiful and steady horse. I fed him horse treats - he is sweet and gentle. We called President and got permission to ride him. He's huge! I had a great time.
When we got home we moved all our beds into the living room area and line danced in our bedroom. I'm not so good at it, but I'll get better. We also worked on writing a tablet for "The Creation Sisterhood". The Elders started it and we asked if we could have a branch of it for women - like the Masons. We are preparing proper clothing (Romans 12:1), initiation (Proverbs 14:1), we're still working on our role, but we know what is expected from the Elders (Proverbs 4:6-9). There's a secret handshake as well, but I can't write it here - I have been sworn to secrecy.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
E-mail - May 3, 2008 Tallahassee Florida!
I'm here! I made it, been here three, nearly four days. On Tuesday the 29th Sister Hartman and I were up at 2 am to finish packing and catch a 4 am bus to SLC. I got to see my dad at the airport in SLC it was wonderful to see him. We (four Elders and two sisters) boarded the plane for Atlanta Georgia. It was fun to see the Rockies, the flat, flatty, flatness of Kansas, the Mississippi, the greens of Tennessee and Georgia. While crossing Tennessee I waved to Craig and Lisa, but they didn't wave back. Sigh.
Anyway we had a two hour layover in Atlanta and I got to call home. Yippie! Unfortunately the connection was terrible, Mom and I could barley hear and understand one another but it was great to hear (what I could) her voice. The plane trip to Tallahassee was very short only about 1/2 hour. We got off, headed to the luggage carousel, hadn't been there for more than a minute when President and Sister Summerhays marched up to us. Yes they marched, there was no walking going on. We were greeted with handshakes and Bear hugs. Sister Summerhays growls when she hugs you. Loaded up a massive van and trailer with all our junk and headed to the mission home to find out where we were going next. We'd all had somewhere between two and four hours of sleep and were dead on our feet, but we still had several hours of orientation and dinner to get through. You know if people weren't stupid there would be no need for orientation which was us being told how previous missionaries had been stupid and not to do what they had done or come up with something equally stupid to do.
President took us all into his office for interviews to get to know us and see if the spirit directed him to send us somewhere other than where he had previously planned. I really enjoyed that meeting. President is a loving, generous man with a kind of giggle chuckle. I was a short meeting but I felt like I knew him and he knew me. Wow. We got our assignment, drum roll please... I am staying in Tallahassee to work/serve on the 3 different campuses here. We are right next to FSU (Florida State University) and have long walks, we don't have cars, to TCC (Tallahassee Community College) and FAMU (Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University). We will go there next Friday, they have stomp competitions on campus and it's a great time to talk to people. It's really slow right now, it's between Winter and Spring semester, the campus is deserted. Classes start Tuesday, it will pick up again then. Even without students we are very busy. I'm in a trio companionship with Sisters Smith and Benfield. We have a lot in common including love of musicals, but getting ready in the morning is a bit of a party. Weird, I'm older than both of them and Sister Smith goes home in 5 weeks. But they have so much to teach me and I'm excited to learn. We had an appointment yesterday at TCC, it's about a 45 minute walk there, but she forgot and we rescheduled for Tuesday.
We have a baptism today, it was a bit of a mess getting ready for that, but I think it will all work out. I have counted 9 blisters on my feet and have been promised I will get more. Momma Mia. That's me. What's going on with you?
Natalie, I can't believe I forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday! What was the theme? Any cool presents? All of a sudden I realized the date and went, (think Brian Reagan) "Oh no, that's due today, I had 3 months to work on it and I did nothing!" But know that I love you very much and feel confident that his will be an awesome year for you. Love your guts! And thanks for the quote.
Becky, I can't believe little Johnny's engaged! I know he's not so little now, but I still see him as a lost boy in Peter Pan. It's crazy, I say absolutely crazy. Congratulations to Matt and I hope having Sarah with you will be a good experience, but ya' all are so close I think it will be fine.
Karmen, thanks for your kind words, it always helps to be boosted up like that.
Grandma Maloney, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, I know they have helped me. It's always good to hear from you. Marilyn sent me a really nice note last week, I'm going to reply soon, but it was good to hear from her.
Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox, I hope you are both doing better and I appreciate your kind thoughts and good advice. I love you both! *throws hugs and kisses in general direction*
Mom and Dad it was wonderful to talk to you, I miss you both, but at the same time kind of not. I'm having a great time here, and talk about ironic - my area is over the Singles Ward here and we have to (get to) go to all FHE activities TNT (Thursday Night Thing) Firesides and so on. Talk about a message from the heavens. Thursday night we played Ultimate Frisbee, I had a lot of fun. I'm turning to the Dark Side! I don't know what to do! I liked it. AHHH! Who will I be in a year and 1/2 - it's a little scary. I love you all and hope you have the best day ever.
The church is true, the book is blue, write Kelli letters and have a nice day.
Love, Sister Kelli Wilcox
P.S. If you do desire to send me mail, send it to the mission home. We move so often it's better to send it there and have it forwarded to me.
P.P.S. I thought I'd miss the mountains, but the trees are so high that I just assume they are there and I don't feel like I'm on a flat stretch of land. With all the walking we do, I wish it was flat.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Day 23 - May 2, 2008 - Journal Entry
Walked to the Institute Building to watch "Spiritual Crocodiles", we'd never seen it and wanted to know what we were fighting for. It's really good, but I'm not sure how appropriate it is for a baptism. Whatever - I'm sure it will all work out in the end.
The Elders ate the entire cake we gave them yesterday and called to ask for more. We made them pay for ingredients this time, walked to Albertson's, got food, walked back and made cake. When the cake was done we hiked back up to the Elders before starting the 1/2 hour trek to TCC. We had an appointment to teach the 1st lesson. She was a no show, but we called her and rescheduled for Tues. Tomorrow (Saturday) is technically our P-day. There are 3 baptisms we have to prepare for cutting our day into thirds so we (3 Sister and 4 Elders) went to the Children's Museum as part of our P-day. I had a great time. On the 3rd floor there was an art gallery - I'm pretty sure the artists were high when they painted them - the fact that most were done in the "70's" adds credence to my theory.
I counted 4 new blisters today. I'm going to bed. Good night.
The Elders ate the entire cake we gave them yesterday and called to ask for more. We made them pay for ingredients this time, walked to Albertson's, got food, walked back and made cake. When the cake was done we hiked back up to the Elders before starting the 1/2 hour trek to TCC. We had an appointment to teach the 1st lesson. She was a no show, but we called her and rescheduled for Tues. Tomorrow (Saturday) is technically our P-day. There are 3 baptisms we have to prepare for cutting our day into thirds so we (3 Sister and 4 Elders) went to the Children's Museum as part of our P-day. I had a great time. On the 3rd floor there was an art gallery - I'm pretty sure the artists were high when they painted them - the fact that most were done in the "70's" adds credence to my theory.
I counted 4 new blisters today. I'm going to bed. Good night.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Day 22 - May 1, 2008 - Journal Entry
I finally got to read mom and dad's talks - they were so good! At companion study I shared Justin's story and the story Grandma gave us. They both cried.
Made cake, hiked up to the Elders apartment. Elder Wall resembled Hannible Lector. Then we walked to FSU campus - it's a little dead there now. It's between Winter and Spring Semester. It will pick up Monday. But we still talked or "contacted" 5 people and gave out pass along cards. Invited all to come and play Ultimate Frisbee for TNT (Thursday Night Thing). No one came - or no contacts came - several members were there. Sister Benefield, Smith and I all wore Irish shirts and our team nearly won. We were tied 12-12 and someone yells "game point"! After lots of running back and forth, screaming loudly, the other team scored. Oh well, it was fun - especially when someone would yell "Don't touch them - they are Sisters!" It took awhile for the boys on our team to trust us, but we got some good game time in. It's so weird - back home I never would have gone to this - but now - well I wasn't excited to go play, but I wanted to see if any of the people we talked to would show up - but I still had fun.
Earlier today we were planning a baptism. I've been here a whole day and have a baptism. So what if I never met her - I still got one. Anyway it was a bit of a mess, she wanted Spiritual Crocodiles played while she was getting dressed. The ward wants to play The Restoration, anyway it was a big mess - we had to be the mediator between Stacy (the girl getting baptized) and the Ward Mission Leader. In the end Stacy won, but it took a lot of work and time on our part. End day.
Made cake, hiked up to the Elders apartment. Elder Wall resembled Hannible Lector. Then we walked to FSU campus - it's a little dead there now. It's between Winter and Spring Semester. It will pick up Monday. But we still talked or "contacted" 5 people and gave out pass along cards. Invited all to come and play Ultimate Frisbee for TNT (Thursday Night Thing). No one came - or no contacts came - several members were there. Sister Benefield, Smith and I all wore Irish shirts and our team nearly won. We were tied 12-12 and someone yells "game point"! After lots of running back and forth, screaming loudly, the other team scored. Oh well, it was fun - especially when someone would yell "Don't touch them - they are Sisters!" It took awhile for the boys on our team to trust us, but we got some good game time in. It's so weird - back home I never would have gone to this - but now - well I wasn't excited to go play, but I wanted to see if any of the people we talked to would show up - but I still had fun.
Earlier today we were planning a baptism. I've been here a whole day and have a baptism. So what if I never met her - I still got one. Anyway it was a bit of a mess, she wanted Spiritual Crocodiles played while she was getting dressed. The ward wants to play The Restoration, anyway it was a big mess - we had to be the mediator between Stacy (the girl getting baptized) and the Ward Mission Leader. In the end Stacy won, but it took a lot of work and time on our part. End day.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Day 21 - April 30, 2008 - Journal Entry
Got up, showered, made myself pretty - which was a lot harder than necessary - I had all my stuff divided and in a bit of a hodge podge because of weight distribution and liquids not being allowed as a carry-on. Then after unpacking to find all my stuff I had to re-pack to meet my new companion and take all my junk to my new home.
Melanie (a member) drove up with Sister Benefield, we loaded all my stuff in her car, took a mini tour - it will take me awhile to learn my way around - and they we came to our apartment. It has a bedroom, a kitchen, a tiny bathroom and living area. The whole apartment is about equal to the size of my bedroom back home. I unpacked, got to know Benefield a little better, we then walked around FSU Campus - getting a feel for it. We went to the institute and met Elder & Sister Beucutt, a senior couple.
Melanie came again and we went back to the Mission Home to pick up Sister Smith - the travel caravan was an hour late. Oh wait, rewind - OK Melanie picked us up and we went to the Ronald McDonald House for service. I really liked it - it was very familiar. Just like doing chores for Shelia while Fern slept. At this point we did not have Sister Smith. Ok, so the caravan was late, we helped Sister Summerhays with dinner. Sister Smith is awesome - this is her last transfer, she has 16 weeks left.
Went to dinner with Melanie to a wonderful Mexican Restaurant. Melanie knew one of the waiters and he translated for one of her friends - we invited him to church.
We went to the grocery store to get ingredients for Whoppee Cake. One of the Elders had surgery and requested food.
Barley made curfew - I crashed, Sister Benefield and Smith stayed up late talking.
Melanie (a member) drove up with Sister Benefield, we loaded all my stuff in her car, took a mini tour - it will take me awhile to learn my way around - and they we came to our apartment. It has a bedroom, a kitchen, a tiny bathroom and living area. The whole apartment is about equal to the size of my bedroom back home. I unpacked, got to know Benefield a little better, we then walked around FSU Campus - getting a feel for it. We went to the institute and met Elder & Sister Beucutt, a senior couple.
Melanie came again and we went back to the Mission Home to pick up Sister Smith - the travel caravan was an hour late. Oh wait, rewind - OK Melanie picked us up and we went to the Ronald McDonald House for service. I really liked it - it was very familiar. Just like doing chores for Shelia while Fern slept. At this point we did not have Sister Smith. Ok, so the caravan was late, we helped Sister Summerhays with dinner. Sister Smith is awesome - this is her last transfer, she has 16 weeks left.
Went to dinner with Melanie to a wonderful Mexican Restaurant. Melanie knew one of the waiters and he translated for one of her friends - we invited him to church.
We went to the grocery store to get ingredients for Whoppee Cake. One of the Elders had surgery and requested food.
Barley made curfew - I crashed, Sister Benefield and Smith stayed up late talking.
Letter - April 30, 2008 from President & Sister Summerhays
Dear Brother and Sister Michael Wilcox,We welcomed your daughter last night to the Florida, Tallahassee Mission. We shook her hand, looked into her eyes and a feeling of love and gratitude filled our hearts. She is a wonderful young woman who radiates strength and goodness. We later talked together privately about her desire to serve faithfully. She has a strong desire to honor you and her God by her valiant service.
President Faust called us to serve as Mission President. In that call he testified that the greatest measure of our success would be the individual faithfulness of our missionaries 20 years after their missionary service. Our strong desire is to see that Sister Wilcox learns, loves and serves in such a manner that 20 years from now we will all be inspired by the beauty of her life.
We express our love to you and make a specific request that your prayers might periodically include a request that we will be given specific insight that will enable us to teach, train, lead, love and inspire your special daughter to be all that God knows she can become. We know He will answer such pleading prayers of faith filled parents.
Thank you for your faith and prayers.
With Sincere Affection, President Lynn Summerhays and Sister Ann Summerhays
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tallahasse Here I Come - April 29, 2008 - Journal Entry
Got up at 2:30 a.m. - finished packing and weighing luggage. Had to leave behind shampoo and lots of hangers for proper weight. Got in the van with 2 Elders and a Sister going to PA. It was weird driving across Provo/Orem to get to the freeway, I kept thinking if you turn here I'll be home.
Made it to the airport safely. We met Br. & Sister Palmer from Southern Florida at the airport. Both were converted by Sister missionaries. Then Dad showed up - I was so excited! We didn't say much, we didn't need to, I just basked in his presence and smell. I love the way Dad always makes me feel safe.
Boarded the plane and said good-bye to the mountains (drawing of mountains). I don't know how I'll feel in this flat place called Florida. Don't know what will happen later today. I do know I am looking forward to it.
Just passed Missisippi and Memphis - waved to Craig and Lisa - I don't think they saw me:)
We landed in Atlanta and went to our gate. I called mom, the connection was terrible. We could barely hear each other. We talked for awhile. Got on the next plane for Tallahassee. It was only a 1/2 hour flight. The woman opposite me was terrified. I talked to her after the plane landed, she was OK just really didn't like planes. We went to the baggage claim and hadn't been there for more than a minute when President and Sister Summerhays marched up. Yes, they marched. We loaded up in a massive van with an attached trailer and drove to the Mission Home which is a beautiful Colonial style and huge! We helped Sister Summerhays with dinner which was very elaborate and fancy (china & crystal). I was a little uncomfortable, I didn't feel like I could be myself.
We all had individual interviews with President, it was very personal and touching. I only spent a few minutes with him but I felt I knew him and he knew me. There was a powerful spirit in that room.
We then sat down for a very long meeting covering important things like safety, who to call when you need something, cell phones. All very good things, but I could barely keep my eyes open. Oh, and this whole time I'm sneezing up a storm. My allergies kicked in and I was a snotty mess. President then told us where we'd be going, drum roll please, I'm staying in Tallahassee to work at the 3 different Universities here. Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee Community College (TCC), and Florida Agricultural Mechanical University (FAMU) it is considered the "black" college and we will go there on Fridays 'cause they have stomp competitions and there are big crowds for us to mingle and talk to. The ward I'll be working with is a Singles Ward and I'll also be helping with the Institute.
After we got our assignments we had a testimony meeting and I finally got to go to bed.
Made it to the airport safely. We met Br. & Sister Palmer from Southern Florida at the airport. Both were converted by Sister missionaries. Then Dad showed up - I was so excited! We didn't say much, we didn't need to, I just basked in his presence and smell. I love the way Dad always makes me feel safe.
Boarded the plane and said good-bye to the mountains (drawing of mountains). I don't know how I'll feel in this flat place called Florida. Don't know what will happen later today. I do know I am looking forward to it.
Just passed Missisippi and Memphis - waved to Craig and Lisa - I don't think they saw me:)
We landed in Atlanta and went to our gate. I called mom, the connection was terrible. We could barely hear each other. We talked for awhile. Got on the next plane for Tallahassee. It was only a 1/2 hour flight. The woman opposite me was terrified. I talked to her after the plane landed, she was OK just really didn't like planes. We went to the baggage claim and hadn't been there for more than a minute when President and Sister Summerhays marched up. Yes, they marched. We loaded up in a massive van with an attached trailer and drove to the Mission Home which is a beautiful Colonial style and huge! We helped Sister Summerhays with dinner which was very elaborate and fancy (china & crystal). I was a little uncomfortable, I didn't feel like I could be myself.
We all had individual interviews with President, it was very personal and touching. I only spent a few minutes with him but I felt I knew him and he knew me. There was a powerful spirit in that room.
We then sat down for a very long meeting covering important things like safety, who to call when you need something, cell phones. All very good things, but I could barely keep my eyes open. Oh, and this whole time I'm sneezing up a storm. My allergies kicked in and I was a snotty mess. President then told us where we'd be going, drum roll please, I'm staying in Tallahassee to work at the 3 different Universities here. Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee Community College (TCC), and Florida Agricultural Mechanical University (FAMU) it is considered the "black" college and we will go there on Fridays 'cause they have stomp competitions and there are big crowds for us to mingle and talk to. The ward I'll be working with is a Singles Ward and I'll also be helping with the Institute.
After we got our assignments we had a testimony meeting and I finally got to go to bed.
Monday, April 28, 2008
MTC - Day 20 - April 28, 2008 - Journal Entry
We leave tomorrow! Sister Hartman and I got up early to do laundry. We finished around 8, folded clothes and packed some more. We went to class, shared pictures of family and Br. Lovejoy showed pictures from his mission and told stories. After lunch we went looking for my camera again. Packed some more, looked for camera again. I gave up around 6 p.m. Someone found it and didn't turn it in. I'll tell the parents tomorrow and hopefully they can send me a cheap one. I'm less sad about the camera, but really upset about losing the memory chip. I had some good pictures on them. Sisters Stagg, Hartman, and Brinkerhoff all promise to send me copies or a CD.
I was able to read a lot in the Book of Mormon. I'm surprised at how much I've forgotten since the last time I read it through.
We took pictures with Br. Lovejoy and Weaver and said good-bye. Sister Butler had us watch a talk by Elder Bednar, I really enjoyed it. It got me very excited.
I was able to read a lot in the Book of Mormon. I'm surprised at how much I've forgotten since the last time I read it through.
We took pictures with Br. Lovejoy and Weaver and said good-bye. Sister Butler had us watch a talk by Elder Bednar, I really enjoyed it. It got me very excited.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
MTC - Day 19 - April 27, 2008 - Journal Entry
Sister Hartman and I spent about 1/2 hour this morning looking for my camera, I think I left it in the RC. I checked the lost and found and they recommended checking the mail room lost and found and in the main office lost and found. I'll look again tomorrow.
Relief Society Notes: Speaker General YW President Elaine S. Dalton
Proverbs 3:5-6 Favorite Scripture and Motto
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart...
as you trust Him, he will take you places you can't imagine
We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love Him.
Don't look back. Move forward.
When you are in the middle of a hill, it is not the time to decide to turn back. Wait till you get to the top.
Sister Dibb: President Monson's daughter bore witness of her Father as Prophet
Come to know that Heavenly Father loves you.
Today I know because:
A daily journal keeping record of how you know that Heavenly Father loves you
How to invite the spirit: Love, repent, smile, forgive, pray (more than I ever have in my whole life) language - ie: guys, dude. Study and reflect: How do I apply it? Diligence, obedience. Forget self, stop praying for self. Pray for others. Spirit will use you better than you can yourself. Music: Ether 1:
What would the Savior have me do today? When told what to do ACT!
Are you happy? Well tell your face (smile)
Learn to love hills - you will spend most of your mission on hills - enjoy the top for a while before starting up the next hill.
Life is difficult, but we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are NOW the Lord's missionaries - bring the world His truth.
Awesome meeting, very powerful. We sang "Armies of Helaman" and they changed the words a little - see note above. Tear jerker, I barely made it through the song. After we stood in line to meet Sister Dalton - very warm and genuine person. Favorite quote "It's the MTC - I can read from the phone book and the spirit will be so thick you could cut it."
Walked to the temple, took pictures, had a lot of meetings one of which was a departure meeting announcing where all missionaries were going, how many, and had them stand - it was cool. After that we had evening devotional. Sister Hartman and I came back to pack for our "first transfer". We got a lot done. We'll do laundry tomorrow and finish up. I'm alternating between excited, scared, nervous, anxious and excited. I'm such a girl. I hope I find my camera! Night.
Relief Society Notes: Speaker General YW President Elaine S. Dalton
Proverbs 3:5-6 Favorite Scripture and Motto
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart...
as you trust Him, he will take you places you can't imagine
We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love Him.
Don't look back. Move forward.
When you are in the middle of a hill, it is not the time to decide to turn back. Wait till you get to the top.
Sister Dibb: President Monson's daughter bore witness of her Father as Prophet
Come to know that Heavenly Father loves you.
Today I know because:
A daily journal keeping record of how you know that Heavenly Father loves you
How to invite the spirit: Love, repent, smile, forgive, pray (more than I ever have in my whole life) language - ie: guys, dude. Study and reflect: How do I apply it? Diligence, obedience. Forget self, stop praying for self. Pray for others. Spirit will use you better than you can yourself. Music: Ether 1:
What would the Savior have me do today? When told what to do ACT!
Are you happy? Well tell your face (smile)
Learn to love hills - you will spend most of your mission on hills - enjoy the top for a while before starting up the next hill.
Life is difficult, but we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are NOW the Lord's missionaries - bring the world His truth.
Awesome meeting, very powerful. We sang "Armies of Helaman" and they changed the words a little - see note above. Tear jerker, I barely made it through the song. After we stood in line to meet Sister Dalton - very warm and genuine person. Favorite quote "It's the MTC - I can read from the phone book and the spirit will be so thick you could cut it."
Walked to the temple, took pictures, had a lot of meetings one of which was a departure meeting announcing where all missionaries were going, how many, and had them stand - it was cool. After that we had evening devotional. Sister Hartman and I came back to pack for our "first transfer". We got a lot done. We'll do laundry tomorrow and finish up. I'm alternating between excited, scared, nervous, anxious and excited. I'm such a girl. I hope I find my camera! Night.
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