Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Dashing through the Rain

Dashing through the rain...Skyping all the way!!! ho ho ho
Alright, so much has happened this week and I have to cram it in an email! How???? First bit of metaphor was a scripture Mormon 1:15 (And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus).
Don’t be a food critic!

I’m gonna pass onto a great Christmas eve! They celebrate it more than the actual day of Christmas here.  They do a secret sibling family present swap and have churrasco.



We celebrated it with a great family who included us like family. Earlier this day we went caroling with the Bishop and his family. I got to play the guitar!



All were filled with the spirit and some eyes with tears. At this point it really felt like Christmas :) The family gave us a little something; Mine was soap and lipstick (for some reason a new stick of lipstick just makes me wanna color...smear it all over a nice white piece of paper like a great big crayon....sad right?) haha. We swapped gifts as sisters in our house as well and slept all together in the same room (sound familiar sisters??).  But this time I slept just fine on the floor. Haha. Christmas came and felt like a normal day until the Christmas music was playing in the Bishop’s house...Michael Buble!!! It was amazing to hear his voice and some of the great tunes I listened to with the fam at home.



We feasted and then my skype time came around...it worked out perfect! No glitches. Only a real quick 40 minutes of trying to explain everything! Yes I struggled to speak English but that’s a good sign! And gave my fam a good laugh. It was great talking with them and knowing that they do exist and that I’m not just pretending I have a family to make myself feel better on the mish. I love them so much! After the Bishops house, they dropped us off and obviously it had to start pouring down rain....we took cover for a few minutes but it just wasn’t stopping. I braved the little river in the street with Sis Bezerra to see if there was a bigger dry patch down the street and got soaked! Haha. Gotta love Brazilian snow :)

Transfers also happened this week......Novo Osasco and Sis Valdera (or close to that spelling not sure) but I’m very excited to try something new! I love Cotia but it’s my time to leave unfortunately.



I’m so grateful for my Savior, for all He's given me and continues to give. Don’t let the Christmas spirit die! It should be an all year-round thing!

Love you guys and Feliz Ano Novo!

Sis Oldroyd (A humble Christmas Caroler :) hehe)

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

My Standard of Living

Happy Christmas everyone!!! 

I know it’s only December 21st but this whole month has been Christmas as we've shared the church’s Christmas videos in every message (almost, sometimes the spirit guides to talk of other things :) If you haven’t seen the Christmas videos yet, please sit down and enjoy! natal.mormon.org




Well it felt more like Christmas because we had our Christmas party as a mission! We journeyed to the churches huge activity site by bus...it was raining...but did that stop me from playing soccer, volleyball, soap soccer, and riding a mechanical bull???? nope. I enjoyed this day of switching clothes and getting dirty /sweaty like my life depended upon it :) A couple days before the sisters were trying to pick out my “Christmas outfit" which I agreed skirt wise but then they asked about jeans and such after we would switch clothes and I was thinking......but I already planned to wear my sweats!! (haha) They were a bit shocked...but they understood my reasoning once they saw me jogging around in the rain...slipping in the mud...juggling the soccer ball etc. Playing soccer with the other sisters was awesome! Wasn’t quite the same but I’ll have you know I played safe and fair :) and scored a goal. We performed our skits/videos as a mission and some were really funny…others we got to boo off the stage if it was boring or inappropriate. I sang a couple songs, ate popscicles, appetizer type treats and dinner. The other great surprise was receiving 5 letters and two packages! I’m so blessed! And I was so patient :) Let’s just say I really had to pay 'taxes" for one of the packages a couple of weeks ago. 



This week I learned that the Articles of Faith are amazing! They are so simple but they explain practically everything we teach as a missionary. Hey you primary kids (and everyone else) really, memorize these great articles of faith because they will help you remember the basics and cling to the faith in the future! Also, God is the ultimate Author! He has written so many stories, some with smooth starts and rough middles, others with rough beginnings and high hopes but thankfully we all have the same ending. Or He's hoping on having us choose such. Let’s start reading the pages before us and deciding which ending is for us. 



In church we talked about Christ being the perfect example and the perfect standard of living. Even though life brings heat, thirst, hunger, and pain, it also brings joy, satisfaction, success, and peace. Christ is the perfect example, and shows us how to get the most out of this life. Some thoughts of the week: 

1. "When everything is going wrong is when we need to choose to do right, feel right, and act right or the bad will drag us down and prevail" 

2."Christ is our best friend. Know Him better than you know yourself just as He knows you better than you know yourself" (that one was a bit confusing and repetitive) 

3. "The lower or more down we are only gives us more opportunity and room to show our strength and capacity to arise and lift ourselves out of the hole."



I don’t know if I already announced this but this past 15th of December was my 5 month mark!...I think the months and days are combining! It’s been a great week. I can’t believe I will talk face to face with my family this week! Know that I’m walking these hills, sweating like crazy, eating my fill, and serving my brothers and sisters. The gospel of Christ is my standard of living. Is it a way of life for you? Happy days await if you live as He did.

Love,
Sister Oldroyd, Christ’s Follower   
  

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

When He Returns

We had a different district meeting this week cause each zone is preparing a little something for our Natal party! I’m going to be a spy person of some sort switching up the Book of Mormon stories/bible ones too (for example, Jonah didn’t really get swallowed by a whale but bitten by a little fish but for my college paper I beefed it up) make sense?



Anyway,  I had an exchange (I think that’s what it is in English speaking missions) with Sis L and I stayed in our area which meant I showed her where our next lesson would be or what to do...I thought it went well. We sang a hymn for a lady who pretended not to be outside on her porch cause we couldn’t see her but sang it for her anyway and after, Pedro says, "that hymn was for you Dora" and she responds "thank you" in the most sarcastic grumpy voice. It was hilarious cause she didn’t respond to us at first but we sang anyway. It’s Christmas! Gotta sing those 7 hymns as much as possible!



Maria is preparing for her baptism this Saturday! I’m so excited for her, she is so sweet and always dresses up so fancy for church and every activity. She is making such a great decision!!! Love her.

The ward had their Christmas party. We got there a bit early (but really at 6:30 when it was supposed to start but obviously it started at 8, haha) so I played prelude Christmas hymns. Basically the whole ward showed up and more which was awesome! Lots of food, the ward choir sang "White Christmas" partly in English which made me think about my good times watching that movie...it was a wonderful party :)



This week some study topics were in 3 Ne 20 (mais ou menos) about Christ’s teachings and some moments really have helped me think about my preparation for when He returns. Will my decisions, appearance, faith, and service put a smile on His face? Will I be worthy for Him to select me as a disciple and help Him continue His work? I’m so grateful thus far, for the choices I have made, for the sacred covenants I have taken upon myself. There's no going back, only forward. And with these promises and choices, I will see miracles; I will receive blessings because that’s how merciful and just God is. When we keep our end, He keeps his, and even gives more at times.

The churros here are amazing!

Have a wonderful Christmas. Love you all very much!!! Until next semana.


Love Sis Oldroyd who is smiling and very satisfied :)

Monday, December 7, 2015

Know Your Purpose

Multizona happened again! This time I won my bday box of chocolates and was almost first in line for cake:) I learned a lot about how to apply repentance in my life and to be a walking letter of the Lord. We need to write and even chisel the promises and conversions on our hearts for others to read. "Engrave this truth on the pages of the heart, for all to read and never erase" - just a tidbit from my notes :) Also, we aren’t salesmen! Just another thought.


Embarrassing moment; President Del Guerso was complimenting me for my little braid thing I do sometimes but I thought he said something about how I always had a braid which made me say "look, I do braids all the time because my hair is poofy...." but then I realized I didn’t understand him completely and asked him to repeat what he said. "I said I like your braid". My reaction, "oO, thank you".  Whoops, haha.

My new soccer jersey of the week

A question for you all this season, "What can I give Jesus this Christmas?" Service? Love? More of my time? More attention during the sacrament? The list is endless :) Not that he is asking for many birthday presents but that whatever comes from the heart of sincerity he accepts graciously.

This week we also had a crazy journey to another area because Sis L has a recent convert getting married in Campo Limpo and we got to go! It was rainy and we traveled by Onibus for an 1 and a half or so but found it! They were so happy and on the bus I got to talk with a biology professor who was practicing English and very nice:)

Another day, I was just feeling happy. Another American and I were together for the day while our comps prepared a training for the multi-zone and we just so happened to run into one of their investigators. Because I was in such a good mood I started being very flamboyant about the gospel and how he should make a visit to the church etc...later he said in broken English (he’s taking English classes) "I like you" but later explained in Portuguese that he liked my happiness and said that it was like I knew my purpose and said it would take him 7 days to create/feel the happiness I could have in just one day. That was very sweet of him to say and helped me feel good about my mission and that I really do know my purpose.

"Things improve when they’re used"- just another food for thought. Something different this week as we were walking to lunch after church was a huge spider and dead snake! It felt a little more like Brazil this week.



Love every moment of this month as we remember Christ. He truly is the greatest gift. What more could I want this Christmas? I have Him. I have my Family. Friends. Faith. (food) and so many other things. To be honest, I don’t need much more than this.

Loves and happy happenings

From Sis Oldroyd    

Monday, November 30, 2015

Hey Pilgrims

Hey my Pilgrims, Indians and such. 
It’s been a great week. Obviously my Thanksgiving wasn’t the usual but it was still great! I’ve got some metaphors, stories, and insights for you! Be grateful (hehe). 
 First lemme just say the work here is progressing so well! An investigator who went on vacation for a month came back. We had difficulties finding a time to visit him but found him while walking in the street and talked with him. Then he came to church that following Sunday! Yay for R! Then a random contact we tried talked about how interested he was in the Book of Mormon and we marked another time to talk more in depth with him about it and give him one. Snaps for T!!!  Lastly M has been receptive from the start. She loves the idea of the plan of salvation and came to church! She has been invited to be baptized on December 19th where our goal is to have a white Christmas and she accepted! (I hope you all understand that goal :) A question M had which I thought was interesting was, "why have you come to me now with this message? I feel as if I have lost 50 years because I didn’t have it before" (it was mostly in respect to the plan of salvation and how right now is our time to prepare to meet God) I tried to reassure her that we all have a purpose, that it’s not how much time we have but how we decide to use it. It reminded me of a parable (don’t remember where) that’s about a worker who works for the person years and years when along comes someone else looking for work as well, in the end, if I’m correct, they are paid the same amount. I believe this to be true in concern of M. It’s about our testimony! About our gratitude and action in this worthy cause. Christ is never going to cut someone short.  
Thanksgiving lunch was great! For dessert we had these homemade ice cream Popsicle things...super good especially cause you get to rip/break the little plastic cup off to eat the ice cream.. 
Some insights for this week: "you can’t buy something that isn’t for sale" this is about repentance and the atonement! Christ can’t pay for our sins if we aren’t willing to give up, or post a for sale sign. I never even thought of it that way before.  Some sins he isn’t able to pay for because we are either stubborn, ashamed or haven’t completely finished the repentance process. Use the atonement, it’s there. He's there! 
Lastly, during a prayer someone used the word "piece" which made me flashback to the movie Monsters Inc. where Mike repaired the shredded door until there was only one piece left, and guess what happened when they put the very last piece in? The light turned on. It worked and was ready to be opened. This made me think about, what’s that one piece forbidding me to open? Or we could have everything in line, all the principles of the gospel are firm and there in our testimonies but we aren’t applying the atonement. We are forgetting that Christ is the center to us all. 
This thanksgiving was wonderful. I had the opportunity to bear testimony in Sacrament meeting for our missionary work themed Sunday and even was talking too much that our ward mission leader who was directing it waved for me to end which made me smile. I am so grateful for this opportunity, my family, friends, testimony, health, personality, Savior and knowledge that I am a daughter of God. Let us put into place what is missing and be prepared to open ourselves in order to receive the greatest blessings only God can imagine. 
I love you all. 
Sis Oldroyd
(editor's note: Syd was not able to send any pictures this week. Next week)

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Feel the Faith

Life continues to be so kind to me. By life I mean Heavenly Father and Christ. I’m learning so much, seeing the hand of God every day and doing things I will probably never have the opportunity to do again. We have so many new investigators, references, and a crazy outdated area book that we have worked like crazy trying to catch up this transfer. We often stop by at a garage mini super market to buy a little loaf of bread or a "doce" (candy) or popsicle or Açaí to keep us going. Summer is starting to approach, which means I really have to start applying sunscreen or I’m surely going to die of cancer.....(I’m already a little red) 



We had a great district meeting, and meeting with all the sisters in the mission this past week! It was good timing too because this past transfer we got 12 new sisters! How awesome is that! We are a little low on sisters so it feels good to have a few more sisters to increase the feminine power! 



In the sister training and I got chosen along with another sister by President Del Guerso to do a baptism invite. Obviously I was nervous but after many of the new Brazilian sisters who arrived this last transfer thought I was almost done with my mission because of my Portuguese! I think that’s good right? I’ve really been blessed with the gift of tongues as I realize how much I’m able to understand and speak. If I were doing this for school that would be a different story but speaking about this gospel and trying to be like Christ really helps me open my mouth. It’s not how fast I am speaking that matters but how my words feel. It’s like the title for this email, feel my faith. Is it artificial or the real deal? (I thought of Confessions of a Shopaholic when I said this (haha) Kirst remember the coat thing?) Anyway, try to have real faith that feels genuine and worth something or is even priceless.


My goal is to buy a ton of different jerseys!! Woo Hoo Palmeiras!

Thank you for the love and support. I love it here every day, even when I have to eat more at lunch and I am completely stuffed but they continue to say "come mais sister" and I listen.

Loves! 

From Sister Oldroyd  

Monday, November 16, 2015

Ultimas Dias

Just had transfers and I’m going to stay here in Cotia with Sis Limiro until December 28th and we'll see what happens after that!

I’m finally a little more Brazilian cause I bought a kinda cheap but awesome jersey of the SPFC team! I also am not a "new" missionary anymore, done with Doze Semanas! I had my last training near the temple and had a great time with some of the new sisters and buddies in my group. We played jeopardy and tested our skills with PME and the scriptures etc.



I had my first dream in Portuguese!! It was awesome, me talking (mostly trying) to speak in Portuguese but there was Portuguese in the dream, I’m counting it. haha

I have so much more respect for the prophets and people who kept the records for the BoM because I can barely sum up one week on the mission and I know the Nephites and Lamanites had way more going on than an American Sister living in Brazil preaching the gospel who is eating a lot. Props to them, I love the BoM even more.

My friend Maria

Because sis Limiro likes fast food, we've visited Burger King about 4 times this week so she could use her coupons. The ward had a great talent show! I was so surprised with how many people participated, especially the youth. They had acts, songs, dances (which made me want to dance so bad, especially when a member busted out Thriller!!)

Right now we are teaching J (who has serious spine problems and is a bit slow mentally as well) & J they are married (miracle) and are very sweet,. They always offer water and we are trying to help them make a visit to the church but it’s hard with J and his health. A & J & M (who has Alzheimer’s) they are so sweet as well. They came to church! We found them a ride and they came to the sacrament portion. After we had a priesthood holder give M a blessing. I’m so  grateful for the Priesthood.



Funny/interesting story: we were walking back from the bus point and I passed one of the many movie, video game vender carts and the first DVD in the pile said "Porno" messily written...I let out a surprised chuckle gasp thinking, "Really!?" We are truly in the "Ultimas Dias"(Last days) everyone take cover and get ready because this world is only going downhill unfortunately but guess what other metaphor I thought of this week that goes along with this sad DVD example? Good old Forrest Gump came to mind during church where he says,"Life is like a box of Chocolates" and it’s so true we are all "IN" the Box of chocolates (or the world) but we are not "OF" the same flavor (or physical and spiritual stature). 



We are living in a very dark world but somehow are surviving, we are staying strong when everywhere else is crumbling. I love how firm and bright this gospel is because of Christ. Don’t lose sight of what is really important and strong. Thanks for the love and support! Until next time!


Sis Oldroyd  

Monday, November 9, 2015

Raindrops

Every week seems the same but it’s not when I look back! This week I want to break the email into sections again.

1. What did I teach or types of lessons? We teach a lot of lessons about the Restoration, Plan of Salvation, gospel of Jesus Christ, and Word of Wisdom. In a trio we have the opportunity to try and teach smoothly and equally in three parts and in three different perspectives. It really means a difference when the investigator asks questions,  looks interested in the lesson and keeps their promises (read a scripture or prays). I get to also help them pray sometimes by having them repeat phrases and then say what they would like in between. Sometimes lessons are on the side of the road and noisy distracting cars or motorcycles drive by but that’s missionary work. Other environments are quiet; sometimes they have a sweet little child who decides to be quiet the whole lesson until the last prayer. But lessons are still great.



2. When did I laugh? I laughed a lot as Sister L and I "talked" English. Sis L randomly would say, "Let’s talk Sis Oldroyd" and she'd go off in her broken English about her tired body or boyfriend or whatever word she knows in English. Another moment when she tried to outrun me up a hill....we had to take a break after that little jaunt and catch our breath and during this Sis R would chime in or laugh along with us. We have some good laughs :)



3. What do I love? I love the smell of the fresh flowers, churrasco, almoço (lunch). I love the member’s support and love. I love the random reminders that pop into my head saying, "You're in Brazil!!" and other memories or movie quotes or things that resurface as well which put a smile on my face. I love my companions, and the investigators we are trying really hard to work with. I love how after a couple of weeks my legs and body are accustomed to the hills of Cotia and I can "climb every mountain..." (Sound of Music anyone?) I love bearing testimony about whatever topic we teach, and feeling the spirit.



4. What did I learn? Well since we study every morning and teach every day, I am so blessed to learn a lot. But I'll save you the time and sum it up. My title this week is another metaphor I thought of as we walked in the rain (with our umbrellas of course, though often times I wanna just get super wet and not have the hassle of weaving the sidewalks with it) but I thought of how the little (or big) streams/rivers in the road or the peaceful rivers near the city, are started by millions of raindrops. A grand river had to start with a bunch of little raindrops before it had the power to cut through the earth or carry a current strong enough for a raft full of people to enjoy themselves. This is like our testimonies. We must allow the rain to fall in order for our rivers to grow and strengthen in size. Little moments of despair or flash floods of the spirit are all different types of raindrops that we can either add to our rivers or decide to have the earth soak it up instead. Take advantage of the times storm clouds come, whether our testimonies are in a drought and thankfully soak it up or if we think we are grand enough and don’t need more. I think we can always use a refreshing bit of rain, and we can always use a bit of spiritual inspiration from our Father in Heaven but since He works in mysterious ways it might be through a trial or it might be through a friend and in a way we might not necessarily recognize. Thank you for being this refreshing rain which helps me turn into an ever growing raging river! I’m loving every minute and can feel the power of this gospel every day. Be a needed rain storm and relieve another’s drought. Offer the Living the Water which is Christ.

I love you all. Have a great week and don’t forget to be refreshing!

 Love

 Sister Oldroyd , the Raindrop Receiver.    

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Thrust in your Trust with might

I'M 20!!!!! I’ve been practicing on how I should respond to the how-many-years-do-you-have question, 20. yup. Real quick my week was this: had a great district meeting and small bday party with the group. The elders had a member make a big cake. Oh elders. 



I had a divisão with sis B and had a great time with her in lessons. Once of which I felt the spirit real strong and was able to teach with him. Luckily the investigator felt it as well and teared up a bit. What a miracle that was. We then returned to her apartment to find a cat. which after taking pictures with it sent it on its way only to find out later that it had taken a little dump in the bathroom (another miracle to have it near the toilet I had the great job of cleaning it up :) 



lots of lessons on the plan of salvation, and word of wisdom. which help me appreciate these simple truths more and more. Being in a trio again is pretty awesome. More chatting, every night feels like a mini sleepover its fabulous, and a few times we were able to have a member join one of us to go in two different directions and cover more ground! my birthday was...fabulous! Friday the sisters and members threw me a surprise party which I had no idea about, especially cause I was a little antsy Friday when we were randomly waiting on the side of the street for 30 minutes for the other sisters to join us before going to our family home evening. I kept asking why we couldn’t just meet them at their house....poor sis R and Sis L. I had no idea! They were too kind. So many decorations and salgados, and cake! They are the best! 



So glad I could have my bday here in Cotia. My actual bday was great too, bought a mini pumkin for 5 Reais! and kept the carving tradition going by trying to carve the brazil flag...



it’s difficult without the proper tools but the knife I had was all I could find. a pizza replaced a cake and I was Elder Bieber! who could’ve guessed? 



The sisters didn’t believe my secret talent and I just had to prove them wrong.  I made a tie, put up my hair and drew on the eyebrows they were pretty much astounded. We had the great opportunity (because it was Dia das mortes) to do contacts in front of the cemetery...let’s just say it was rainy..lots of sad people...and us trying to stop people to talk about the plan of salvation. Our pday was a bit different this time cause we got to go to the temple! I had no idea how much I missed it! My spirit felt such relief and rest in the house of the Lord. Thank goodness the temple is so close. Please go as often as you all can! Its such a wonderful opportunity to do service and receive blessings at the same time! the session was in Portuguese but I almost understood everything (thanks to the many times I went with the fam before the mission but obviously because of my Portuguese skills as well :) Anyway, I’ve really tried to be a diligent missionary. One who loves every minute, no matter the outcome.  A few phrases I thought of this week. Thrust in your Trust with might. Others are trying too, don’t think it’s only you. Stay steady until the end. Pray to Him, Know Him, and return feeling like you never left. All these have something to do with what I studied this week. I love prayer so much and that it’s up to me with how I want to end this earthly experience. Don’t abuse this privilege we have to talk with our Father in Heaven and blessed gift called the Atonement from our Savior who knows us and loves us. Trust them, they know what they’re doing. Know that I am enjoying everything. the food, crazy bus rides, sore feet, sudden rain showers, slow/fast progressing investigators, waking up at 6:30 am, and feeling the spirit and love of God every day. I pray for you all every morning and night and I know He is doing the same as well. 

Tchau from Sis Oldroyd 
who has one more year but many more to come, which I am so grateful for.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Put your boat in the water

So good to chat with you people every week :)

Every time I feel as if I have to bundle every day into one email...which is basically impossible but I always try! Mostly I wanna talk about what I have learned. You guys (my regular readers) should know my daily schedule by now, with district meetings every week and church, and teaching lessons but you don’t know what I get out of them now do you? 



One of my goals, amongst many, is to not be competitive but follow the will of the Lord. I’m competitive with the language, progression (not outwardly, but inwardly, personally I want to win, kinda weird)...sadly I think after 14 years of soccer, my mentally is win win win! Oh be the best, be the best. However, that’s not realistic. That’s not how God’s missionary work flows. I need to think as He does as well as act. When I think like Him, I don’t want to be better than others or be the best but equal. I want to help them be better even though they might pass me (intellectually, spiritually). There’s a great scripture in Psalms 143:10 which was my weekly scripture. Look it up :) Enjoy.



I’ve also realized that we can repent in many ways. It doesn’t just have to be a serious sin. We can repent after thinking angry, prideful, or sad thoughts. We can repent when we know we can do better etc. There are so many things we can do better and can use the amazing gift of repentance! Our Savior understands everything. Repentance helps us back onto the path; back to that beautiful hike.



We have some investigators who we are helping with smoking, coming to church, understanding why it’s important to pray in respect to what we teach and I use an analogy about soccer to explain the commandments and why we have them. In soccer we have rules for everyone’s benefit. When everyone plays by those rules and stays in bounds, it’s fun. Everyone has a good time and feels the fairness of the game but when they are broken etc. the mood changes. Just like when we live the commandments, our bodies, minds and spirits are protected. We have fun, and amazing lives. But when these rules are broken, life changes. It’s not the same. Without rules and commandments, life is chaos. There is no reason to do good or enjoy these moments.

In a three-some now

One more metaphor! Yesterday we had the opportunity to watch the missionary devotional (that we were in as the audience) again with future missionaries in our stake and at the end someone said, "put your boat in the water" which made me think if my boat was in the water....yes! I was living a great life on my island of family, college, work but had the opportunity to set sail for Brazil; to bring a bag filled with seeds of faith for the other inhabitants lost at sea. I don’t know where I’m going at times. The winds change. Sadly, sometimes sharks attack but how glorious it is when I can yell, "land ho!" as I find a new island or person who is ready to plant that seed and try other fruit besides the usual mangos that originated there. They now have the fruit of this gospel, the atonement, and have the opportunity to nurture it and produce their own tree, with seeds, ready to share once more. Boy do I love metaphors!

Anyway, I think you get the idea. Life as a missionary is wonderful. Every day my Savior helps me become better and my relationship with my Father in Heaven grows tremendously. Set sail on this wonderful adventure of life, with the gospel, with things that are here only to help us.

Until next week,

I’m Sister Oldroyd signing off from Cotia, Brasil :)   

Monday, October 19, 2015

Hope

Hello everyone :)

This email I want to focus on what I studied this week. But let me give you a run-down of the other activities first.

We got to make lunch two times this week cause a member forgot and another couldn’t be there to make it so they gave us money and we decided what we wanted and made it (because obviously we are amazing chefs). The first was just meat and rice etc. but the second one was hamburgers!!! How joyful....they were a bit different but still a hamburger to me :) and we had 3 desserts....that’s what happens when we are in charge.




I also got to battle a pretty big cockroach for Sis Harris, ‘cause he ran under her bed. I immediately grabbed the broom, handed her a stick and told her to try and scare him out to the side of the bed where I was ready to pounce. In the end I won. There were a few marks on the floor as a result but one dead cockroach and a more comfortable Sister in the house.



Also I had my first interview with President Del Guerso. He is fabulous everyone, so open and funny and wise. In the interview he said it was all me, and said I could start talking.....um, ok. I just talked about how I was, my area, my Portuguese etc. then he would respond. I asked questions. It was so peaceful to just talk with him, and not feel like I had to give a bunch of answers to a bunch of questions. Lovin the Del Guerso's! Sister Del Guerso is fabulous as well :) 



In the training we had with her, she used a bunch of different words for us to explain our thoughts. I had the word Miracles. Such a great word right? Basically everything is a miracle. My mission, my family, friends, this plan, my Savior and the comment I ended with was that I have realized that I want to be a miracle in the lives of others and for my Savior, not a burden; Make others feel of His love, and have them feel as if your presence isn’t a hassle or problem but something they want to continue to enjoy.

I’ve studied a lot about Hope as well, some great scriptures are 2 Cor 4:18 and Rom 8:24-25. What are our hopes? Do we Hope in Him? He is Hopeful. Do I hope for others to have success or happiness? How can I help them have hope? Oh and be happy in Him!! (I love using words that start with the same letter. I think there is an English term for that....anyway.)



It’s been a great week as you can tell (or at least I hope you can) because this work is glorious. It’s weird to think three months have already passed and I only have a year and 3 months left but I’m still here! I’m still a missionary. It’s not over yet and it actually doesn’t really end when I return home, a new mission begins. Life after the mission! A completely different mission that I can always experience with my Savior, Father in Heaven, Family, friends etc.

Continue to "perseverar ate o fim" or endure to the end (for you English folk) and use all the amazing tools Christ has given us to enjoy this life, and create something beautiful and heaven worthy. Love you all! Even you strangers who are so interested by my blog that you are reading my emails every week (haha the jokes are starting to come which means I need to end this emai). I know these things are true. I am so happy because of these truths. At times it’s difficult to explain my emotions in words. That’s why I love Alma 26:16 so much. I know my Father in Heaven knows my heart which is the most important thing. I hope and pray that you all continue to stay firm in Faith and hope in Him because He never fails. He is the Son of God, our Savior.

Sister Oldroyd

(The Atonement Seeker)

Monday, October 12, 2015

Life is like a child’s playpen

What a great week eh?

I’m doing amazing if you guys didn’t know :) I want to explain a little bit of what our schedule is like and forgive the typos...this keyboard has some seriously stuck letters. Maybe by the end you’ll figure out which ones.  I’ll punch really hard!



We get up at 6:30, get ready....eat toast etc. Study from 8-12 (I absolutely love personal study time! A time I can just read the Book of Mormon and PME) I study with Sis R after personal. We practice lessons etc. and practice language also....we have started to read together from the Liahona, mine is Portuguese and hers is English. It’s going well. After we either walk for about 30-45 minutes or ride the bus to the members house for lunch (another one of my favorite things of the day) This past week we had the hugest lunch ever ....I had two huge helpings of meat, rice, beans, salad, nhoque, fries, guarana, and then after had a cup of ice cream, 5 mini churros, and 2 pao de queijos. Let’s just say she kept saying "come meninas!' (eat more) and I listened. After lunch we start talking and walking and hoping that people will let us in to hear our message or that our investigators are in and available. Sometimes we have family nights with members and investigators which are awesome as well. You can tell I basically love every part of the day. The rough part is knowing that I’m a shiny, sweaty, missionary but who cares right?!

Still have clothes problems

This past week I really busted out doing contacts cause we had time in front of the temple this week! This is when we just stand outside the front gate and talk to EVERYONE....even members...even people with headphones in. It was great! People rejected us with a wave of the hand or words that I didn’t completely understand but we had a good experience anyway. Oh and I got a good tan too :) That day really testified of the gift of tongues for me. When we gird up our loins and go for it, the Lord truly helps us through.



I want you all to think about how marvelous this plan is. I have another metaphor for you guys. I thought of it this morning during study time. Life is like a child’s playpen. We are the children, God’s children but He is behind us. We can’t see him but he’s there talking us through what toys to play with and we can feel His presence. This life is full of toys to play with and decisions to make but Heavenly Father isn’t in front of us to show the way. He is with us in Spirit and Love and we have the opportunity to feel of His presence in all things.



Today is Dias das Crianças, where everyone celebrates children whoohoo! I can’t imagine how much our Heavenly Father celebrates when we are one step closer to returning to him. You can bet that I’m going to make sure I have enough money (or have done all I can spiritually) to buy that ticket home. I love you all. Stay firm in Faith and find joy in knowing you are a Child of God.

Loves


Sis Oldroyd

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Trust Me

Well everyone,  as I sat in conference I decided that I should just throw in the towel because how am I ever going to write about this past week and about how amazing it was, especially with conference??!!! Well I’m gonna try anyway :)



The week started with a surprise birthday party for an elder in our district with food, cake etc. The next was a training day for us new folk where Sister C. and I traveled to the chapel next to the temple, had training with talks, activities, lunch and giving out a Book of Mormon in front of the temple. I saw some good friends again! It is always great to visit the headquarters every once and a while. I’ve realized once again how competitive I am....for a meeting we did an activity where whoever got the answer correct could smash a plate of whipped cream in the losers face....and let’s just say I did not want to change my clothes and have this happen. Luckily I got the first one right...but then I had to go again! This time we both didn’t know the answer and smashed it in each other’s face at the same time which was not a good idea...some in the hair...most of it fell on my skirt.  Let’s just say I’m remembering how competitiveness is important/fun but don’t let it ruin the fun! Who cares if there’s sticky sugary stuff all over your face and skirt… Get over it! Great lesson for me :)



On a more spiritual note, I’ve learned this past week that it’s not about the numbers. Yes we create goals for every day and week to motivate us to do our best and even raising the bar but how many baptisms did John the Baptist have before he was asked to baptize Christ? 0...a big goose egg yet he was worthy. He was exactly who Christ needed. He wasn’t asked because he had 100 other baptisms or 10000 contacts. It was because of his character, his testimony, his spirituality. This is what I need to focus on. Am I doing my best? Am I prepared to do the Fathers will even without 100 baptisms? Am I focusing on what’s most important? That’s my first food for thought...

Another is The Atonement is like a trail already blazed in the beautiful mountains, all we have to do is walk it! Yes there might be steep parts, or sharp turns but we weren’t the one who had to clear out the trees, boulders and dirt to create the trail. Christ did. He removed every rock. Please enjoy this life like it’s a beautiful hike (wow I’m on a rhyming roll! haha not really)

Lastly, my conference story :) I was at first a bit bitter about having to watch it in Portuguese because I was insecure about how much I would understand and that I wouldn’t get all the answers I needed but immediately I was corrected in my heart and mind. I kept having the thought "Trust me" and "Why are you forgetting the power in the language of the Spirit" "I called you to preach in the Portuguese language" etc. This calmed my heart and made conference amazing. I obviously didn’t understand every word like a native speaker but I understood what I needed. I even had the opportunity to hear the beginning of the English phrases before the translation for a bit of help. In total I watched 3 out of 4 conference sessions in Portuguese (one I got to watch in English cause a member could watch it with me) and women’s conference in Portuguese as well. This conference was such a refreshing time for my spirit and soul. My love for the prophet and apostles is stronger, my testimony and conversion is better all because of two days. I can’t wait to get the Liahona and read them over and over again. I hope you all had just as good a time as I did. Share what you learned with others. I know without a doubt that everyone got something different out of conference, because the language of the spirit speaks to everyone in their own personal way. I hope we respond in our own way back because that’s what God wants; Our personality; Our testimony. We are all different but with our differences, we are united. We are members, disciples, and warriors in this battle of life. This truly is the last dispensation and we need to prepare now! Grab what you can to train, exercise, and support your comrades. I love you all very much. Know that I prepare every day to meet my God. I don’t want to be caught unprepared. I want to be over prepared and it’s my decision to do such.




I’m staying in Cotia for now :) and am overjoyed to be a missionary now. We don’t have to wait until we're grown....the time is now :)

Tchau

Sister Oldroyd

Monday, September 28, 2015

Feast upon the words of Christ

Cotia is the place to Beeya!

I hope you all got my jingle in the title :) Well folks, somehow another week has passed by and I’m going into my sixth week in Cotia! Sis R thinks that I’m going to stay here for another transfer but only transfer day will tell......

A lot happened this week! Last P-day we sacrificed 2 hours for a lesson instead of lounging and it really made me realize that I’m not here for p-days! I’m here to teach lessons and if a member has an interested friend who is only home from work on Monday afternoons, so be it.

We also had a district meeting that went well as usual, this time we had breakfast together :) soda, bread with cheese and ham; simple yet filling :) 



At this district meeting we did a talent show and scavenger hunt with puzzles we had to translate....guess what I did for the talent show???? You guessed it. Played the guitar and sang! Sis R and I wrote different lyrics to Called to Serve and we borrowed a guitar from a member. Then I improv-ed for a sister who had a song she wanted to sing. It was great! Then guess who won the translating scavenger hunt game! US! We were running and writing and the prize was one of the amazing boxes of assorted chocolates. I love my district.



I want to tell you all how much you as members make a difference! Every lunch I have with these people is such a joy; To see how they live, and love, and truly enjoy having this gospel in their lives. What a joy it is to see our investigators walking down the road to meet us for church and then having members talk to them and be their friend!

I had my first division with Sister F this past week and learned a lot from here. It was awesome to experience a new area and new companion and see how it works in other places in the mission. 



Some insights I have gotten for this week are as follows, 1. We can’t do things correctly most of the time and expect ALL of the blessings in return. 2. The time we have to renew our covenants during the sacrament is essential and we need to be reverent but we also need to carry that reverence and respect into the members who are giving talks. They’re important too and are probably a little nervous, so the most we can do is listen and learn. 3.Talk, and people will most likely respond. If not, they probably won’t start the conversation.

Well that’s my insight for this week. I’m still loving it. Cotia truly is the place to be. Continue to feast upon the words of Christ. It’s an exciting time for Brazil because the Bible just got "renewed" (woot woot).  Anyway, I love you all! Take Comfort in Christ :)

Com Amor

Sister Oldroyd