Parks, Puzzles and Pretty Hot Sun

Alright I’m going to test my typing skills this week. Really quick the title is about a few things. This last pday we visited a pretty famous park that has everything; bikes, skates, etc. but unfortunately I carried my batman kite all the way there to find out that my type of kite wasn’t allowed (the battling paper kind haha) so that was a bummer. But I also didn’t bring clothes to change into thinking it was a small park where I could peacefully fly my kite (which is doable in a dress)...so there’s me playing soccer in a dress because obviously a dress doesn’t stop me from enjoying myself.

Also the puzzle thing happened when a family let us in because it was raining like crazy (I think I was the closest to thunder and lightning in this moment) (very loud stuff) and they started talking to us, made us hot chocolate (because we kindly turned down the coffee offer) and then her son pulled out a puzzle. I couldn’t resist and told them about my love of puzzles. We did it together (30 pieces I think) and she thought I was pretty "intelligent" for having completed it without a picture. It was the first time they had seen what it actually was cause no one had been able to complete it ...so of course she took a picture of me and her son with it.

The last point, the Sun.....boy is it starting to feel like summer here. Even the mornings feel like the heat is entering your soul from every direction, not just from the sun above you.

I had some great moments this week. I’m a scripture hugger. I was feeling a bit frustrated and confused and needed some love so I thought; why not hug your quad of scriptures? So I snuck a hug for a good minute or so with them and it felt sooo good. I felt so much love from my Heavenly Father even though it wasn’t him physically; I knew He was hugging me back :) Another was helping a member with Family Search and realizing how lucky I am with all that’s been done so far and how my family is amazing. Getting to watch a members sealing in the temple because my Companion was invited and Presidente authorized us to go! It only reminded me of the wonderful experience I had with Erica and Michael. Way to go all the way to the top :) Sealing for eternity is the only way to go in this life :) Still enduring the bugs and creatures here, some of which I don’t have a problem. Geckos are my buddies still!  And being able to have our investigator watch another’s baptism. She still really wants a big answer from God about being baptized so we are trying to help Maria progress to this point. Please help me remain faithful with this. She’s already felt the spirit but asks for more...it’s been a little tough for me.

A Tarantula in our apartment . . . 

Another experience real fast, after lunch my comp and I went over to a "praça" or park area where there’s usually trees and benches in the middle of the city. This one was new for us and very beautiful compared to how they usually are. After a minute or so we saw a man and we just needed to talk with him. Long story short, his life was tough. Not filled with the loving life he wanted, with a tattooed head and face (his eyebrows were tattoos and whole head red flames but were covered because he wore a hat). He fears to return to church because of this decision and only stays with his "wife" because of his daughter. We taught him and tried to help him out, telling him that there’s always a path back to Christ, and way to live in positivity.

Unfortunately, Mr Tarantula wasn't alone . . .

I hope you all know that we are part of a beautiful bouquet! But it’s not just the flower part that’s necessary. The stem, and leaves are important as well. All complement one another. Each has a part to play. The stem helps it remain in the vase. The leaves give depth and a good green feeling and the flowers bring color and power to it all. Never forget that you are a valued flower and part of Gods bouquet. Whether you are a taller, skinnier flower or a fluffy, squatty one, we are all in His vase of value and He lovingly waters us every day :) (this wonderful metaphor was brought to you by, the bouquet in the São Paulo Temple celestial room)

I'd much rather hold a gecko

Love you all. Have a great week!

Sis Oldroyd the Puzzle putter together