Woah! Crazy!

To be honest I just put that as the title cause I am done trying to be crafty and snappy with those phrases....bear with me :) This week was great as usual cause I’m living the life as a missionary of God. Soooo, can’t get better than that (well maybe if we had just an hour or so after lunch to take a nap that would make it positively perfect but I can’t complain, just suggest :)

Just awesome news about the progress of M. She was confirmed this past Sunday and went to a fireside with some members later that day. We saw her as she was leaving with them and she looked so member-like; black dress and a blazer. So awesome! She wants to find clothes that are modest so bad. She’s trying so hard to change her life around and has already started  and pay tithing etc...She is amazing. All I can say :)

Obedience is truly something amazing. Just this week when I was trying to be obedient and finding a house that was given to us as a reference (#500 but the streets don’t have an order so we have to basically start at the end of the street and walk it entirely until we have looked at every house) and we got burned out with trying to look for number 500 amongst numbers 100 and 50s and 60s. So we stopped looking at every house...until we passed a man and his gate. A thought and desire to stop and talk to him made me return and invite him to come to church and to watch the Easter church video. During the contact my companion asked him if Michelly lived there who was the reference we were looking for....in my mind I thought, why did she ask him that but as I looked up....my eyes landed on a little number 500....I just smiled, gave the Lord a thought of thankfulness for helping us contact the reference when we almost passed it by. When we are being obedient and willing to do his will, he makes it almost too easy. Especially when finding that 500 was like a needle in a haystack...but with Him, it was obvious and in plain sight.

I have a great metaphor for you guys (it’s been a while, right??) This morning I was studying D&C and section 62:3 made me think of the movie Inside Out and how the girl has "key memories" or something and how it’s the same thing with our Testimonies recorded in heaven. Just imagine if we could relive or watch the moments when our testimony grew. I can only vividly remember a few of them but boy am I grateful for the impact they made on my spiritual progression and my testimony’s stability. Don’t worry everyone; our testimonies are being recorded in heaven! I challenge you guys to try and re-live those simple but powerful testimony testifiers :) Just like they re-watch her "key memories" in the movie. Without her key memories, she forgets who she is, and it’s exactly the same with us and who we are spiritually. Without our testimony moments, who are we? Are we spirit children of Heavenly Father? Yes! Thank goodness. We each are spiritually unique. I’m so glad that I can build my testimony :) So glad that some things that happen here are being preserved in Heaven. What do you guys want recorded in heaven? Well that’s my two bits for this week. Hope you guys share your testimonies and remember who you are, a spirit son and daughter of God!

Loves,
Sis Oldroyd, one who stores her testimony on the records in heaven, where angels, her Savior and Father in Heaven can read of her progression :)

So Powerful!

Well M was baptized!!! It was so powerful! So spiritual and just what I imagined. Her parents came to watch and support (they were very supportive and happy like always!) We sang a special musical number for her. M and her mother cried. All went as planned and M is progressing so well! She’s already dived into reading Gospel Principles, and the Book of Mormon every chance she gets. I gave her a mini hymn book cause I want her to always have the hymns close to her heart as they are to mine. I also could tell that her parents appreciated the music as well. She’s basically gained a new library with a new bible, triple, hymn book etc. We are working on teaching her parents as well. They need to get married and start keeping the word of Wisdom. We already did a fast for them and we are hoping for something more for them to stop completely! 

This week we had multi-zona conference. It was great! Our zone sang and I played the piano to "Vinde a Cristo" or "Come unto Christ" and I had two days to practice the music (shout out to my great piano teacher and encouraging mother! Piano has saved me many times on the mission!) We had some great training and practices and talks given. Just some thoughts from it; "Do I have a living testimony?" "I’m here to cure the sick world through the Atonement Antidote" "Do I personally believe I am capable?" Sing for the Savior. Don’t let the Savior suffer more than He already has because of my future choices. We are angels to others; it just depends on their hearts and our actions. "The mission makes me cry" but that’s ok because it means I’m feeling the Spirit, seeing lives change and shedding a few tears for the drops of my Saviors blood. "Pray for the desire to Pray.  Let’s just say I love meetings like this! Feeling the spirit, getting that boost of "You can do this!!!"  

Another great thing was getting a box filled with pink...Valentine’s Day! Who knew the U.S. was so creative? I had forgotten how crazy we get with our holidays. haha Their Vday is in June. On to the quick tic tac story...I was using the Vday tic tacs that had little messages on them as often as possible (after lessons, lunches, pow wows) and one lesson was really special. We had just taught Rafaela the Plan of Salvation. She had let us in from the rain, on her birthday when she was eating cake chillin in bed watching tv with her friend...in this situation I was thinking..."would I have let two strangers in?" Well I’m so happy she did! The lesson went really well and I randomly offered them tic tacs. You know me, and she said "Wow, from the U.S., fancy! I’m going to keep them and not eat them..."  Ok, fine with me :) later the next day a member who is friends with her showed me a facebook post she made. There was a photo with her hand open showing the three tic tacs, and said something like" What a great birthday present it was to receive the servants of the Lord on my birthday and being reminded that He loves me. And fancy USA tic tacs!" Well that wasn’t too good of a translation but you get the idea....it really showed me that there are people prepared to receive us and the small things (like tic tacs) make a big difference :) 

Also, I’m the pro spider killer! Sadly, another gigantic spider appeared.....you would be so proud of me for how I killed the hugest spider this week...Sis L sprayed the stuff at it...it descended with its silk...tried running away.......and then I creamed it with the broom...various times....until it didn’t move....then we poured boiling water on it......then we sprayed some chemicals.......what is this house going to do without Sis Oldroyd and Sis L? haha The other sister was in our room trying not to freak out and my comp filmed it for me ;) Isn’t that a great companion? 

All in all a productive week :) Thanks for all the support!! Know that I’m doing well!! 

Love 

Sis Oldroyd the broom spider swatter

An Invitation

Well let’s just cut to the chase! Tonight we are going to have the baptism of Maysa! The "moça" or young woman I stopped to talk to in the street and found her crying two weeks ago. She has come so far from that day. As we were talking with her she said that day she was at hairs end, with no idea of what to do next but possibly end her life. But she said two angels found her that day and yesterday during Gospel Principles, she commented that she knew of various gospels but not the "Restored Gospel" until we came along and invited her to join. That’s how simple it is folks, an invitation. A sincere question if they would like to join the Church of Jesus Christ. Many are waiting, as was Maysa. She just didn’t know it :) What is funny about her situation is that last Sunday she came to church but had to leave after a bit for work.  Unfortunately she works a lot, usually 2 o’clock until 10 o’clock at night so that was limiting our time to teach her. We were unable to visit her during this past week because we aren’t too used to leaving our house during studies for lessons until she called us Wednesday asking, "Aren’t I preparing for baptism and need to be learning things?" Boy did we just think.....Repentance! We had been totally slacking in the progression of one of the Lord’s Children who was ready to progress. We ran right over, taught her in two days (one of which the baptismal interview happened directly after) and set up her baptism for the day of her break. She is such a great example of repentance and progression. She’s only 18 (almost 19 in April) but has already gone through so many things, but knows this is her next step in life. This is her path she will take, and she has decided to never leave again.

Gotta take advantage of the kids and making connections...

especially when they hand you their glasses

Other than this great happening the week was normal. We had a great sister training meeting thing. Obviously got out my camera and took a few selfies with some of these amazing sisters who I have come to love dearly. I can proudly say that my beloved daughter was chosen to do the baptismal invitation practice like I did my first sister meeting! So proud :)

Renato wasn’t at home a lot this week for us to teach him but he did play some soccer on Tuesday and we were surprised to hear from a member during  lunch on Saturday that he was there cleaning the chapel as well....at times even members don’t do that! Go Renato!

I have so much more appreciation for family history and the sacredness of our calling to do that work within the house of the Lord. We reminded Maria one day about the lesson we had taught about temples, by showing her a picture of the São Paulo and SLC temple that were on our phone. Maria walked over to show her father Manuel (who has principles of Alzheimer’s) the picture of the SLC temple and told him, "Dad, this is their temple" he responded with," That’s a very pretty place. I saw my dad and brother the other day in a pretty place too" with the most sincere and real intent in his voice as if he had truly seen them. At that moment my heart leapt and my eyes blinked with surprise because of this miraculous connection he had just made!  Maria quickly responded saying that it was a dream but the way he quickly connected the beauty of the temple with the beautiful feeling and remembrance of him and his family just only strengthened my testimony of this Gospel’s truth and power to seal families forever.

I’ve started a pot of gratitude (an awesome yellow plastic Brazil jersey piggy bank haha) that I’ve been filling with moments or things I am grateful for. It’s going to be awesome. I suggest everyone buy a cool jersey piggy bank and start filling it up with not only coins, but precious memories and gratitudes :)

Real quick, I gave a talk! Woo hoo! Luckily I had about an hour in advance to prepare and it was about missionary work. I wasn’t even too nervous but just beaming up there because I could look into the eyes of Maysa and see her progression and sweet spirit. I’ve actually felt that from all the members here in Novo Osasco. Yes I was a bit nervous about the language but I’ve learned to Trust the Lord, Bear my testimony, and let Him help me communicate through His spirit. I know now through the help of Maysa that this is the work of the Lord that I was sent here to do in Brasil, Novo Osasco; to run into Maysa one day in the street when I almost didn’t stop, to invite her to make a change that everyone has the ability to make. She almost thought there was no way out but I was given the amazing opportunity to represent my Salvador (Savior) and shine the light when all seemed dark. He is our Light and Life. I’m living because of Him, and she’s shining because she was willing to endure the burn. Let’s all endure the burn, so we can shine like Him. Don’t just shine like a match, but go big, be a sparkler!!! haha couldn’t resist :) Love you all. Have a wonderful week. Know that I will for sure.

Loves,

Sis Oldroyd the still kitchen dancer, twitcher, mover :) haha (shhhh it’s a secret. I only dance a bit in our house to the groovy church music)

The Fruit of Our Labors

Boy was it a great week! Everyone wishes to get the call I did this past Wednesday from a sister in Cotia telling me that the less active and her family who I was teaching got married and were going to have the baptism on Friday! So I figured out how to get there with permission and got to go!!! Andreia, Marcelo and Àlvaro ;) Something special was that their son who has autism got baptized as well with permission from President Del Guerso :) I feel so blessed to have been there and see I really am making a difference. Even though I wasn’t serving in Cotia at the time of the wedding and baptism, I’m counting it as my first baptism :)

Real quick, Renato is great! He is progressing really well!

This week we decided to stop in the nearest McDonalds for a pit stop only to find the bathrooms on the second floor...McDonalds are pretty fancy here....

Also my new district this transfer is a musical one which is new too! Very different to actually hear the bass and tenor parts behind me as I play piano.

Maysa was able to make it to church this week, we need to teach her the word of wisdom but she’s been able to return to work and is reading everything in the Book of Mormon we tell her to!

Some insights from my studies this week; D&C 31:5 we need to be a laborer worth his paycheck, 2 Ne 2:2 I’m so grateful that God turns our afflictions into gain. He is capable of turning anything into a blessing. He just wants the best for us! I love the story about the girl going for the summer to live with her great aunt and learning to enjoy life more. The pioneer painting that says, joy in the journey. I really am enjoying this Brasilian journey that’s filled with the Holy Ghost, love, and blessings. I have tasted the bitter at times, but this only helps me enjoy the taste of sweetness even more. And let me tell you, there is a lot of sugar to go around :) I love you! Know that I have the faith to follow. The faith to act. And the faith to share because it’s all according to our faith. Our willingness to do His will. I don’t know if I’m making sense but this keyboard is making it difficult to type my thoughts in a peaceful smooth manner when every key is stuck. I try..and so should you :)

Happy week to you all!
Loves Sister Oldroyd an almost Brasilian :)

The Basics

Because me and my comp have started quoting movies like crazy, (she says it so well in Portuguese that I know exactly what movie and what phrase in English. Don’t worry we are going to film us switching on and off) I just gotta quote the Incredibles real fast. Imagine Edna Mode.... "I didn’t know the boy’s powers, so I just started with the basics". Anyway, this has a purpose! I’ve been reminded of how important the basics are. Sometimes we don’t know our true faith or "powers" until we start with the basic solid principles God has given us. If we aren’t willing to pray, read our scriptures and attend church, how are we going to see all the other blessings God has placed inside us? All the things He has put to protect and provide for us. Edna mode didn’t know what powers Jack Jack had so she included the basic protection systems, and Egyptian cotton feel into the super suit. Imagine our super suit that God has created! He gave us a body in His exact image, the blessing to feel emotion, feel His presence, to learn and so much more. He has placed the basics for us to follow and act in order to see it truly works its magic. 

Here in Novo Osasco Sister Moraes and I are seeing the blessings of doing the basics, contacts in the street. One contact I almost didn’t stop to do ended up being a tender mercy for me and for the moça, (mosa, young woman) we found. I started the contact normally as I do but as I continued I could see tears in her eyes.  I immediately stopped and asked if she was alright. She responded with a head shake. I invited her to sit down in the park so we could talk a bit more. I told her of our purpose and she asked if we could go to the church that instant. Unfortunately I knew it wasn’t open at the time but we prayed together, left a pamphlet of the gospel of Jesus Christ with her and marked her address down to return. The day we returned to her house (maysa) she gave us such strong hugs of welcome and told her parents, "these are my good friends.” I asked her if she was better and she said "you really helped me the other day.  I feel so much better and read the entire pamphlet already."  The only question she had about it was the phrase "Book of Mormon" at the end and so we got to teach her about it! Moments like these only strengthen my spirit and give me the boost to "keep moving forward" (Meet the Robinsons, Mike?? haha) and the feeling we are making a difference by starting with the basics.

Renato is progressing so well! He always offers us juice and cookies, has played basketball with the members, and started reading the Book of Mormon!

You know I’m becoming a true missionary when you get into a doctrine deep discussion and you just wanna sit for hours with scriptures and resources to learn more! haha We had this experience with a member.

I also had the opportunity this week to play the piano for the other sisters in our ward’s baptism. Felipe, his grandfather invited me to play. I said of course! They even had fancy little programs, and my name was spelled correctly!

Fortunately I chose to weigh myself at one of the drogarias (pharmacies) and I weigh 59 kl! woot woot! I was 61! haha This transition with pounds and kl is really testing me but I think 59 is good....anyway, have a wonderful week! Know that I’m here trying to use more sunscreen, bug repellent and chapstick to appear somewhat presentable as a missionary :)  I’m kidding! I’m doing great health wise and spiritually as well. When you dedicate your life to the Lord and His children, He feeds you well and protects you too :) Who could ask for more than to live and love as the people in Brasil? I couldn’t ask for more :)

Tchau from Sister Oldroyd The Brasilian Born

A picture to go with the pictures from two blogs ago of the spiders!

Conversion

Well this is gonna be a quick one (as I always say).  The power went out and our time has been cut quite a bit. This week was great! I think the best part was having 5 people come to church! Maria and her father Manuel, Renato who has a tattooed head and usually wears a hat but came and I’m so happy for the help we received from a member who stayed with him and walked with him to church. Another Manuel who came right as soon as we called to remind him cause he slept in! And finally Richard, who is very versed in all religions but finally made a visit.

It didn’t feel very different with Carnaval going on here in Brasil. Novo Osasco is very chill and the only difference was having to go home at 7 o’clock. 

I’m trying to focus on what are my desires? As it says in D&C 11:17, are they sincere? Of God? When we are desiring as God does, it is more likely to happen and be a part of His will. Our life will feel so much better if our desires are in the right place. 

This week was transfers! I'm proud to announce that I will be a mother of one Sister M. Soares who is from Teresina and is 21. She likes a lot of the same things and likes to play around so that’s gonna be good! I’ve got a lot to do to make sure she enjoys the mission as I did with my trainer. 

Nothing else crazy really happened to be honest...just got sunburned, ate beans and rice and fresh pineapple juice, and felt the spirit very STRONG as I told my "conversion" story to a member who asked how it was growing up in the church. I recounted my story when I went to the women’s conference as a 12 year old in the conference center and didn’t know why everyone was quieting down and standing up until I saw the prophet entering the room. That moment changed everything. I felt in my little body the warmest feeling and knew he was a prophet of God. It was so great to remember how I started learning for myself the truths of this wonderful gospel. 

Know I am still gaining a testimony daily and that my conversion is stronger than ever. When you dedicate your life 24/7, things happen, the spirit speaks and you are never at a loss because He is there. He Always has been and Always will be. Have a great week! Until Monday :)

Sis O    A Proud new mommy :)

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