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)

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   

  

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 :)

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    

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)

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  

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