Monday, May 20, 2013

Sydney is in California!

I speak Spanglish...well sort of


Oi all! Hermana (did I spell that right?) Powell here!
 
So I am in San Jose, California! The Flight here was pretty much the safest flight ever. There were 27 missionaries going to San Jose! It was crazy. No contacts were available on that small plane. But I did talk to a really nice guy who took a picture of me in the plane (on my camera it wasn't creepy like that). We landed and we got off like the confused little babies we were. And then we were off to the Institute Building where we were off to meet our Mission President and his wonderful wife. President Watkins is possibly the hardest working person I have met in the world. And dashingly handsome (his words not mine). He was just joking I think. Haha. After we met them, we were in the streets contacting. AH! So scary. But it was awesome/awful. WE out and everyone was looking at us like we were dirt. Everyone ignored us, ran away from us, or cussed at us. But it was interesting to hear them talking all about us. We made some sort of impact. And I talked to one guy whose grandma who is a member. But he doesn't believe in God. And he attacked us (verbally not physically, haha). I walked away and wished I had shared my experience about how I know there is a God. And I know he does exist. He is the reason I am on this mission. I love Him and I know Him. Maybe I said something that helped him though. I walked back feeling frustrated. But I felt prompted to open the scriptures, and I came to: fear not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
 
I think it is so cool how when we wear this tag, people judge us but the kinda don't. The Atonement takes that away. We wear His name and that's what they see. I could have taken my tag off and walked around and they would have not recognized me. I love the Lord so much.
 
After that we ate lunch and had an orientation. President took out the visa waiters and told us that he was the only person in all of the country that would take us. "I told President Holland, 'Send me two great Temple Square Missionaries and I'll take all six of those Sisters!" Wish was totally awesome, because we would have been stuck in that dang MTC way longer.
 
That night we had this awesome Texas Sheet Cake and we had mashed potatoes and steak and carrots (thought you would want to know). And then we had a sort of devotional thing where everyone bore their testimonies and we listened to President talk. He talks a lot but he says the best things.
 
Second day, I woke up with a crazy ache in my neck and a zit the size of mount everest. Totally upsetting. And then we went to the MISSION HOME!!!! DON DON DON!!!. Qu scary music. I was getting my new companions. Who were they going to be? What were they like? And then I was assigned to Sister Hall and Sister Jones...Spanish speaking. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! hahaha. It's awesome though. Sister Corbitt gave me a lot of practice listening to Spanish;) I can't remember the first day very well. I think that's when we taught Brissa, who is getting baptized! First lesson and we extended a baptismal invitation. She is so smart and so awesome.
 
The second day was weird. It was on splits: I was with Sister Kofford and Sister Packer. We taught this woman named Rachel, and I prayed with her. She said she had been seeking for churches all her life and she found this one that made her really happy. She said that I said the prettiest prayer ever though. Blushes;) We got back for study time and I felt a little abandoned. I was wondering where my companions were. I was just the Visa Waiter, but I read a lot of scriptures that stood out to me and comforted me. One of them was:John 15: 12 This is my commandment, That ye alove one another, as I have bloved you.
 13 Greater alove hath no man than this, that a man lay down his blife for his cfriends.
 14 Ye are my afriends, if ye do whatsoever I bcommand you.
 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you afriends; for all things that I have bheard of my Father I have made cknown unto you.
 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have achosen you, and bordained you, that ye should go and bring forth cfruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in mydname, he may give it you.
 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
 18 If the world ahate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
 19 If ye were of the aworld, the world would blove his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The aservant is not greater than his lord. If they havebpersecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had asin: but now they have no bcloakfor their sin.
 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had asin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
 25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They ahatedme without a cause.
 26 But when the aComforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall btestify of me:
 27 And ye also shall bear awitness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

After that I just made it a huge goal to open my mouth. I speak Portuguese and I bare my testimony to them in it. They understand it. And I know it is because of the Spirit.
Friday was an awesome day with lessons (I gave Jessa a picture of Jesus and she loved it). We taught Louis and Adela and Mariah.
Saturday was planning day and weird. We went downtown at night and I felt the spirit go away. It was not fun and I didn't like it. Sunday was awesome. We found these two girls who were totally going to smoke pot after we talked to them, but they were curious and wanted to stop drugs, and gave us a whole bunch of numbers. Debbie wanted to know how to pray because she wanted to pray for her sister, so we taught her and she started to cry. I felt the spirit strongly. And I bore my testimony in sacrament and everyone started to freak out. Who is this girl? What is she saying? Five people were up there trying to figure it out. They didn't think I could speak English. Haha. So this lady translated my Portuguese to Spanish. I was pretty proud she could understand me.
My head hurts from all the Spanish, but I am doing awesome. I really love serving and I feel like I am getting closer everytime I serve. By the way, I am being transferred to a different area. Haha. Still Spanish speaking. I am getting a companion who has only been out for Six Weeks and has no idea whats going on. I am so excited. President was so stressed when he told me that, but I think I made his day when I joked around about it. HOW DARE MY COMPANIONS GET RID OF ME AFTER 2 DAYS! THE VISA WAITER!
I have been getting lots of nice compliments too. "Your eyes are beautiful!" "You hair is fabulous!" BONHITA! "Are you a Victoria Secret Model?" That's my favorite.
I know the church is true! Missionary work is hard but rewarding. Read the Book of Mormon! Sorry I couldn't write as much as I wanted, but Is gots to writes mes missions presidents. I forgetting english! HELP! Haha. Yeah. I might be going crazy, but I love it!
Love y'all!
SIster Powell


NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Alex is in New York City


Well Im in New York!! Jamaica Queens to be exact. Let me go in the order of the days.
So after I talked to all of you I realized something... That there are a lot of people in this world and very few of them are LDS. haha
I guess I forgot about that b/c of the MTC? Who knows. I sat next to a really nice man on the plane who told me all about New York. I only ended up giving out one of my pass along cards out but Sister Mann gave all of them out! It was awesome :D When we got to the airport We realixed (sister mann, Romney, and Sandberg) we did not know what to do. We wondered around for a bit looking for the mission president but we didnt see anyone. But they found us! hahaha President is so amazing. There are 10 sisters reassigned to this area so they got a handful but he loves us none the less!
 
After the airport we went to the tallest building in brooklyn! It was so beautiful. New York City is really large! We talked about the mission goal and he asled why I wanted to serve a mission and I said bc I love the Lord with my whole heart:)
 
That night we slept at the Mission Home. I have never slept so well in my life. The next day we set off for transfers. I am sad to say I said goodbye to Sister Mann :/ Im slightly grateful though because Im pretty sure that we would not be alive right now. hahaha My new comps name is Sister Gonzalez. She is awesome. Shes 31 and has been in the church for 5 years. I am learning a lot from her.
 
We have cleanslated an area. No sisters have been here for a really long long time. We came in to the area and there was nothing in our area book so we are literally starting from scratch. IT is really hard. And no one wants to talk to us but that is okay! We can do it.
 
The mission president has gotten rid of areas. We work in elipiticals. The whole district works together. It is fun. We sing in the Subway and chalk the sidewalk. It is so that people will see us. The misson president was really inspired when he did it. Everyone is so tight nit here.
 
We are really working with the ward here. We know that the ward members are the key. It is through them that we are going to find our investigators.
 
I have talked to some really cool people. One guys name was pete. He is way awesome. He doesnt believe in God. But he said he felt my testimony.
 
Another is Sally! Shes SO awesome! And we got a return appointmet :) She has such a strong faith. She went to the polynesian center in Hawaii and referalled herself. haha
 
I am loving it here in Queens. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. Literally. But I know that it is way worth it. I love my Lord with all my heart and I am willing to give up my family for a short time for Him and so that others can be happy.
 
I just want to hit everyone and yell my testimony. I know that this Church is true. I know it.
 
I love you all so so so so much and miss you so much.
 
Love Sister Powell


NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

The real last one from the MTC


Oi!
 
So we get the awesome opportunity to email our families before we leave. I feel a little awkward right now because I straightened my hair for the Elders in my district, and I don't feel like me. I think it might also have to do that Alex left today.
 
Last night, after we watched the Joseph Smith Movie and the awesome devotional, I said goodbye to Alex. It was so much harder than I thought it would be. I hugged her and I just started crying. I don't feel like I will ever see her again. And I won't, not in a way. The Alex I'll see in 17 months will be so different. I am not used to changing without her. We have gone through everything together. I think the longest I have been separated from her was the lonely months after my birth. And I don't even remember that! I know when I see her next she will be a spiritual giant. She has the potential to be so great in her mission, and I know that Savior will help her reach that potential. I am going to miss her, and it's weird how weird I feel without her.
 
The MTC has been hard, but it's sort of like a cocoon. Just like the Caterpillar struggles, I struggled to become some sort of premature butterfly. The field is going to be so scary, but I am so excited. San Jose California isn't a knock on the door mission, it's a street contacting mission. It's against the law their to proselyte. We also have to become best friends with the ward, but I love the ward already. I just know the people of San Jose California is awesome. I love them, and I know how much Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ loves them. I feel that towards them already. Sister Nerenberg's Grandparents set up a program for missionaries in San Jose, it's called: Just Serve. We do service for the community and that's how we teach and get referrals. I am so excited to serve the community and to meet Grandpa and Grandma Price.
 
I have learned so much here, and I learned so much about myself. I am so weak. I would be home already if it was just me. But I know the Savior is with me, and He is making me strong. He is reminding me everyday that it isn't me doing this work, it's both of us. It isn't me that I need to focus on, it's others. It is my Lord, the people I am serving, my Mission President, and my companions. And if I give myself up completely, some where along the way I will change too. I will change for the better.
 
Brother Durfee told me that when I said the first vision in Portuguese to Jose, it was the strongest he has felt the spirit ever. He told me that I was meant to tell people about that message. I felt the spirit too, and I knew it was the Spirit saying it, not me. And I was so grateful for that moment. The Lord does call ordinary people, and I amazed everyday when He works through me. I love Him so much.
 
This church service this Sunday was really different, our Branch President was really sad we were leaving and made every Sister stand up and say the purpose and first vision. He is so awesome, and loves us so much. President Hodges really magnifies his calling and I felt the Lord's love when he spoke.
 
Here's the first vision in Portuguese (sorry if words are misspelled but it's pretty much how I speak anyway):
 
"Vi um Pilar de luz acima de minha cabeca, mais brillante que o sol, que descia gradualmente sobre mim. Quando a luz pousou sobre mim, vi dois personagens cujo espelendor e gloria desifiam quelquer descrisao, partando em ar, acima de mim. Um deles falou-me, chamando-me pelo name, apartando para o outre, "Este e meu filho, amado-o, ouve o!".
 
I don't know if any of my friends who aren't Mormons are reading this but if they are, I want them to know that I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know that he restored the Gospel that was on the Earth when Jesus Christ was here. It is Christ's church. I know just like Heavenly Father knew Joseph Smith's name, He knows ours too. He loves us so much. He wants us to have joy and to be happy. And that's why He gave us this gospel. It makes the saddest of people the happiest, the poorest the richest. The Book of Mormon truly testifies of Christ. The Book of Mormon is true and calls men to repentance. It's a book of hope, peace, and love. It is filled with God's tender mercies. It is a perfect companion to the Bible.
 
I wouldn't be dedicating 18 months of my life to a mission if I didn't know if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wasn't a true church. I plan to dedicate my life to the Gospel of Christ because it makes me unbelievably happy. God loves you and wants you to be so happy. Pray to Him always.
 
Cousin Julian! Prepare yourself for your mission buddy. Live worthily. Love the Lord before anything else. Same for all my cousins. Going on a mission is the best decision I have ever made. GO! You will be beyond happy. I love all y'all so much. But I love the Lord more than you:) So I don't miss you all to much, but I will be so excited to see y'all!
 
Read the Book of Mormon! Pray! Go to church! Have family home evenings! Love the Lord!
 
Love,
 
Sister Powell
 
 
 
 


NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Sydney's last MTC emails


OLA Minha Familia!
Maybe last PDAY in MTC!! I find out either today or tomorrow so expect a phone call from me soon! Remember to be home tomorrow around 4 or on thursday just in case.
So this week was kinda long, and probably the most challanging og them all. But
I'm grateful for that! I got kinda sick this week. oops. haha but not anything to bad. I had to go to the doctor but it made for the best story ever!
 So Im grateful! So in the doctor I had to go get some medicine. THey told me to go into this room and I accidently went into the carentine room
 (this is the room where they lock the people up when the are super sick) and I shot the door behind me and was locked in!
I knocked and knocked and knocked but no one heard me! IT WAS DREADFUL! and honestly I was a little worried. lol
The lady finally came and got me 20 min later. It felt like a lifetime.
 
On Wednesday I get to be a host. So when you come to the mtc you get dropped off
and handed over to a missionary. I was that missionary! It was fun and sad
because families where crying every where!
I loved the two missionaries I hosted.
They will be amazing missionaries.
 
This week I learned how much I love my district.
I literally am so grateful that I havent recieved my visa yet
Just because I have gained so many sisters and brothers.
This week one of our elders had a hard time
and we just supported him so much.
We all love each other like a family.
I have learned so much from my district.
 
I am also so thankful for Sister Mann.
She makes me want to be better each day.
I am so sad that I am leaving my best friend soon.
 
The hardest thing for me in learning port. is pronouncing things.
I blame louisiana. lol
It reminds me of the times that Mom used to stay up with me allllll
night teaching me how to read.
It is so humbling basically learning to read all over again. I LOVE IT!
Literally I do! It makes me so grateful for the times that I speak right.
 
TRC this week was so amazing. The girl we taught was from Brazil!
It made me realize how important a simple but profound testimony is.
My simple words in port. combined with the spirit can do all things :)
 
Sister Mann and I have a goal this week to share our testimony in port to someone random every day.
We shared it 3 times yesterday.
The last time we did yesterday I witnessed the gift of tongues. I spoke portuguese the best I ever have.
I felt the words spill through my mouth.
I felt Gods love being spoken through me.
 
Today after our temple trip we walked outside
and a family of Brazilians where outside the temple.

They are just visiting america!
our whole district got to talk to them.
 
SOOOO Challange to all who read this.
Please send me your testimony through dear elder or email (because I dont know when I am leaving)
My address should be on here.
But my email is alexis.powell@mylds.net
I dont care what faith you are :)
A testimony is a testimony.
And one must share it or they will lose it.
Also share how you gained it.
 
Also Valerie from EFY! (sorry if I spelt that wrong)
can you send me your address?
I was so excited that I accidently tore it!
I love you! I think of you everyday!
All my EFY participants!
I love you :)
 
 
SO let me start the testimony with mine.
Again I want to say I love you all.
I know this is where i need to be. I know that all my blessings in my life after this will be because I served my Savior and Heavenly Father.
I want you to know that I know that God lives.
That He blesses His children.
I know this because I am a witness to those blessings.

Everyday I see His hand in my life.
I feel his strength pour through me.
 
I know without a shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith saw God and His Son Jesus Christ.
I know this because I know that the book of mormon is true.
It was written of prophets of old.
You can know this too if you read with a pure intent and pray if it is true.
 
I also know that the Bible is true.
It is a wonderful testimony that Jesus Christ lives.
It was also written by prophets of old.
 
I know that we once lived with God and that we can again.
God loves us so much and the wants us to be happy.
The only way we can be truly happy is if we accept His gospel
and keep his commandments.
 
Jesus Christ died for us.
He suffered for us.
He atoned for us.
To also be happy we must accept His atonement.
We must repent.
 
I love the Gospel so much.

 
Keep on writing.


PS. Austin Holleman write me.
And Rebekah Ray! I love you!
pps. Send me pics of my puppies!

 


NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Alex's last MTC email

 OLA Minha Familia!
Maybe last PDAY in MTC!! I find out either today or tomorrow so expect a phone call from me soon! Remember to be home tomorrow around 4 or on thursday just in case.
So this week was kinda long, and probably the most challanging og them all. But
I'm grateful for that! I got kinda sick this week. oops. haha but not anything to bad. I had to go to the doctor but it made for the best story ever!
 So Im grateful! So in the doctor I had to go get some medicine. THey told me to go into this room and I accidently went into the carentine room
 (this is the room where they lock the people up when the are super sick) and I shot the door behind me and was locked in!
I knocked and knocked and knocked but no one heard me! IT WAS DREADFUL! and honestly I was a little worried. lol
The lady finally came and got me 20 min later. It felt like a lifetime.
 
On Wednesday I get to be a host. So when you come to the mtc you get dropped off
and handed over to a missionary. I was that missionary! It was fun and sad
because families where crying every where!
I loved the two missionaries I hosted.
They will be amazing missionaries.
 
This week I learned how much I love my district.
I literally am so grateful that I havent recieved my visa yet
Just because I have gained so many sisters and brothers.
This week one of our elders had a hard time
and we just supported him so much.
We all love each other like a family.
I have learned so much from my district.
 
I am also so thankful for Sister Mann.
She makes me want to be better each day.
I am so sad that I am leaving my best friend soon.
 
The hardest thing for me in learning port. is pronouncing things.
I blame louisiana. lol
It reminds me of the times that Mom used to stay up with me allllll
night teaching me how to read.
It is so humbling basically learning to read all over again. I LOVE IT!
Literally I do! It makes me so grateful for the times that I speak right.
 
TRC this week was so amazing. The girl we taught was from Brazil!
It made me realize how important a simple but profound testimony is.
My simple words in port. combined with the spirit can do all things :)
 
Sister Mann and I have a goal this week to share our testimony in port to someone random every day.
We shared it 3 times yesterday.
The last time we did yesterday I witnessed the gift of tongues. I spoke portuguese the best I ever have.
I felt the words spill through my mouth.
I felt Gods love being spoken through me.
 
Today after our temple trip we walked outside
and a family of Brazilians where outside the temple.
They are just visiting america!
our whole district got to talk to them.
 
SOOOO Challange to all who read this.
Please send me your testimony through dear elder or email (because I dont know when I am leaving)
My address should be on here.
But my email is alexis.powell@mylds.net
I dont care what faith you are :)
A testimony is a testimony.
And one must share it or they will lose it.
Also share how you gained it.
 
Also Valerie from EFY! (sorry if I spelt that wrong)
can you send me your address?
I was so excited that I accidently tore it!
I love you! I think of you everyday!
All my EFY participants!
I love you :)
 
 
SO let me start the testimony with mine.
Again I want to say I love you all.
I know this is where i need to be. I know that all my blessings in my life after this will be because I served my Savior and Heavenly Father.
I want you to know that I know that God lives.
That He blesses His children.
I know this because I am a witness to those blessings.
Everyday I see His hand in my life.
I feel his strength pour through me.
 
I know without a shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith saw God and His Son Jesus Christ.
I know this because I know that the book of mormon is true.
It was written of prophets of old.
You can know this too if you read with a pure intent and pray if it is true.
 
I also know that the Bible is true.
It is a wonderful testimony that Jesus Christ lives.
It was also written by prophets of old.
 
I know that we once lived with God and that we can again.
God loves us so much and the wants us to be happy.
The only way we can be truly happy is if we accept His gospel
and keep his commandments.
 
Jesus Christ died for us.
He suffered for us.
He atoned for us.
To also be happy we must accept His atonement.
We must repent.
 
I love the Gospel so much.
 
 
Keep on writing.
PS. Austin Holleman write me.
And Rebekah Ray! I love you!
pps. Send me pics of my puppies!
 


NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Friday, May 3, 2013

From Alex: Week 4


Well my pday is now tuesdays!! yayyyyy!!!! Syds is on friday so we swapped :)
 
Nothing really eventful has happened since 4 days ago but we had an awesome Sunday!
Sunday was so amazing and made me feel so much better :) The speaker said that we are at war
with Satan. Satan hates Jesus so much so he also hates us and will do anything to take us down.
So he messes with our minds while we are here at the MTC. Makes us doubt ourselves and think we are not good
enough to be here but we are. With Jesus as one of our companions we can do all things. How amazing/scary is that? Good thing we have
a Heavenly Father that loves us so much and whose greatest want is all of His children to live with Him.
During relief society we had the new General Young Womens Pres. speak to us. She is amazing. Her husband was called to be a mission pres. when she was
25 and they went into the MTC a week after she had her baby. Whoooaaa. haha She said that when her and her husband picked her up they wondered why a sister
and an elder where together. haha
 
When she was called to be the Young Womens President she was really scared and she was sitting with the 1st presidency and she said
to President Monson, "But President... I dont know how to do this." And he said "Well of course not! We just called you!" hahaha
I love him :) It made me realize that it is okay not to know everything right now. I was just called to be a missionary and Ive only been
one for 3 and a half weeks.
 
Monday was really good also. Irmo Buttars took us outside and said "In the spring of 1820 a boy of fourteen years old said a prayer.
That prayer was answered and it changed the world. Almost 200 years later you stand here in consequience to that prayer. You carry the message
that God gave a boy all that time ago. I want you to go and pary to the Lord about why you are serving a mission and then tell the Lord all of you insecurities and weaknesses
and leave them behind." He said that in our missions we will start ourpath to becoming perfected beings. So we went and prayed. I can say that I felt my Saviors love.
I know how much He loves me and how selfish would I be not to bring that message to the world. I am who am only because of the religion. I am so happy because of it.
 
"Heavenly Father loves you. God has given you so many blesseing but many times when you are in pain you
cant see the blessings. The gospel gives you that opportunity bc it gives you the knowledge of our Saviors sacrifice.
Which lifts your burdens and pains. You realize that through your pains you can grow and see that trials are given
because God loves us. We can handle all things with the help of our Savior. No gospel brings so much joy."
 
I am so excited to leave my insecurities behind and trust the Lord to pick me up/
I lovee this gospel so much.
 
We have a new teacher. Irmo Butters quit :( which made me so sad! But the new teacher Irmo Nothum is really great. Our new investigator's name
is Jameson. He is awesome. He doesnt believe in God but he has a desire to. So thats what we talked about. We told him that faith starts with desire
and all we have to do is try and if you do you will obtain faith. It was an awesome lesson and I spoke pretty well. I love the spirit. He really directs you when you need
help.
 
Funny Moments of the week:
 
So when we found out that Irmo Butters quit we all were so sad. We couldnt make it through the song because we
were all laughing so hard because it was so tragic. I might have started the laughing... But I laugh when Im sad.
haha
 
Sister Mann and I were walking to this Hill and we saw the most beautiful spot in the World. So we decided to sit there and I looked down at my skirt and there
where thousands of ants on me. I started freaking out and screaming. everyone was looking at me. hahaha and then someone informed me that the ants dont bight here... well oops. haha
 
Sister Mann and I laugh all the time. I seriously love her so much. I wish she went to BYU.
Shes my best friend!
 
Something I have realized here at the MTC is that I am really short. I cant see the top dryer. And those were the only ones open.
So I did my laundry and went back to the room and I accidently took all of someones underwear. How tragic is that? Everyone was laughing about it
but I just felt so so so bad! I mean some sister was probably spazzing out because she doesnt have any underwear! haha Im still sad about it...
I brought it to the lost and found...
 
I love my district. They are seriously the brothers I never had. I love all the sisters too. Sister Romney and Sandberg are awesome. I have to
be with them quite a but because sister mann is the coordinating sister. So I really have come to know these Sisters.
Salvador Brazil doesnt know what they are getting.
 
Well that is all that has happened in the last couple days. I should get my reassigment next wednesday if my visa doesnt come! SOOO Ill get to call home!!!! WOOOOO!!!
So be home at a good time mom on that day :)
 
I know that the Gospel is true. The Church of Jesus Christ is the same church that was set up by our Savior.
I love  being Gods missionary. I love Him more then anything in this world.
 
"I know can say with all certainty
That I know and love the Lord.
I can testify with them of old
As I preach His holy word.
 
I know what he felt in Gethsemane
Is too much to comprehend.
I know He did it all for us;
We have no greater Friend.
 
I know that He will come anew
With power and in glory.
I know I will see Him once again
At the end of my life's story.
 
I'll kneel before His wounded feet;
I'll feel His Spirit glow.
My whispering, quivering voice will say,
"My Lord, my God I know."
Pres Packer
 
:)
 
Love you all.
Write me!
 

From Sydney: Week 4


Oi! Familia! Bon Dia! Como Vi? Tudo ben! Bon Noche!
 
Did you like my intro? Basically all I can say in Portuguese, I am not complaining though. That is way more than I could say before I got into the MTC. YAY! Positive thinking. I have been working on positive thinking this week. This week has been verrrryyy interesting. First off, I need to tell you something que legal. I had a dream that Sister Corbitt and Sister Alderdge got their visas. It was a super vivid dream, and in my dream, Sister Parks and I were companions. We taught this horrible lesson, and than I woke up. I told the Sisters all about my dream. We laughed and said nahhhhhhhh, and then GUESS WHAT. That Wednesday, Sister Corbitt and Sister Alderdge got their VISAS!!! I am basically like Lehi. Just call me a profeta or something! Que chique! Cim? Agora Sister Parks is my companion. Sister Corbitt is now in Brazil! I am so excited/happy for her! I know her main concern was aprendering the language and now she will get an awesome Brazillian companheira, and will totally learn the lingua super quickly. This week has been quite the transition. I was honestly so exicted to become Sister Parks novo companheira. I was like: We both gonna struggle with the lingua, e she likes to plan you know I like to plan, e she is super legal. Ela is super bom. But, I guess Sister Alderdge is like super mais legal than mim. Sister Parks likes me, but I am not Sister Alderdge. I am nao bom with the lingua, e not as legal. Lessons with Sister Parks were like Sister Corbitts and I's primeiro lessons. Sister Parks is super bon at the lingua. I just sit there, waiting for a pause. She always feels bad when she walks out, but like dang, companheira doesn't even breathe when she talks. Our first night as companheiras was rough. She stood up all night sobbing her eyes out, and I stood up all noche begging Pai Celestial to be a bom companheira por Sister Parks. I senti super triste and inadequate. My Branch President probably thinks I am just a sob story right now. I don't miss minha companheira like Sister Parks, don't get me wrong, I totally amored Sister Corbitt, we started to really get the hang of things, but I am just way to feliz for her.
 
Since Sister Parks was que triste that noche, I only got two hours of dormir. Que triste:( I woke up once again begging the Lord to be a bom companheira. I woke feeling so pequeno e so inadequate. My excitement was crushed, and I was feeling triste and sozinha. I can't remember why, but later that dais, when it was going so well, I felt impressed to read Doctrine and Covenants 50:44. The scripture was kinda a slap in the face. It says: Wherefore, I am in your midst and I am the good Shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon the rock shall never fall.
I was just like, Dang Sydney! What wrong with you? The Lord is with you! He is the greatest Shepherd EVER! If I try hard and am worthy, he'll help me feed his sheep.
 
I still get a little triste, Sister Parks still talks all the time, but I can be patient. She feels inadequate too, especially after the lesson about authority and she couldn't explain it to our investigators, and got in a small argument with them. She is a little frustrated with herself, so all I can be is encouraging. Next tempa, cause we didn't really get anywhere with the lesson, I am just going to be assertive and falar portuguese muito!
 
I really do love Sister Parks though. She is so bom, and I know that she will help me improve a whole bunch.
 
SO basically that was my week. Last week eu was sick and puked on my investigator. It was a good departing gift for Sister Corbitt:)
 
Also, my Branch President makes us read 14 pages of the Livro de Mormon every single dias. It's super impressionete, and totally ajudar muito. So I think y'all should do it to. It is possible. And it blesses your life like crazy. I feel so close to the Salvador. It's honestly so awesome. Also, could someone send me some pictures of the family and my friends. AND I found this awesome Livro de Mormon with all these quotes, so could someone email a lot of quotes that I could print out and continue the tradition? And I was wondering if someone could find me Rebekah and Theo's home address so I could send them their anniversary present. It happened in April, but someone never sent me their address (McKenzie). And Bradyn, write me a little letter or something! Get with it man!
 
I just want y'all to know that I love you and that I know this church is true. I love the gospel, and I love the Spirit. I love the Livro de Mormon and the Biblia. I JUST LOVE THE SCRIPTURES!!!! I love the trials in my life that make me stronger. It is super cool how blessed I have been with how hard the MTC is. I am getting reassigned next Wednesday! YAY! 10 more days of the MTC and then I am going to do what the Lord wants me to do!
 
OH! And Mommy, could you send me the Lyrics to Hold On from Secret Garden the Musical or even if you can the sheet music for it? Understandable if you can't.
 
T-Amo!!!
 
Sister Powell
 
(P.S Expect some photos next tempo:))