From Alex

Sometimes I have pride issues. It is true. We all know it. haha

My week started off with Pink Eye. For two weeks it really itched but I didnt say anything, bought some eye drops and kept on going. But then it spread to my other eye and I couldnt see too well. So I called Sister Hart and she told me to go to an eye doctor. But I didnt want to so she said to talk to the mission doctor and he said go to the eye doctor. haha So I did and HE was awesome! He spoke english. haha so I understood what was going on. As much as my port is improving I still have no idea about medical things. He told me I had pink eye and said to stay inside for 7 days! Well at first he said ten and I said no to that. So after I called my mission president and He comfirmed that was crazy and I decided it was fine just to work with sunglasses and touch no one. Good plan right? Nope not really; Well the next day I couldnt see very well and I tripped... lol I didnt say anything for 5 hours and I looked down and my ankle was HUGE! haha So I had to go to the hospital... again. And now I have a cast! Its not broken... But I have to stay inside for 15 days! Bottom line is when the 1st doctor says stay inside just do it. Its kinda funny and its been real humbling to let others help me. It makes me really sad not to be able to work but I am going to study real hard!

How did yall like general conference? I got to watch all but 1 session in English! It was beautiful. I loved every minute of it. I just sat there and thought the church is really true. We do have prophets. Everything said was something I needed to hear. I loved Elder Scotts talk. It is so true that we need to love. Christ Love changes everything. I have really prayed for Charity on my mission and for God's love for His children. It has helped in everyway. For example, there is a Sister in my ward who everyone talks horrible about and I have no idea why. She is so pretty! And one day I just told her that she is beautiful and she looked at me and hugged me and was filled with such light. That one word of love changed her a little. She is now my friend and we talk and she is gradually opening up to the other sisters in our ward. Love changes things. And she just needed to feel loved.

I really loved General conference. I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God loves us so much. Keep on remembering the lessons you learned and read the talks when you have time! I love what President Monson said. Keep on having faith and pray I dont go crazy ;)

Love you all!

Sister Powell

From Alex

1 year agoa today I was set apart from the world to serve my God as a missionary :) 1 year ago tomorrow I said goodbye to Mom and Dad and then two days later entered the mission training center. How crazy is it that it has been a year? I want it to slow down a little. I love my mission! I can honestly say that I feel so diffrent then the girl that left a year ago. Of course Im still the same in a lot of ways but I feel diffrent. I can feel myself changing into God needs me to be. Im so excited to see what God has in store for me these next couple of months.

This week was so fast! I have no Idea where it went or what happened and my journal is not helping me. haha

But we had some funny moments this week. I love to run! Every morning! But this one morning I decided to use my alarm clock to time me. So I set it down and ran down the street. My comp was sitting in a chair watching me. When I turned around I saw a man on a bike looking at my alarm clock. I thought thats a little strange and then he saw me picked up and rode away! hahaha and all I could think was good luck to him its all in english and if its not important in twenty years its not important now. But its funny that me and my comp just watched him ride away. hahah I can miss my alarm clock but Im sure he needed it more then me. I just hope he figured it out. hahaha

We found a family (the parents arent really married) They are opening a resturant thing in a new neigberhood. They love me! Its awesome because they give me free food ;) haha but seriously I love them. They decided I will marry a brazilian and live here forever.... ha ha

Apparently Im gaining weight... I will stop that. haha But I found out from Brother Manuel. He said "Sister Powell you have gained weight. I have praying that you would. You are far to skinny. Tonight I will pray and thank God." hahaha I just said thank you and good job for praying. lol

I scared my comp and roommates half to death this week. I was sleeping when I felt the worst pain ever (My first charlie horse) I just started to scream. hahahaha and then they freaked out. I learned brazilians really are superstiteous. They started saying its a spirit! but sister filarchigaz figured it out and fixed my leg :) But it was funny that they thought i had an evil spirit.

The sisters had a baptism two weeks ago. Marcelo. HE cracks me up. But sister saneski and I found him smoking. I just grabbed his cigurate and threw it on the groung and then sister saneski stomped on it. And he just said thank you.

Really though this week was good. :) I was sad to hear about Potter. But I know we will see him again and right now He is with Sammy in doggy heaven :) I love being a missionary! I love funny moments. I am so grateful for this sacred time in my life. I am really going to give my all, everything I have to Heavenly Father and His children these next couple of weeks. Watch general conference! All the sessions! ANd pray I find a way to watch it in english! Love you all! Know that I am praying for you.

Sister Powell

From Alex

Oi Minha Familia! Te amo! Really though. I love you all so so so much.

My week was full of sunshine, laughter, and really all happiness! I loved this week. Of course it had its lows but over all it was full of miracles.

One miracle being "goodbye mosquitos" for weeks I have dreaded going to bed. haha which is a bad thing as a missionary. For some reason everynight for weeks I was attacked by mosquitos and I could not sleep. Monday night I just layed there and told God I need them to go to another room. After I fell asleep and then the next night I didnt wake up once! And now our bathroom as a lot more mosquitos.

We have a couple new investigators too! We have an Irmã who is really excited about missionary work and we went to her neighberhood and she just went around and introduced us to her friends and family. One of them being Abel and Yvonete. They are amazing. Abel is blind and Yvonete is pregnant so they love the Plan of Salvation. I love Abel! He is always asking good questions. I love when people ask good questions it means they are feeling the spirit and really thinking about our lessons. I know they will be baptized :)

We had one sad lesson with Wanda and Antonio. This is a family my other companion and I found. I love them but they dont want to learn. I am the kind of teacher that loves to sit and listen. I dont mind silence and I love when our investigators talk and teach themselves. I love to listen to the spirit and really say what God needs me to say. So at the end of our lesson I just knew I needed to say my testimony simply but bodly and I did. I dont remember what I said but the spirit was there. After Antonio said that he knew it was true but he doesnt want to  change. I just wanted to cry. I hate how satan makes us not want to change. I know they will one day though.

We had a couple lessons will less actives as well. I love working with less actives bc most of the time they have the knowledge we just have to help fix the puzzle. We had one lesson with a mother of a missionary. She has two active daughters in the Gospel. She said she doesnt have a testimony. I just had the strongest feeling to share my testimony about families. I told her that we have our families for very specific reasons and that she has her daughters to help her. Their lives are proof that this gospel is true. And after she said she has faith in that :)

We worked hard this week. I love to work. I love this work. I know it is the work of God. I am and will be forever changed from this time in my life. I can honestly say this. I love so much more, I see God's hand more and more. I am learning so much! More importantly I am seeing why this gospel is so important for others but also why is so important for me. I can see that God has a plan for us and that satan will do all in his power to stop that plan. We will fail sometimes but God is a God of second chances and we can get back on the path that he has always wanted us to walk. I have failed a lot on my ission, excpecially here in brazil but he has forgiven me and I am better bc of my shortcomings. I trust God more and more everyday. OUr lives are not easy, missions are not but we are being molded, this task is worth finishing.

I read a talk by Jeffrey R Holland and he said "The best things are always worth finishing>" He then went on and described how the salt lake temple took 40 yrs to be finished and the he said "Know you not that ye are a temple of God? Most assuredly you are. As long and laborious as the effect may seem, please keep shaping and setting the stones that will make your accomplisment "a grand and impsoing spectacle." Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and to grow. Dream dreams and see visions, work toward their realization. Wait patientl when you have no other choice. Lean on your sword and reast a while, but get up and fight again. Perhaps you will not see the full meaning of your effort in your own lifetime. But your children will, or your childrens children will, until finally you with all of them can give the Hosana Shout." I know we are worth it, we are worth finishing. Because we are children of God. I love you! Trust God, and know I pray for you :)

Sister POwell

From Alex

Today I have a story to tell. It begins with an age change. October 2012, what a beautiful miracle :) For me and Syd it was a little stressful too. haha We had already started our papers and all we needed was our stake president interview. But everyone else after needed one too. I have no idea how in the world people completed their papers so fast. But we had an amazing bishop and he got us in :) And then we waited and waited and waited. If there is one thing I think Syd and I have learned is patience. For some reason Syds papers where just not going through and mine were staying in the spot that said "waiting to be assigned" Everyone was getting their calls and we were so jealous. haha but then we got the call that said Syds blood pressure was to high. THis was a miracle. Why you might ask? Bc through this we found out they assign twins missions at the same time. So we fixed the problem (thanks Elise) and then her papers went though and 2 weeks later the calls came. Mine was to Salvador Brazil and the other to Sao Paulo Brazil. We would leave April 3 from november. But this was the other miracle. Syd and I were needed at home. We needed to be with Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa. We needed to go to the temple in March. It was perfect timing. And then we were told we were going to wait some more in the Provo MTC. Which is another miracle :) We both needed out MTC districts, our comps, our teachers, and the spirit of the Provo MTC. And then we were told we were going to wait some more :) The biggest miracle of all. I would serve in NYC and Syd in San Jose California. I was in NYC for about 8 months and I loved every minute of it. It was hard at times but way worth it :) and then I learned that I have had my visa since March 20th, my whole entire mission. THis confused me for a bit bc everyone was telling me they were working on it. But now I know why I didnt go. Lets go back to twins being assigned at the same time. An apostle of the Lord read about us and sat and looked at our pictures. He looked at me and thought she needs to go to Brazil and He looked at Syd and though... She doesnt but for some reason she needs to be assigned there. He might have known more. But he knew Syd would never serve there. He knew her mission was the San Jose mission. But why assign her to brazil? Well for many reasons. She needed to leave in April (She would have left in Jan) She needed to be in limbo to have all her comps. She needed to learn patience, and to be a miracle to so many people. 1 of those people being me. The reason I didnt leave April 3rd to brazil was bc Syd didnt have her visa. They wanted us to go together. They kept on pushing my depature date back and back and back until they forgot about me. THis is the miracle because I needed NYC. I needed it so much. I needed Sister GOnzalez, I needed Bernice, Susie, the Grants, THe richardsons, All of Jamaica, my districts, my zone, Richmond Hill. I needed Sister Herrera, Sister Millett, Sister Nestor, Sister Casperson, Sister Magrath, Sister COhen, THe Calderwoods. (and hopefully some people needed me too. haha) I needed all the lessons I learned, every moment. I needed NYC before I needed to go to Brazil. But I would have never gone if Syd had never been assigned to brazil. Syds mission was always the San Jose Mission. God knew it, and Apostle knew it, and I know syd knew it. Syd is my angel (she will hate that I said that) But it is true. I know Syd volunteered for this trial in Heaven, even then she was sacrificing things for me. This was always apart of the plan. And how thankful I am for God's perfect ways. How silly are we not to trust Him. His ways are so perfect and I am so thankful for them.

My week was good. I saw Sister Mann (How I love her) Worked and loved :)

I know this is God's work.

I love you all.

Sister Powell

From Alex

This week is what we will call Alex's sick week.

It starts off with monday night. Sister Villaroman left and Sister Yslas and I were left to wait for our new comps who would arrive in 2 days. It started off good it was really the first time we have really ever talked and made me feel better about my port. But 1 in the morning hit and I just felt horrible, I was sick allllll night. It was a horrible experience... hahaha I wont go into details but the worst part was there were cockroackes all over the bathroom. It was dreadful. So the next day we stayed in
.

The next morning I woke up still a little sick but ready to conguer theday with my new comp (who is so funny and awesome) I ended up working with Sister Yslas. That night we decided to celebrate our new companionships with pizza!.... umm... can I just say bad idea?? that night I was so sick again. The next morning they found me asleep on the floor.

 So we stayed in again. At first I felt guilty (even if I was sick I hate staying in) but then I read about the best missionary ever (Alma) "And Alma ^atarried many days with Amulek before he began to preach unto the people." and I thought Im resting it up studying... So I didnt feel guilty after. haha But really there was no way I could have worked.

 That night we were sitting at the table when Sister Saneski touched my forehead and said "OH MY GOSH!!" Apparently I had a pretty high fever. So they made me call president and the next thing Im off to the Hospital. Can I just say I NEVER want to go back. Never... I did not like it one but. My doctor was nice though but they gave me 3 huge IVs! Everyone else had these little things. I dont think they wanted an american sick on their soil. The funny  thing is that all I could think of was Alias and that was night good. haha I ended up just having an infection of the stomach. But I ended up staying in the house all week except to go to church :/ But I have the best comp! I am so glad she was there. Im pretty sure I would have died without her. haha

I have been thinking a lot this week about my mission and why I am here. I can honestly say this transfer I want to give my whole heart and everything that I am. I am going to let God mold and shape me and I am going to trust Him. My thoughts are going to be focused outward. I want to be the perfect missionary by the time I leave my mission. I want to be able to say that I gave everything I could to my God and Savior. So I did an activity and I really thought why I am on a mission. And it has changed a lot since I started. My knowledge of the Atonement has grown a lot . I share the gospel and invite others to be baptized bc I want them to be able to fully use the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How blessed are we as members of the church, each day and week we get to use the atonement, repent, and really forsake sin, and this is through the priest hood authority and through the covenants we made at baprtsm and remake everytime we partake the sacrement worthily. And this is all possible because of the atonement of jesus christ and through His pwr and authority we will live with God again if we endure and repent. But our friends the people we pass everyday dont have the full affects of this gift! Jesus Christ suffered for them already, the only thing they have to do now is repent, be baptized, and accept and use this gift for the rest of their lives. Right now they can give up sin but it will always be there bc they dont have the full power of the Atonement, they dont have the priesthood power to help them. So our friends, the ones we love, our litterally living in their sins. How sad is that? Dont you want them to have the same cleansing feeling we have after repentence? Dont you want them to be able to use every part of the Atonement? It is only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His church who holds this authority that they can. The atonement is really the only way and baptism is the gate to use it. I want everyone to feel the Saviors love, adn I will share it. I will give this people everything I am, bc I love them and I know the Savior loves them as well. Share the gospel this week because you love them. Help with the work of Salvation. I know that would make you father in Heaven so happy :)

Love Sister Powell

From Alex

So Im staying in Petro Oeste. My new companion is a brazilian named Sister Saneski (I dont know how to spell her name. haha) But im excited for a new comp and to learn the lang as fast as I can.

Im having a little hard time typing. haha

You guys I am so thankful for God. I am so thankful that we are His children. He has a plan so perfect for us in everyway. Syds mission is the San Jose California Mission. It was made for her. She is my greatest example of strength and of faith. God makes no mistakes. I am so excited for her to be where she is at. To train and to help so many sisters there.

I had this long email written out but I left it at home. haha But that is okay :) This week was good. It was random but very uplifting.

I am so thankful for my mission and for our Savior. I am sorry this email is not going to be long! But the next one will be.

Oh how I love you all! Keep on smiling keep on believing in our Savior. And KNOW that God´s plan is perfect.

From Alex

Ive always had a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but I remember the moment exactly when I knew he was. It was at girls camp when I was 14. I was bearing my testimony and I remember realizing that I was the same age as Joseph Smith when he saw God our Father and our Savior and I just knew he had the faith to see them and that he restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After that when ever I have doubts I remember that Joseph Smith is and was a prophet of God. And I do. I know it.

We had a lesson this week with the bishops mother and law. At the end we had here pray right then and there to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet. She has been taught for years but has never prayed. She didnt want to but we kinda made her feel guilty so she did. haha But honestly I think Ive never felt the spirit so strong in a prayer. She pled with the Lord to know and right then I knew again. I just sat there and thought if she doesnt know now I dont know what will help her. But she looked up with tears in her eyes and said, "I know." The spirit is so real. God really does live. And this is His church. How lucky am I to witness such miracles?

One miracle I am witnessing is the conversion of an Irmao (I cant remeber his name ever) He is the husband and father of 3 active members. He has been coming to church for years but has never been baptized. And really he knows the church is true. All our plans that night fell through and I had the thought that we should try him. And the miracle was that he was at home! He never is. We had a prompting that day to bring the Restoration video with us and we just knew he needed to watch it. So we showed it to him and after he just looked at us and said... It makes sense now. Really we need to teach people to their needs. I have been really studying about the spirit and prayer. Something I learned is "to speak to our investigators heart we must know what they need." And how do we know? we must "pray to know their needs, and as we do the very words we say will reach into their hearts and our efforts will be magnified when we seek for the direction of the Holy Ghost." The brother we taught is a very simple man, he works on a farm, likes to sit and listen, and loves tv. So he needed simple words and a dvd. But we didnt know this. But we had a prompting and the Holy Ghost did the rest.

Really we are nothing without the Holy Ghost. So many times I am just lost and do not know how to help this person. But someone does and when We have the holy ghost we will be able to help. The spirit really is that teaches we are just the tools that bring him. The father of the family whose dad cried when he prayed was baptized this week. It was so beautiful. I know it was the spirit that converted him. I am so excited for this family to have the full blessings of the priesthood in thier home.

Everyone here always asks how many baptisms I have had. But something I have realized that no matter how many baptisms I help they will never be mine they are Gods children being baptized and a miracle that I will witness. I am only HIs tool. I am only His hands. The words I speak should be His. He should be the one teaching them through me. It is all in the scriptures. If I do not have Him with me I should not teach. I love my calling I love my purpose. I love that each day I get to invite others to come unto christ. I love teaching about the restored gospel. I love teaching about the atonement. I love inviting people to repent and be baptized. I love telling people that with the Gift of the Holy Ghost they will always have a friend with them. I love helping people endure to the end. How great really is my calling?

I am so grateful for my unique mission. I am so grateful for God`s plans. This week I am going to work on praying, smiling, and laughing. Maybe we can all work on that this week :) I know our week will be awesome if we do! Know taht I am praying for you and that I feel your prayers as well. And always remember the best is yet to be.

Love Sister Powell

From Alex

I AM SO HAPPY!!! My investigator in New York was baptized! I love my Adalys :) Even though I only got to teach her for 6 weeks I love her so so much!!!

God´s timing is so so perfect. I am so grateful for His plans in our lives. I have been thinking a lot about it since I have gotten to brazil and how important it is to be ready to be a miracle but also to follow his rules and timetable. As missionaries we are so lucky. We have a handbook, 2 actually. Preach My Gospel and the White Handbook. Both tell us everything we need to know to be a successful missionary and to fully prepare our investigators. In life we have commandments and a prophet to help us. We have for strength of youth and so many other tools to help us have a happy life. However, it is up tp us to follow it. How lucky are we to be guided? How lucky are we to have this gospel and this rules. They really do make us free.

This might seem like a random way to start my email. But dont worry it has a reason. haha

This week was pretty good! I really dont know if I have ever prayed more in my life then I have here in brazil. I have really learned to rely on Him. My Bday was good. It really didnt feel like one without syd. But my comp made it really nice! I have been talking about a king cake none stop so she made me one! (for those of you who do not know a king is a mardi gras cake that represents the journey of the wise men trying to find baby Jesus) She even put a plastic baby jesus in it! The funny thing that everything that could go wrong with a missionaries day went wrong. Our lunch fell through, no one was home, and the one place we wanted to eat was closed. But it still was an awesome day!!! But really its the people that made it. Sister De Oliveria called me (my first comp in brazil) and I understood every word she said to me! It was so nice! And Sister Mann called :) I am so grateful she is here with me. She is my best friend and another example of how perfect God´s timing in our lives our. I know one of the reasons I didnt get my visa was because I needed to be comps with her.

So last week we had a man come up to us. His name is Severino. He is the sweetest old man. He has friends in the church and invited us to come teach him. So we have gone over a couple of times. His story is really sad. He got in a horrible accident and his body is really twisted. He has the sweetest spirit though and hasnt let it get in his way. He really wanted to learn about the gospel but baptism scares him. He wants to be really prepared. But this week he told us he doesnt want to be taught anymore :/ it made me sad. I know this gospel can change his life!

We have an awesome investigator! He is 14 years old. His name is Vanicias. His siblings are all members but are less active. He is so excited about the gospel though and to learn. We taught him the first lesson and then we closed is and said we were going. But he said he wanted to learn more! It was awesome. I really think he will be the reason why his family will be active again.

Another investigator we have is elizabet. We talked to her husband (well they arent really married) a couple of weeks ago and then we met her this week at a members home. She wants a better life for her child and she says she feels a light when we teach her.

My favorite member moved from here on valentines day :( She is so amazing! She is so full of love. It was so sad to say goodbye. It made me realize how hard it will be to leave here. The people I love in NYC I will be able to see again but most hereI wont be able too. But then it made me realize how awesome Heaven is going to be. To see everyone I love. It makes me want to teach and teach and find those ready to live the gospel!

Now to the beginning.I recieved a letter this week.It was sent to me a year ago and it has been waiting here. But I recieved it right when I needed it. Apparently I went to efy with this person my junior year. Ill give yall a little part.

"This letter is a thank you letter for something you dont know you did. By the end of my junior year my plans were to enroll into the ROTC at some expensive college in either Texas or somewhere on the East Coast and serve there for 20 years but I really never liked the idea. The one thing I knew was that I would not go to BYU.

But at EFY my junior year my lifed changed I remember I was talking to you and asking you about your future plans I remember you saying that you wanted to go to BYU. Maybe it was the manner in which you said it or the confidence behind it but something het me: You are too. From that point on I decided then I set my sights for the BYU business school and it changed my life. I have direction and I have drive I am doing what I feel is right for me and I am pushing myself. I am exercing a lot more faith.

Now you may not think you did much of anything to cause this big change in me. Thats because you didnt (hahaha) and thats whats so crazy about all of this. ITs the same principle ive seen applied again and again. When you simply do your best to follow Gods will and be the best you can be, God is able to use you ias a tool in numberless ways that we dont recgnize. AAll you did was tell me you future plans but by doing so you unknownly answered a pray. We should never feel like we are doing nothing. When we have the spirit with us, God will use us in numberless of ways and 99 percent of the time we doint even know we did anything."

I dont even know who sent this. But who ever did answered a prayer as well.

Im am so grateful for a letter that I recieved on Gods timing.

I know we are all answers to prayers.

God answers our prayers. He answered mine and he will answer yours.

Keep smiling :)

Sister Powell

From Alex

Well today is my last day as a 21 year old. loco.

Ive come to the conclusion about north brazil. It was made for Grandpa Powell. Let me tell you why. First off you can grow anything here allllll year long. Watermelon is pretty much the best thing ever (besides the Mangos) People mix their food and love to eat, everyone sits outside on rocking chairs. Pretty much everything here reminds me of Grandpa Powell. haha and I love it :) It makes me feel a little more at home. But the bread was made for mom. I try to stay away from the bread. haha because it is the best bread in all the world. Sweets here though... You wouldnt like mom. haha But enough about the food :)

This week was interesting. That is pretty much the only wordI cans say about this week. But of course there are always wonderful moments even when we have to look really hard :)

#1 Wonderful moment- We had a lesson with a famiy this week. The family consists of 1 mom and 2 sons. The mom wasnt really paying attention in the lesson but at the end we had the son pray and she just started to cry. It broke my heart because I could see the pain and the stress in her life but also I could see the joy she had to see and hear her son pray. The gospel really does strengthen and help our families.

#2 Wonderful moment- Sister King. She is the missionary I want to be. She stands up for what is right and loves people. seriously, Ive never met someone with so much love. She is going home this transfer and we talked and talked at zone meeting. It put so much relief in my heart to see someone like her who is still herself but a better self :)

#3 Wonderful moment- Is another family crying moment. I was on an exchange with Sis Castro again this week. We  taught one of her investigators. It is a part member family. The dad ist a member but the kids are and the mom as well. They are less active however. We watched the restoration video with them and then we told our testimonies. The member with us shared his conversion story and how he just got sealed with his family. We had the investigator pray after and he just cried and cried and the whole family as well. It was beautiful. The came to church this week and even though they arent mine. Ive never been so excited.

#4 Wonderful moment- Yall are going to think this is weird... but it made my day so much better. haha I put my finger in a baby goats mouth. haha He was so cute! But when the owner told me too i was like.... ummm???? Okay. haha But I did it.

#5 Wonderful moment- I really talked to people in a fearless. I joked and got to know them. It was so refreshing. I love to talk to people and here fearlessing is required. ( we have to get 200 a week) So sometimes I feel really remote and like Im just doing it bc we have too. In New York I was really good at it so here its been a little sad for me just to go through the motions. So this was a good moment :)

#7 Wonderful moment- I cried. haha Weird wonderful moment. But it was during my message after lunch. I shared the verse in Alme 7 about the atonement and I just cried and cried and I really felt christs love for me. It was embarrassing but its the first time in Brazil that Ive felt the spirit like that as I was testifying. Ive missed it.

You guys. I know this church is true. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored upon the earth. I wouldnt be here if I didnt know it was. I know it and in the words of Joseph Smith I can not deny it. I really questioned why I am in Brazil this week. AllI want to do is to be obedient, to teach, and to love. But this week I felt like I couldnt do any of the 3. I know Im not supposed to be down in my letters and usually Im pretty good at it. But sometimes we have harder weeks then others. Its life and its part of the plan. I read in D&C 58 this week and the verse said
 2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that ^akeepeth my commandments, whether in life or in ^bdeath; and he that is ^cfaithful in ^dtribulation, the ^ereward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
 3 Ye cannot behold with your natural ^aeyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the ^bglorywhich shall follow after much tribulation.
 4 For after much ^atribulation come the ^bblessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be ^ccrowned with much ^dglory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.

It gave me so much comfort. No trial lasts forever. I remember the night before I got my visa was really hard for me and honestly I think the only regret I will have about my mission is worrying about my visa and not trusting in the Lord. But I needed to learn to trust and Ill never question God again, even in the hard times. I am learning to be happy with where I am at. Anyway back to the story. Everyone was telling me I could be permantly reassigned and I just knew I was going to get my visa so I went to and prayed. And the answer I got was I can go if I want but it will be hard in everyway. And I told God that was fine. and the next day I got my visa. So bottom line is I signed up for this. haha And I will carry on singing and laughing and striving to be the best me I can be at this moment. Every please pray for me that I can learn the language. I really want to be able to be a better tool in God`s hands. I love this quotee by Pres Monson. "We live in at a time in the worlds history when there are many difficult challenges but also great opportunities and reasons for rejoicing... There are of course, those times when we experience disappointments, heartaches, and even tragedies in our lives. However, if we will put our trust in the Lord, He will help us through our difficulties, whatever they may be." I know this is true for all of us. Always look for the wonderful moments in life. We have them everyday. They are God`s way of showing His love for us and that He is still there. Because He is :) Know that I am smiling and always praying for you.

Love Sister Powell

From Sydney

So this week was fun. Haha.

 

P-day was fun. Sister Palmer and I just played phase 10 with the Elders in our Zone. I LOVE Phase 10. I won! I was like HA! Beat that everyone! Family Reunions to the max training.

 

I'm still a sore winner. Haha.

 

And then (is that right Dad? ;)), we went to the Masons for dinner. Brother Mason is what we call a "dry mormon" and completely awesome. I love his family so much. Sister Mason wears the cutest clothes. Their kids are ADORABLE. I like capping things lately. Cody is there son and is adorable. My dream is for him to sing at his dad's baptism. He is so funny. Sister Palmer asked him what his favorite holiday was, and he said: "Christmas, no Halloween (his dad prompted that one), no Valentines Day."

 

Sister Mason asked him why, and he was like:

 

"Because it's special to me." His poor dad did an eyeroll while we the women were all: awwwww.

 

Ruby, their daughter, was just destroying her cinnamon roll. It was funny. You probably had to be there.

 

Our dinners all got the flu and cancelled on us this week. But it was made up during conference weekend where we were fed breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meh!

 

Tuesday was fun. I can't remember what we did because I left my journal, but it was a great day. A rainy day. It's coming back! This less active woman would not let us into her home: 1- because she was tired 2- because it was raining 3- she had work 4- she had to finish her taxes 5- she just wasn't in the mood.

 

I like getting out of people why they don't like to visit with us. Haha. We'll be back when tax season is done.

 

Thursday we went to the temple. I loved it. Sister Florio took us. She is the greatest. I love her. We saw a lot of missionaries there. And I realized that I have served in a lot of wards. I knew all the temple workers. Haha. I just can't remember for the life of me what ward they are in.

 

The rest of that day was kinda miserable. Everyone cancelled on us. We walked around the town, and no one was out. Spring Break is the worst. Everyone flees.

 

Conference really was great. I loved President Packers testimony. I loved Elder Scott talking about his Grandma and wife. I loved President Monson bearing his testimony about Heavenly Father. And I loved President Uchdorfs talk about Gratitude. And I realized I have been out a year! I am so glad I'm not counting...because I'm never going home! Missionary for EVA!

 

Seriously though, I love being a missionary. Especially where I  can learn to just trust the Lord. I love that He is letting me figure stuff out on my own lately. Usually it bugs me, but He is helping me understand His language better. And He does answer. I like to reflect back on how he used to answer me before my mission, and He was very forward. I felt like everything was just placed on my lap. Immediate blessings. But on my mission, he has been placing trials and tests infront of me that really is helping me grow. This past year has been amazing, and I would never change one part of it. I have no regrets, I am only filled with gratitude. Thank you for everyone supporting me! I love y'all. This week is when we find out about Transfers! So next time you'll find out.

From Sydney

I got frustrated with the most perfect person in the whole entire world last night. Sister Palmer and I have had an AWESOME week. And than we are driving home and she justs asks me a question why I did this while I was driving, and I snapped at her. I felt like a poop head. I am but a worm. Sister Palmer and I haven't been in an argument our whole time together for three months, and I just popped. I blame mother nature in her finest form. Haha.

 

But she is the nicest person you'll ever meet and is over it. Seriously. I didn't yell or anything, but I still felt like doodoo. Sister Palmer is an amazing Companion. Seriously awesome. Right up there with the Holy Ghost.

 

You know the funny thing, after not getting my Visa, people don't really believe me that I am happy as a plum to be here. They are happy that I am here, but they think its impossible for me to be happy.

 

To get people straight, I am so happy to be in the place that Heavenly Father put me. This decision was prayed over and inspired. I prayed over it, my mission president, and apostles of the Lord. And we all got the answer that I should be in California.

 

Sometimes, like this morning, I think: I had six months to be in Brazil, it could've been enough. Who needed me over there? Why?

 

But than I think: I have six months to help the Lord here. What I'm I going to do? Is it enough? Can't missions be extended? I want to be in California forever! I never want to leave. Who needs me here? Why?

 

I was once accused of giving Brazil my heart. Brazil for me was easy to love. I was blessed with automatically loving Brazil because I thought that was where I was meant to go, and I needed to love it. But I was blessed to come to California. And I have learned to love California with all my heart. The people, the land, the messed up politics, the missionaries, my companions, different ethnicity groups and their cultures, the Lord, my family, and myself. I have learned how to love something rather than being blessed to automatically love it. And it has hurt, and my heart has needed to heal over and over, but I have given my heart to the Lord, and He is the true healer. And it's been awesome. So in short, Brazil was easy to give up, because I have put everything in California, and I will continue to do so. I will work hard because that's what God wants me to do. And I trust Him, and I know Him. The Gospel is true no matter what, even if a girl from Lake Charles, Louisiana doesn't get her Visa. In fact, I think it makes it truer;)

 

This week was so fun. We talked to a lot of people! ALOT! Our Zone came up with a game where we can't contact people with Cards. And it has led to some wonderful things, not that I would ever tell my Zone Leaders. Nope.

 

We have met Terresa and Frank. I walked up to Frank and asked him what he was doing. He was smoking. And he liked us because we told him he had agency if he wanted to continue smoking in front of us. But we told him it was hurting our lungs and his. Haha. Than his wife walks out with Wine. And she said that if she were to join a church it would be the LDS church because Families are together Forever. And we taught them the restoration. And they want us to teach their five sons. Sister Palmer and I also bore our testimony about the Word of Wisdom, and Chasity. Which they loved for their children. Haha. But not them.

 

We have met Jake and Andrew. Skate Borders that don't smoke pot. But don't believe in God. We talked about dating and how it stinks and you should wait to date when you are sixteen anyway. Talked about how I am not twelve. And we talked about how God loves them.

 

We met a super smart drunk guy named Dean who wanted to be baptized. He loved how we were all Children of God, and were connected.

 

We met so many people. Sister Palmer and I worked really hard. And we have fun. We make missionary work fun. We love to help people, but I honestly think we help them more by loving what we are doing. Sister Palmer is a good friend. She has a super strong testimony. She has been through a lot. She has been through challenges that I pray I won't have to go through anytime soon. She has taught me to be a better teacher. She is patient, and she is fun. We laugh all the time. We are so awkward together. We talk about gospel related things, and others. I have learned that it is awesome to be friends with your companion. I am glad she wants to hang out after the mission. Hopefully she isn't just saying that. haha.

 

This week is going to be awesome. We are going to see miracles. Heavenly Father loves His children! The church is true and the book is blue:)

 

Love,

Sister Powell

From Sydney

Monday was the hike as previously said. And than dinner cancelled. Haha. Super sad. But we went to dinner with a recent convert named Charley. I love Charley. And we got to talk about how we recognize the spirit.

 

And we ate Pho. I have never eaten SO much Asian food in my life than here in California. It's awesome! I am exactly where my stomach likes to be. Haha.

 

Tuesday was also a good day. We went to visit the lovely Sister Adkins. She loves when we visit. I have learned the importance of making sure no one is forgotten. Especially adorable old people. and than we saw Sarika. her son Ricky was there, and immediatly when we walked into her home, an overwhelming sadness entered our hearts. Sister Palmer and I were just so sad for her. We wanted to help her. Because we just felt like she wasn't where she wanted to be. She showed us pictures of a younger her, and the younger her was happy, and vibrant. And she is empty now. And we felt Heavenly Father's saddness and desire for her to progress, and to get better.

 

And so we walked out of the appartment feeling really upset. Haha. And I just kept giving us a pep talk afterwards.

 

"We are going to just go out contact, and baptize the world! We going to invite everyone!"

 

And than we see our former investigator that we haven't seen in FOREVER. And we just stand there like creepers and wait for him to come out of the store. Just staring. And then we notice he is buying drugs soooo we flee. Haha. So we bumped into this Persian man named Abdul, and we have an appointment with him, and we invited him to be baptized. Yay to inviting everyone.

 

And than we have Wednesday where we have two dinners- one with the Moffats and one with our Bishop. And we are so full, and we have to go on exchanges with our STLs. And Thursday morning, I wake up and I have food poisioning, and I am still in Pleasanton with Hermana Bair, and Sister Palmer is in Livermore. And i have interviews with President Watkins that day (and if he reads these things: hi!), and I have to teach Sister Watkins, and I have to lead my area, and yeah. I am sick. But it turned out fine. I had a good interview with President Watkins about my future  (mission and life). I have gotten kinda emotional as a Sister missionary. I just cry over everything, and I want to hug everyone. Haha. Thank goodness I did neither in the interview. But I love the Watkins so much. I needed them. I am sad they are going home soon.

 

But the day went good. We visited Brother Wolters and only his friend was there. I was excited because he loves to visit with us, and his face got so happy when we told him we were just going to be visiting with him. And we went to go get chairs, and I told Hermana Bair that this is awesome because he is a nonmember and he can't run! So we walk in and the nurses are taking him out of the room. Haha. His poor sad face. But we got to talk to a lot of people. The only bad thing was that I just forgot to feed Hermana Bair. Felt terrible. Haha. But there isn't time to eat! Souls need to be found!

 

The next morning, I accidently volunteered all of my district to teach Seminary, I was in a sick state when the Seminary Sub called, and we went and we talked about the scriptures and why we were on a mission. And I have an awesome district I must say. Awesome missionaries with amazing testimonies.

 

Saturday was service day. We sang karayokee to some old people: Richard, Shirley, and Martha. It is so fun. I love going there. And we went to the American Cancer Society.

 

Sunday was a busy day. We went to our usual 8 hours of church. We taught primary, adn we needed some older girls to be in there with us and our potential investigator was in there! Her name is Sammy and she is so cool! we than taught Zoe about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And than we had dinner with the Prices. And than we stopped at a potential investigator house we always stop at and her dad always answers the door. We told ourselves if he answers again, we are just never going back. It's not meant to be. And than Ashley answered! And it was awesome! She is so cool. Everyone is so cool when they want to listen to what we are saying. haha.

 

So we were on a contacting high. I taught a lesson to Pleasanton's do not contact guy named Art. And than we are walking down the street and I offer a picture of Jesus Christ to this man, and I continue the conversation. I ask what religion he is: Catholic. What his relationship with Jesus Christ is: loves the Bible. Where he is from: Brazil. Hold up. haha. So he is going to teach me Portuguese. His name is Alex. And he isn't interested in the gospel because he is Catholic but he does want to teach me. So yay! And the whole interested thing will change pretty soon.

 

This week was super good. I love my area. I love California. And I love my mission. I told President Watkins that I am ready for anything- and I am. I love putting my trust in the Lord, and just making the best of what I get. And he has never put my in a horrible situation. Heavenly Father is perfect isn't he. I love him. And I love y'all. The church is true!

 

Love

Sister Powell in California

From Sydney

I feel like I just went on a hike.

 

We climbed up this mountain this morning (small mountian or big hill whatever these things are called here). It was super fun, but I feel like I burned a billion calories because I was TRAUMITIZED! Haha. I am still scared of heights. But I went.

 

This week was fun. As all weeks are. I just love Sister Palmer so much. She is an awesome companion. I have learned to appreciate being companions with someone who LOVES the gospel, and lives it.

 

On Sunday (of last), our Ward Mission Leader gave us the assignment of passing out the Wards Newsletter. We spent basically all week passing out letters to people: Who Aren't Interested, and DO NOT CONTACT. There are so many of those people in California. And some just don't answer the door, are nice because their child is in front of us, super nice and let us in and talk to us like we are Psycologist, or they slam the door on us. Or threaten us. haha.

 

But we saw some miracles.

 

There was this SUPER not interested lady that just let us in. She was old and her husband (who isn't a member- who apparantly wasn't so friendly to missionaries in the past) talked to us from the kitchen. We got to know her, and she really enjoyed our visit.

 

We met this nonmember named Scott while knocking on a door who told us to come back. It was fun. This week was like tracting. Which I am SO glad we don't do. haha. Sorry Alex! Stinks for you:)

 

I had a dream the other night. (I have been having a lot of dreams). I was waiting for my reassignment from San Jose. Funny right. And it was San Jose again! I woke up and I was so glad. I forgot it was a dream for a second. Haha. So if I turned in my mission papers again (the plan;)) I Hope I am assigned here again.

 

We also had a nice Chili cook off. We have an "investigator" who is a dry mormon. His wife has recently come back to church (for like the last 5 years). And she rbought along her whole family! And her husband isn't a member. But he is more active then her! He comes to church when people are sick in his family. He has a calling ini the ward. And he was a head of the Chili cookoff. It was awesome. You could tell how loved he felt. I love how the gospel IS for everyone. I just love telling this to people on the street who think they have to be mormon to come to church. Falso! The gospel is for everyone! Different ethnicities, political groups.

 

And there was an auction and someone bought a cake for me for a hundred bucks:) YAY! And he was a nonmember! Score.

 

I have to still tell a lot of people I am not getting my visa. It's annoying. Haha. But it has caused me to think and bear my testimony a lot about the love of Heavenly Father and the power of prayer. 

 

They keep saying: oh I'm sorry God didn't answer your prayers.

 

Actually He did. I have prayed for the last 11 months for Heavenly Father to send me where HE needed me. I haven't prayed specifically for my Visa that whole entire time. I prayed that I would be worthy to do God's will. And He answered my prayers- different than I expected don't get me wrong- but that's the brilliant thing. It wasn't what I expected. It was what He expected of me. And I have felt over and over while bearing my testimony about Heavenly Father's love that this is EXACTLY where I needed to be. I love being a missionary, and I turned in my papers prepared to serve any where. Heck! If I got my wish I would have served in China;) haha. But God is perfect, and so is His will. I love Him and I trust him.

 

I love y'all so much! Keep up the good work! 

 

Sister Powell 

From Sydney

First off. I love y'all. Second, thank you all for your emails. I wish I had to time to reply to every single one of them, but know that I appreciate them, and I take them to heart.

 

Second, Mother, could you order me a Young Woman Medallion, mine has disappeared, and I am now sad. Haha.

 

Third. This week was awesome.

 

You know, Missions are funny things.

 

I don't really understand them, but I don't want to go home. At all. And I have made the decision I won't. I will never get married, and in two years, I'll go on another one. And it will just be a repeat. I love being a missionary. I love feeling the spirit, and I love learning to recongize him. I love meeting new people. I love getting to love an area. And I love learning to know the Lord. I think everyone in the world should just be baptized and go on a mission. It's the best place to be.

 

Random. but true.

 

California is a place of very interesting people.

 

Last week, on Monday, a nice young fellow commented on how great my style was. Haha. Thanks President Watkins. And we continued to talk, and then he left but he was waiting for us outside. And we got to know about him a little bit more. His name is Josh and he is a drug dealer, and is completely solid and intrested in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Haha.

 

He has a lot to change about himself- profession, language, needs to move, but he is a keeper.

 

Okay. I am having the hardest time writing about my week. Important things to know, I am Lehi. One of our investigators is super awesome. she practices Hinduism and needs signs to believe, but she is also pregnant. And Sister Powell had a dream about her like a couple days ago. I had  a dream that she was trying to get in the temple, but she couldn't. But some how she got in so we followed her. And we go down into the basment of the temple, and there is five rooms and lots of paintings just hanging out. But we enter into one of those rooms, and there is Sister Gulati painting walls. And there is this little boy just sitting there fingerpainting. He was adorable, and I knew that was why she wanted to enter the temple, because he was there, and she wanted to be there with him.

 

So I woke up, and I knew she was having a boy. So we visit her, and I ask this random question, do you like painting? And she goes on and on about how she loves painting walls, and all her paintings are stored away because she doesn't want to hang them. And then she tells us she is finding out the gender of her baby the next day. And I was like what?? And then, guess what she is having!! A boy. Haha. Lehi!

 

But really, my week was great.

 

But I don't feel like writing about my week. Strange. Haha. I feel like writing about my feelings.

 

I love my Heavenly Father. I don't know if y'all realize how awesome He is, but He is. He is perfect. He is this amazing person that just love his children perfectally. Even though he has numberless, he loves us individually. He knows us. He wants to communicate with us. And we can through prayer. I have felt His answers. I have felt his hand. Some times there are loud, and other times they are hard to see or hear. But he answers.

 

And he blesses us infinately. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven givegood things to them that ask him?"

 

Each breath we take is a gift from God. Each moment is for us. Mountains were made to be pleasing to our eyes. He gifts us with his most precious things: his children who he wants to become like him, our families.

 

Our families are for us. We were given our families so we could learn from each other and grow with each other. He gave us our families because he loves us. And our families aren't going to be perfect in this life, but he has given us the amazing gift to be with the forever. I love my family, and I am so grateful that we aren't perfect. I wouldn't be who I am today if we were.

 

And he blesses us with prophets. Amazing men who have the authority from God to talk with us. To lead and guide us. To provide us with the words that our Heavenly Father so desperatly needs us to hear. And he  has done it since the beginning of time. And he sent the Greatest Prophet on the Earth to us: His Son- who we declare to the ends of the earth to be our Savior. He walked on this Earth, and he came not to do His own will, but the will of the Father. He died for our sins. And he overcame physical death. He lives now so we can too overcome death, and live again. With our bodies.

 

This knowledge was restored to us after years of not knowing by a prophet called by Jesus Christ. His name was Joseph Smith. And we can know this by praying. And searching the scriptures. Isn't it amazing that a God, higher than we, wants to talk with us? Isn't it amazing that he answers? He LOVES us. And his plan for us is perfect. I am just amazed at it. And when I teach it, I feel the power of it's truth. It's true! And I just want to squeeze everyone and tell them it is. Accept it! It's real. But I can't, but the spirit can. Share what you know. Share what you love. God loves you! Share that. Because it's true. It's simple but powerful.

 

Well. I love y'all so much. And I just love the restoration of the gospel. I hope y'all have a great week!

 

Love Sister Powell

From Sydney

The week is done, and it is the 3rd day of March. MARDI GRAS IS SOON!

 

As everyone now knows, I am officially reassigned to the San Jose California Mission, best place in the world, and a place I am never leaving. I am Pleasanton- I'm not getting transferred this transfer, and I am doing great. Thank you for your prayers!

 

Sunday was the day I found out about my pernanment stay in California. It was during Stake Conference, after President called me up in front of the whole Stake to show everyone how hard and awesome a mission is: Apparantly I am a perfect example. And he told everyone I was a Visa Waiter (I have had to explain that to a billion different people this week). He took me to room number 7, and he broke the news. He isn't the very smoothest person in the whole world. And he told me I should marry someone. Not cool.

 

But when he told me the news, I was actually really happy. Estatic really.

 

And then I had a lesson with Charley, and I just started to cry. And that was the rest of my Sunday. Every single spiritual thing would make me cry. I just told everyone how much I love my Savior and how much I trust him, because I do. A whole lot.

 

And then night came, and I had a dream. It was just words, and it was telling me not to give up on Brazil. And I got really frustrated. I woke up, and I could not fall asleep, and I was just left to wonder. And I started to think of what President told me. And I thought about how I was transferred SO many times. And than I started to think of the other Visa Waiters. He kept them in one spot, and I just couldn't shake out of my head that I wan't welcomed in either mission. And then I got super angry at President, and at God for not letting me sleep, and not answering my prayers about letting me sleep, or anything for that matter. haah. And then the alarm went off, and I just cried and cried and cried, because I was so tired, and confused and angry.

 

And that was Monday.

 

Thank goodness that was P-day. God blessed me with it not being a real missionary day.

 

And I fell asleep on the floor. After BEGGING Heavenly Father to let me sleep. He knocked me out immediately. haha.

 

And I slept awesome! Miracle, but then I woke and I remembered my Assignment, and the Temple President, and my teachers in the MTC telling me they could tell that I was meant to teach in Portuguese. And I was just like- Why Me?

 

And I realized something. Satan is sneaky. He is a HUGE me-monster. The biggest! And I realized how sneaky he is, but how great God is. God allowed me to feel all these things at the perfect time. President told me at the perfect time, he didn't have to wait to Sunday to tell me in person, he could have told me on Friday when he found out like I think he orignally planned (he called but changed his mind on the phone). If he had told me on Friday- Saturday would've been my P-day. And it's miserable to just think- woe is me?! He makes people horrible ugly me-monsters.

 

And I realized that me and Satan probably hated each other in the Pre-Mortal World. We were definetly not friends.

 

And I had a lesson with the Moffats about Obedience- and I didn't need to tell them what was going on, but I did, and I testified that I was where I needed to be and I felt this warm feeling in my heart. It was everywhere. And I knew that I was where I needed to be.

 

I don't know why I needed to be assigned to Brazil, but I do know I needed my teachers in the MTC, and Sister Corbitt, and Sister Parks, and my district. I needed to be there for Six Weeks. I needed everything that has happened. I needed my areas, my companions, and I don't know why I am not going still, but I have always been held back (Patriarachal Blessing Study...haha). Maybe I need to start a Portuguese Program, or I just need to be here. I trust my Savior and My Heavenly Father. I love them. And I KNOW the church is true no matter what happens. AND I was craving chocolate cake and I got my craving. AWESOME! THanks parents. This scripture touched me:

 

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great ^afight of afflictions;

 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took ^ajoyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring ^bsubstance.

 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

 36 For ye have need of ^apatience, that, after ye have done the ^bwill of God, ye might receive the ^cpromise.

 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Especially the first part. Sometimes you just want to control your life, but it isn't God's will. I need to just allow myself to be in his hands. I love him. And he is giving me storms that are kinda throwing me to the otherside. Awesome right? Hahaha

 

I don't know why God assigned me to Brazil, but I am where I need to be. This week was great by the way! I was going to write more, but I started teaching this guy about the church. haha.

 

I love y'all,

 

Love Sister Powell

From Sydney

I just wanted to tell you all that I love you. This week has been amazing! Possibly one of the best weeks of my mission. I am a little emotional, so I will probably write a hand letter and send it to mom and dad to post it on Facebook. I am offically reassigned to the San Jose California Mission. I am honored and a little shocked, but the stress of all the worrying is coming out of me right now. I love you all so much. I know and love my Savior and I trust him. I knows me and knows my needs, and my strength. I need him a whole bunch right now, so prayers would be nice my way. Haha. I love you so much.