Week 7 - First week in the field!

 Woah, what the heck just happened to my life. Just a minute ago I was at home and now I'm in the middle of nowhere living with strangers. Jk, It's actually been a great week! Sorry this email is super long, so I made a list if you don't want to read it all (and if you don't I'll try not to be sad :) )

1. Impressions of Indiana

2. Missionary life

3. My companions!

4. Egg

5. Brazilians and Facebook finding :)

1. First of all, Indiana is beautiful! There are so many trees! I came at just the right time because they're all so colorful - one of them was probably the brightest red color I've ever seen. 

There are lots of random roundabouts, lots of fields and empty space, lots of different churches, and the humidity makes my hands super soft which is nice. Also it's SO flat here! I don't know north from south. I keep looking around for mountains or something tall so I can know where I am, but there's nothing! I can only see whatever is right in front of me. It's kinda weird but I would feel much more comfortable here if there was a big pile of rocks in the distance. 

2. Missionary life here is different than I expected. I've never said so many prayers in my life. We pray every morning and night as a companionship and on our own, we pray before and after planning in the morning, we pray before personal study, comp study and language study, we pray in meetings and calls, we pray before we go out, before we eat, and basically before we do anything at all. And every week we do a zone prayer for all the people we're teaching, and it takes like 10 mins. The angels in the call center are getting spammed. So if you're wondering why your prayers aren't being answered, it's because all the missionaries are taking up all the lines. (I'm just kidding, that's not how prayers work.) It's nice to know that God hears us and he's interested in all these details of our lives.  

Another thing about mission life is that there are so many random rules that I was not aware of: we can't use headphones, each text we send needs to be approved with each other, we can't be on our phones unless our companions can see what we're doing, and we can't go to the bathroom without our companions in there too. (That last one was a joke). I just have to get used to it. Some of these rules seem unnecessary, but it's for our own safety! So I'll obey anyway. 

3. My companions are so awesome! I'm in a trio with Sister Steele, who was reassigned from Portugual, and Sister Junot, who was reassigned from Brazil, and who looks a lot like Lucy from Narnia. And now that I think of it, Sister Steele looks like the White Witch. Or the Mona Lisa... Anyway, they're awesome, and It's super nice to have companions that speak Portuguese! Sister Junot was born in Brazil so she's fluent, which is SO helpful. And it's a good thing we're a trio because I don't know what's going on and am pretty much useless. But we already get along great, and we laugh all the time. Sister Steele is so funny - she likes to talk in this southern accent and now Sister Junot and I have started to talk like that too. "Das noice."

4. Funny story: In Joseph Smith's first vision story, it ends with God pointing to Jesus and saying "Hear Him" which in Portuguese is "Ouve-O", but Sister Steele mixed it up and would say "Ovo". So when reciting it in Portuguese, it would translate to say: "This is My Beloved Son. Egg." 

Other funny quotes from this week: "Time flies when you're suffering" and "I promise I didn't drool in the beans". 

Also this week I've been so tired in the mornings, and it's made scripture study quite difficult. There was one day where I was reading while standing up, on one foot, and while eating chocolate. And that wasn't enough to keep me awake. 

4. Me and my companions are opening a new area which is exciting, especially because there's lots of Portuguese speakers in the area! In our ward there are at least 5 families from Brazil!!! It's so reassuring to know that God put me here for a reason! We met some of the families at church yesterday and they're all so nice, and I already love them so much! Three different families dropped off treats to us last night. I'm pretty sure my love language is free food. 

I'm starting to get the hang of missionary work here. We're doing lots of studying and planning, and lots of meetings and group chats (27 of them!). I expected we would be going out more, but we're not allowed to talk to strangers in person because #covid. So instead we've been reaching out to people via Facebook by posting pictures and ads, and messaging people. On Friday I posted in a group asking if anyone needed to chat, and I've been having conversations with two sweet ladies, one of which lost a daughter and has been feeling really sad. So I'm so glad I can talk with her and try to help! It reminded me that as missionaries we're not necessarily trying to get in as many baptisms as we can, we're here to serve, comfort and bless people though Christ! Imagine how happy she would be to know that she can see her daughter again! And that her daughter isn't suffering in hell for not being baptized, but that she's in heaven because all children are perfect! (Moroni 8:11-14) So even though I'm stuck inside, being a missionary is the best thing ever because helping others makes me so happy! "And for this cause ye shall have a fullness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me a fullness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am..." (3 Nephi 28:10) I invite you to help us out in this great work! We can't do it on our own. Go talk to those who are sad, help those who are suffering, or give a compliment to a stranger

Pray to God for an errand! Let's do this. 

You are all amazing, and I love hearing from you! Have a great week. 

 

Love, 

Sister Wride

1. Grapes

2. Pretty red trees outside the church

3-4. Two more pics of the reddest tree you'll ever see in your life! #nofilter

Mel's Companions

Another letter from Mel's mission - they sent a photo with her companion/trainer, but there are two sisters in the photo, so I don't know who it is... let me check facebook

... Ok, Sister Suelen Junot is the one on the left, so I don't know who the sister in the middle is, but yay! It was fun to be a trio, that happened to me on my mission a few times. Love you Mel! We're going to send her a package soon, cause she left her mission debit card here.

____________________________________________

INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS MISSION

777 Sunblest Boulevard
Fishers, Indiana 46038-1167



Dear Tiffanie Wride,

Attached is a picture of Sister Wride and her new companion(s), Suelen Junot. They have been assigned to the   area, and her address is:

2420 Kestral Blvd. Apt B
West Lafayette, IN 47906

You can send mail directly to the address above or to the Mission Office address below. We recommend sending all letters and packages to their   area address. Sister Wride will be at this location for at least 2 weeks. After the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted we prefer packages to be sent to the Mission Office.  

We are excited to have Sister Wride join us in the greatest work upon the face of the Earth!

Sincerely,


Elder Finlinson, Elder Driscoll & Elder Middleton
Technology Specialist & Mission Secretary
Indiana Indianapolis Mission
777 Sunblest Boulevard, Fishers, IN 46038-1167
Office: 317-845-1722
Cell: 317-737-8006

Safe Arrival

 We received an email from Mel's Mission President tonight around 7, with a few photos, yay! Mel is marked with the red arrow

_______________________________________

Oct 19, 2020 

Dear Brother and Sister Wride,

We are so excited to welcome Sister Melodie Eliza Wride to the Indiana, Indianapolis Mission!  She arrived with a large group of missionaries this afternoon.  President Page is taking medication due to a recent illness that suppresses his immune system and sadly is not yet allowed to go to the airport.  However, Sister Page and our assistants welcomed her with candy "hugs" and proper "social distancing". We took a few pictures at the airport, briefly met with President Page over Zoom and then she met her companion before driving to the Temple. 

Because of the restrictions on group gatherings, the missionaries are not able to spend the night in the mission home. We are very sad about this and will miss this time to get to know Sister Wride better.  President Page met us in the temple parking lot for a picture, while still maintaining social distancing.  We tried to give the illusion that we were closer than we really were. . . After these pictures and more, Sister Wride filled out some paperwork and picked up a box dinner before leaving for her assigned area. We will send another email soon with a picture with her companion as well as information about her assignment. 

We already feel a great love for Sister Wride and look forward to getting to know her better. We also feel the Lord's love for her and anticipate great things to come in this part of the Lord's vineyard.

Attached are a few pictures that we took with Sister Wride and the other missionaries that arrived with her.  They are all from the airport (we had two groups arrive about an hour apart), and then one large group at the airport outside while maintaining "social distancing".  We were grateful we did the last picture there, by the time we got to the temple, it was raining!! 

We also have a Facebook Page for our mission. Hopefully, this link will take you to it: https://www.facebook.com/Indiana-Indianapolis-Mission-2019-2022-679685412445339/?modal=admin_todo_tour. Pictures of their arrival will hopefully be added soon!!
   
We also want to make you aware of how we are handling COVID-19/Coronavirus. Our missionaries are now allowed to teach lessons in the church buildings, outside, and in members homes.  They are allowed to have district meetings and daytime exchanges.  They still need to wear face masks while they are inside any store, building or outside if they are unable to maintain a 6 foot distance.  This follows Indiana and Michigan's Governor's mandates.  We also emphasize the importance of washing our hands thoroughly and continuing to social distance at 6 feet. Our missionaries are mainly using technology and social media to proselyte and share gospel messages. During this time, they may now call home two times per week. Once on P-day (Monday) and a second time on Thursday or Friday to let you know how they are doing. Our number one concern is that they stay safe and healthy. We try to remind them many times to take these precautions. 

In spite of these challenging times, we are so excited to welcome such wonderful missionaries to the Indiana Indianapolis Mission!

Warmly,

President and Sister Page
Mission President and Companion
Indiana Indianapolis Mission

Melodie's Departure

Today's the day, Melodie is on her way to the Indiana Indianapolis Mission. 

We woke up at 5:40. I woke up Joseph to see if he could stay for a bit to babysit the kiddos. He could, so yay, we didn't have to take Peter to the airport. He got up to say bye to Mel, but we didn't want to be awake... are we ready to turn on the light?

We need to let Mel see what she's doing... she did the last touches to her luggage.

Kids were awake and getting ready to leave for school - Hugs for everyone - 

Last goodbyes. 

Then we were off to the airport. We had a nice visit on the drive there. It was the "new" airport too, woo! It was very nice and quick to get in and out.) I dropped them off at the departures.

I said Corey should walk in with her, cause I got to do Ethan. Lucky for all of us, Mel didn't have to be at the airport quite as early as Ethan did. I took a quick loop around to the park and wait. Corey texted when the "package" had been delivered. Good luck Mel!!! We know you'll do great, xoxo!

Week 6 - Goodbye for good

 This was my last week at the MTC! It's crazy how fast it went by. But also I don't remember life before this... So this weekend I'm home with my family: Carving pumpkins, mountain biking, last-minute shopping, etc. Then I fly away early Monday morning! I'm going to miss the MTC (although I'm glad to be done with it). My Grandma and Grandpa were super great hosts, and it was great spending time with them. It's been nice to be close to home, but also at a safe distance from the chaos that comes from kids. My district was awesome and I'm gonna miss them! It's been fun to be confused together in class. The Elders are all super funny, especially when they act as investigators in breakout rooms. I'm really gonna miss my companions too! We get along super well and we laugh every day.

We've been teaching "Claudio" for our TRC's, and he's getting baptized this next week! 🤧 He's been very receptive to the gospel, he keeps all his commitments, and he even gave up all drugs, alcohol and coffee on Tuesday! We're all so proud. (Just so you know, Claudio isn't actually an investigator, he's just a member pretending to be.) I just hope everyone I teach is as nice and receptive as he is. Probs not. 

This week I tried to do a little missionary work by commenting on some anti-mormon videos. I've heard a few stories of people who watched the Book of Mormon musical (which is a Broadway musical dedicated to making fun of mormon missionaries), and they went from making fun of the church, to becoming interested in it, and then to getting baptized. So, I went onto some BOM musical videos and commented things like "Hey, would you like to talk to real Mormon missionaries? Go visit churchofjesuschrist.org!" Idk maybe I can spark someone's interest.

Then I saw a little cartoon titled "Mormon secrets: What the missionaries don't tell" and I watched it and it was really dumb. (Also btw it's pronounced "Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" ). It talked about all the crazy things that we believe in, like how there are so many rules and restrictions, we lived with God as spirits before we were born, we can one day become perfect like God, etc. So lots of the things were mostly true, but they stated it so we sounded like a bunch of crazy people. To movie-quote Rio, "Anything sounds dumb if you say it like that!" Then the comment section was full of things like: "I was a mormon when I was young and dumb. Thank goodness I got out of there", "This is crazy! Who would actually believe this?", or "Mormons are a cult from Hell". It made me sad :( 

So I decided to respond to each of the points they made, which ended up turning into a full essay. I haven't posted my comment yet but if you want a copy I can give it to ya. ;) After that even more anti-mormon videos came up on my recommendations: "Why I left the mormon church", "Top 10 Crazy things Mormons believe" or "More problems with the mormon church" and I felt a little overwhelmed. But if I had the time for all those, I betcha I could watch through them and explain all of the things they say, answer questions, or point out what's false, etc. And then the things that I don't know the answer to 

I can research and pray about to find an answer. 

One thing my Dad has taught us is that any criticisms or doubts about the church can always be answered, as long as we put in a little work. For example, look at these equations, given that a = b +1, which proves that 1 = 0 (also sorry if you're not a math person - I'm not really either. I had to reach far back in my brain to understand this.)

1. a = b + 1	1. Given
2. (a-b)a = (a-b)(b+1)	2. Multiplication Prop. of =
3. a2 - ab = ab + a - b2 - b	3. Distributive Property
4. a2 - ab -a = ab + a -a - b2 - b	4. Subtraction Prop. of =
5. a(a - b - 1) = b(a - b - 1)	5. Distributive Property
6. a = b	6. Division Property of =
7. b + 1 = b	7. Transitive Property of = (Steps 1, 7)
8. Therefore, 1 = 0	8. Subtraction Prop. of =

Everything looks good, right? No mistakes? But how can 1 = 0?? Oh no - I guess Math isn't true and now I have to throw away all I believe because this little statement has proved it all wrong! 

BUT, if you take the time (or if you're smart, unlike me), you'll find that there was a mistake between steps 5-6, because it divides by 0! (Because (a - b - 1) = 0). This is the same thing with the church. You may come across something that will shake your faith, but that doesn't mean you should give up all you know! Do a little research and figure out what's wrong. And even if you can't find the answer, that's ok! There are some things we just don't know the answer to, and that's where faith comes in! If this church were proven to be true, we wouldn't have faith. As Nephi says it so wonderfully: "I know that He loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." (1 Nephi 11:17)

So you have to put in the work, but you also have to have an open heart, and be searching for truth! Do you want to know what's true?

So yeah probably the comment section of atheist videos isn't the best place to find converts. Those guys aren't trying to know what's true, they just like bible bashing. For me, all the attacks on the church kind of confirm its truthfulness. If this is the true church, of course Satan would put in all this effort to try and tear it down. But yeah a lot of those criticisms come from people who don't know all the goodness that comes from it. They're sure missing out!

But It's good to have questions! It's important to be a little skeptical and question everything so you can find answers, and know if something is true, rather than just accepting it. Find the truth for yourself by studying about it and praying for answers! Or you can always ask me with any questions you have. As for me, I still have questions about some things in the church, but I don't have any doubts. I've prayed about it, and although I don't know everything, I know that it is good, it makes me happy, and through Jesus Christ it has blessed my life in a way that nothing else could. (3 Nephi 14.20)

1-3. Mountain biking with Lily

4. Pumpkin carving ft. burning Elmo

5. Pro-tip: Use the color of your face as a green-screen and turn yourself into any character you want. This was probably my finest work when it comes to zoom backgrounds.

6. Peter joined me for class :)

Week 5 - I ate a chicken heart

Hello! 

I only have 8 days left until I fly out! I'm so excited/anxious to get out and teach! It's starting to dawn on me that I actually have to leave, rather than "leaving" but still hanging out in the area. I'll have to say bye to Peter 

This week we had lots of sub teachers, which has been fun. One of them, Irmão Barroso, drew a little picture showing that whatever kingdom we end up in (celestial, telestial, terrestrial) depends on how often we speak and study portuguese. So I guess I'm going to the terrestrial kingdom guys.

I don't enjoy Halloween quite as much as a missionary. It's fun to dress up and eat too much candy, but some things are kinda gory! We went to a Halloween store and I low-key felt the spirit leave. There were a bunch of scary things like a pig zombie head, clown masks, and lots of other really ugly stuff, so I felt a little out of place in there with my missionary tag on. There was one thing that totally freaked me out: a scrawny, motion-sensored skeleton thing that was crawling on all fours, and it screeched at me as I walked by. I did not like that place. 

On Friday I also went to a Brazilian restaurant with my parents and the food was sooo good! I was having some serious flashbacks to when we went to Brazil in 2015. The fried yuca, cheese bread, cashew juice, and the rice and beans were muito deliciosa. I was having a jolly good time until Dad slapped a chicken heart on my plate, and told me to eat it. Gross! I completely lost my appetite when I saw the little tubes coming out of it, and I also had already eaten too much so I felt like I would throw up. But hey, on the mission people will give you weird food, and you just have to eat it. Also my Dad said that if I didn't eat it I'd have to pay for the meal. Then the owner came and started talking to us, (apparently he served in João Pessoa too!) and said that if I ate the two of them, he'd give us a free dessert. So I ate them. And it was pretty gross. Hopefully those two chickens don't come back to haunt me. 

One of my Dad's favorite hobbies is putting me (and his other kids) in uncomfortable situations. As we were waiting in line for the restaurant, he heard some people who didn't speak English, so he's like "Hey, let's go talk to them, maybe they speak Portuguese!" So he waltzed up to these strangers and just started talking to them. I was kinda uncomfortable (as was the guy's wife who cautiously backed away). So my Dad had a long conversation with this Venezuelan guy in Spanish as I stood there in silence. In my head I imagined it would be so easy to walk up to strangers and talk with them, but after that I realized I need more practice. 

Spiritual thought: In the past I felt a little confused about the atonement, and even what to repent for. I've been pretty good at keeping the commandments: I honor my parents, I keep the sabbath day holy, I don't kill people, etc. So I didn't really know what to repent for... But as I've learned more and more, I learned that Sinless ≠ Perfect. Being sinless is not committing sin, while being perfect is being the best person you can be: making no mistakes, being loving, accomplished, smart, humble, talented, etc. Everything that God and Christ are! Sure, I'm pretty much sinless. But am I perfect? Of course not! There is a very wide gap between me and where I could be. The atonement isn't just to cleanse us from sin, it's there to fix mistakes and to make us complete, and eventually perfect like Christ. So lately I've been repenting for things like being too focused on myself too much, not being as productive as I could be, and even for playing wrong notes on the piano. When I repent, Christ will amplify my efforts, and step by step, I can eventually become perfect like Christ. And you can too!

I know that this church is true. As I study and learn more every day, my testimony grows more and more, and there's no doubt in my mind that God lives, Christ is His Son, and that this is His restored church on the earth! I love it all so much, and I love being a missionary! And I love all of you people, (whoever 2 people are actually reading my emails)

- Sister Wride

1. Back from the Pumpkin patch

2. Brazilian food

3. Posing right next to the "please do not try on masks" signs 

(I'm sorry I didn't see them before and also I'm pretty sure I don't have covid)

4. Eating chicken hearts

Week 4 - What's going on??

 Olá! Como vocês está?

This week we have new teachers, Irmão Coronado and Irmã Moreno! They don't speak English, so classes have been very confusing for all of us. (Especially because we're pretty sure they're switching back and forth from Portuguese to Spanish). I honestly feel like a baby in class. Our poor teachers, they're trying so hard. They talk very slowly and clearly, and ask us questions to try and get us to interact with the lesson, but all they get in return is blank stares. I truly admire their patience. Even if we did understand the things they ask, most of the time we don't know how to answer. Luckily we help each other out in the group chat, which is mostly filled with things like "what's going on?" "what did she just say?" "I'm lost again.", and "sweet mercy.."

It kinda reminds me of when our family went to Chile, and I was stuck in a school where people only spoke Spanish. (Except for in English class, where I was the star-student ( ͝° ͜ʖ͡°)ᕤ). I never understood anything, so I just copied whatever the teacher wrote on the board, along with little notes to myself since I had no one to talk to. It kinda seemed like a waste of fourth grade, but hey, by the end of those 3 months, I could speak Spanish pretty well! I remember getting off the airplane back to Utah, and how amazed I was that I could actually understand what people were saying! I passed by two guys having a conversation, and I could understand what they were talking about! So weird.. 

Also Irmã Moreno doesn't know how to pronounce my name, and it makes Sister Adams laugh every time. No matter how many times I correct her, the "Wr" still throws her off. "Sister.. Gwide? Goo-eyed?" "It's Sister Wride" "Sim, Sister Guiraije." 

I hope you all enjoyed conference today! It was so good. So many talks were exactly what the world needs right now. Quentin L. Cook talked about the need for unity amidst diversity, David A. Bednar and W. Christopher Waddell talked about the importance of preparing for the future (physically and spiritually), and Dallin H. Oaks talked about how we need to show love to everyone despite differences, to keep the laws of the land and use peaceful protests, to eliminate racism and contention, and to peacefully accept the result of elections. My personal questions were also answered on what I need to do to improve myself, in Scott D. Whiting's talk. I'm so grateful for living prophets and apostles! They really do speak as the voice of God. 

Speaking of which, you should go watch THIS video of President Nelson. I love our dear prophet! He is such a good example of Christlike love that I strive to follow. One thing he said in the video struck me hard, that "all the good in the world is done person-to-person", one-by-one. It seems to me that people are anxious to be big and important, that to have value in life, you have to do something that impacts everyone in the world. It's great to strive for that, but it's so true, that either way, all the good that's done is to individuals! Don't think you can only do good by starting a charity organization - go and serve the people who are around you right now! You don't have to find a cure for cancer, go do the dishes for your roommates, go visit your grandparents, give people warm smiles, go make someone feel loved. The reason people love President Nelson so much is because his efforts are solely focused outward, on individuals. In the end, it's all about people! 

I love people, and I love you, whoever is reading this! Feel free to reach out if you need anything, if you have a question, or if you just want to say hi :)

 - Sister Gwide

 

Pictures:

1-2. Our district BBQ, where I realized how short I really am. 

3-4. Peter

5. My blanket art