March 27, 2017 ~ Transfer 6 Week 1

Hi all!

This week a lot happened. Food-wise a lot happened too haha. 

I made chicha morada fresh (not from the packet) and it was good but I didn't realize how long it takes. It's takes a while. I might stick with the packets. 

Then we also ate ahí de gallo and cosido madrileño (garbanzo beans, roast beef, chicken and chorizo). Today we also went to a store called "Dealz" that says American and English (Brittish) food and stuff. I have plenty of American food now to last me the next month =)

Elder Weiss went home after serving for two years and now I'm with Elder Wither. The weather is crazy right now. Monday we played soccer in short sleeves and I got sunburned. Then by Thursday it was snowing the biggest snowflakes I've ever seen! 

In the work this week: We found a new person from Peru that we are teaching and it was a miracle how we found her. We had a lesson with one of the recent converts here and she ended up telling us last minute that she couldn't meet but she gave us the Peruvian's number. We called a an hour later we met with Andrea. We also have another friend who is planning on being baptized on the April 15.

Something that I really love is being able to pray and receive answers. Its amazing how personal our Heavenly Father answers us. Often it doesn't come in the way that we expect but it comes in the way that will help us grow the most. I have seen His hand so much in the work here. This coming weekend we have the opportunity to receive more inspiration and answers to prayers or concerns we have. 

This next weekend is General Conference where we get to receive counsel from a latter day prophet. I love watching conference because I also receive answers to questions I didn't even know I had, answers to questions that I couldn't put to words. If you want to watch or listen you are invited to do so on LDS.org. I believe the first session starts on Saturday and Sunday at 10am MDT (here in Spain the broadcast is a lot later in the afternoon, like 6pm). 

I know there is a prophet in today's day because Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has not left us alone to struggle in this world. Revelation and inspiration from heaven has not stopped.

I challenge you to think of some questions that you have about life and watch general conference, prayerful looking for your answers. I promise you that you will find answers.

Have a great week! Love you all!

Elder Openshaw

March 20, 2017 ~ Transfer 5 Week 6

Hi all!

Last Monday we played soccer with the MTC elders which was pretty fun. They think we are so cool because we've already been in the field and they ask funny questions like if we have hot water (yes) and stuff like that =) Tuesday, we had an intercambio with the zone leaders (and one of them was called to be an AP) and we had a miracle happen. Elder Campbell and I were together and we were passing by member's homes to see if they still live where the directory says they live. And we took a nice detour thinking it was a shortcut and it wasn't. So we found our way to the piso we were searching for and nobody was home. And right then someone walks up to the door to go in and we stopped and asked for directions to the next home. Little did we know that this lady was a member who moved here from Boliva 13 years ago and never had her records moved (so nobody knew she lived her). And we got to invite her to church and the B8 elders will visit her soon. The only reason we found her was because of the detour we took, if we hadn't taken it we would have missed meeting this lady.

Funny moments this week:

Sometimes members don't really understand our purpose as missionaries. We went to someone's home this past week thinking that we were helping with a English class (the lady teaches English to children) and then we thought after maybe 15-20 mins we can teach a quick lesson and go (because the little girl who is learning English really loves talking about Jesus). Little did we realize that the whole reason we were there was just because we are native English speakers and she wanted to use us to teach the class. So after a while we realized what was going on and the lady was going over asking us questions about what we like. And thankfully she said "ask them if they like to pray". And so I was able to say "yes we love to pray and we would like to say a prayer right now because we have to go". Haha =) 

One of the members we ate with yesterday wouldn't let us eat unless we were wearing our pink ties and even though she was joking, we changed our ties to be funny.

Also:

This week I also found another person that knows my Grandpa O, someone else from Peru.

For food this week we had a lot. We had 2 meals with members or investagators everyday because Elder Weiss was leaving. One day we survived 4 meals but that was pretty miserable. The food was great =) We went to a buffet sushi place (and I took pictures, also there was miso soup). We had an amazing homemade pizza and Venasulan arepas. We also had paella, Italian brucheta and so many other great foods. I bought stuff to make chicha morada this coming week.

This week was transfers. 

My companion is going home because he has served for two years and has now finished his mission. My new companion is Elder Wither who actually was already living with us (we have two companionship's and he was in the other one). He didn't have to move far =) And then the Assistant's to the President got moved to the same zone and church building I'm at (they are in the other ward, Barrio 8). And then the other companionship in Piso were called to be zone leaders in Barrio 6. So it's probably a little confusing by now, but in my Piso my companion left and we got one new elder who will be the other zone leader. 

I was called as the District leader. I feel very humbled to serve in this capacity. We have 9 people in the district and have to Skype in 2 elders who live about 1.5 hours away by bus. 7 are serving here in Barrio 6 with 3 Hermanas (Sisters) and 4 Elders.

I know that Heavenly Father does His own work. It's amazing how much He is involved in the work (and sometimes it's hard to notice in the moment but looking back we can see it a lot better). 

We had two moments this week where we couldn't find someone to come with us to a lesson and we couldn't enter without them. The first one worked out a lot easier than the second. The second time we searched and searched and 15 minutes before the lesson we still couldn't find anyone to accompany us. I prayed if it was Heavenly Father's will that we could find someone to help us out and just then some senior missionaries drove by. It was an answer to prayer. They were able to help us out and we even got to the lesson early (we would have been late without the car).

This week I really saw the difference between living the Gospel and just following the Gospel as a checklist of rules.

 As missionaries we see and teach all kinds of people, but in Madrid we teach quite a few more lessons than in Oviedo  (my previous area). Those who really struggle with finding happiness in living the Gospel are the ones who I've seen be upset at the "checklist of rules": Reading scriptures and pray everyday, going to church, not doing drugs, etc. Those who I have seen fight the "rules" are the ones who miss out on the blessings of true happiness. And in contrast I have seen the opposite of the "checklist followers". Those who truly LIVE the Gospel and they recognize the "rules" as standards or guidelines to help us receive the joy our Heavenly Father wants us to enjoy. They don't fight the guidelines but accept them and try their best to stay within them because they know that is where joy is found. They don't push to see how far they can go before they are breaking rules but they LIVE and enjoy their lives within the limits so they can have joy. 

Look for how you can live within the limits of what you know is right. Heavenly Father will bless you so much more. I know that we have the guidelines that we have so that we can truly be happy. The Gospel isn't just a checklist of rules but instead a way of living.

Have a great week! 

Elder Openshaw

Calle Fuerteventura 4, 2, Oficina 8B
28703 San Sebastián de los Reyes
Madrid, España

March 13, 2017 ~ Transfer 5 Week 5

Hi all!

There was an emergency transfer and Elder Baide from Honduras was sent to the Canary Islands (we share an apartment with him and his companion). And then Elder Whither was sent to serve here in Barrio 6. I will miss Elder Baide, we all thought he would be here for at least another transfer (he was only here for a month).

The work here in Barrio 6 (the 6th ward of Madrid) is going great. Last week we had an older lady from the ward invite us to her home and she is teaching English class to a 7 year old girl. And the lady was telling the girl "if you want to know anything about Jesus they can tell you everything you want to know". And this little girl is super excited to hear about Jesus. She loves all the pictures of Jesus and is was a super fun lesson. After the initial awkwardness it went very well haha. The lady had her sing "Nephi's Courage" (the primary song, in English) and dance to it and the little girl was super shy in front of three strangers so it was pretty awkward. The lady was singing with all her heart (with her eyes closed) and the girl was super timid and was kind of hiding behind the lady but kind of dancing. It was quite funny.

We are also teaching a small family of a mom and her twin girls. Super awesome family. Today there is a bday in their home so we will pass by with brownies later today. We found them through English class and a miracle of knocking on the wrong door when passing by members' homes (I think I already explained it in a previous email). Also we showed up at a member's home yesterday and the cousin of the mom (and did the brother in law) were there and so we thought them and answered the questions they had. The members here definitely help us quite a bit.

I heard from my last area (Oviedo) and Elder Hale told me that Katy is getting baptized! Which is a super amazing miracle. She knew the Gospel and the Book of Mormon are true and she was fighting it. But she had a super special experience and knew she had to act and be baptized. I'm so excited for her because I know she is ready. Also another person I was teaching with Elder Hale is on date for a baptism too which is awesome. It's great to see the work move along.

A side note: I never knew I was going to sing so much during my mission. We sang a musical number for a missionary farewell (which wasn't part of the sacrament meeting) and it went really well. A lot better than I expected. So now I've used my little bit of piano skills and voice skills. I have yet to be able to play the bass. I've seen two basses in the past 6 months.

I also got to see some youth from Oviedo! They were here for a EFY (FSY in Spain) counselor training so that was super cool.

This week's food: we had some wonderful Honduran enchiladas and some French food (chicken topped with egg plant and cheese, it was super good). I also made a smoothie for breakfast that had ice cream in it and topped it with whipped cream. Also had a gofre (a mini waffle covered in sugar) and those are usually quite good. We get fed well and it's starting to show a bit.

Funny moment: at English class we have all sorts of experiences. We have a basic class and and conversation class. I was teaching the conversation class amd someone named Anthony was talking with me and he speaks very loud English. And he randomly shouted something that sounded like "you look fetching". Apparently he was trying to say "flashy" but both those instances made me chuckle haha. English classes are pretty funny.

I know that our Heavenly Father loves every one of His children. He really does care about us individually. That's why He's given us His words from prophets who speak for Him. We have these words and we find them in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, conference talks and other books of scriptures. I like this scripture that talks about how the words from Christ will teach us all things that we must do. It says: "Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3). It is so true. When we read the scriptures we can receive the inspiration that we need to guide our lives. I know this because I am telling you from experience throughout my life of reading the scriptures and receiving answers to prayers and unspoken concerns. 

Have a great week! 

Love you all!

Elder Openshaw

Calle Fuerteventura 4, 2, Oficina 8B
28703 San Sebastián de los Reyes
Madrid, España

Pictures ~ March 8, 2017

March 8, 2017 ~ Transfer 5 Week 4

This week was GREAT! 

On Preparation day we went to the Real Madrid stadium which was super cool. It's amazing how well manicured the grass is on professional fields.

I didn't read my journal before writing this and I have trouble remember this week without it...so we shall see what I remember.

This week's update on new food: We ate pepitas (I think that's the name), a Venasulan food that is French bread sliced in half and stuffed with meat and lettuce, avocado and tomatoes. And they put cheese on top and toasted them. Super good! I also made a home made pizza and the first one turned but quite good and the second one was super gross. And then I tried making cookies and they did not turn out (I was missing a few ingredients and they turned out super flat). Thankfully the other Elders didn't mind haha.

One really awesome experience this week:

I was at a member's home and they were thanking us for doing all that we do and the mother used to work cleaning (like as a janitor) in the MTC while I was there. She remembered me and told me exactly why. I would say hi every time I saw her and thank you for cleaning. And she told me how much it meant. It was cool to see how much of a difference it made because I had no clue. You never know what difference small acts of kindness make.

Also, there were members here visiting from Hawaii. They know my Grandpa and grandma who are serving there as missionaries! It was a cool experience because I met them before sacrament meeting but I had to leave to help with something and I thought when I came back they probably would be gone. But right when I was getting back we saw them leaving and I got to say hi and get a picture to send to my grandparents! It was a tender mercy.

I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know He cares about the details in our lives and is always listening to our prayers. He knows our every feeling, sacrafice, and difficulty - He knows our hearts. He knows and loves you.

Have a great week!

Elder Openshaw

Calle Fuerteventura 4, 2, Oficina 8B
28703 San Sebastián de los Reyes
Madrid, España

Pictures ~ February 27, 2017

February 27, 2017 ~ Transfer 5 Week 3

Quite a busy week this past week.

My companion, Elder Weiss, and I ended up changing our Preparation day to Wednesday so that we could help the mission president with some errands (I think we were asked to do it because Elder Weiss has a European drivers license and used to serve in the office). One of the errands we did is we drove 28 boxes of pizza from the store to a Mission Zone Conference where Elder Soares talked to the Eastern Madrid missionaries and the missionaries from the North (Galicia and Asturias areas). So we brought the pizza to fed the missionaries and it was funny because everyone was asking why we were in Pday clothes =) Let me tell you, we cranked the AC in the car because it turned into an oven with all the heat from the pizzas which was amazing. My last zone was at the zone conference so it was great to talk with the Elders from Oviedo and see how all the work is going up there.

Thursday was a pretty miraculous day. I realized I hadn't given a blessing in Spanish before because I have been too nervous. On Thursday I said a prayer asking for an opportunity to give a blessing in Spanish. Only 4 hours later that prayer was answered when we visited a member's home and gave a blessing to a brother who needed one and hadn't received one for probably 4-5 years. I felt the spirit very strong during that blessing and it definitely guided my words. The words flowed which I couldn't do myself, but God used me as His instrument to do His work.

This week I have learned a lot about how God works through us to do His work. As missionaries we are the instruments He uses. 

We ran into a less actively involved member rushing on the way to a lesson, I said "Hi" and he stopped us saying "Élderes!". He told us he wants to serve a mission but doesn't know how, so we invited him to come to church this past Sunday. He talked to the bishop and has the information he needs now. The miracle is that he leaves to go back to his country today. There's no way if we hadn't found him in that exact moment he would have gotten to help he needed. 

There is no way by chance alone that we run into the people who we run into who need our help, those who the members haven't seen in years. Or knocking on a completely wrong door on accident and finding someone who you have been teaching in English class who wants to hear about the Gospel (yes that did happen this week).  It just doesn't happen by chance and it happens so often in the work of a missionary. The Lord only expects us to be worthy so that we can receive the inspiration that we need. It doesn't matter how much experience you do or don't have. It doesn't matter which missionary shares what in the lessons even if one doesn't know Spanish very well. The power comes from personal worthiness and the reliance we put on the Lord. We have to listen to the Spirit and trust that God will fulfill all His promises. And He will and He does. I know He answers our prayers and keeps His every promise.

Some funny moments: 

yesterday we were at a member's home and she started singing the US National Anthem (she's from Colombia and speaks pretty decent English) and so of course I joined in! Although she stopped at one part and I was trying to follow her lead in singing and I totally lost the words haha =) 

This week we also had a bunch of different food - from Peruvian to Honduran. We ate some cookies from Peru (doña pepa, which I ate while there in Peru), Peruvian papa relleno (fried potatoes filled with meat and cheese), fajitas (which really hit the spot), and baleadas (kind of like Honduran tortillas/burritos).

Have an amazing week!

Elder Openshaw

Calle Fuerteventura 4, 2, Oficina 8B
28703 San Sebastián de los Reyes
Madrid, España