Sweet Home Ellabama : Week 11

This week we were teaching one of our dear friends Kim. She has a hard time understanding things, but it is amazing to see her learn and change. In July she spotted 2 sister missionaries and tried to hide from them. however, they were able to say hello and start a conversation. at first thought she was disappointed in herself for letting them "catch" her, for she wanted nothing to do with them. however, after there 1st interaction she said they could start coming around. they taught her about what we believe and read the Book of Mormon. she did not grasp what they were teaching, but she knew something was different about them. they were always happy. they had a light about them that she wanted to have around, so she kept letting them come over.

when I got to Prattville I met her and loved her right off the bat. she was so fascinated by my blonde hair and my life back in California. Parallel, I was so fascinated by her black hair and life in Alabama. one day we were at her apartment discussing the Book of Mormon and church and quitting smoking. However, we could tell something was bottled up inside of her that she didn't want to let out. she was quiet and was just nodding her head at the babble we were saying. she seemed very stressed out so we took a step back and just listened to her. after some silence she just broke out in tears explaining how she used to be best friends with her brothers wife (Nicki) but now they never talk. she told us how she said some mean things to her and mistreated her. she was so sad because she knew what she had done was wrong, and had lost a best friend in the process. she said that is why she had been smoking. she just could not handle the stress, guilt, and sorrow the situation had caused her. We asked what she could do to restore this relationship, but she had no clue. We helped her understand that she needed to apologize and ask for forgiveness. She agreed but felt unbelievably scared, for she knew she had been in the wrong. We eventually encouraged Kim to write a letter to Nicki. We dropped the letter off at Nicki's work and the next day we got a phone call from Kim. In the most jubilant voice ever she exclaimed that they had talked! In the letter Kim apologized and left her number, asking for Nicki to call or visit her. the next thing she knew Nicki was knocking on her door. they talked for hours and were able to forgive one another and laugh and have a good ole time. when we went to see Kim the next day her whole countenance had changed. instead of looking down at the carpet in a somber, stressed manner she was smiling. she was so giddy and cheerful for what had happened. she could not believe that Nicki actually came running over with an open heart and mind to forgive her.

it was so beautiful to see this change take place. a burden that had been weighing Kim down for 6 months was finally lifted. she had lost all trust, confidence, and love with one of her dearest friends, but the moment she was brave enough to ask for forgiveness peace flowed into her life.

I love being a missionary because this is what we help people understand all day long. our church is centered on Jesus Christ-the man who makes forgiveness possible. He has suffered for our sins so that we can have those burdens lifted. Repentance, or CHANGE (improving our lives bit by bit), is a wonderful gift we have been given. nothing can compare to the freedom, confidence, peace and joy that come from complete repentance and forgiveness. our savior is merciful to all who come unto him. he is dying to heal us of our scars. he wants to turn our weaknesses into strengths. He has promised: "I will have compassion upon you" (D&C 64:2); "[I know] the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted." (D&C 62:1)

(I GOT THIS FROM A TALK IN THE DEC. ENSIGN-SHOULD I BE CITING THIS? OR IS THAT JUST PCS INGRAINED IN ME?!?!!!)

I know that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love each of us more than we can imagine. They are waiting with open arms to encircle us with their love, if we will just humble ourselves and turn to them. I am grateful to be on a mission sharing these tender truths with the inspiring people here in Alabama.

Until next week!!! I love y'all!!!!!

Sister Madsen

Alicia-baptized in august. parents just got active when she was baptized! that family treats us like family! I love them! Monday night dinner and scripture study every week! best thing ever!