On Thursday Sister Downs and I decided we wanted to work for a miracle. We pondered and came to the conclusion we wanted to find a mom and daughter who we could help join the church. This miracle was particularly meaningful because Sister Downs mom was baptized at age 8 when missionaries knocked on their door shortly after her father walked out on them.
So the prayers began. In every individual and companionship prayer we would include our desire to find a mom and daughter, and let me tell you, that is like a million prayers a day for us missionaries!
Sure enough, Sunday afternoon we were painting nails and doing face paint at the park when Renee and Shaylee came up. Renee is a cute blonde mom currently going through a divorce, and Shaylee is her 11 year old daughter. We started painting their nails and soon learned Renee wants her kids in church because she knows it's good, but has a problem with organized religion. She once knew a pastor who beat the kids who didn't want to be there and has seen countless preachers scream over the pulpit to not drink, when they were in the bars the night before.
We helped her understand how this church is different. We told them of the self-confidence, peace, purpose, comfort and unfathomable happiness it has brought to us and our families. Because of this gospel we find direction and solace in the midst of our hardest afflictions. We know God is mindful of us because of the joy and love we feel as we pray. All of a sudden Renee started to cry. She saw our happiness and hope and wanted it for herself. We offered to come over and share more and she gladly accepted.
Because of this, I know God answers prayers. I know miracles happen when we work for them. .........but God didn't stop there!
Minutes later, these 3 bounty hunters having a cook-out offered us half their watermelon. We gladly accepted. They were totally hitting on us but we tried to explain how we were missionaries and didn't do that..... Anyways, a random Chinese man at the park spotted our watermelon and wanted it. His friend Amy told him he couldn't just ask for it, so she decided to help me load the chairs in the car to get the conversation started. We realized he wanted watermelon so we shared. Amy saw our "glow" and started crying. She asked if we could come visit her because she has been praying for direction and strength.
boom! look at that. I love god. the miracles never cease!
love always,
Sister Madsen
the daily grind! got to keep everything updated!
look what I found in my room this week!!!!!! yummy yummy southern cockroaches!!!!!
just your typical day in an Alabamian parking lot! hahha HOW I LOVE MY LIFE!!
going to miss my sister downs!!!
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so the other sister missionaries threw a wedding this week.....someone they are teaching is getting baptized but needed to get married first! hahha so fun!
definitely going to miss these beauties! best young women ever!!!
how I am going to miss you sister brock. my skunk smell lover, cat lady, and hilarious friend. much love.
sister Williams bought me this bag as a random act of kindness!!! how perfect can these people get, like really?!?
marissa-the strongest 19 yo recent convert ever!!! she gave up her whole life to join the church! love her!
2 of my favorites in the ward! brother Williams and preston!!
going to miss this crew!!! bye bye Guntersville!
the watermelon the bounty hunters gave us! hhahhah so yummy!!
the rushings!! they are members and they fed us dinner! It was straight up hamburger, instant mashed potatoes, and canned beans with bacon. oh the joys of southern living!!!
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