Sweet Home Ellabama : Week 65: Can you say ROLL TIDE!

I got transferred and am now serving in TUSCALOOSA, AL!!! Home of the University of Alabama, can you say ROLL TIDE!!!! Because that's my new life being a missionary on a college campus in a young single adult branch (a church congregation of only college kids). It's the biggest party of my life, I am in love!!!!

Seeing drunk girls in mini skirts and stilettos running across the street screaming, getting invited to frat parties, and walking the strip all seem so strange while wearing a nametag with JESUS written across it. Seems juxtaposed and weird, I know, but it has really got me thinking.

Why don't I drink? Why don't I wear little outfits anymore? In essence, why am I Mormon?? Isn't that restrictive and boring?

People often think that religion imposes "rules" that bind us down...I have no fun...I don't know how to live....I have no freedom. But from my personal experience, I've found just the opposite.

It reminds me of a time I hiked half dome with my dad. At the top of a waterfall there were lots of signs and a rope prohibiting our crossing onto the top of the falls. I recall seeing 2 guys ignore the signs and hop over the barrier. I remember my dad telling me how stupid their decision was...did they not understand that people had died doing the same thing they had?

They purposely chose to ignore the guidelines because what was on the other side looked fun and enticing! The same goes with Gods commandments. We don't see the danger of living outside of them until we are hurt, broken, or purposeless. I chose to live the Mormon standards because I know they are for my own benefit. Just as the park ranger places the rope to protect the hikers, God gives us "limitations, regulations, and rules" to keep us safe and happy.

We live in an apartment with 2 other sister missionaries. One of them joined the church at 18, after turning from her worldly ways. I asked her what that experience was like and she said, "well of course I had fun partying!!! but it didn't have any meaning." She wasn't truly happy.

At the end of the day my answer is the same. I'm a Mormon because it makes me HAPPY! The Bible teaches that "the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32), and I know that's true! I am free of addiction, guilt, and negativity! I have purpose. I feel full inside. I don't question who I am.

This is my hope of serving in Tuscaloosa. I want help one college kid experience the depth of joy I have and find out who they really are!!!

Love y'all so much!!

Sister Ella Rae Madsen