Week 20!

 it is so amazing to have this perfect family! I feel so much love. especially this week because I got packages from mom, the muirheads, hargadons, chloe Johnson, kramers, and $ from mariedda, and letters from the greassles, Julie, kate hargie, and a handful of other people. WOW GOD IS SOOOOOOOO GOOD and we have perfect lives!!! I am so humbled and grateful and full of love! y'all are the best ever.

I love y'all deeply, more than you know. I miss you all very very much. but this is exactly where I need to be. keep living those good lives!!!!!!!!

XOXO ella rae

Wednesday night we biked to the library and began locking up our bikes. Just as we did so, we saw a man drive up who had a flat tire. We quickly approached him and asked if we could do anything to help. He said no, but we got to talking. He was speaking slowly, but we listened intently. We showed our genuine love for him as our fellow brother. As the conversation continued, we learned that he had met Sister Senior and Sister Seville (other missionaries) back in the summer. We talked about life and were able to pivot to the gospel and teach the restoration, right there in the snow. We got his number, gave him a restoration pamphlet, and told him we owed him a Book of Mormon. The next day during planning Sister Schwendiman had the inspired thought to call him and set up an appointment. I was a little hesitant, but we did. Words can't possibly describe that phone call. It was perfect. It was everything a missionary ever dreams of hearing. He said, "I know this is something real because y'all wouldn't be out here in these conditions if it weren't. I have been lost in my life and I don't want to mislead my family. We are going to church right now, but I want to know where I really belong. A lot of these churches are just about traditions, and I don't think traditions get you into heaven." He wished he had met up with the other sisters, but never got around to it. He realized getting a flat tire and running into us was a sign from God that he needed to do something about. He said, "I am really interested. I talked to my family about meeting y'all last night. I can't wait to read the Book of Mormon and learn more." We set up an appointment to teach the family-husband, wife, and 4 kids!

What I learned: 1. We must listen with love. Often times I get caught up in the gung-ho missionary mode and forget that these people are people! We must connect with them, build trust, and tailor our message to their needs. Otherwise we will just be throwing words at them. 2. Follow up promptly! It hadn't even been 24 hours when we called Ray Hood back, but our encounter was fresh in his mind and he was able to remember the spirit. Because of this, he was eager to set up an appointment. 3. God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. His view is infinitely larger than ours, but it all works together for our good. Ray needed to meet the previous Sisters and get a flat tire 7 months later, and we needed to be at the library at that very moment.

God is so good. Miracles are real. I love this work and am excited for the new adventures that lie ahead!

Sister Madsen

 Just sending off the apartments mail...I think we send about 20 letters every week! The mail people probably are SO confused! hahha

We made homemade rolls the other day. BEST. THING. EVER.

 THANK YOU for the cookies mom. They were oh so delicious!

 sisters in our apartment!!! 2 of us are leaving :( this was valentines day and we all dressed in pink!!! so fun!

 I'm going to miss Sister Schwendiman!

 classic corinth, mississippi shot. got to love all the historical looking building and statues.

 

also, sorry these emails are spread out. we just got back from lunch with the former mayor of corinth!!!!! IT WAS AWESOME! He was mayor for 16 years and he is THE MAN. He is seriously the perfect connection because he knows everyone! he bought us lunch at the cutest, most local precious southern restaraunt ever!!!! i am obsessed with this small town! we just go in there and talk with everyone! the owners were so friendly and kind and we were just chatting it up with everyone adn there dog! it was SO rad!!! awwwww everyone wanted to know who we were and what we are doing. the cutest owner lady is super stylish and she was loving that the mayor took us to lunch so she took a pic of schwendi and i and said, "we have a fb page. do you mind if i post this picture to it?" um NO we dont, PLEASE POST IT! so check out fillmore burgers in corinth, ms. hopefully you can find smoething. but seriously, pics of the mormon missionaries on there site! hollaaaaa i was talking to the nice couple next to me at the bar stools and they were super interested in what we were doing. cnoversation was hopping and they said we should go meet this man named barry, bc he is a minister and does tons of community outreach! they said they would lvoe our help! this is my dream come true! We need to get involved in the community so people know mormons are normal and servicable!!!!! WHIPPEEE cant tell you how stoked i am! but the mayor man, jerry, said he would take us to go meet him! connections on connectinos! he can put in a good word for us! boom life is good!

 

so the story of how we met the mayor is even cooler!!!! the other day in companionship study schwendi told me she prayed for heavenly fathers help to know how she could get out and work in the snow bc her boots were letting water in whenever she walked. she said "god blessed me with the idea to wrap my feet in plastic bags then put them in my boots!" hahah love her. but i wouldnt let her do that so she borrowed my combat boots. we got on the bikes and rode away.

 we biked past a shoe store and both felt prompted to check it out. we locked up the bikes, prayed, and went it. and the kindest man ever was working there. he said he had been working there since he was a teen! He gave schwendi a FREE PAIR OF BOOTS! first of all, the prayer was answered. second of all, the kind man was JERRY THE MAYOR! love it! i asked how to clean my cream boots and he said "I will do it for you. LEave them here and pick them up tomorrow!" I let him serve me. sure enough we went back the next day and he had them cleaned and scrubbed and polished waiting for me! we made him some cookies :) and that is when he invited us to go to lunch. so this morning we called him up and made it happen!

 

sorry that was so long, but i love it!

 sweet girl we met when we were looking for a referral! love the butterflies in the back, her grandma made them all! hahha

 the elders and sisters and hermanas of corinth ward. jan-feb. its been a good crew!

 This vest-SO not missionary style but I could not let it pass! I found it at Goodwill and am obsessed. It has huge golden animal pendant things and cheetah! So I was wearing it when we got home and then I pulled out my cucumber for lunch and bit right into it. All the sisters were very confused by my behavior. hahha just got to enjoy some of my santa cruz life out here in mississippi! individual worth people! :)

 We made homemade rolls the other day. BEST. THING. EVER.

todd and carina-precious couple who were a member referral and are getting baptized!!!!!!!! LOVE THEM! they have a sweet 2 year old daughter and live in Tennessee!!

 the MAYOR MAN and us at lunch! love him! 

coca cola painting in downtown corinth! I am pretty sure they have a plant here or something!

Week 19!

The other day Sister Schwendiman and I went to go see our investigator Sarah. She didn't answer the door, so we figured we would try the two other people we knew in her same apartment complex. As we stood at Sarahs door we looked across the way to see both the people we know get in the same car and drive away. We found ourselves in the middle of a huge rainstorm, on our bikes, far away from home, with no one to see. So we got down on our knees and prayed. We told Heavenly Father we knew He needed us here for some reason, and we would discover it. We were prompted to bind the Lord-if we were to stay out in the pouring rain for the entire 1 hour 30 minutes with positive attitudes, that Heavenly Father would provide us with someone willing to hear our message. After we concluded the prayer we stood up and both pointed to the same door. We had to cross some serious puddles to get there, but we made it. We knocked on the door and sure enough, a kind older man opened. We were able to teach him and his wife about Joseph Smith and how he restored Christs church. The wife was very excited because she already had a Book of Mormon! God answered our prayer and provided us with a miracle.

 

Before we left the apartment Saturday we prayed that God would place people along our path that would be ready to receive the truth. We hopped on our bikes and started riding. We saw a few people outside of a house we pass by everyday, so we smiled and waved! One of the 2 people yelled out, "Don't catch an ammonia!!". Even though we were running a little late to our next appointment, we felt prompted to stop. We started talking about God with Mr. Pops and the 21 year old girl Danielle. Danielle doesn't go to church anymore because her preacher told her she was going to hell because her cell phone vibrated in church. She told us she was looking for a church and really needed some help. We were able to bear testimony that we had what she was looking for. WOW! Miracle!!! But God did not stop there!!! When we had finished our appointment and were biking to the next, we saw a man outside of his home and stopped to talk to him. Sure enough, he has a mormon friend and a Book of Mormon! And he really wants to read it and bring his 4 kids to church! SERIOUSLY, that is real! It was a very cold day and the only 2 people that happened to be outside were open to our message! God is too good to us! He literally placed them in our path!!!! I know that if we truly turn each day over to the Lord, everything will work out. If He places someone in our path because we have prayed for it, we better stop and talk!! Talking to everyone is such a blessing, because we never know who could need the happiness we have to share.

 

Thinking about these experiences is very humbling. I don't know why Heavenly Father is allowing us to see so many miracles, but I am finding the greatest joy in this work. These are our brothers and sisters, and they need the happiness, peace, and deapth of purpose we have. This truly is a marvelous work, and I am eternally grateful to be apart of it.

With all my love and happiness,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

Week 18!

In Doctrine & Covenants there is a scripture that reads, "the field is white already to harvest". This is referring to how people are ready to open their hearts and recieve Christs gospel in our day. Aka, people are looking for happiness and truth, and that is what we bring people as missionaries. However, we must meet people before we can help them. This week my faith has been strengthened in the fact that God is preparing people to receive my message.

 

On Wednesday we went to bring a card and cookies to a lady on her 73rd birthday. We met her the previous week and had given her a Book of Mormon. We visited with her and talked about her life. We soon learned she was confused as to why she was still on earth, since all her family had passed on. She felt like something was missing in her life. We were able to teach her about Joseph Smith and how Christ's church is back on the earth today. Her eyes seemed to light up as she learned this truth. She felt it in her heart and knew it was true. We discussed how God has a purpose for each of us, and that everything happens for a reason. She realized she was still alive because she needed to meet us. We helped her see her path back to Heavenly Father, and how she needs to follow her Savior. Jesus was baptized by God's authority to "fulfill all righteousness" and show us the example, so we must be too. We set a date for her to be baptized. This is so incredible because baptism allows us to be washed clean of all our mistakes. It allows us to start a new life of goodness, and is the gate to pure happiness!!!

 

On Thursday we taught a cute couple who have a 2 year old daughter. When we showed up they had a card for us that read "Thank y'all so very much for taking your time to teach our family about the Lord! We have been so lost in our life...and are so ready to be found! Thank y'all for helping us find out who we really are!" This touched me. I am the one who is grateful to be teaching them, for they are such wonderful people. The day after they started reading the Book of Mormon, their power was turned back on! When they read it at the hospital, their daughter was miraculously better. They have already seen miracles because of their willingness to follow God, and now they won't leave the house without the Book of Mormon! hahah love them! We were also able to set baptismal dates for them.

 

Sister Schwendiman and I have been doing our part, so God is fulfilling His promises. When I first got to Corinth 4 weeks ago, we didn't know any of the people we are now teaching. We have 4 solid people who are learning more and progressing and preparing to be baptized! It is so cool to help them on their journey to happiness!!! God is placing people in our path who are ready to learn. I know that we each have spiritual needs, somewhere inside of us. All of us wonder from time to time why we are here on earth. Or perhaps where we came from or where we are going. It is so profound and AWESOME to find people who are yearning to fill this gap. When we help them feel the truth they cannot deny the power. Hearts are touched and lives are changed. Even though all these miracles are happening, I know it is not me doing it. This is Heavenly Fathers work. I know I will only see these blessings if I humbly and prayerfully serve Him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. And that is exaclty what I am striving to do.

 

In case anyone was wondering, I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!! I have never been so happy!! The church is true!

 

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 IT SNOWED!!!!

 just out in bolivar, tennessee visiting a precious less active!! she gave us 2 dozen fresh eggs from her chickens, YUM! also she has the best garden ever! country country!!!!

 this sweet lady named Jan sewed us these scarfs, hats, and gloves!!! she works at the dry cleaners and we met her there. she knows we ride bikes in the FREEZING weather, so we made these for us just to be nice! and now she texts us and wants to be fb friends. she said "god laid it on my heart to do it, so i did. i prayed he would teach me how and he led me!" I LOVE THESE suothern people!

 reunited with Sister Butterfield (MTC companion) at zone training!!! She and Elder Johnson are both serving in Tupelo, Missisippi!!! YAY! :)

 mexican food for lunch with one of my new stls!!! sister wilson from provo! she is bffs with lauren holmoe (my freind from byu, kaelin hales rommate). love connections!!!!

sister schwendi and i had a little photoshoot while we were waiting for the hermanas baptism to start!!! 

  our photoshoot!! hahah so hilarious yet so fun! this is right behind our church! SO gorgeous! i love it! 

so last night we went to this precious old ladys house for dinner. she is a member and she fed us the sweetest most humble meal ever. then we ended up only having 20 minutes before 9 so we didnt have time to go visit the people we wanted to go see...and we were sharing a car bc it was freezing and DUMPING rain...so we went to walmart and picked up trash, put buggies back, and walked people to their cars with our umbrellas! it was SO fun!!! then we were soaked and hypothermic, but we surely planted some seeds! the crazy mormon girls! love it! 

 the ellisons PERFECT package!!!!! thank you so very much! i am currently wearing my scarf! I am in love with it!!! we have the best family in the whole entire world! 

Week 17.

Hello World!!!!!

 

I am just loving life down here in Mississippi!!! I never imagined in 1 million years I would be LIVING in this crazy state, but I would not want to be anywhere else!!!

 

What I am learning out here is that life is hard. People i meet and engage with everyday have heartaches and sorrows. they are depressed. they are lost. i find it deeply amusing and humbling that i, ella, have been led out here to help these people. i am a 19 yo girl who has always lived a happy, peaceful, positive life. now i am thrown into mississippi, which is the most depressed and most poor of all the 50 states. what i am realizing is that people need a source of help that is bigger than themselves. they are so low that a smile or laugh wont change a thing. but what i do get to bring these people is the answer they did not even know they were looking for-the gospel of jesus christ.

 

this week sister schwendiman and i biked in the 22 degree weather to try and meet a sweet old lady who used to meet with the boy missionaries 2 year ago. we had no clue what to expect we had no clue what to expect but when we showed up on her doorstep she gladly welcomed us in. She said she had been waiting for us to come! She happened to open the BoM and read just a few days earlier and wanted to review what she had learned. She opened up to Helaman 5, a chapter reference that had been scribbled down on a mormon.org card by Elders years ago. She said that chapter spoke exactly to her. in fact, she was scared of this book because she didn't understand how it was so perfect. We helped her understand that was because the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and He knows her perfectly. we read verse 12 "INSERT THE VERSE" she said the world is crazy and she is lost. we helped her understand that the guilt weighing her down can be lifted through the atonement of jesus christ bc he has felt all our pain. through baptism she can be washed clean and the guilt can be completely washed away. and how the peace and love she felt at that very moment could be hers forever if she was baptized bc you receive the gift of the hg. her heart was touched and she knew it was time to let go of uit, fear, and anguish. she needed to build a foundation on JC and follow God bc satan is way too powerful. helaman 5 also so happened to be the 1 chapter sister schendi had studied that very same morning! it was crazy and such a miracle. I am grateful the Elders 2 years ago were prompted to mark that chapter down. i am grateful we went to check up on her. i am grateful that god is leading and guiding us to his lost sheep, and that we can bring them the peace they are starving for.

 

i add my solemn witness to that of our dear friend who let us in that freezing night in mississippi, that i know the bom is the word of god. i know christ lived and died for us. i know heavenly father lives and loves us. i know the gospel of JC has power to heal broken souls. i see the eyes of those lost and confused  light up with a glimmer of hope when they hear the truth and feel it in their hearts. i know the bom can comfort anyone who picks it up. i know struggles truly make us stronger, if we endure them well and turn to christ. i am grateful for the privilege and opportunity to be out here serving a mission. i wouldnt want to be anywhere else, for i am becoming who i need to be through the good, the bad, and the miraculous. 

 

may we keep our heads up and take one step forward!!!

Sister Ella Rae Madsen 

 stray dog we found biking home-we called the owner and gave him back!

 lynn and i in 2 of her wigs!!!! (this is the lady who was a former investgator) LOVE HER! in her kneelin prayer she prayd in gratitude for the "book of joseph smith" i was cracking up it was so tender and sincere and precious!

 most southern meal of mylife!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we ate at this precious red barn and thee couple that owned it was the definition of southern hospitality! they wouldnt stop bringingg out more food for us to sample! i felt SO sick after all that fried unhaelthy craziness!!!!!

HILARIOUS sign at the boys and girls club!!! totally good info! yet so classic and funny! 

Week 16!

This has been the best week of my missionary life thus far! Everything I have been hoping, dreaming, working, praying, and striving for is coming true. Awhile ago I talked about recognizing and following the spirit-the gift we are given after baptism. The holy ghost (spirit-same thing) is the 3rd member of the godhead and works in congruence with God and Jesus Christ. The holy ghost comforts, guides, teaches, and warns us. When we live good lives we can be prompted as to everything we should do through different thoughts and feelings. We can learn and discern truth by the same power-we just feel something inside. For me, I feel happy and peaceful and something in my heart burns.

This week has been so wonderful because we have truly been led by the spirit in everything we do each day. Who we talk to, where we go, what we say, and who to help is all being directed by the holy ghost. It feels so right. Everything is just clicking and I love it!!! It is so humbling to know you are doing God's will. I know the lessons we teach are not ours, for the words we speak are straight from heaven. It is the strangest, best feeling ever. I am talking, but I know that everything I am saying is not from me. The words I utter are far too graceful, bold, and powerful. When I stop talking, I can hardly remember what I said. There is no way we could remember everything we need to say or understand exactly what these people need to hear. I truly feel like an instrument in the Lord's hands, for I know with certainty that all our success is His.

We are trying to do everything we know is right. We are opening our mouths and talking to EVERYONE, which has brought us great success. Heavenly Father has been placing so many remarkable people in our path it is unbelievable. We often look at each other in amazement at how good our God is.

Quick miracle story: The other day we were on our bikes and it was freezing outside. When we finally got to the neighbrohood we were looking for, I could hardly feel a thing. My toes were frozen to the bone! From being in the ocean and skiing in the mountains, I've had cold toes before, but they seriously felt worse than ever before. I wasn't going to saying anything because I am not a complainer, but it was bad We said a quick prayer and I had faith that Heavenly Father would provide a way for my toes to not fall off, for we were being obedient and working hard. Just 2 seconds after we opened our eyes from the prayer to start walking the sky bursted open and the sun came beaming down!! I was in shock!!! It had been overcast and cloudy all day long, and the moment we finished praying the sun came out! It was crazy! I knew Heavenly Father was watching out for us. He provided a miracle so we could keep working. I am so grateful for His love and compassion, and am so humbled to be serving Him. He is real people! I know it and I will never deny it.

I love being a missionary. I am finally feeling like a real one. I am grateful to have impressions and inspirations and thoughts from God to tell us what to do. It is so cool. I don't know how to describe it. But these feelings from the spirit are what brought me out to Mississippi and Alabama in the first place. I felt that serving a mission was right. I acted upon that thought and I can now say with certainty that I know this is where I need to be. I am so happy I can hardly contain it!

I love all y'all so much. Words can't describe how appreciative I am of each and every one of my friends, family members, and acquantainces. Thanks for your love and support and kind words, it means the world to me. Keep being good people, I am trying to be one myself!

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

i was looking for a basket to put on the back of my bike so i dont have to carry my bag on one shoulder....then i found this garage sale place and found this!!!! the old man wanted to sell it to me for $2, i said that was too steep so he gave it to me for a $1! hahah love bargaining! but then we bungied it on-extra 50 cents. i ended up giving him the $2.50 and a bom (said it was my fav book, it was a gift, worked that one! hahah) and taught him the restoration! rock on! then i bought some zip ties and secured it even more! i am obsessed with it!

 

Week 15.

Hello hello all y'all!!!

This week I was transfered to Corinth, Mississippi! I now live in the tiniest little country town you'd ever see. We have the largest area in the mission, bike every other day, and live in an apartment with 2 spanish speaking sister missionaries! It is oh so fun!One thing I've been studying is humility. To me, humility means you are kind to everyone. You love everyone equally and you do not judge. You don't compare. You don't think you are better than your neighbor. You do God's will, not your own. You are teachable. You choose not to get offended. You go about doing good without taking the credit. You forget about the "I's" in life and focus on the needs of others. I have lots of room for improvement in regards to humility, so I am trying to better understand it.

There are 2 ways to develop humility-you can be humbled or you can humble yourself. I am experiencing both. Living down in the south is so much different than my life back in Santa Cruz, California. I had everything I ever wanted and more. I could eat anything at anytime. I could run along the beautiful cliffs or go swim in the ocean or bask in the sun. I could spend time with my loving family. I could spend time with friends. I could craft. I could bake. I could learn. I was blessed with just about every opportunity. Living out here is hard because I see so many people with nothing. No food. No water. No heat. No car. No gas. No money. No family. No friends. No job. It is hard to wrap your head around it. I encounter people everyday who sincerely don't know how they will find their next meal. They live in meager circumstances. I have the priviledge of learning about their lives and discovering where their heart is. What I've learned is that God loves everyone. He does not care what temporal situation you are in. All He wants is to show you His love, and that is available to anyone who seeks it.

On Thursday we went to Michie, Tennesse to teach one of our 15 year old friends. He lives with his mom and step dad. When we walked into the house all I saw was trash, dirt, clutter, and broken things. My mind flashbacked to our family trip to Peru last summer. We were in a tiny hut in the middle of nowhere and I remember my mom saying, "Hollywood couldn't even make a scene this good". Those are the exact words that flowed into my mind as I ventured into this humble home. The poor mom has elephantitus and cannot move. The husband is the president of a motorcycle gang, has long hair, wears bandanas on his head, has piercings, tattoos, and skull rings on every finger. The son had on his best clothes-some jeans and a new black sweatshirt. I found myself sitting with a beautiful family who was so unique. They don't have much at all. But as we got to talking, everything around me seemed to fade. The cold air seemed to become warmth inside of me as I listened to the father speak. He told us how we knows The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. He was baptized 30 years ago but never went to church after that. A few months ago he decided to change his life around. He has read the Bible 24 times cover to cover. He has read the Book of Mormon 3 times, and he only got it a month ago! His testimony is so strong. Hearing of his faith gave me strength. He said he loves his wife for who she is on the inside. He said if they didn't have food they would go shoot something. Since their insurance ran out they would ride their horse to church (yes we are living in 2014, but that is real, I promise).

Meeting this family taught me that God knows each of us personally. He appreciates and loves our quirks and talents and personalities equally, for He created each of us. I was amazed at how much love I could feel for a family I had just met. I could see their hearts were in the right place, and that was all that mattered. The more I learn about life the less I care about looks and talents and the raise you just got. The more I appreciate internal beauty-that of humility and service and love. I am so beyond far from perfect, but I am trying to be better each day.

I am so thankful for the variety of people I get to meet out here in Mississippi, Tennesse, and Alabama. The culture is far different than that at home, but one thing remains the same-Gods love. I know Christ's church has been restored and I know the fullness of truth is found in our church. I know we are each a special child of God, no matter what situation we may find ourselves in. May we each recognize how lucky we are and appreciate what we have been given, for their is someone who has it worse than us.

I love you all with my whole heart. I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

robert and I! A precious old man who was baptized in july! we read the bom on his porch. he blessed the sacrament and it was so precious!

Your attitude determines your altitude. Week 14

The other day sister haws and I found ourselves with an extra hour before our next commitment. we had no one else to visit so I said we should tract, aka knocking on doors like the typical missionaries. sister haws really doesn't like doing this, but I knew we needed to. she asked "ok well where should we go?" I had no clue. I haphazardly told her turn left, then we saw a street we had never been on so again I said "turn left!". we drove down this long street until we hit the end of the coldesak. we parked the car, said a prayer, and started on our way. i was praying so hard. I wanted to be positive and excited about it without sister haws wanting to kill me. she told me she had no testimony of knocking on doors-aka she didn't believe in it. in my head I said that needs to change. so I started to pray for her. I prayed that she would be motivated and that I would know how to best respond to the situation at hand.

 

I had a thought to commit to knocking on every door with a car parked in the driveway, for the street was long and our time was limited. I knew something amazing would happen if we stuck to our commitment. We learn in the scriptures that heavenly father has to fulfill his promises if we do what is right. "For I the lord am bound when ye do what I say" (D&C 82:10). I knew we could see a miracle. so we started knocking on the doors. When we were walking in the bitter southern humidity that bites you to the bone, I was trying to laugh and have a good time. I was walking quickly so we could knock all the doors, but my companion was trailing behind. when it was time to go we had gotten 2 peoples contact info to come back, which was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. There were still a few doors with cars that we hadn't knocked, and I knew I was not fulfilling my end of the deal! I had made a commitment with heavenly father, so we would have to come back.

 

a few days later we again found ourselves with a few extra minutes. I wanted to spend them the best way possible. we were already at the apartment eating lunch, so I knew if I didn't come up with an idea we would end up wasting that precious time. so I got down on my knees and I prayed. I prayed to know how we could best use our time and how I could lovingly motivate sister haws to get out and do something productive. shortly after a thought came into my mind that we never finished tracting that street! I was nervous to bring it up, but I knew I needed to. in a gentle manner I asked if sister haws wanted to go finish knocking those doors. I knew she didn't want to, but eventually I was able to motivate her in a calm way. when we got back to the street we started knocking. sure enough, the 2nd door we knocked on a 75 year old lady opened. I introduced us as the missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I usually keep rambling on but I felt impressed to pause. She responded by saying, "They have girls now?" Not the typical thing we hear! normally it is "hi. im a southern Baptist and I am not going to change." or "I already go to church, but thank you". We soon learned this sweet lady, Edda Sullivan, had moved to Alabama at 19 to live with a host family who happened to be Mormon. she ended up joining the church, but hadn't been back since her 20s. she said she had been thinking about us and how she wanted to come back!!!!!!!! her husband, 2 kids, and 1 of her 2 grandkids have passed away. she is remarried but still lonely. we told her we knew her family would see each other again. tears filled this precious ladies eyes. she said she wanted to come to church and would love for us to come back. it was a miracle.

 

This one experience taught me more than I thought possible. I learned that tenacity, determination, and hard work make all the difference. I learned that our attitudes really do determine our altitude, for my positivity and optimism and craziness brought a smile to sister haws face. maybe she was thinking I was crazy, but the mood was surely lightened. but most importantly, I learned that I must do all I can do. I must seek heavens help in knowing how to interact with those around me. heavenly father saw my faith and desire to work hard. as soon as I started praying for sister haws to feel the same way I did, things worked out. it was so incredible.

 

I love my heavenly father and I know this gospel is real. I knew a miracle would happen, so I am honestly not that surprised that it did. I am grateful for my testimony and the experiences I am having out here. I know they are for my gain. I know I need to be here. I am thankful to change and learn and grow each and everyday, all made possible because of the Atonement. I love my savior. I feel his love. he is proud of me. he is laboring beside me. I am indeed grateful and humbled by this work, and I love it with every fiber of my being! Have a great week yall, and don't forget to smile!!!!!!

 

with all my love,

sister ella rae madsen

 happy new years yall!!

 our new years eve, I even went to bed at 10:30pm! lol. but we had to buy eggos so I could have our tradition of eating breakfast at midnight!!!!! (aka missionary version)

 Glenda on her 58th birthday!

 

adventuring far away on the county roads to find the lost sheep! this is our precious missionary car that is SO out of place. while adventuring, we found an entire Mexican family who became alabam-ized bc the wife married a white man. 2 of the family members are members (that is how we found them), but are less active. they invited us in and all we heard was Spanish as they played bingo! but then I looked outside and saw tons of trucks and land and then heard tons of gunshots....totally normal. it was a VERY bizarre combination- traditional mexico and Alabama hick in one. so funny! hahhaha

 deavon-investigators daughter!!!

 sister woomer :) going to miss her as my stl!

 sister bush- we are both being transferred! :(

 sister barzcak - keychain lady

 last sunday in the perfect Prattville ward :( sister haws is staying and is obviously happy to see me leave! hahha jk. we will surely MISS each other!

packing all my stuff aint easy.......