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.......

Week 13!!

First of all, I want to thank everyone who has sent letters, packages, and prayers my way. I feel your love and am indeed grateful. I am humbled at my life-I can't comprehend why I have been blessed with so many remarkable people. I cherish all of our memories and think about y'all a lot. So please know that even though I am all the way in Alabama, I have not forgotten about any of you!!!

Secondly, I've been thinking a lot about life. I am living in the Bible Belt, we just had Christmas, and our entire worlds timetable is based off the same thing. Jesus. So what is up with all the hype of Him anyways? WHO was He and WHY does He matter?

This week we've had the chance to teach a few different people the basics of why He matters to each one of us. Even though I am in the Bible Belt, that doesn't mean people know the meaning behind what they say. Talking about Jesus is more of a cultural thing-"oh ya I've been saved!" or "yes, Lord Jesus died for us!". Both of which are true statements, but Jesus matters because He is the only way to happiness.

Think about it-we are humans. Thus 1. we make mistakes (nobody's perfect-thank you Miley Cyrus, who sadly is no longer the best role model...) and 2. we die. We lived with God before we came to earth and we want to return to His presence, but how can we do that if no unclean thing can live with Him? God needed someone to "take the blame" for every mistake we would make. Thus Jesus Christ came to earth. He lived a perfect life and set the example for us all-He was humble, charitable, kind, loving, selfless, patient, meek, knowledgeable, diligent, faithful, gentle, and thoughtful. He took on all the pains, sicknesses, guilt, confusion, sorrow, depression, infirmities, inadequacies, shame, and doubts that we will ever feel. He was able to feel the effects of ALL sin-every person who has ever lived, is living, and will live. He chose to feel these pains so He could better comfort and relate to us when we go through hard times in life. OK that is the best thing ever!!!! He then died on the cross and was resurrected (his spirit was reunited with his perfect physical body of flesh and bones) 3 days later. Thus we will all be resurrected one day. THEREFORE, Jesus overcame the 2 problems that come to all humans! 1. Sin and 2. Death (I drew a little picture so it is easier for people to understand :) ) Thus after this earthly life we can return to live with our Heavenly Father in complete bliss if we but USE Jesus's Atonement (ask for forgiveness and follow His example)!!! This is what brings me so much joy!!! I can't imagine ending life at death and never being able to see all my friends and family again. Luckily I have come to know that families can be together forever. I know God loves us and that is why He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for us!!!! (John 3:16-the classic scripture on the bottom of In-N-Out fries hhaha)

I am sure a lot of people reading this are thinking, ya that could make sense, but Jesus is just someone we learn about in history. There is no way He really performed miracles or rose from the dead, that is just nonsense! I would be thinking the exact same thing if I never prayed about it. There is one source of truth-God. So if we want to know if something is true, who should we ask? I think you answered your own question. Heavenly Father. I have sought this knowledge and now I know that Jesus is so much more than a man in history. He is the reason for my happiness. When I live my life like Him and try to develop His attributes I listed earlier, I am SO HAPPY!!!! It is no secret to why I am always jumping around and being so full of energy and smiles people!!! It really is the gospel.

I know Jesus Christ loves each of us. I know He understands our hearts and everything we are going through. I know that God listens when we pray. I have felt His power and unconditional love. I know that everyone on earth can feel this same happiness and peace, if they but humble themselves before God and pray. I am so grateful that I am here in Alabama sharing these glorious truths!!!!!!! YAAAAAAYYY!!!

With all my love and enthusiasm and smiles and happiness,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen!!!!!!!

 we acted out the nativity on Christmas Eve at the Harrington's home-SO classic and hilarious and fun!!! Real baby Jesus might I add..... hahha

 we slept under (aka next to) our baby Christmas tree! had lights and music playing! so fun! and those are all my Christmas cards hanging up! I loved it!

 colemans classic fire place and food!

 SO MUCH TRADER JOEs!!!! literally everyone knows me perfectly! I even got MOREEEEEE after this! thank you family, fullers, baba and papa, and the young family!

 temple with the old 3 companions :)

 our zone and president and sister hanks at the Birmingham temple!!!!!! best day ever!!!!!!!

sister neufville :)

CHRISTMAS! Week 12

I literally can't believe Christmas is in 2 days! It doesn't feel real. I am so humbled and grateful to be out here serving in Alabama. When I think of Christmas, I usually think about dessert and gifts and family and friends and scarfs and stockings and parties. But this year I don't have much of that. You could say that is sad and lonely, but it is quite the opposite. Of course I miss everyone back home, but I would not want to be anywhere else. CHRISTmas is about Christ. He is the reason for the season. He is our Savior, the man who is "greater than a king", who came into this world in the most humble of circumstances.

How would you feel if you had a birthday party, invited the whole population, and you didn't get any gifts. In fact, all your guests gave each other gifts! That would seem strange. Christmas is about remembering Christ's birthday, so what gifts can we give Him? It is obvious He isn't asking for your new I-pad or boots, so what could he possibly want from us? That is just it, He wants US! He wants us to love those around us and serve them, for "inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40) May we try to forget about our ourselves this Christmas season. May we share a smile, help someone with their groceries, or bake some cookies for a friend.

I feel so lucky to be a missionary because that is all we do! We get to serve all day, everyday. Last night we went caroling with the 4 Elders which was a great time!!! We went door to door and sang Christmas hymns, trying to spread the cheer and love of our Savior. It was dumping rain and we were soaking wet. Yet we just laughed and danced and had a very merry time! At 4 different houses we went to people came up to the door when they heard us knock, we started singing, then they turned off their porch lights and walked away. It was rather strange. Instead of getting disappointed or offended or giving up, we had to realize they are probably struggling with something greater than we can understand. We must stay positive and love all men, no matter what! It was a memory I will forever treasure.

I love my Savior and His gospel. May we all learn to love and serve this Christmas season!!!

Love, Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 Blanca-our friend who works at the yogurt shop! so yummy! she gave us Christmas gifts-SO thoughtful! Love her!

 Breakfast for dinner at the Nielsen's! Sausage, bacon, hash browns, eggs, French toast! Delicious!

 don't post this bc it is disgusting!!!!!! but I have self diagnosed myself with chronic sinusitis! I bought a netti pot and it is wonderful!!! but unfortunately the other day I got gnarly bloody nose-it was dripping blood for 10 minutes straight!!!!!! hahhah

 gorgeous sunset at the local stadium!!

 baking at paula pitmans house! she is southern Baptist and I am pretty sure she is trying to convert us. I love it! hahha

 paulas gorgeous home-it was on the cover of southern living in 1985! we thought it was really cool one day and we saw some men working outside so we walked up and started talking to them! then the wife came home (paula) and she is so sweet. they even invited us over for Christmas eve (but we can't go sadly)

 Christmas party with my favorite sisters!!!! sister Gustafson from the mtc and sister platt from san diego!

elder and sister hatch-the most hilarious senior couple

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!

 lauren!! baptized 8 months ago! she is from the other ward but always comes out with us!!! bless her heart!

 bamboo forest!!! so beautiful! literally the HUGEST bamboo shoots in the world! literally like trees!

 playing in the leaves with some wonderful children! I love it!

 playing in the dumping rain!!! such a grand ole time!!

the gingerbread house!!! iron rod, tree of life, missionary, 10 commandments. holla.

Christmas party with a few of my favorite young women!!

 the grays!!! the cutest little family ever!! I love the mom Brittany-she is so beautiful and nice!!

caroling with the elders. got to love them.