Week 69: Pick up the Phone

Prayer. What an interesting concept-talking to a being who we can't see or hear. That could be very strange to someone whose never done it! We experienced this recently with our sweet friend Elizabeth (the Japanese anime girl). She is extremely smart and logical, and has been skeptical of religion her whole life. She never understood it or saw the purpose. In fact, it was always a burden for her to go to church.

When we first started teaching her she said she wouldn't pray because she is an adult, and needs to do things on her own. She shouldn't have to ask God for things. She needed to rely on herself and be independent. Though this idea makes some sense to me, we explained how God is our Father. Like my dad, He wants to help me, teach me, comfort me, and know how I am doing! Just like my dad would be sad if I never emailed him, so is our Heavenly Father when we forget to pray. 

So Elizabeth decided to pray for the first time. When she asked God if the Book of Mormon was true she felt "light and happy!!!" She shared her experience in sunday school and you could literally see her glowing!!! She is very reserved and quiet, but she was beaming with joy as she explained how she loves coming to this church! Even though it's 3x longer than others, she enjoys it! It has touched her heart deeply and she enjoys it!!!

YAYY!! I can't tell you how beautiful it is to see others discover the light and truth I've been talking about!!! Elizabeth now knows that God is real, He answers prayers, and the Book of Mormon is His word!!! So I invite everyone reading this to pick up the phone and talk to God. Ask Him a question. Tell Him what is on your mind. Thank Him. As you listen and wait for an answer, I promise you will FEEL His presence!!! 

I couldn't love my life more. It is simply the happiest time.

Sister Madsen

 just a few friends at FHE!!! stone in the front is someone we are teaching!!! whoo hoo!!

crazy kids photobombing us!! 

$5 Gyros with the Branch before institute!!! 2 of the people we are teaching came with us!!! so fun!!! and best falafel I've had in a longgggggg time! 

brent in the branch! we realized we have TONS of mutual friends from byu and it was so fun to bond over!!! shout out to ashylnn, afton, mikiyla, jr, bonnie, etc!!! 

Sister Warren!!! We love each other and share clothes everyday. It's the best. 

best comp ever!!!!!!!!!!!! 

all of our lovely sisters at zone conference!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! soooo much fun!!! I love exchanges!!! 

 hahahah just taking selfies after planning. why not. my camera has been broken so finally i got a new one to use!!!!

we made a kazookie for some missionary friends. yum.

The Book of Mormon. The KEYSTONE of our religion!! hahah this is so cheesy and dumb...but we love finding treasures around campus! 

a casual day party on frat row. 

random room we found tracting in a fancy apartment complex! haha

teaching the plan of salvation at the mall saturday night!!! love me some t town!!

left to right: member. elizabeth who we are teaching!!! me. helmi from menlo park, also teaching her! sister warren.

church with maria!! she was baptized a year ago! love her!

Samoan FEAST with Jalaire and her mom!!!!!! Best meal ever!!! So full after that!!!! 

Week 68: The Beauty of Connection

I love people. That is the bottom line, I love people!!!! All people. Tall, short, thick, skinny, black, white, scientists, computer geeks, hippie artists....you name it!!! There is so much beauty in people, and that is why I love being a missionary! My whole purpose is to meet people, talk to them, and share truths that mean the world to me. And this week I've learned about the beauty of connection!! I want to share a few examples of lovely connections I've witnessed.

We had arranged to meet Elizabeth on campus, a quiet 20 year old girl who loves Japanese anime, gaming, and isn't too social. We taught her with Jessica, a member who loves all the same things!!!  After the lesson they stayed and talked for an hour and a half!! Bonding over comi com-a nerd convention, DSs, and how they are both studying English!!! Isn't that awesome??? I love them!!!

We also taught Pai, a sweet 25 yo girl from China. We brought Jon Mok with us, a member of the branch whose parents are from Hong Kong. Jon was able to teach her the basics about God and Jesus Christ using a piece of paper, drawing, and speaking Chinese!! They connected in a way we couldn't have.

All these interactions are summed up in one of my favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon. We are all equal, and Christ "denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female...all are alike unto God" (2 Nephi 26:33). If we see people like God does, we can love anyone and everyone!! It is such a beautiful feeling!!! 

In conclusion, I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!! 

Sister Ella Rae Madsen 

the book of mormon musical....doesn't reflect us at all!

MLC!!! 

outside the institute bldg! its right on the strip!

Week 67: Ask and Ye Shall Recieve

Saturday we were walking home from campus when we saw a group of 7 kids. Thinking they were in high school, we weren't going to talk to them. But then we figured, why not!!! After our good discussion, we asked them to think of friends who would be open to meeting with missionaries. They all piped up and said "Detwain!!! He is super religious!!!" No one ever gives us referrals!!! It was a miracle. They gave us his # and we texted him to set up a meeting. And he responded!!! That never happens!!! 2nd great miracle.

So yesterday we arranged to meet Detwain in between Moe's and Coldstone on The Strip. It was hilarious, I felt like I was on a blind date. We didn't know what to expect...perhaps he just wanted to bash us?? To our pleasant surprise we saw a nice 20 year old black boy sitting at the tables ready to learn. He is studying accounting at UA and knows the Mormon professor of accounting who is also black, so we connected pretty quickly!!

We asked why he agreed to talk with us and what he expected...he said, "well I really want to learn about the LDS church. I've been thinking about Mormons lately because my friend is on a mission and I don't actually know what you believe." WHAT!!!! Who says that?? Come to find out, I know his friend!!!!  His family attended the Leeds Ward where I had served!!! It was an awesome connection and definitely the 3rd miracle. Anyways, we wanted to know his story so he explained how he became a Christian 3 years ago when his mom passed away. He loves God and his whole goal in life is to spread the good news.

As we taught him about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ he reflected and pondered, "I can feel God moving in me. I know this is true." He realized God had more for him to learn. More truth to build upon his incredible Christian foundation! What a beautiful moment!!! I love my mission life!!

Have a lovely week my friends!

Sister Madsen

Week 66: Love my LuLu Lemon

Ok so Saturday some missionaries texted us asking us to ponder what type of person we wanted to find during the next hour. We envisioned a cute blonde girl wearing black lulu lemon leggings and blue running shoes. We parked along a river path and said a prayer to find this exact girl.

After about 20 minutes walking and talking we spotted a little Lulu Lemon logo on some black leggings across the way!!! Then we saw the blue shoes!! And of course, the blonde hair!!! We had found her!!! God had answered our specific prayer!!!

She was running the opposite direction, but we quickened our pace! We met her just as she was about to hop in her jeep and we asked, "are those Lulu Lemon?" She responded, "yes!!" in the kindest manner ever!! The conversation launched from there and we explained who we were and what we did. She said it was crazy that we met her because she was just running to her worship music and thinking about God all day.

It was also crazy for us because I've been praying to help someone just like me find the gospel. Essentially, baptize my replacement...and she is my twin!!!! She loves art. She goes to California every summer for a spiritual camp thing. She has never heard of Mormons, but loves God. She thinks it is the coolest thing ever that we are missionaries, and wants to be one herself!! She is so happy and positive and friendly! Wow, God is so good. He is waiting to shower us with miracles!!!

I LOVE MY LIFE SO MUCH!!!!! Being a missionary is the most rewarding, fun, exciting, inspiring, challenging, and best thing in the whole world!!!

Sister Ella Rae Madsen  

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

and her family! love them.

Chelsea Wilson. cutest pregnant lady ever!!

2 different old men made us entire cakes this day. hahha! we gave them both away.

leaving old friends in Huntsville!

transfer meeting with my girls!!!!!!

first day with sister warren!!!! LOVE HER. like really, she is so great.

Jordan in the branch is from southern California. and loves trader joes. and shares with me. DREAM COME TRUE!!!

our new friend on campus. he showed us his frat dance which was hilarious and so crazy and had a loud chant! hhaha

mary. from the branch. yes please.

3 converts in the branch!!! they are all the cutest things ever!!!!!!

Week 64: Week Mirror

So friends!!! It's that time again....transfers!! I am leaving Huntsville after serving here for 3 months! It's always a little sad to leave the lovely people I meet but I am always really excited for change and new experiences!!!!!

 

I've reflected on the past 6 weeks, read study notes and journal entries, and wow!!! God teachs us soooo much!

 

I want to share a few precious nuggets of truth I've learned:

• balance-working hard vs. not doing more than you have strength (Mosiah 4:27)
• moderation-in eating (Christlike attribute of self discipline)
• grace-divine means of help or strength (2 Nephi 2:8)
• pray for strength to endure challenges, not change situations (1 Nephi 7:17, Mosiah 24:14-15)
• humility-I am nothing without the Lord (Mosiah 4:11-12)
• patience-with myself and others. we all have weakness. let go of the small things. (Mosiah 23:21)
• daily repentance-reviewing how I did each day. how can I improve tomorrow?
• leadership and sacrifice-putting others needs before my own. giving selflessly.
• family-how to have a successful one, aka with the gospel!
• perfectionism-there is only one Savior. I'm not Him. It's a process. "Lengthen your stride but don't split your crotch!"

 So that's my 6 week mirror! The scripture references are all from The Book of Mormon, you can find them on lds.org! I'm thankful to be out here learning and stretching and growing! Life is all about progress!! Love you all! Thanks for everything you continue to teach me!

 

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

our christian friends from the mall! hahha so fun!

exchanges gone wild!

the elders bought us smoothies because we won a friendly little competition with them.... :)

our christian friends from the mall! hahha so fun!

Week 63: Usher

After dinner on friday we were deciding where to tract (knock on doors). There is SO many places to go....so how does a girl decide?!? Looking at the map I had a very subtle idea/thought to go to Usher Rd. Sister Crandall randomly spun around and pointed to a place on the map. We were shocked to see her finger had landed on the exact same spot!!!!! We figured we must go there, so we did. 

The first door we knocked on we met a sweet lady named Sheryn, who let us in, probably only because it was freezing outside. The walls of her home were covered with crosses and a variety of religious quotes-wow, the faith of these southern folk still amazes me. We soon learned her mother is about to pass away, so she is struggling. We read from the Book of Mormon, when the prophet Alma is teaching the people about what happens to us after this life. The "righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow". When we die our spirits go to the spirit world, a place of learning and preparation. This brought great comfort to our dear friend Sheryn. We all held hands and prayed. When we opened our eyes Sheryn was crying, you could tell she was touched. She thanked us profusely and asked us not to leave quite yet...she ran back to the room and came back with 2 little metal heart charms. She clasped them in our hands and hugged us. What a tender mercy. 

We figured she was the reason God had inspired us to go to Usher Rd, but we kept knocking doors. Nothing too exciting was happening, and we were about ready to head home when we decided to knock one last door. A beautiful mom from Mexico and her sweet family let us in. They are looking for a church and want to get back with God. We taught them about the gospel, left them with a Book of Mormon, and are going back to visit this week. Of course it was another miracle, God just does not stop!

I know Heavenly Father is aware of each of us. Just like our dads, He wants the best for us. He knows when we are sad and need help. We could have gone anywhere in Huntsville, yet God knew Sheryn and the family needed us. I know God works through our weaknesses and inspires us. His marvelous work is not one of chances or quincidences. We are truly called by a prophet of God to share the truth we are all searching for. I've found it and I love it! 

Love from Alabama,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

sister crandall wasnt feeling too good this week so i made her tea with essential oils in it!!! so yummy! thank you emily martin!!! :)

got to have a stranger pic of the week! our new bffs from walmart. of course. 

HAHAHAH! nice try! 

we love each other. and we are crazy together. 

sister crandall my loveee