February Recap

At the beginning of February we visited Hardware Ranch to see the elk. 

Zach, Marcus and I took the wagon ride. This was Zach's first visit and we both got some fun photos of the elk.

Just a few days before Zach's 25th birthday, he had another relapse. 😟 It was as if his legs didn't want to hold him up. So, we bought him a cane to use while he remained unsteady on his feet. He missed most of work that week, but was able to return the following Monday. I am happy to report he is no longer needing the cane. He opted not to have the steroid treatments this time. His next MRI is in April (I think). Please keep him in your prayers. 🙏

On his birthday, David took him out to breakfast and later on, we went for a family drive into Idaho. And that's when we discovered these two little cabins which had obviously seen better days. It was fun to walk right up to them. 

We were happy to see a lot more snow this month after the unusual winter we've been having. We've had some good storms and it sounds like more is on its way. I think out backyard view is pretty all year round, but there's something about a winter wonderland scene.

Just as we homeschooled Marissa through her high school years, we are homeschooling Marcus through his high school years. With the recent school shootings, I am extra thankful that he is home safe. Marcus is a 4.0 student through Liahona Academy's distance program. He also enjoys his morning Seminary class.

In other family news, we have decided we are not selling our home. We are at peace with our choice to stay in beautiful Cache Valley. We really like it here and after six years, it finally feels like home to me. I can see myself here for many more years to come. We have made wonderful friends with neighbors and church members. It's a blessing to be here with Zach and Darcie, especially for Marcus. David is still unemployed, but we hope to see that change soon as there is the promise of another job in the near future.

I took this photo in Cusco in December of 2014, which is the last time we were there as a family. Now, the Sweetest Missionary Ever is in Cusco, having arrived last Tuesday from the Lima MTC. Hopefully she has settled in with her new companion and will have a great report for us this week.

This was Marissa, in Cusco, in 2014. We are so proud of her for making the choice to serve the Lord full time. Please keep her in your prayers. 🙏 And stay tuned for her stories and photos which I will post on this blog weekly. You may email her at: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net 

She's In Cusco!

We didn't hear from Marissa this week because of her transfer from the MTC to Cusco, but we know she made it safe because her mission president emailed us on Tuesday, and sent us these photos-

Here she is with her mission president and his wife.

Remember, you may email Marissa anytime at: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net

It will be exciting to hear from her next week and see how she's settling in with a new companion in her first assigned area.

I Feel His Love Everyday

Hola everyone!

On Saturday we went out proselyting in the Lima East mission. They split us up with senior companions. I was in a trio and it was so fun and exciting. I couldn't quite keep up with the Spanish but I was able to bear my testimony and talk about the gospel. I guess that´s a good start. There was this one moment where we sang a song to this woman and girl. Somewhere out there, I am in a video singing in probably really horrible Spanish. It was so good to have that experience though and be able to be out there. 

This is my last week here at the CCM. Next week I leave to go to Cusco, Peru, for the next year and a half. I am so excited. Learning Spanish has been difficult but I know that the gift of tongues is real. I've seen it happen and I´ve felt it happen. It's been amazing and I have a feeling it is only going to get better. 

The people I have met here have been amazing. I have loved getting to know everyone. There is such a sweet and strong spirit here. However, I am so ready to be out and doing what I am here to do. I love this gospel and since being here, my testimony has grown so much! The spirit is so strong and everything is so spiritual. During the hard times, I just have to remember to pray, have faith and to get to work. The Lord is with me and I feel His love everyday. 

I have to go but I hope that lets you know how I'm doing!

Love, 

Hermana Madsen (Feb. 14, 2018)

Marissa would love to hear from you! You may email her anytime at marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net So far, her p-days have been on Wednesday, but that may change once she's in Cusco. Don't forget to visit this blog often for continuous updates and photos shared by the Sweetest Missionary Ever. Want it delivered straight to your inbox? Just add your email in the box on the top right.

First Weeks at MTC

Marissa says she loves her teachers and she's working hard on her Spanish. It's been a bit of a struggle for her, especially pronunciation, but I reminded her that she is going to come back in 18 months, speaking Spanish fluently.

The grounds of the MTC look lovely, don't they?

Marissa and her companion with the MTC president.

Peruvian chifa (Chinese food)

Marissa's favorite feature of the MTC grounds is this fountain.

Marissa loves visiting the Lima temple once a week, on her p-days.

Sending Her Off

Marissa's Mission Farewell

Many of our lovely friends, ward members, and extended family attended Marissa's mission farewell which was on New Year's Day, 2018.

It meant so much to our family to share this special event with those we care about and love. For all who came out to support The Sweetest Missionary Ever, thank you.

Marissa's Mission Call

Marissa's mission call arrived on my birthday weekend, late September, 2017. That made it all the more special for this mama. Zach and Marcus immediately left for Rexburg, Idaho, to pick up their sister, who was attending her third semester at BYU-I. 

When Marissa arrived, she checked out the world map I had put up on the window of our dining nook, and took a look at everyone's guesses, which we'd been collecting while we waited for her arrival.

As she held her unopened mission call, the anticipation built. She could be called to served nearly anywhere in the world.

This was such a thrilling moment for the entire family. 

Marissa was called to serve in the Cusco Peru mission! 

Welcome!

Welcome to Our Inspired Quest. We're so glad you're here. This is where you'll find updates and photos of the Sweetest Missionary Ever, as well as the latest happenings with our family life here in the beautiful state of Utah.