Prayers and Fasting For Our Missionary

Marissa's emails came in late yesterday as David, Marcus and I were driving home from Fairview in the evening. We had spent Memorial weekend with David's mom. David pulled into a service station so we could all email back and forth with her. It was apparent from her first email that she was discouraged. 

She continues to struggle with her health. It's mostly stomach issues. It has kept her awake at night and has caused her to lose a significant amount of weight. She was never sick before in Peru so this is a mystery to us, although she is in different circumstances now as a missionary. I'm wondering if she has a parasite or something like that. 

We had recently sent her off a care package with over-the-counter medicines and things to cheer her up, and expect it to arrive at the mission home tomorrow (Wednesday). The elders have given her a blessing and I've encouraged her to see a doctor again. She hesitates to see another doctor because the last one told her it was all stress related.

On top of ongoing health issues, her camera was stolen right out of her hands by professional thieves. They had a get-away car and used distraction as they brushed against her. She was worried that we'd be angry with her, but we told her it was not her fault and we're just glad she is alright. A camera can be replaced. Thankfully I have saved all the photos she has shared with me so far on a hard drive.

We are inviting friends and extended family to join us this week in a special fast for our sweet missionary. If you are able, please fast at your convenience (If it helps, this Sunday is Fast Sunday for some of us) and keep Marissa in your prayers. I know that prayer combined with fasting can be very powerful. Fasting has never been easy for me, but this scripture verse came to my mind today-

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

Marissa is striving to serve the Lord as a missionary and we are so proud of her. She tries to stay positive despite her daily discomfort. Missionary work is hard! I'm hoping that through our prayers and fasting on her behalf, she will feel our love, but more importantly, our Heavenly Father's love for her. I know it would also mean a lot to Marissa to hear from you. She rarely hears from anyone, but us and that makes her sad. You may express your love and encouragement to her at: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net

The Rooster (A Missionary Update)

Marissa and her companion visited a fruit shop and discovered this rooster, which surprised them because he was standing so still.

Marissa didn't share a lot of details from this past week, except that she's been sick with stomach issues (again).  Please keep her in your prayers. She has lost a lot of weight. Probably too much weight for her small size. 

I asked her about these photos with the motorcycle and she told me her companion loves motorcycles and this was at the home of a member.

Remember to write her! She reads and answers emails every Monday. I know she'd love to hear from family and friends: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net 

Thanks so much for visiting this blog! 

Mother's Day Chat With Marissa (A Missionary Update)

When LDS mother's have missionaries out, Mother's Day and Christmas Day become extra special because they are the only two days a year when missionaries are allowed to phone or Skype home. Marissa has been out for four months now. It was the highlight of my Mother's Day this year to see her smiling face and hear her sweet voice. Unfortunately, Zach missed out as he had to teach a Sunday school class at the same time, but the rest of us gathered together in front of David's computer, and we tried, unsuccessfully, to Skype with Marissa. The connection on her end was just too poor. So, we ended up talking to her over an app on Darcie's cell phone (WhatsApp). We tried the video feature and were able to see Marissa briefly, but that feature only caused a lot of buffering, so we turned it off for the remainder of our chat. 

The Sweetest Missionary Ever sounded happy and content with her mission. She loves the people of Cusco. She just might love the stray dogs even more, haha. But she is doing really well and would greatly appreciate your e-mails! Write her at: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net   

The day after Mother's Day, she was able to email as usual. She sent me these photos and said the one above is of a trio (of sister missionaries, including herself) and a member. And then she said this:

It was fun, a little annoying, to be in a trio. We got a cupcake for Marilu at church that we were asked to give to her, and I wanted to go straight home so it didn't get ruined but she, Hna. Quintana, wanted to visit the family above, and so we went there first, and the cupcake got squished, the frosting melted and it was a mess. I wish they'd listen, anyways the family wasn't far from where we live, it would have been an easy walk but instead I had to pay for all three of us, since they were both out of money. Saturday I also spent more than 12 soles on taxis and buses because I was the only one with money, which means I probably won't buy tights today since I have big bills of my own money and need to go find some place who has change. It's a little rough. We also need permission to go, which my company is hesitant to ask for until the day of. 

I'm not sure exactly what she's talking about, haha, but it sounds like missionary life is a bit unpredictable. 😄

Dobby at the talent show, taking refreshments. Somebody left it on the ground and she got into it so they just let her drink it.

 

The youth dancing, they practiced weeks before in preparation. We had skits, dances and I sung but I don't have videos or pics of that.  

The elders, doing a dance.

I have had people ask me question about school and what you do. I tell them I was taught at home, and you are teaching my brother, who is also being taught at home. I have also been asked if I know how to dance and I never know what to say since the dancing we do is different than theirs here. They have traditional dances taught at school. 

So, that is how our little missionary is doing! Thanks so much for staying in touch! 

April Recap

Oh my goodness! Here we are mid-May and I forgot to post our April highlights. I didn't take a lot of photos in April because it was a busy month, full of service, friendship, and inspiration. More about that in May's recap.

I created this spring wreath for my front door.

Nearly every day, I checked the progress of my tulip bed. Other flowers bloomed first.

One day, David, Marcus and I took a drive and ended up at the Clarkston cemetery where Martin Harris was buried.

It was a lovely day, reminding me of what I love most about living here in Cache Valley.

In mid-April, we got more snow.

Finally, some of our tulips bloomed. 

I also attended my first ever county convention as a delegate. It was loooong, but I enjoyed it, and learned more about the political process. If we were voting tomorrow, Dr. Mike Kennedy would have my vote.

April ended with a little girl spring craft party. Darcie and I hosted 14 neighbor girls and to manage that many, we set up three stations and divided the girls into two groups. At my craft table, the girls made these adorable tulip gardens.

At the kitchen table the girls made sugar scrubs for their mamas, and anyone who finished early could stamp cards and gift sacks (for the sugar scrubs) at the island. I honestly love these craft parties.

And that was April in a nutshell. Stay tuned for a missionary update. 😊

Girls Night & Serving Dogs (A Missionary Update)

Marissa's email update from two weeks ago...

Last night we went to the Hermana Leaders house, where four companionships (so there were eight of us) gathered together for a girl's night. This morning I made pancakes (thanks for the recipe) and we watched movies. I have been searching for movies where English is an option and have found many, but you never quite know for sure. You never know what type of picture you are going to get either. Sometimes you can tell that it is taped and recorded. It was really fun, we spent the time in our pajamas, and had popcorn and I shared my tootsie rolls. They are almost gone btw. For lunch we bought barbecue and a thing of Coke to share. I really enjoyed it.

This is Lucia, she's a recent convert and loves to ask me what words are in English. 

This week was really good. We vistited lots of people and are helping prepare this 8 year old boy for baptism. We traveled way up to the end of Chaska and I continue to get hit on (boys flirt with her all the time!), but have learned how to deal with it. I am learning Spanish but sometimes I find myself not wanting to talk and as a result many have asked why I am so quiet. I need to learn to speak up more. And talk. I love my work and my mission. 

 And from this week...

First, we have been getting up early at 5 in the morning to walk a group of girls to seminary. 

We gave service on Saturday at this dog care/pound place. Which was really fun. There were a lot of missionaries, about 40 of us. I loved it.

This dog is named Coso and he has cancer, poor dog. He was the most calm of them all and loved to be given attention. 

 

This is Dobby 

I'm a little protective of Dobby, she's not mine but I love her as though she was. She follows us and have met some of the other missionaries who all question why she is with me, but she gives me comfort and joy and I always reply that they are God's creation too and deserve love as well. I will walk up to any dog if I feel they will let me and love to give them love and pet them. 

We also had Dobby follow us to church, causing some trouble but mostly lots of laughs and smiles. Some even sneaking her food. She also followed us today on our P-day in which we hiked up more than 300 stairs and to the end of our sector with this girl from the ward. 

Marissa and her companion with Andrea, who is about to leave on her mission to Mexico

 I also made mac 'n cheese today, which turned out alright, but I think next time I need more cheese. Not sure how the others liked it.  

The Sweetest Missionary Ever sounds really happy over her emails, and on Mother's Day, we get to Skype with her so we are looking forward to that. 😊
Please write to her! Her email is: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net