Mission Update (First Baptism)

We had my first baptism. It was really nice, but a lot of work. One, we had to figure out the baptism font and how to fill it with hot water. The water came out green and lukewarm at best. We had a late lunch, found out no one bought cake or drinks so I bought them myself. Well, we asked Miguel, a member, to go buy them but I gave the money. That cost 50 soles for cake, soda, plates, cups and spoons. But it turned out really well, not a lot of people showed up though.

Marissa has a new camera after her first one was stolen. 😠

She also told Marcus that Dobby still follows her around (Dobby is a dog and he's featured in other mission update posts), accompanying her on buses or in taxis at times.

Best of all, she says she's feeling much better since taking the medications we sent her. 

Thank you again for your prayers on her behalf. We appreciate them more than you know.

You may write Marissa anytime at her email addy: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net

Thank you for taking the time to visit this blog.

May Recap

Can you believe we're nearly halfway through the year? So far, our June is looking like this: David is now in Montana working a new job. I am holding mini craft parties for little neighbor girls every Thursday. Our activities will be painting kindness rocks, making a Father's Day craft, making a beach-themed craft, and nature journals. Marcus has a high adventure camp coming up. He will also be driving with a permit. And he will be working towards his Eagle. Darcie is taking an online math class and working part time at Kohl's. Marissa is on her mission in Cusco, Peru. And, Zach continues working at an ice cream factory and dealing with his MS, which is being a major pain in his behind lately. 😠

But we are here to remember the fun we had in May, so let's get to it!

Every May here in our hometown we celebrate "Black and White Days", so named for the Holstein cows. It's like a country fair. Events include a parade (that's our bishop driving his ARS vehicle) and horse pulls.

Also in May, David, Marcus and I saw a private screening of the movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story. We loved it! I don't get why it hasn't been more popular, but we thought it was Star Wars worthy.

I practiced taking flower photos with my macro lens.

We celebrated Memorial Day weekend at David's mom's where we visited two cemeteries to place flowers on family graves.

My favorite part of May was holding my Homeschool Meet 'n Greet. It was so much fun and you can read more about that on my other blog here.

Bonus points if you can name any of the flowers. Thanks for visiting this lonely blog! Bless you! Bless you! 

Mission Update

I want to thank everyone who has been fasting and praying for the Sweetest Missionary Ever. That means so much to us, and to Marissa especially. And if you've also emailed Marissa, thank you, thank you! That means a lot to her and makes her feel as if she hasn't been forgotten by family and friends. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring about my daughter.

 

When I "chatted" with her yesterday (Monday), over email, she told me that her stomach issues have lessened a bit. Let's hope whatever's been plaguing her ever since she arrived in Cusco is on its way out. I begged her to see a doctor again if it worsens or continues much longer. I keep wondering if she might have a parasite. My biggest concern is the amount of weight she's lost. 20 pounds seems like a lot to me as she is so petite and had already lost 10 pounds at college before she left on her mission.

She hasn't shared a lot about her mission itself with us these past two weeks. I think she's been overwhelmed by her poor health, but she did tell me that on their p-days (the day they are free to wear jeans and email home, etc.) a group of the missionaries have been touring parts of Cusco, going on hikes to waterfalls and that sort of thing. She was able to send me a few photos, despite her camera being stolen by professional thieves who targeted her, and not having the chance to buy a new one yet.

Also, two of "her investigators" are getting baptized. That is always great news.

Thanks for reading! Marissa's email is: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net