HUGE Mission Update!

This is a huge update on the Sweetest Missionary Ever since it's been several weeks. Lots of pictures here so enjoy! This first set was taken at Sacsayhuaman, Cusco-

Aren't these the cutest sister missionaries?

This next set of photos were taken at a lake and a park with some special attractions-

Marissa sent this group email out on Monday:

Hello friends and family, 

I am so sorry for not sending out a group email sooner! 

I have a lot to tell you! It's been an amazing experience, although a really difficult one. I have such a love for the people here. 

We have three with a baptism date. One is the brother of a recent convert, he is ten. His name is Jorge. The other is the aunt and cousin. Elizabeth and Emerson. Emerson is 12 and excited for his baptism. It will be this next week on Saturday. It is going to be my first Noche de Blanco which is where all the missionaries investigator's get baptized. 

We have been teaching a lot of people, if you could please pray for Aide, Elunay, and the names above, as well as Celso and his daughter Jennifer. 

My companion and I have also been saving the dogs in the streets we come across, giving out food when possible. The other day we found this small black dog that was lost and obviously not from the streets and tried to find him a place to sleep, only she wondered off so now she's lost again. 

When you are learning a new language, you make lots of funny mistakes. I tried saying chao and bye at the same time and it ended up being more like "bow". 

But they end up being good memories. 

You grow really close to God and Jesus on your mission. There are many difficulties, but the good moments make up for the bad so many times. 

I want to thank you all for your support! It's been hard on me, but I love your emails, even though I may not have time to respond to them. I think of all of you often (when I'm not thinking of my investigators). 

I want you all to know that I love you all! 

The picture is me with Elunay, the cutest little girl. 

With all my love, 

Hermana Madsen

For those who have been praying for Marissa, thank you. I know our prayers are heard and answered. Marissa tells me she is feeling better. She has had a lot of health issues, but she has seen a doctor and is now trying some medications. Hopefully her health will improve. Please continue to reach out to Marissa through emails: marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net 

Thank you for your love and support. Our family appreciates it so much. We are so proud of Marissa for serving the Lord at this time, in this way. Missionaries sacrifice a lot to bring the light of Christ to others. This world needs more light!