July Recap

August already? And a new school year just around the corner. I have just begun planning so I better get a move on! Actually, since most of Marcus' classes are online through the amazing Liahona Preparatory Academy, it's just a matter of registering him, which I did a couple months ago, and ordering/buying his books, some from Liahona's book store and others through Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Besides his online classes, however, Marcus and I have decided to do our own church history unit since this year in Seminary he will be studying the Doctrine and Covenants. We are going to make another timeline! I think this one will be a notebook timeline, however, so we can take it on-the-go when we visit David in Montana. I love timelines. :) We will also continue our read-alouds. I hope to read one per month, besides the novels for English.

July was a busy month for our family, as I'm sure it was for yours. Here are the highlights-

I spent the week of the 4th of July with David in Montana. It felt like a vacation for me even though David had to work all but the 4th. He'd take a break to have lunch with me and the rest of the time I lounged around our hotel room, working on blog posts, writing in my journal and studying my scriptures. On the 4th we took a drive up Beartooth highway which had some beautiful views.

The first Monday the girls made adorable beach scenes.

My little girl mini craft parties switched to Mondays (with a break for the week of the 4th of course). I have 19 girls crafting with me now! By the end of the month I was hosting to the max capacity of my beach themed craft room, which is ten girls. I have exactly ten stools to seat them around my craft table. This is why I hold two craft sessions- one in the morning for two hours and one in the early afternoon for two hours, with only an hour break in between. So far this has worked beautifully.

 

 The second Monday the girls created dream/vision boards.

The third Monday the girls made dream catchers.

 

Even Darcie and Marcus made dream catchers.

On the last Monday the girls made pineapple pencil cans/banks.

Marcus got his driver's permit and practice drives every chance he gets. I think there's only been a couple days since getting his permit that he hasn't driven at least once a day. Thankfully, he's a pretty sensible driver who takes the privilege seriously. His driver's ed course is at the end of August.

And one weekend in July, the boys and I moved David into a charming little rental house in Montana. We sure miss him when he's working in Montana and we are here in Utah, but the separation can't be helped at this time. 😔

And that was our month of July in a nutshell. Thanks for visiting this blog. Feel free to leave a comment and please continue to write the Sweetest Missionary Ever- marissa.madsen@myldsmail.net 

Mission Update- Baptisms

I just want to thank all of you who have emailed Marissa. She really appreciates hearing from extended family and friends, and even strangers! Thank you for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers.

Here is last week's update-

Hello Everyone! 

This last week was a really special week as we had a Noche Blanca! A Noche Blanca is when the whole zone has baptisms at the same time. We had seven altogether. My companion and I had two of the seven. As a gift for the two, I worked every spare minute on a drawing for each of them and my companion wrote a quote and scripture on the other side. We also gave them CTR rings. It was such a special night and so much fun! Our two brought the cutest little mouse that I was so happy to hold and play with. In some of the pictures you will see me holding it. I was so happy that day. 

So the water was green and freezing cold and we were trying to warm up hot water in these tea kettles to pour in but it still ended up being really cold. 

It is such a wonderful feeling to see your investigators get baptized. And to know that you helped them find their way to the truth. Our new converts is Jorge (10) and Emerson (12). They are cousins and the 12-year old is smaller than the other. They were so happy. It was such a good day, and it was so nice to see them be baptized. 

The next day (Sunday) we were a little nervous when Jorge didn't show up to Sacrament meeting. He arrived near the end but was able to be confirmed, which was a relief. 

I have also been asked about the park with Groot. This is a park that there are trunk structures and by far my favorite was baby Groot. It was so fun. P-days are so much fun. 

I am sending pictures, love and prayers. 

With lots of love, 

    Hermana Madsen

 (The Groot pics are on the previous post.)

           

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! 

June Recap

June was a busy month at our house. I held mini craft days every Thursday. I hosted a two hour session in the morning and a two hour session in the afternoon to accommodate all the girls. Five girls joined my little girl crafting group this month making a grand total of 19 girls. We are thinking up an official name for our club.

Kindness rocks

Father's Day mini crates (for candy or keys or whatever!)

Father's Day sugar cookies (cowboy hat, boot, mustache, bow tie, formal tie)

Nature journals

Leis which were given to cancer patients and the elderly

We visited Summerfest, which is a favorite event in Logan every summer.

The only summer flower that grew in my yard was this beautiful Lilly. Someday I hope to have more flowers bloom in all seasons in my yard, but it's a process.

Not pictured- David started working in Montana; Marcus participated in High Adventure camp- rappelling and other fun activities in Moab; the kids and I attended a summer concert at Cherry Peak resort (Restless Heart); we found some opportunities to serve our neighbors.

Thanks for reading! I'll be posting another missionary update soon.