Madison in Federal Way Mission: Another great week

Hi everyone!!

Well this week has flown by! Just like all the others yet so much has happened! i wish i had all the time in the world to write but I don’t... so ill sum up! :)

First, let me tell you about Daniel the Wicken. Yes, you heard right, a Wicken, for those of you who are not informed as to what a Wicken is, it is a male witch, who believes that God is nature. Basically the tree that I’m looking at is God but that he is not a man. Also I’m pretty sure he thinks that he can perform magic. We met Daniel while tracting one day. We knocked on his door and after yelling he was coming about 6 times he opened the door with nothing but a bath robe on and the shower running in the background. As I stood there hoping he would keep that robe on tight, my companion proceeded to share with him our message. He quickly informed us that he was what I previously called a Wicken and that he wasn’t interested but that his 11 year old daughter and two sons would be. He then told her to go outside and talk to us and closed the door. So we taught Allyson and we referred her to the family ward missionaries and as we were leaving Daniel called out in joking matter, I hope, "Slay them all!!" what a guy! I do believe he and I would get along quite nicely if I wasn’t on the mish....

I then had an experience of a lifetime. I had a BAPTISM! You all may be thinking, "Who could she have baptized? We haven’t heard of anyone close enough or ready!" my friends and family I am thinking and I said the same things. Rochelle Stewart came to us from Las Vegas. She had been having the missionary lessons and had been interviewed for baptism but she decided that she would come to Washington and be baptized by her boyfriend who resides here in Kent. It was so weird to get up and introduce her to everyone when we didn’t know her. It was a nice service though. We had a member of our ward, Matt Varelia, sing a song. Let me go into a little about Matt, he majored in performing arts and let me tell you it payed off. Matt's voice is something that would come out of a voice of an angel. He is so kind and humble that he would never boast of himself but the man could probably sing just as loud as the Mormon tabernacle choir, seriously. (Okay maybe an exaggeration but I wouldn’t be a Reynolds if I didn’t do that..) I think i am going to have him come home with me and sing for my homecoming talk. One day you'll hear him and understand why I say all these things. Anyway, back to the baptism. Rochelle was baptized and while she was changing sister Taylor and I gave the restoration lesson to those who were there. It was terrifying to say the least, but thankfully I didn’t throw up or pass out so all is well! people were very kind and told me they thought i had been out for at least a couple of transfers... I think they were just trying to be kind but nevertheless it was good to know that i had people who tried to make me feel good.

We have a new investigator! Her name in Rebecca Riveron and she was a media referral. Apparently these don’t happen often so it was cool that it happened and that we got to keep her because she is YSA! She is super nice and SO ready for the Gospel! We were told to inoculate her as quickly as possible, make sure she knows that as much as he Heavenly Father wanted her to do this Satan would work just as hard to push her the other direction. So that is our next step with her. I hope that she can stay strong and work hard to gain her testimony.

I’m so excited for conference! We had women’s conference on Saturday and it was so amazing! The leaders of this church are so inspired! I loved the talk from Elder Uchtodrf. I hope to always remember to go till I reach the "fourth floor and last door!" I know that the things they mentioned that night is what God wants us to hear and know! I challenge you all to go back and look at the talks given and figure out what you can pull from them to help you in your personal life! Also, start now to prepare for general conference! It’s coming! Have a question in your heart and I promise you if you listen with real intent and a desire to have your question answered, it will come!

Yesterday I had dinner with a family in our ward, the 2nd counselor of the bishopric. He is super nice and his family is awesome. You’ll never guess who his son is! He was one of the elders who helped us during construction with the kitchen! What are the odds right?? I can’t believe I saw him again! i saw him in church and knew he looked familiar! It’s such a small world!

I do get to see Sister Richardson a lot! She is in my district! Again, what are the odds! she is such an amazing missionary and a great example to me! I love her and am glad i get to serve right beside her! I’m actually looking at her right now! haha! :)

I’m so grateful to be out here on the mission! I know that it is going to bless so many people’s lives when they are finally able to hear this message. I could not do this without Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ though. I’ve come to recognize pretty quickly my short comings but I know that if I am worthy and I work hard I will be able to do all that God requires of me. I’m grateful for this gospel. I’m so glad that we have prophets on this earth today who lead and guide us. I hope that you all can stay firm in the faith and if you feel like your faith is dwindling call upon Christ. He WILL help you and lift you up. I love each and every one of you! I miss you so much but I would much rather be here right now, no offense. :) stay amazing and strong!