Sister Elly Rex: Anchorage Alaska Mission 2020-2022

Last night at exactly 11pm, we had a 6.1 earthquake. We sleep in a bunk bed and I thought my companion was just being crazy! I yelled, "YO ARE YOU GOOD?". She didn't answer... then I saw the dresser move and the house started humming so I yelled, "SISTER HOLMAN WE'VE GOTTA GET OUTTA HERE". I jumped down from the top bunk and we ran outside. I looked at her holding only her pillow and she looked at me holding only my stuffed fish. We had a good laugh and went back to bed after it finished.  On Pday, we went king Salmon fishing at Ships Creek! Sister Durfee's brother Trenton was working there for a week so he taught us how to fish for the kings. We were waiting around at the bait shop and I saw a man harvesting Salmon Eggs for bait. I went over and asked him if I could help! He said yes and I began to help him. It was super cool and all the other sisters were disgusted that I would touch the slimy things. The guy gave us free salmon egg bait though! Score:...

  Seems like the trees have bloomed overnight! Alaska is heaven on earth! An Australian lady that I met this week offered me to stay at her house for a week in Denali National park to do photography with her! I had to explain to her that I couldn't on my mission but that I'd take her up on her offer after! Sister Hakala is a woman who trusts in the Lord with all her heart. She has 4 callings at church, 5 children, 3 dogs, and a bunch of chickens! She never gets a break for herself because she is always trying to help lift others up and serve them. She is the definition of true christlike charity!   This week, we had a lesson with Imre and needed a third female. We had asked around to women in the ward, and no one would make time to come with us for a short 30 minute lesson. Then Sister Hakala called us and said she would be willing to come. We were in awe! She told us before, that this week was super busy and she didn't know how she was going to make time for anything extra...

  Ever feel like your week is dragging on and you can't ever fall asleep? Yeah same. It feels like that up here in Alaska everyday! The sun gets up at 5:09am and sets around 10:48pm. We gain 5 minutes of sunlight every day. Sad thing is that I rarely see the sun because it's usually covered by thick clouds.  Emmy invited us to her graduation party. YEAH. She invited the missionaries!! HAHA who even does that?!?! I love her. With a party full of non-members, I informed about 30 people why I was in Alaska and what my purpose is as a missionary. Meanwhile, my companion found someone to teach the restoration and plan of salvation to! Crazy!  We went to the Anchorage Market where all the local crafters come to sell their cool things. I overheard an older lady talking about how her name is Ellen and I went over and said, "NO WAY THAT'S MY NAME TOO!!". For the next hour, every time we would pass each other, she or someone in her crew would say, "Hi Ellyn" and I...

  We had the opportunity to serve with Suzette, who is being taught in my last area! She is a private chef and asked if we could come help her cater an event. Turns out the event was a Christian event that was for preachers all over the valley! I listened and heard interesting phrases like, "God has gifted me with his Kingdom to reign at this time". The head speaker would shout loudly into the mic about his big accomplishments in life and his individual journey with Jesus Christ. At first I was like hex ya! This guy is amazing and has met so many cool people! But then I listened with a spiritual perspective. Why was this man yelling Jesus's name? Shouldn't his name be a spoken in a peaceful, gentle way? Jesus Christ has given us a life to live! Why isn't this man showing his love and respect for the Savior? As I listened more and more I began to feel uncomfortable and decided to tune it out. I thought to myself, I'd rather listen to Latter-day prophets!;) At t...

  We all know the famous phrase, "There's no excuse for cold meat" said by the one and only, Josh Nelson. I related this to my life this week by hiking up the Rainbow Mchugh Trailhead. We started the ascent and ran into passing travelers who informed us that there was a brown bear up ahead who was feasting on his kill, a moose. My first thought was, "HEX YEAH. LETS GO GET HIM!". I took a step back and scanned the group of Elders/companion that I was leading. Second thought, "HEY SQUAD, LETS TAKE A RIGHT AND HIT THE "Windy" trail". It was beautiful and [sadly] I mean happily! bear free.  My reflection on this experience made me wonder why I procrastinated the thought of going the safer route. Why didn't I think first to straightway choose the right! "Straightway is a power word. Straightway is an action word. It means immediately, without delay or hesitation. It means at once. Also, it is associated with having no curve or turn—a str...