May 17, 2021: The Alaskan Struggle

 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 would say back, "Hi Ellen". Thank you Grandma Krueger for my name. I was able to relate to an old lady through it haha!

The world of Facebook finding in Alaska has led us to meeting Jeffery. Jeff is a big-bearded-Alaskan lookin' man, who is actually from Georgia... LOL. He offered to take us hiking! None of the elders wanted to go, so it was 4 sisters and one random Jeff. We got a little scared when we parked at the trailhead because the situation seemed a little sketch. So we said a prayer and as soon as we said, "Amen", Jeff was standing by my window smiling super big! He's a nice fella. It was a beautiful hike! I sadly learned that my comp strongly hates hiking with a passion. 4 miles into the hike, we had to cross a shallow river. I slipped off my shoes and walked across to the glacier bank on the opposite side.  My comp made us turn around and go back to our cars and drive to a different waterfall. Oh well! We tried!

Life can be full of regrets. But one thing I have learned is that I have never regretted being too kind.  There is always more charity to give. Jesus Christ teaches us of his miraculous stories in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The love and time he shares with each individual is inspiring. 

I learned a lot about miracles at Zone Conference. I want a big miracle to Happen SO bad in this area. The members deserve it! So, I've learned that to have a BIG miracle, I must be alert for the everyday little miracles. Pray for them, expect them, recognize them, and achieve them! In the story of the 2k Stripling warriors, not one soul was killed, but ALL of the warriors were severely injured. What a miracle! The Savior suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane is a miracle! Me writing this email is a miracle! (Haha weekly emails are stressy). All in all, don't be afraid to call an angel down from heaven to help you achieve your own miracle. If you have true faith in the Savior's saving grace, all is possible!

It's a great day to be a missionary.

It's a great day to be in Alaska. 

Choose JOY,

Sister Elly Rex

Pics: 

-Suzette Catering event

-Temple 5k walk w/older youth

-waterfall w/jeff

-The Lunds Doggy who loves eating carrots>>>

-Anchorage Market 

-Emmy &I