June 28, 2021: BABY BEAR & MAMA MOOSE

Not going to lie, I've been praying to see an Alaskan bear since my first day in Alaska. This week my prayer was answered! We were driving to church and a baby black bear ran out right in front of our car!! YES!!! WE SAW OUR FIRST BABY BLACK BEAR!! I know it's bad luck if a black cat crosses the road but what if it's a black bear?! I'd count myself lucky ;)

Another answered prayer! A woman asked me and Sister Holman to find missionaries to bring to the temple to help her with her family history work. We did over 250 baptisms for the dead. I honestly thought that I'd never be able to go into the Anchorage temple on my mission because of COVID. It was a pure experience where I could feel my saviors and my Grandmother Rex's love.

Bruce asked Me and Sister Holman to come make dinner for a couple of nights this week with his mom(Angela) and son(Christian) while he was away on a business trip. So Sunday, we marinated 3 whole breasts of chicken and put it in the fridge for fajitas the next night. All day on Monday we were dreaming of these beautiful fajitas. We got there and the chicken wasn't in the fridge... or in the freezer... or in the trash... or the pantry.... Angela couldn't remember what happened to it or what chicken we were talking about. Big sad:( We are just straight up confused how a little 76 year old woman could eat or do something with 3 chicken breasts in less than a day!! #onlyGodknows

We walked Potter Marsh with a German lady, Rita with Elder McCullough & Elder Jennings. There was a Momma moose and 2 babies! Super cute and SUPER close. So close, that Elder McCullough reached down and pet the momma moose. The moose got so upset and charged at us a couple times. Luckily it didn't jump up onto the platform we were standing on, otherwise we would be DEAD MEAT. These dang elders...

Lots of photoshoots this week!! Corianne, who recently moved here from Texas dressed up as medieval elf! She was super nice. She told us that she wasn't raised in any church but would like to join one if it feels right. Turns out her best friend is a "Mormon" and we got to bear testimony of The Book Of Mormon to her, and why people gave us the nickname of "Mormon". I also did photos for Trinity, who just moved here from Virginia Beach. She also is apparently looking for a church to join that show's friendship and support. She told us how she doesn't like that at some churches, "people act like a saint on Sunday and are sinners the other days of the week". I love that our church is an every day effort to bring each individual closer to Christ. Not just a Sunday thing! I also took photos for a Tongan family reunion which was CRAZY!

We had interviews with President King. He told me how proud he is with me and Sister Holman's work in our area and knew that we would be perfect companions from day 1! Which is 100% true. I love Sister Holman. He informed me that he has had multiple members of my ward come up to him and say how much I have connected with members in an understanding and personable way. He said "Remember when you first were transferred into the ward and hated it?? Now you love it!". I do love the Rabbit Creek ward with my full heart .

Jim took us out for pizza. I told him that we weren't picky eaters and that we would eat any toppings that he chose. WHY DID I SAY THAT? Beats me! He unknowingly chose my worst 3 foods. Mushrooms... huge tomatoes... and olives. I gagged 2 pieces down and mentally celebrated my growth with being a picky eater.

I've learned that my mission isn't my sacrifice for the Savior, its my offering. I'm so thankful to be here in Alaska in the beautiful summer. I love Jesus Christ and I love his plan for me! He truly lives.

Love,

For the last time...

The 19 year old,

Sister Elly Rex

Pics!

-Belen(my fav youth)

-Jim's pizza excursion

-Sister Maisey+Ehlers+Finnigan cookie time

-Stake president Esplins home

-Rabbit Lake w/Emmy&Gloria

-photo sessions

-Huffman Peak w/zone