July 19, 2021: The sun never sleeps

 Alaskans don't believe in AC. I mean they only need it for 2 weeks out of the year but still!! 

This area is HUGE. 400+ members. There are more youth in this ward than in my whole home stake. A little/lot overwhelming. It seems like this area hasn't had much luck with teaching people who are willing to change to become closer to Jesus Christ. Me and Sister Brockbank are striving to find people to teach. We go to big city events, festivals, parks, and do our best to lead every conversation to help the individual come closer to Christ. When they reject us, my go-to question is, "Well, who can you think of that we can pray for?". The question usually helps them open up about their religion. It's pretty dandy! 

During the Palmer Friday Fling, we talked with this one old man about the bible. We asked him if there was anything we could do or pray for and he paused, looked at us, and said, "yes, if one of you pretty Mormon girls would come home with me tonight...". I uneasily laughed and replied, "sorry we have to stick together!" & walked away hysterically laughing. Creepy!!

We did service with the Pioneer Peak Elders and helped an old woman clear a patch of grass from rotting wood and trash. We even moved a rotting toilet. It was joyful. Well the single woman at the house apparently is from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma! She is an interesting lady and was as country as one could get. Her thick country accent made me happy. When she heard I was from Oklahoma, she literally jumped up and down in the air waving her hands frantically. She talked to me about Oklahoma for a long time then switched the conversation to us helping her find a husband. She gave us the assignment to "find me an LDS husband who treats his women good and has a good retirement plan". So if anyone knows a guy... let me know! 

We had our first slammed door on us this week! It felt great. The lady came to the door, stated that she hadn't been a part of our church for 40 years and will never come back. She then slammed the door. The poor lady doesn't know what she's missing out on! 

We taught the WHOLE plan of salvation lesson to our friend Inez. This rarely happens. Usually, people have a hexa ton of questions and you get through like half... (on a good day). At the end of our visit she told us that she knew what we were teaching was true and that she had a testimony of it. I was blown away. Honestly, being a missionary is kind of wack! Who listens to 2 young adults about the true and restored gospel of Jesus Christ &actively wants to meet often to learn more. The Spirit works mighty miracles. I find Inez, as a miracle put into our hands. We both feel blessed to be a part of her spiritual journey here on earth. After her lesson, we looked at each other and said a prayer of gratitude for the spirit and for God preparing Inez to accept what we were teaching her. She is miraculous. 

I am spoiled to be a missionary here in Alaska. I've never seen such big skies, mountains, and greenery. I'm in love with Alaskan summers:)

Choose JOY,

Sister Rex

-Crazy "momma Evylen" she only addresses us as "babies"

-Cara &Brooklyn

-Picking up rocks w/The Gatica family

-megs goats

-April Bowl, Hatcher Pass + I found an orange monk on top of the mountain!!