April 22nd, 2013 - Mundelein, IL

Buenas Dias!

It's a beautiful day here in Mundelein! I haven't seen the sun in a few days - so I was more than thrilled when the sun was out and shining brightly! I doubt it made any sort of NationalNews, but flooding here in the Chicago area...anything? #wereweonthenews? It rained ALL day and ALL night on Wednesday. Pretty magnificent  really. President Fenn made Thursday and Friday service days. I wish I had pictures to share! It wasn't terribly bad here in Mundelien, mostly because we're not too close to any large-ish lakes - but the Elders in the area just north of us, helped with sandbags, and said that the houses in near proximity to the lake had 3-4 feet of water up against them. I'm defs not in "Kansas" anymore. Besides the flooding, I love it! #sogladwehaveacar #andliveonthesecondfloor.

Hmna Stassforth and I had the opportunity to attend a funeral on Wednesday, at our Branch President's request. The man's name was Jose- he wasn't a member  but his sister was. He had tried to talk with Hmna Stassforth and Estrada, but due to the chemotherapy and other things, he wasn't able to. I haven't been to a funeral in a long time... it was interesting experience to not only be in a Spanish service, but with 98% of the people who were devout Catholics. President Suaste was a friend to the family, and spoke about the Plan of Salvation and where Jose is now. From the parts that I could understand, it was a beautiful service. We even had a man come up to us afterwards, saying how he loved everything that was said and that he wanted to learn more and go to church the following Sunday. Goes to show that there are wonderful missionary opportunities everywhere!

On Saturday, I had my first baptism! Okay. I don't know if it officially "counts", seeing that she already had her date before I got here- but I helped teach the last two lessons. That should count for something, yeah? Daniela is the name. She's awesome! Hmna Stassforth and Estrada were knocking doors and were trying to find her mom, who is a member but hasn't been in years, when they found Daniela. Daniela went to church with her mom as a kid, and always wanted to be member. She even met with Elders a few years ago- but they never taught lessons or even asked if she wanted to be baptized. Anyway. I guess you could call her a "golden investigator".

Last week I received a letter from Lochlan Phillips (shout out to my babygirl!) and it included the talk given by President Uchtdorf - ‘Your wonderful journey home’. If you haven't read it. Do so now! I've been thinking about it all week. He talks about, as you can guess, the Journey Home to our Heavenly Father. Loved this line specifically, "He didn't send you on this journey only to wander aimlessly on your own. He wants you to come home to Him.....Your Heavenly Father knows you. Even when no one else hears you, He hears you...". I loved his uplifting and encouraging attitude! Towards the end he talks about how sometimes we forget about our purpose and why we're here, and how we need to remind those people thru love and example. It reminds me of the Primary song I've listened to ALL week ...I actually don't remember the name, but it goes something like this..."What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say? Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way. What does he ask? Live like his Son." As a missionary, we focus mostly on faith, repentance,  baptism, and enduring to the end...missionary purpose - ringing bells, anyone? Like the song says, have faith/hope and live like His Son, (which goes along nicely with our purpose)...but what about helping others on their way? I feel like in my life, I could work a lot harder on that part. Help others thru love and example!  As President Uchtdorf said - we all need a little reminder sometimes of our purpose on this journey.

 This last week, I finished up Mosiah and started Alma. All of it is amazing! A few of my favorite parts? Mosiah 24, verses 12-15 specifically. Alma and his people are being persecuted and beaten up pretty badly by Amulon. It gets so bad that Amulon says they'll be put to death if they pray. These poor people couldn't even pray. Nevertheless! They did "pour out their hearts to Him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts". Later, the Lord promises them that they'll be freed out of bondage because of their faith and patience. He hears us. I know it.

Mosiah 27:14 was also another favorite. In the verses before, we learn of Alma the younger and the Sons of Mosiah. Can you say total problem children? They were described as the "vilest of sinners". Yet they became some of the best missionaries and leaders in the church. Verse 14 is rockin, though. "Behold the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth...I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of His servants might be answered according to their faith". I like to imagine that Alma, and everyone else, was praying constantly. There have been people in my life, that I pray for constantly. I don't know what will ever become of it. But I have faith and hope that those people will someday be reminded of this "journey". I know I've been on the receiving end of that also. No prayers go unheard. Again, Alma the younger and the Sons of Mosiah- 'vilest" of sinners. You can never know of someones full potential - so don't give up on them.

Sorry if that was too much rambling. I don't mean to! I love you all though! Thanks a million for the love, support, and prayers.
Hmna. Mortensen