July 8th, 2013 - Mundelein, IL

Gotta make this quick. I don't have too much time today.

This week was awesome!!

My birthday was rockin- thanks for all the shout outs!! :)  On Tuesday, our zone got to meet our new Mission President, President Woodberry. Him and his wife are total dolls. They're good...but completely different from President Fenn...which makes me a little sad. Fenn was pretty stern and crazy intimidating...but every meeting, it was like a roundhouse kick to the face, with the spirit. Woodberry is just crazy cheery - but is going to get the work done. Also. He's worked for some large corporations as a HR guy. I guess we could be friends.  I talked with him and his wife for a few minutes during our break - you could say they like me :) Fingers crossed #Firstimpressionsarekindofabigdeal.  ...Also. He mentioned that within the next 6-12 months, our mission will double in missionaries. We're expecting big things for the Chicago, Illinois Mission!

Fourth of July was a HUGE party. Geeze, these people know how to party. The ward party started at 10am, (we got there at 12, and left at 3), and the party was still going strong. They had it at this one forest preserve...essentially, there were like a billion people just partying in the woods. But we got Antonio and Jessica to both come- which was awesome!

On Saturday, Antonio surprised me with sushi for my Birthday. Bless his heart. Not sure how I feel about Mexican sushi ..but let's just say it was still amazing!

Lastly. Saturday. We received "the call" from President Woodberry. We're having emergency transfers tomorrow :( Deleon is getting shipped off to South Chicago (most dangerous area for Sisters...NBD) and Hmna Black is coming up here to replace her. Did I mention Hmna Black has been in the mission for two weeks?  When President called and said she was  coming, obviously I was sad that Deleon had to leave- but that quickly turned to fear when he informed me that H.Black is still getting trained and needs a lot of help, mostly with her Spanish.  I think I can speak for Hmna Reid, when I say we were both ready to wet ourselves. It's going to be a challenge, no doubt about it. But(!!) I'm more than excited for it. On the phone call, President Woodberry told me that even though he had met me once, he knew I was ready for it, and that he trusts me to train and that more importantly, the Lord knows I can do it. No pressure.    We're gonna pick her up tomorrow. She's probably soooo scared :) Ha - but not really.

It's gonna be a good week for sure. Can't wait to have the experience of training Hmna Black #ImgoingtobeaMom!! Missionary mom, that is.

Love you all so much!

Hmna Mortensen