August 5th, 2013 - Mundelein, IL

What.  A. Week. Remember in my last letter when I said "I have a feeling it's gonna be a good week"...or something like that? Oh man I was right!

Tuesday I called Antonio to confirm our appointment with him for that afternoon....he couldn't meet with us...but at the end of the call, he ends it with, "Hermana Mortensen, I want to be baptized THIS weekend". Wow. Didn't see that one coming! I asked him 2-3 times if he really wanted to be baptized this weekend, just to make sure there wasn't any translation issue on my part. Thank goodness he's patient with me :) Point is. We had the most BEAUTIFUL service ever on Saturday! And to make it even better- Hermana Deleon was able to come up to see it! She's going home tomorrow- so you could say it was a pretty good weekend to end her mission. We were able to Skype the whole thing with his family in Mexico (they're all members, remember?) and I asked his wife beforehand if she'd be willing to share her testimony with everyone. Really. This man was GLOWING! Ah. Miracles happen, people. Expect them!

Back to Tuesday. We met with Jessica and her family, as usual. She informed us that she tried to talk to her boyfriend again, and he's not budging on the whole marriage thing- so she probably won't be getting baptized this weekend, as we had planned. It's a step though! They're talking about it now. On the bright side though! Her daughter, Evelyn (I think she's 6?) went to Nauvoo with her grandparents, Hermano/na Quevedo and absolutely LOVED it. I've been inviting this girl to church for 3 transfers now. Nothing. But! After her little trip to Nauvoo, she just can't get enough of this. On Tuesday, she went on and on about how awesome Joseph Smith was and how beautiful the temple is. Coming from a little 6 year old, who had absolutely no interest the week before, was quite the miracle. I invited her to Antonio's baptism (Jessica and her parents were coming), and she was stoked outta her mind! And even more so, after I told her I'd save her a seat right next to me. Anyway. She came. Loved it. And then showed up to church yesterday with the Quevedos!!! Best part? She brought me this little necklace that says "friends" on it- does she have a matching one? Yes. You could say we're best friends now  

Hermana Black and I had another awesome lesson with Teresa on Wednesday. I was a little scared at first, because Hermana Flores (her sister) wasn't going to be able to come - and Teresa is CRAZY quiet. Anyway. It worked out perfectly! Definitely asked some inspired questions that got her going, and she ended up opening up a lot.  We had dinner with Hmna Flores on Friday, and she told us that Teresa loves when we come over, because of the difference she can feel. How awesome is that?

Sooo, after the baptism on Saturday- we received the half anticipated transfer call. It's that time again! I kinda expected to get transferred out- seeing that I've been here for 3 transfers and had 4 different companions...they usually don't keep sisters in areas for more than 3. But, I'll be staying for at least another 6 weeks! Hermana Black on the other hand, will not. She's going down to South Chicagooo! And my new companion is going to be Hermana Kennedy. I'm stoked outta my mind!! I've only met her once or twice- but she seems like a total doll. She was actually baptized like 2 years ago.  It's been an awesome week! And I feel like I've seen miracle after miracle.

This last week I've been studying in Alma...read about Ammon again. Have I mentioned how much of a boss he is? Love Ammon! Anyway. Ya'll should read Alma 17 and 18. Love and serve today. Teach tomorrow...I guess you're technically teaching thru your love and service...catch my drift? That's kinda how I see it.
Hope you all have a killer week!  Much love.
Hermana Mortensen