Tornado And Adam-Ondi-Ahman

Hey Everyone,

What a wild week I've had. I've never been through such  severe Tornado weather in my life and it was an interesting experience to witness how pitch dark our sky was. Wednesday we had a severe Tornado Warning and it was raining, and the wind was howling and golf sized hail fell from the sky. The power went out and we received word from our Mission President to take shelter at a members house. Elder Hancock and I drove through the storm to the Wall family in our ward and they graciously allowed us to stay with them through the storm. The tornado didn't touch down in our area and we are grateful for the safety and protection we had. 

This week we also had the sacred experience of visiting Adam-Ondi-Ahman. What a peaceful place this is. A simple wide stretched field with nothing really to indicate the sacredness of that land. We stood and enjoyed the view at Tower Hill which overlooks the Valley of Adam-Ondi-Ahman. 

With such severe weather and cold temperatures most of our lessons were canceled or rescheduled. We are currently teaching Jeanine who lives in a house with 2 dogs and 15 cats. You can imagine what state the house is in. We are also teaching Emily, Shantea and Robert. We hope to get back to their homes soon to continue our lessons with them. 

My companion and I had the unique experience to give priesthood blessings to a family displaced and living in an old abandoned church. We believe some of the adults are members of the Church. There were three adults and 5 children living without running water or electricity. We ministered to them the best we could and now the county/state services are stepping in to help this family. My heart goes out to them and their situation. I am constantly humbled by the opportunity to give a blessing to someone and I can promise you that even in that poorest of condition that the Spirit was present and that Heavenly Father loves all of His children. 

We spent many hours outside in the cold shoveling dirt for a less active member this week. I guess the dump truck driver didn't drop several loads of dirt in the correct spot at this gals home and we were called to move the dirt for her. 

This week we had District Council which was great and our District and Zone leaders are AMAZING! Tomorrow is ZONE CONFERENCE and I'm super stoked to hear from President Ames and he shares messages about Christmas and Jesus Christ. 

I am grateful for the few meals members fed us this week and for a great companion--who I found out is my 4th Cousin on my Grandma Mortensen side (Smith line). 

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you have an amazing day with your families. This will be my first Christmas out in the field and I know it will be a sweet experience. I am grateful for Mary and Joseph and their remarkable lives and examples. My testimony is that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.

Elder Mortensen

Pictures this week:

My companion and I driving in the flat lands, a beautiful Missouri sunset, District Council, Adam-Ondi-Ahman, and a Missionary Tag picture for my MOM.