QUARANTINE!

Hey Everyone,

We were exposed to positive COVID 19 cases this week and we had to quarantine all week. Both Elder Hancock and I had mild symptoms but never a fever. There were no COVID tests available in our area so we were asked by the mission nurse to stay home and quarantine. We were released from quarantine today and we are grateful to be back at it.

Since we were stuck in the house all day for the past week we were unable to visit any one or teach our investigators. We are still teaching Shauntea, Robert, James and Jeannie. We will reach out to them and hopefully they are well enough for a visit this week.

Church here in Three Forks was canceled yesterday due to a high number of positive COVID cases. Our ward is filled with 60 plus folks and everyone needs to be extra careful.

We are grateful for several ward members who brought meals to us and left them on our front porch for us to grab. We were definitely taken care of during our quarantine.

We spent the week studying and searching for teaching opportunities via Facebook. I want to share a few things that inspired me this week.

In the Book of Mormon we learn so many great life lessons. I was inspired as I read 1 Nephi chapter 11 verses 21-23 which states:

"And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul."

After reading and studying these verses I felt touched by these words because I know that the Love of God is in all of us. It is a great responsibility we have as missionaries to help others feel and see the Love of God in their own lives. Once we recognize that love of our Heavenly Father we can help others to cultivate that love and kindle that feeling. Having the love of God in our lives helps us understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and how to apply them in our own lives.

If you have time this week, please check out the following amazing talks which brought me much joy and peace week:

1. Glimpses of Heaven by Spencer W. Kimball

2. With Hand and Heart by President Monson...when he was Elder Monson

3. Borne Upon Eagles' Wings by Elder Holland

4. For Times of Trouble by Elder Holland

Looking forward to an incredible week of service and teaching!

Elder Mortensen

Pictures this week:

Beautiful painting representing our Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother

Busted down basketball hoop game--don't ask

Elder Hancock passing time in quarantine

The DISTRICT ELDERS and Elder Hancock who had to hold District Council at home