You’ve Met Coach Andy Reid?

Hey Everyone,

Way to go Kansas City Chiefs and Coach Andy Reid! We spent our P-day as a Zone together watching the game (the edited version without commercials or the halftime show) with permission from our mission president. There are a lot of happy Chief fans everywhere you turn here in Missouri. 

I've mentioned to many Chief fans that I've met Coach Andy Reid. And their response is "Really? Where did you meet him?" I respond, "Funny you should ask. It was at our Church." This is a great conversation starter for a missionary in Chief's country. 

Tuesday I turned 20 years old and appreciate all of the Happy Birthday messages from some of you, thank you. A family in our branch, the Marr's, cooked dinner, made me a cake and gave me a gift. I am so blessed to know such good and kind people. And, to top it off they made parmesan crusted chicken which is one of my favorite meals, and it was delicious and reminded me of home and how my mom makes the best meals. I couldn't believe they made something I would have asked my mom to make me for my birthday meal. 

We had president interviews this week and it's always great to sit and talk with President Ames for a little bit. He was very grateful for all of the work that I've done in training Elder Shaw. 

Elder Shaw continues to work and do the best he can. He is making it to companionship study on time and he is actually doing a lot better when we are at teaching appointments and he is learning the lessons. 

This week we served a very less active member named Gary Applebee. He left a message on our phone that said, "Hey, this is Gary Applebee, is Mortensen still around because I need some heavy things moved." HAHA! We spent an afternoon helping him at his home and completing his to-do list. Gary has been to church 3 times in 17 years. His wife would love to attend but she said it isn't worth the discord in their relationship to push what she wants. 

We've received several referrals this week, more than any other time on my mission. We are working to answer all of them as quickly as possible. One of the referrals is named Jude. I told Elder Shaw (who has the sim card on his phone) to write a response and say, "Hey Jude...this is the missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints..." Elder Shaw said, "Why do I need to say "Hey Jude?" I said it's important that you respond that way, he'll know what that means. Elder Shaw didn't understand--hopefully you all get it? 

Also, just so you don't think all of our referrals are legitimate...we get referrals with names like Joseph Smith, etc all of the time. There are some funny folks out there. 

I hit my 19 month mark out on my mission. I guess you can now say we can count on one hand how many months I have left to serve. It's a bittersweet feeling knowing time is slipping by so quickly, yet there's so much to look forward to after a mission. I am continuing to work hard and focus on finding those willing to hear and learn about Jesus Christ. 

Last night we had dinner at the Parson's home and instead of watching the Super Bowl, they had us watch The 10 Commandments. It was legit and amazing. The actors and actresses were spot on and the dialogue was cool. I felt the spirit and applaud how well the movie was done (Yes, my parents encouraged me to watch this when I was younger, some things take time).

All of our teaching appointments for our regular investigators fell through this week. They've rescheduled so hopefully things pick up with them this week.  

I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of Heavenly Father. I know that Jesus Christ will return to earth and there will be peace. I know that the greatest happiness we can have in our lives is following Jesus Christ and believing in Him and learning all that we can about Him. I know we will and can feel His love in our lives as we strive to live His teachings. 

Elder Mortensen 

Pictures: 

The birthday breakfast I made for me and Elder Shaw

Talking with my mom on P-day

Reminder picture of about a year ago with Coach Andy Reid at our Stake Conference

The Marr's and my birthday dinner and birthday cake