To the Great Texas Houston Mission,
What a wonderful privilege we have to be as the shepherds who not only receive the good tidings of great joy, but then "to make known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." (Luke 2:17) Just as in days of old, many "wonder" at the things we share and have a desire to worship the Christ child. There is no greater privilege.
We look forward to seeing you this week as we celebrate Christmas together. Two reminders:
1. We are excited for each of you to be able to speak with your families this week. Please make sure you limit your calls to no more than 40 minutes and to your families only (Missionary Handbook p. 37). We recognize that some of your parents don't live together. We want for you to be able to speak to them both, but that doesn't mean two 40 minute calls. Do your best to limit the total call time to 40 minutes as the brethren have requested. We also recognize that some don't have immediate biological parents who you will be calling. We want you to call those who are closest to you and have an enjoyable time within the same parameters. You can use your iPads to Skype, but please do not use this application otherwise without permission.
2. Please remember to give out all the remaining "A Savior is Born" cards this week and make the most of every finding opportunities as hearts are turned to God now more than at any other time of the year. We don't want any of those cards left over. Please give them out during your finding this week.
3. Remember that the Gospel blesses families and families will be together over the next few weeks more regularly during the weekdays than perhaps at any other time during the year. Let's take advantage and find those the Lord has prepared!
We love you and are so proud of you for making this such a WHITE Christmas! So many lives have been blessed by virtue of your focused service. We are hoping to carry this focus and determination to find and invite into the new year.
Love,
President and Sister Mortensen
We had transfers last week. The following are pictures taken during those transfer days.
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| Temple Trip with the departing missionaries |
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| twinning |
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| Love the Chappells |
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| I love a crowded kitchen! |
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| Such beautiful helpers! |
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| Testimony Meeting with Departing Missionaries |
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| This group departs early in the morning. We will miss them! |
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| A few words of advice from the Pres. |
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| Hard to believe that our first group of sisters is going home! We will miss them so much! |
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| Airport time. |
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| Elder McCoard is always looking to share the gospel. |
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| Last good-byes. |
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| Here come our new missionaries straight from the MTC |
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| Don't they look great?! |
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| The new missionaries minus Elder Munoz who came from the Mexico MTC. |
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| A real Texas BBQ at the Mission Home |
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| Writing letters home |
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| They are already Texans...they love Blue Bell ice cream. |
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| This is the whole group. They are outstanding! |
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| Quick trip to the temple grounds to remind us to begin with the temple in mind. |
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| We will miss you Sister Winterton! |
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| Our faithful trainers! We are so grateful for them. |
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| Awaiting their trainers |
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| A Filipino connection :) |
The following pictures are of the new missionaries with their trainers. They are all in great hands!
President Mortensen and I attended District Meeting in the Spring District and were so impressed with Elder Burch's great leadership.
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| Elder Burch in action |
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| Merry Christmas from the Mortensen kids! |
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| Elder Bonzo leads the music like a pro at a baptism in the Houston 6th ward. |
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| A happy occasion for these hermanas! |
