How Grateful I Am To My Heavenly Father That In His Plan There Are No True Endings, Only Everlasting Beginnings

Hello Family,

Sorry this is gonna be a SHORT email :).  between loading pictures and copying my comps pictures and everything  :)

So yes... I am transferring!  We were expecting that Sister Culangan would be transferring, and I would stay, since she has been here three cycles now. But....the Lord has his own plans for us :).

I am SO GRATEFUL for the time I have had here to serve in Tanauan 1st ward.  I have learned so much from them and also from my companion Sister Culangan!  She is a dedicated missionary and works SO HARD. Even when she's not feeling good, she still is ready and excited to work.  She is great at getting to know people and helping them to understand and love the gospel like she does.  I am so grateful for the time I have had with her and everything I have learned from her :).

I have LOVED the ward and everyone we have gotten to know here as well!  There are some wonderful people here in Tanauan :). Most of our area is pretty far from the chapel, and many of the members have to make sacrifices to make it to church on sundays.  And they do :)  I have been so blessed to have some wonderful areas and companions throughout my mission, which I am so very grateful for :).  One of the hardest parts for me of my mission is transferring!  Saying goodbye to your companion and the members and everyone you met, and know knowing if or when you'll see them again.  But I find SO much comfort in the fact that even if we don't see each other in this life, there will be time in the eternities to catch up with everyone :).  One of my favorite quotes is this one from President Uchtdorf: "Endings are not our destiny. The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions—temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful.  How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings."

I try to think of transfers not as leaving an area you love, but moving on to another area that you're gonna love just as much.  It's just another opportunity to meet many more children of God, which I am so grateful for :).

I love you all so much!  sounds like you have had a GREAT week back home :).  Loved the pictures!  Keep being so wonderful :)  love you!!  take care :)

Sister Mortensen

Sister Mortensen and Sister Culangan

Trying to take a jumping picture!!!!!

Zone Activity

Zone Activity

Zone Activity

Roommates - Kabalays

Praying Roommates - Brianne is the far left one!

Sister Culangan with flowers she was given during an OYM