...Because of Him!

My dear friends and Family,

What an amazing thing it is to be able to live in this beautiful world! What an amazing opportunity we have to be a part of something so grand! What a wonderful we have to live as children of our Eternal Father. I am so spiritually uplifted right now I can't even describe it. 

Had some really great experiences this week!

First off, it snowed! Like...what the. In Octubre? That was a nice surprise. It was actually really entertaining to see all the missionaries who are not from Utah see snow for the first time. There was an elder who stepped out of his dorm and I kid you not, he was looking at the sky, mouth open, eyes wide, questioning what the heck was going on. 

Monday night, I don't remember much (like always) but I do remember having a deep conversation with Elder Lloyd. He and I talked about our struggles and trials and kind of where we came from in our lives before our missions. When we were talking, I couldn't help but feel what the Savior feels when we go through our trials. He listens to our problems and wants to help us. He listens to our cries when we raise our voices to heaven. He listens to the desires of our hearts. It is so amazing that we have someone there to ALWAYS listen to us.  

    

Real quick, super cool thing happened Tuesday night during the devotional. During the opening prayer, an elder had a seizure. As the prayer ended, the missionaries sitting by him stood up to ask for help. This of course stopped the meeting and Pres. Ralph decided to wait to begin until things got situated. The feeling of anxiety and tension filled the air so much that Pres. Ralph asked every single missionary to say a personal prayer for the elder. Immediately, the feeling of tension and anxiety left the room. I was so amazed at the power of the faith that all 2,000 missionaries had in that room that night. The EMT's were able to get the situation handled and we were able to finish the meeting.

On Wednesday, we had another TRC with Rosita. This particular day was really tough for me because I felt I couldn't understand a single thing Rosita was asking, let alone what I was teaching. We attempted to teach the Plan of Salvation, and I think anyone new to the whole concept would be so confused. As my armpits got sweatier and I had to loosen my collar, the lesson came to an end. Immediately leaving the room I started to beat myself up (mentally of course). I couldn't stop having doubts and discouraging words. I was so upset at myself for not being able to teach a proper lesson. As we made our way back to the classroom, Hermana Eddy showed us a video. The title is " Because of Him". As the video progressed, those words immediately left my head. This video is so powerful. After the video had brought tears of relief and reconciliation, we all discussed what we were feeling. I began to explain that we as missionaries (and everyone else) have our own Gethsemane's in our life. Trials, tribulations, pain, anguish, illness, disability, you name it all. We ALL have something. The greatest hope is that we don't and never will have to endure it alone. Our Savior suffered in Gethsemane with only one thing in mind...YOU! He did all because he chose to. This kind of unfathomable love was the only thing that would save us all from ever entering into the kingdom of God. I ask all of you to use the Atonement daily. It is for every misdeed, unfair, and unfortunate thing that has ever happened in your life! That's my message for the week! That is what made my week special. I highly highly encourage you all to watch that video. 

     

In the spirit of Halloween, all the Elders went trick-o-treating. Wow were some of the costumes creative. Togas, deacons, avengers, you name it. We get pretty creative. Life is going good. 

     

My companion and I have been doing well. Haven't had any issues. We both are the type that are really chill and don't let a lot of things bother us. 

I love this gospel so much! I can't wait to get out to Boston and just serve everyone. I can't wait to speak the most beautiful language in the world (sorry if that's offensive). I love my Savior, and I love my family! I love you all so much! Please pleas please use the power of His Atonement!

Con mucho amor,

-Elder Rasmussen