The end of an era

Good afternoon,

Got some bittersweet news on Saturday. I'm heading to Waterbury, CT. Having been in Revere for 5 1/2 months, I've had 3 companions, 4 different roommates, and who knows how many rolls of toilet paper I've gone through. It's been a good time here but quite frankly, I could really use a change of environment.

We found an interesting statistic this last week. In total, we set up 36 lessons with friends and members. Of all those, only 6 answered. I guess you could say it was one of those weeks. Outside of the work, we have lots of fun here in the 5 elder apartment. Playing with Kendamas, rubiks cubes, and watching The Chosen, helps make for a good decompression after the day.

I've been reading a book series called The Great and the Terrible. In this series, it talks a lot about the last days and what it might be like for Latter-day Saints. Even though it isn't canonized, there are some REALLY good lessons to learn from it. One thing I found is the need to be prepared. Prepared spiritually, physically, and mentally. We read in Alma 34 that "This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God". We have also heard from modern prophets that we won't survive if we aren't self-reliant in all aspects of life.

I invite all of you to "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" just as the apostle Paul wrote. It's never too late to change and use the powers of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to become better. It's never too late to continue to deepen your conversion.

I love you all and hope that you continue to find the little tender mercies of the Lord in your individual lives.

con mucho amor,
Elder Rasmussen

-couple of drawings