Hey Mumzy, et al:
This week was a lot better than last week. We heard from the young woman whom we thought had decided not to be baptized—she is still very much wanting to be baptized, but is wanting to go home for Thanksgiving to discuss her decision with her parents. She’s hoping to gain their support and understanding, as she makes this important decision. I think her decision is a very good one. I would hate to rush anyone into baptism, or anything else important like this that they weren't ready for or didn’t feel good about. She is super solid and knows that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true! It has been awesome to be able to watch her testimony grow and to see how she is able to stand up for what she believes in, and to see that she has the courage to do what she knows to be right even though those around her may not fully understand or support it. She has also brought one of her friends to the lessons and we are now teaching her as well. Her friend is progressing very well and I can see that she’s beginning to gain her own testimony after just a few lessons. It is amazing to experience what the power of the Holy Ghost can do.
Since I have been out on my mission, I’ve had the opportunity to look back at all the opportunities I had to share the gospel but didn’t—because I didn't want to stand out or seem weird. My love for those I really care about has grown. I’m grateful our family has been blessed to have friends of other faiths as a big part of our lives. I think about how much the Smoyer's have done for us and how much you love them. I’ve realized I share that same love for my own good friends—Jacob and Austin. I don't think there is really anything they could ever do that would cause me to stop caring for them/being their friend. When we were together we didn't even think about religion, meaning it was never a source of contention. I'm really grateful for our friendship and to think that one day we will be able to reunite is what keeps me going sometimes. Jacob is already over the year mark on his mission which is sweet! Jacob and Austin are already talking about stuff that they are going to do when Jacob gets back and I sometimes think, "Here I am again…always lagging behind." But I’ll get over it. :)
Yeah, I know Elder Cloward; he is a way cool missionary! He trained Elder Byron who was one of my favorite people in the MTC! It really is a crazy-small world. Was Brother Johnson in South Dakota to go pheasant hunting? Would have been cool to see him, but I'm super happy that I'm still in Sheridan.
So transfers are this Saturday…Elder Johnson and I are thinking that it is probably his time to go =(. He has been here for 7 months and that is a really long time for someone to serve in one place. I’ll admit, I hope that I will be able to stay, I would love to spend as much time here as possible. If I were chosen to train a new missionary next, I would most likely be here until February which would be OUTSTANDING! I hope that my new companion, whenever we get together, will be cool. I don't really want to have a companion that is unmotivated or doesn't follow the rules…that would make things very hard for me.
A’s to mom’s questions for the week:
1) I got the boots; they are fantastic and fit great! It's a good thing that Dad got a size bigger because they were a tight fit due to the amount of insulation that they have.
2) There is nothing special that I need; I'm already very grateful for the awesome winter weather gear/outer wear I have received!
3) One thing I gotta let you know Mom, is that 0 degrees here in this mission isn't “too cold” to go out…our cut off is more like -30. The coldest it has been here this winter is -20, and yes we were out and about. Again, I’m glad you sent all the winter stuff! =)
4) Trying some Vitamin D would be great! If it helps some people with mood, I’l be happy to give it a go. I’ll do anything I can to stay positive and have noticed my mood go down a little since it has started snowing so much.
I have a Q for you:
1) Can I wash the blanket you sent me? (The one I got last Christmas) If so, how?
Well I love you guys and hope that you all have a great week!
-Love Elder Rasmussen
No comments:
Post a Comment