Date
November 17, 2018
Area
MTC Provo Utah
Companion
Elder Nathan Starr
Elder Skyler Rasmussen week Four Lots In Store missionary letter
Elder Skyler Rasmussen missionary letter
Week Four Lots In Store
November 17th, 2018
Arkansas Bentonville Mission
Currently Serving in Provo UT MTC
This week has been a little interesting. It was still fun and amazing, but halfway through we got the sad news that Elder Jensen was being sent home Thursday for health reasons. The past three weeks I have been watching him battle like crazy with his anxiety and depression, he’s literally been fighting with everything he has, but today the counselor and doctor both said he needed to go home. I love the guy, I’m going to miss him both now in the MTC, and I'm going to miss the fact that I won't be able to be his companion down in Arkansas. I know God just needs him somewhere else at the moment, but losing an elder has made my district and our room a lot quieter. I just want to say this now; no one should ever look down on anyone who has to come home earlier from their mission for mental illness or other health reasons. Some of these missionaries that come home have literally given everything they possibly could to God, please treat them as such and embrace them with open arms. God knows them and He knows where He needs them. So if you look down on them for one second and say they failed God, than you truly are the one who needs to change because that is not God's perspective. Ok, sorry for that, but it's just something that I wanted to say.
The rest of this week has run by pretty smoothly. Monday Elder Starr and me had another TRC that we did not prepare for, and as one could imagine, it was awful. Elder Starr literally got frustrated and gave up on Spanish halfway through the lesson and started talking in English instead. Estafany and I were both shocked and got the giggles pretty hard, which didn't help at all.
Luckily we made up for it with our lessons on Wednesday and Thursday. We did awesome and they went so well (I mean as well as it could go for two Elders who don’t know Spanish). I will admit this week was a little more difficult for me. Thursday morning I was homesick and I was in a pretty bad mood because of it. That day in class though we had an opportunity to discuss as a district some thoughts we've been having about what we've been studying. A big topic on conversation that up was how as missionaries we are sent forth to teach and to love and serve all those we come in contact with. Also my teacher shared D&C 31 with us. This chapter gives a lot of promises and blessings and comfort to those who serving missions, it's gotten my mind back on track.
I am finding out more and more how true happiness is found in serving and loving others. So far the times I have struggled the most have been the times I have been most self-centered. I don't know why it took me almost 20 years to find this out... I know that if we are willing and listening that God will guide us so that He can bless everyone around us through our service and love. I am so grateful for every opportunity I'm going to have to serve the next two years.
So yesterday I thought my district how to play SLAPS. Which is a game where one person has their hands by there hips while the other person puts there hands together and holds them in front of there stomach. The first person tries to slap the hands of the second person while the second person tries to dodge. If you make contact you get to go again, if you miss than both people switch and the game goes on. My poor companion didn't realize how good I am at this game. I tried to stop the game but he was determined to beat me. After 15 min of trying last night, he woke up this morning with dark purple bruises covering both of his hands. I feel badly but he told me it was ok because he asked for it.
This week I had to opportunity to be a host for the new missionaries. I swear when my family dropped me off I'll admit I cried like crazy saying goodbye. Compared to me all these missionaries were emotionless stumps. Or maybe I'm just over dramatic; either way hosting was a blast!
Oh so apparently I've been talking in my sleep again. My companion tells me I usually just speak Spanish, but apparently Thursday night he heard me mumbling so he said "Rassy you ok?” and apparently I rolled over and said "Dude you got to get out of here, after four weeks this place is dangerous". He tried to ask me what I meant, but I quickly said goodnight rolled over and went back to bed. I have no explanation; all I can say is all my future companions better get ready.
My Spanish is coming along great and I can't wait until I hit the field. I'm so happy to be here. I'm missing everyone back home, but I am so excited to be here. My health is good and I am happy. Until next week, I love you all!
Hasta luego!-
Elder Sister Training District Leader Rasmussen
To send me an email:
skyler.rasmussen@myldsmail.net
To send hand written letters or packages to my MTC address:
Elder Skyler Rasmussen
DEC05 AR-BEN Unit 316
2005 N 900 E
Provo UT 84606
To view letters and pictures:
Download the Called To Serve app and search to follow me, or go to mymission.com/elderskylerrasmussen