WEEK 29 - PACHUCA

BUENOS DÍAS!


Wow, only in Mexico could you see a small pickup truck with a real Lion in the back with only a cage around it! Haha! It´s promoting the circus that’s in town, and yes there is a real lion outside of the internet with a ton of people around looking at it!



The baptismal picture last week, the people are… in the back Griselda, her husband Alejandro with their daughter Aleida, Maribel, her husband Juan Antonio and their son Antonio. Front row, Elder Mora, Alejandro (turns eight in September!) Jude, Pedro, Ramón, and that ugly looking “güero” at the end. Haha look at Ramón´s belt!! We didn´t have an overall so he had to use pants, but they were so big they were falling off of him! He was walking around with his hands in his pockets to hold them up! One of the counselors int he Ward saw him and went for some clear tape! If you look close you can see that his pants are taped up! Haha Ramón is awesome.  He bore his testimony yesterday again! He’s going to get the Priesthood next week! He went to their stake priesthood meeting last Sunday, we saw him walking in, he was so excited to be there!

Yesterday the familia Tavera was confirmed! (I don’t think I said that right…my English is suffering if you can’t tell…) The mom and dad of Maribel and Griselda came, and that was a real blessing! It’s hard to get their dad to come sometimes, not because he doesn’t want to but because he’s so weak he can hardly walk or move. This week we worked with their mom and dad. They’re separated, their dad lives with them and their mom lives across the street. We taught their mom (Estela Carrillo) and I know she felt the spirit in the baptism of her kids and grandkids because she told us before we could say anything “ I want to be baptized, just give me two weeks to get things in order.” She has a boyfriend that is kind of dangerous…he threatens her and stuff, but she’s going to give him a talking to, and be baptized this week! The dad of the kids (Mariano Tavera) also accepted his baptismal date for this week!

Juan Carlos is the son of one of the members in the Ward that never got baptized. He has a daughter that was baptized but he hasn’t been baptized yet. His baptismal date is this Saturday. The Lord is really blessing us. Last week four kids came to church. They said “ we’re looking for two Mormons with plaques!” The members showed them to us quick, and we met them. Turns out, they live right in front of the Church. The family lived in the other Ward and went to Church two times, but then they moved. The mom knows the Book of Mormon is true, we just have to help her realize that now she needs to be baptized!

Maddie, that’s so cool that you have sister McLean for your teacher! I remember you wanted to have her as your teacher before! Cool! Thanks for sharing your testimony with me Mads, you’re so awesome! You´re growing up so fast, and so is your testimony! Keep it up!
Trent I can’t believe mom let you drive to CA! Howd it go?? Hey hows misión prep going? I want to hear about it. Tell everyone I said hi, tell Bro. McConkie hola! Keep getting ready for the best two years of your life! Its hard to describe the joy that comes from being out here, the only advice I have is keep studying Preach My Gospel and the Scriptures! Keep it up bud, you’ll do great!

It hailed here last week! The weather in Pachuca is so weird! When we leave in the morning its sunny and a Little warm (I know, my blood must´ve thickened or soemthing, its only around 80 or 85!!) Then around 2 or so it might rain or just keep staying hot. Then in the early evening there´s a ton of wind and dust, and at night it get really cold sometimes, yup. Pachuca is different! But I love it here.


I can´t tell you enough how glad I am to be here. I´m so thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord for two years, it really does go by fast!! Thanks for your letters and prayers, I know it helps us here. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, I know that through faith in Christ and his Atonement, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost we can come closer to Him than we´ve ever imagined. I feel so blessed to see the lives of Heavenly Father´s children change as they learn to come unto Him. I´m so proud of my missionary family! Keep it up guys! That is the greatest thing you can be doing right now! I promise you! I promise you as a servant of Christ that as you continue to do so the Lord will bless you in a special way. I know it, because I have already seen so many blessings in my life, and the lives of others. Love you guys,
Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 28 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Hola querido familia!

We had a great week, and worked hard to get our baptisms ready. The Tavera family was baptized yesterday!! It was such a great experience. Also last week we went to the HUGE youth conference with youth from all of the Mexico Area. We helped them out with their missionary activity, and it was a lot of fun. I saw all of the Elders from my generation so that was fun too. I don’t have changes…what’s the Word in English? In Spanish it’s cambios…TRANSFERS! That’s the word. I’m staying here another cycle with Elder Mora. I’m going to be in my first area for 6 months! I’m excited because I’ll get to see some of my converts progress, and their family progress as well.
We just got back from helping the Zone Leaders pack up. The owner of their apartment kicked them out, so we helped them move! I don’t know if Elder Tanner is going to be my Zone Leader anymore, which I’m kinda down about, he’s awesome! I saw Elder Howard at the Youth conference, and Elder Reed too. We always have fun talking about Arizona! Small world huh?

From Left to Right-front row: Elder Mora, Alehandro Jr., Jude (Griselda's daughter),Pedro,Ramon (aka: Ammon),Trev. Back, Griselda,Alehandro,Alayda,Maribel,Juan Antonio, Jr.

Okay the Tavera family. They went for their interview last Friday, Griselda, her kids Ramón, Pedro, Maribel her husband Juan and their daughter Jude all went. Everyone “passed” their interview, except Juan. He wants to wait a little bit. But don’t worry, he’ll be baptized here soon! Yesterday, we helped Mari and Griselda´s sick father come to church. He can hardly move, so we carried him to the car, and from there up the stairs to sacrament meeting. He really liked the church, and when I talked to him, he said he would like to be baptized! He just needs to come to church more.
Elder Mora and I made little programs to hand out at their baptism. We had the primary kids sing “When I Am Baptized” and I played the piano, and electric keyboard that a member had. I know they felt the spirit. The kids were so excited for their baptism! You should’ve seen it! They were jumping up and down they were so nervous and excited! Elder Mora baptized Maribel and Jude, and then I baptized Griselda, Ramón, and Pedro. It was so neat to see this family entering into their first covenant with the Lord. They really are elect, I know the Lord has been preparing them for a long time. Afterwards, we went to the house and I read Alma 29:9-10. I love reading that scripture after baptisms, because it truly describes my joy that I feel after a baptism. I’m so grateful I was able to see this family progress towards their baptism. We contacted Griselda in the combi (ice cream truck) the end of last cycle, and it took them all this cycle to be baptized, but I’m so grateful that they were baptized, and I know it was the Lord that lead us to them.

Well I don’t have transfers. It was kind of funny, all last week Elder Mora was saying “ You have changes, I know it” and then we went to the activity with all the youth, and even the secretary Elder Olson told me I was going to probably have changes and be his companion! Haha, and then yesterday when we report they told me I didn’t have changes. I know this is where the Lord wants me to be.

Well there isn’t much else to report. We had a great last week of the cycle, and we’re ready to work hard this cycle. We’re going to put a high goal to help us work harder. That’s what we did this cycle and it helped us so much. I know when we set a goal, Heavenly Father provides a way for us to complete that goal, if we have faith and put in the work.

Love you all, thanks for all your love and support. Tell Aunt Niki thanks for the postcard!
Con amor,
Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 27 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Para la mejor familia en el mundo-
For the best family in the world -

Hola! How are you all doing? Sounds like youre having a fun summer getting ready for school! This last week was crazy!! I am excited for this next week, we have a lot of work to do to meet our goal!



We had the opportunity to baptize Adela yesterday. Adelas husband has been a member for a year now. We were able to help them get married, and Adela entered into her first covenant with the Lord yesterday.

This last week, Griselda and her husband, and Adela and her husband Erik needed to get married, and we spent most of our time doing that. We had to travel a lot, and track down certificates but we did it with the Lords help!

Griselda and her husband didn't have the documents to get married, and long story short we went all over town tracking them down. For her husband, we needed to go to D.F. to get his Birth certificate! Friday they finally got married! They went for their baptismal interviews and need to wait another week. But I know they will do it this next Sunday! This family is so awesome. I don’t know if I've explained very well,Griselda and Maribel are sisters that live in the same apartment building. Griselda has four kids, Ramon, Pedro, Alejandro, and a little girl, her husbands name is Alejandro, but is never home to listen to us. Mari and her husband Juan Antonio have two kids, Jude and Juan. These two families have really changed since we met them, and I know they will progress in the Gospel. Ramon is so awesome! He bore his testimony on fast Sunday. One day this week he came out of the house with a white shirt and tie. He had gone by knocking on doors the day before all because he saw us one day do a door approach. He went door to door on his street saying “Im a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ, and I have a message I want to share with you.” He had appointments all lined up and everything, he asked us for some pamphlets which we gladly gave to him. He is inviting everyone he sees to his baptism next week! Pretty cool huh? I told them that I might get changed this next week, and Mari started to cry! At church yesterday Ramon went up to the bishop and said, “ Excuse me, are you the bishop? Please don’t change Elder Ras, I like him!” I don't know if I'll have changes, but three cycles is the average in an area!

This week we helped Adela and her husband get married, and yesterday I was able to baptize her. This family really needs the gospel in their life, we are going totry hard to help them progress and learn more.

This Saturday, we are going to a huge youth conference in the State of Mexico. The missionaries are going to help out, and teach the youth. It should be fun.

Random fact- Elder Mora has a sister that was supposed to go to Argentina, but her visa never came so shes been in our mission for the past few weeks. President promised them that they'll see each other before she leaves to Argentina in two weeks, pretty crazy!!


This week is going to be just as busy and awesome! We have 13 people that could be baptized! The ones that have said they will get baptized for sure are 6, and the other 7 could very well be baptized this week. We are going to work hard, and qualify for the blessings. With the Lords help we can do it! I would appreciate your prayers for them.



Wow, I hit six months in the mission tomorrow! It truly has gone by so fast...and to think that its a fourth of my mission! It makes me realize I need to enjoy every moment of every day, and try to serve Heavenly Father the best I can.

Thank you for everything you do for me, your letters and prayers are such a support. I know without a doubt this is the work of the Lord! I am so thankful to be here in Pachuca, in this very area. I know the Lord prepares his sons and daughters to listen to the restored gospel. I have seen so many miracles in this work. I know that as members, you can do so much! And Im thankful I have a family that realizes that and are helping the missionaries. I love you and pray for you always!

Con Amor,
Elder Rasmussen

PS- The sister who was baptized is Adela Perez Sanchez

WEEK - 26 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Hola Familia!
PMG quote:
“Dear Fellow Missionary:
We compliment you on the great opportunity you have to be a missionary. There is no more compelling work than this, nor any which brings greater satisfaction… The Lord will reward and richly bless you as you humbly and prayerfully serve Him. More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His children. – The First Presidency”
I read that again this week. I was thinking about it and it really is so true. I´ve never done anything that is so rewarding, or brings greater satisfaction. I am so happy here in the mission, because we get the sacred opportunity to help others come unto Christ- the fountain of all happiness!

Investigator update…
- Griselda, her sons Ramón and Pedro- Griselda is progressing towards her baptism this Sunday. We are going to help her get married this week. Her kids are still really excited to go to church with us, her son Ramón (who bore his testimony last week) came to church with a White shirt and tie, and a book bag with his Book of Mormon. We did an activity with them this week so the kids could learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We made little signs with a scripture on the back and a question, each one of the kids had a number that matched a question. With each question or principle there was a picture, Ramón had Repentance and the picture for that was the Atonement. When Ramón pulled out his Book of Mormon yesterday, he had taped the picture of the Atonment to the back of it! He wanted his own book so we gave him his own. It´s awesome to see a 12 year old have his own testimony!!
- Mary, her husband Juan Antonio, their 9 year old daughter Jude and 5 year old Antonio- Mary is Griselda´s sister. I think she feels more ready for her baptism than the rest of her family. This family grew up Catholic all their lives, so some of the things we teach them are a Little hard, but they´re doing awesome! Mary and Griselda all live in the apartment buildings in Palmar, in Puerto Papantla…just in case you´re still following on the map.
- Jorge- In the mission, if somebody doesn´t progress we have to leave them. Sometimes they get so used to feeling the spirit, but don´t want to do anything. We tried to visit him all this week, but he was never home. So we´re not going to call him or anything until next week, and hopefully he´ll be ready.
- It was so cool! We went to church and to our surprise and old investigator came! Her name is Maria de los Angeles, Elder Sander and I found her week 4 last cycle. She just showed up, and wanted to stay for all three hours! We´re going to visit her tomorrow, and get her ready for her baptism this Sunday!

I really don´t have much else to write, sorry kinda boring eh? We didn´t baptize yesterday because Adela needed to be interviewed. We´re going to help them get married this week…


Dad, all the members ask me where my dad served. And When I tell them Japan they all freak out! They think that is the coolest thing!! Haah, I couldn´t resist, I had to share my Samurai…with a Mexican accent of course!

That is so awesome Taylor got his call to Montevideo!! President Bulloch´s son is going there too! He leaves this week I think, how cool! He´s going to be in the same mission as Ryan Bulloch! Ryan is awesome, he shared his testimony at the last zone conference. He hardly has an accent at all, he´s going straight to the Argentina MTC because he already knows Spanish.

I´m so lucky to be here! Mexico is awesome! I know this is the work of the Lord, and I´m so lucky to be a small part of it here. I know Jesus Christ lives and is our Savior and Redeemer. I have seen the change in the lives of families as they come unto Christ, and LET the Atonement work in their lives. It really is amazing. Love you all,
Con mucho amor,
Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 25 PACHUCA, MEXICO

HOLA FAMILIA
“TRIUMPH comes from putting a Little more “try” in your umph” – Presidente Thomas S. Monson (I love Pres. Monson!)

I got your package! Thanks so much! Haah Elder Mora tried the circus peanuts, made a face and said “ew, dulces de gringos!” haah… Everything is awesome. My shoes are all worn in and are working great. The candy was awesome. The letters were great too! Maddie thanks so much for the pictures you drew! And the friendship bracelet! I can’t wear it, but I have it right next to me as I study, thanks Mads! Your cursive is way good too! Mom- don’t worry about sending another package please! That was perfect, I don’t want you wasting money on a package! Really, I promise the emails are perfect and what you sent me in this package will last me. PLEASE don’t send another one. Gracias.

Well no picture of a baptism today, but next week I’ll have more than one! Jorge was supposed to be baptized yesterday, but went out of town before Sunday. The good news is that he wants to be baptized this Sunday, we just need to help him with the Word of Wisdom.

We had our Zone Conference last week, it was awesome! I learned so much, and we were all spiritually uplifted by our leaders. We play a game every conference called ¨the last missionary standing¨. We all stand up, and Sis. Bulloch asks us questions like ¨Stay standing if you…. Are sitting next to your companion… Came on time to your district meeting….wrote questions in your study journal..¨ Things like that. Last conference I lost to the sister missionaries! They’re perfect!! But last week I was the last missionary standing, and the prize- amazing brownies from Sister Bulloch that cannot be found anywhere in Mexico!!! Haha it was fun.

President shared with us about Captain Moroni, we discussed his qualities and then we read when Moroni made the Title of Liberty. We made one as a mission, and all of us signed it. Then we read in Alma 46:13
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land-- after he made it, he knelt down and offered a prayer. We knelt down as a Zone as President offered one of the most humble, amazing prayers I have ever heard. Whew! If I’ve ever felt the ¨fire in the bones¨ I felt it this day. It was so awesome! Our Assistant is leaving this cycle, and he gave an awesome talk on talking with everyone. Afterward I was talking to him, he gave me a huge “abrazo” and told me to “learn how to baptize”, then he told me I’m going to do a lot in Mision Mexico Este… it was humbling to have my Assistant tell me that!

Yesterday was AWESOME- even though we didn’t baptize, we still saw miracles, like always. Investigadore numer uno…
- Griselda , her son Ramón, Pablo, and two other kids, her sister Mary her husband Antonio their kids Jude and Antonio. This family is so prepared to hear the gospel. We’ve been teaching them since Elder Mora’s first week here. I contacted Griselda in the combi (ice cream truck) the last Monday of the last cycle. She was the only one who accepted us to come by! Their kids are excited to go to church and love learning about Christ. So we’ve been teaching them all this time, but yesterday was the first day they could go to Church. We went to Constitucion, and afterwards looked for somebody to take us to go pick them up. Our ward mission leader from Palmar helped us find someone, but nobody could, so the counselor in the ward offered his pickup. He asked Alberto (the ward mission leader) if he could drive, and he said yes and grabbed the keys! Lets just say Alberto hasn’t practiced driving since he got home from his mission a month and a half ago. We made it to Griselda´s house and Elder Mora and I decided it would be better if we called a taxi. When Griselda and her sister and all of their family (10 in total!) saw the truck they all jumped into the back of the truck bed- before we could say anything! We suggested they take a taxi and we would pay for it, but they said “oh no we do this all the time!” We couldn’t convince them to leave! Haha…oh yeah, AND the mom of Griselda and Mary came too! She’s super catholic and didn’t want to listen to us but came! It was awesome. We finally made it to church, everyone was a little rattled form being in the back of the truck, but hey we made it there okay. Church was so great. The testimonies were so powerful, and for some reason everyone was talking to this family of 10. Just about everyone that passed in front said “I know this will bless your family, because it has blessed mine.” Towards the end of the meeting, Ramon the 12 year old son of Griselda asked me if I could help him bear his testimony! I said are you sure you don’t want Elder Mora to help you and he said no, you! We went up to the front and the only thing I said to him was that he could say how he felt when he read the Book of Mormon, and close in the name of Jesus Christ. He got up there, and I knelt down by his side in case he needed me…which he didn’t. He said ¨My testimony is that I have been in a lot of other Churches…and I know the Book of Mormon is true because I have asked and I know it’s true. And my dad says that the water doesn’t always last so you have to enjoy it. In the name of Jesus Christ…” Wow! His GRANDMA, the really catholic one, was crying! I know they felt the Spirit. Today they invited us to play a game and eat with them. They’re baptismal date is the 19 of this month. They could use your prayers to help them with the word of wisdom.. we’re doing all we can, but only the Lord can help them change addictions.
- Ivone- She is a 23 year old former investigator. Her boyfriend Julian who has been inactive for a while got our attention by yelling at us one day, and we’ve been working with her. She is progressing, but can only come every other Sunday, so her date is the 26.
- Adela- Her husband Erik was baptized a year ago, she wants to be baptized but says she absolutely cannot give up her “cigarro” We’re helping her out as best as we can as well, her date is this Sunday the 12.
- I think that’s all for now.. we found a lady from Uruguay but she couldn’t come to Church. Elder Sander would’ve loved to talk to her!
This last week was awesome, I know this is the Lord’s work. He will help us and bless us if we qualify for his blessings. I know he is anxiously waiting to bless us more than we can imagine! Thanks again for the package, I loved it.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Rasmussen

PS- We brought 12 investigators in total to Church! Our Zone Leaders said that’s a new record in our District! Of course it wasn’t us, the lord really blessed us.
PS- I totally forgot Saturday was the fourth of July! Elder Mora reminded me! haha

WEEK - 24 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Hola familia!!
That´s awesome you got my package! That´s so cool that nothing broke! The pictures haha…uhh.. yah my eye. I got mugged two weeks ago, it was awesome!



Haha just kidding! The last Saturday that Elder Sander was here, we were hurrying to visit a family that said they could come to Church with us. We got in a taxi and hurried off, when we got there I jumped out of the car in a hurry and dropped 10 pesos, when I went down to pick it up I turned around real fast and hit the door of the taxi with all the hurry of a missionary that only has 5 minutes before he has to be in his house! I didn´t realize what happened at first, I think I blacked out. I picked up my glasses (which didn´t break, woo hoo!) and turned around to leave. Elder Sander looked at me and said “ooh, que paso?!” It started bleeding pretty bad so we hurried to the closest members home, when they weren´t there we turned around, I couldn´t see very well and didn´t see the huge GERMAN SHEPHERD chasing us. Aye cay aye! Elder Sander chased it away, and we hurried to the next closest members home. We got there and the Brother started calling everyone he knew to find a doctor. The doctor of the mission told me I just needed to go to the hospital because it was too late to go to DF. Turns out there is a sister in the ward that is a doctor, they took me to her house and she talked to President and told him he could trust in her. She gave me anesthesia and stitched me up! It was pretty funny, because that picture makes it look way worse than it was. It was right after she had put iodine on it. The next day at church everyone asked me “ooh que le paso elder?!” (What happened to you?!) I told them and with the most serious face I could, I said- “ Elder Sander hit me.” Then he would say, “Hey I had to give him something to remember me!” It was pretty funny. Now I don’t´have a scar or anything, the sister stitched me up pretty good!
So, this week was absolutely amazing. Elder Mora and I saw the hand of the Lord in the work. We saw miracles- so many I don´t think I have time to write them all.

Last week, a member found us to give us a referral. Julian a less active member, but wanted to know where and when church was. He also wanted to give us the referral of his girlfriend, Ibon, that lives in Palmar. Turns out the missionaries before us taught her but she didn´t want to be baptized. She went to church with her boyfriend, and I am pretty sure she will get baptized.

I gave my first blessing this week. We were walking to visit an old investigator, and an older guy yelled at us “Elder! Como estan elder! Hey you´re elder too?!” haha, he told us to come in to his neighbors house and visit her. This older sister is very sick, she´was baptized about two years ago, and can´t go to church because she´s so sick. We went in and visited her for a little bit, shared a scripture and when I asked if we could help her she asked if we could pray for her. I asked if she had received a blessing and she started to cry. I guess the doctors had just visited her and she was a depressed because of what they told her, she asked for a blessing and when I turned to Elder Mora he told me to do it! I was a little scared, but it was amazing. In Spanish when you give blessings you have to use the “tu” form of words, which we don´t use ever, we use the more formal, “usted”. As I gave the blessing, I was able to speak in tu and I know it wasn´t me! The sister was crying after and thanked us for passing by. We told her we weren´t planning on coming this way and she just looked and said thanks.


Last week, Beatriz and her husband told us they would get married in August. Elder Mora and I decided to really work with them and try our hardest to help them realize they need to complete with the commandments. We prayed so hard for them and that was when we saw the miracle. We went to visit them in the middle of the week, and Beatriz said she had a dream that she and Gonzalo were down the street from their house, but had to walk all the way around a long ways to get there. She asked us what that meant, and that’s when my creative companion stepped in. He said “ Hermana, the Lord is trying to tell you that you can have all these blessings right now if you´ll just walk down the street, but you want to walk all the way around to get to your house. Hermana, you need to get married this week.” “ You know, I was thinking the same thing.”
We helped them get everything in order, and we went early with them Saturday morning to take pictures. The judge is our buddy, he likes the missionaries because they always bring people to get married! Elder Mora and I were their witnesses. We were so happy they were finally married! They took us to a seafood restaurant after, I haven´t had that for a while! We had this awesome soup in a huge bowl. The weird thing was that it came with just about every type of seafood there is!



Sunday finally came and it was so awesome. It was ward conference for Constitucion (Beatriz and Gonzalo´s ward) and it was awesome! So powerful. The Bishop (Gonzalo´s brother) gave an awesome talk on families, missionary work, the temple. He started to cry as he talked about being sealed to his family in the Mesa Temple. After, Elder Mora and I were both busy receiving referrals! Everyone was motivated to give us referrals. We have a lot of work this week, lets just say that. Oh yeah, and they didn´t have a pianist so I played the piano. Haha, lets just say I need to practice a little bit!

It was awesome, all of my converts were there. Belen and Diana came with their mom, Euri was there with his whole family, Ana was confirmed in Palmar. Consuelo, Leilani and Joel were there too- guess what? Joel is the first counselor in the Deacon´s quorum! He passed the sacrament to us, and he was wearing the tie I gave him. It was awesome.
Elder Mora and I tried to make their baptism as special as we could. We brought a whiteboard and wrote “ Welcome to the Baptism of Beatriz, Pablo y Ariel” We had the fake flowers from the sacrament room in front of the door for the baptismal font, and music playing. Jessica gave me a CD with piano music that we´ve used a couple of times, tell her thanks for me.

Bishop Ortiz (Gonzalo´s brother) gave an awesome talk on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I baptized Ariel first, then Pablo, and then Beatriz. When I asked Beatriz her name she told me her married name, I didn´t know you have to use the single name and had to baptize her twice. The Spirit was so strong in their baptism. The kids were so excited. After when we were changing, I heard Ariel and Pablo talking. Pablo asked Ariel, “ Ariel, como te sientes?/ How do you feel?” “Siento frío!/ I feel cold!” haha It was hilarious. Then Ariel surprised me and said, “ I feel clean, and new!” It was neat to see a 9 year old notice the difference.

After the baptism we watched the Restoration, and Beatriz closed with the prayer. She asked Heavenly Father to bless those who weren´t baptized, that they could be baptized. We had two investigators in the room, remember Ibon? She was there and we could tell she felt the Spirit. Also, there was the mother of two teenagers. She isn´t a member, but they are. After the baptism she said “ I can´t wait for my baptism!”

This week was truly amazing. A lot of hard work, but it always pays off. Jorge is hopefully going to be baptized this week. He knows he needs to be baptized, he just doesn´t know with what church! We´re going to work really hard with him this week.
Time to go, love you all. Thanks for all your support.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Ras (that’s what elder Mora calls me, I guess my name is too long! haha)

WEEK - 23 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Hola Familia!
I’m here in Pachuca with my new companion, Elder Mora my ¨brother¨! Elder Sander was his dad also, so that makes us brothers! He was a District Leader in the other zone in Pachuca and was a Zone Leader before that.

This photo is at the mission home at transfers 6-16-09. From L to R Elders Mora,Sander,Trev,Fulton (see generations" photo in week 19)

He’s ready to work hard. I told him our area is full of ¨golden’s¨ just waiting to be found. We knocked doors like crazy this week, but only had three that came to church. I think it’s a trial of our faith, but have no fear! We’ll find the elect because they are out there!


Ana was Baptized 6/20/09 L to R Elder Mora, -,-,Ana, Trevor
We prepared Ana for her baptism on Saturday, we told everyone that she was going to be baptized, and she said she was ready. So we got everything all set to go and went by her house half an hour early to get her. When we got to her house she was bathing her girls and getting ready to leave…to her mom´s house! She told us it was urgent and needed to go, but we insisted that she go to her baptism first and then leave to her mom’s. She said okay and we got to her baptism thirty minutes late. I baptized her, and she looked so happy after! She was a little sad that Elder Sander wasn’t there (I guess she forgot he went home) but I told her I would tell him. The best part was when they asked her to give the closing prayer, she was a little nervous but did without help! Normally we need to help her remember some parts of the prayer, but she remembered everything. The Spirit was strong in her baptism, and I know she felt it. I really feel grateful for all of my blessings. Ana lives in a block house, she and her three daughters sleep on one small bed. They have food to eat, but few clothes. I think they have clothes but they are really old. She doesn’t know how to read, and has a really hard time remembering things. I know this gospel has the power to change lives because it truly changed her life. She can remember so much more now, and I can tell she knows what the Spirit feels like.

This week, we are really going to focus on Jorge Hernandez. His wife is in the state of Chiapas and he wants to wait till she gets back, and who knows when that will be! He has committed to baptism, but wants to wait. So we challenged him to pray to know if he should be baptized this week. I know the Lord works miracles when his children ask that- remember Diana and Belen? Also, Beatriz and Gonzalo are hoping to get married this week. I don’t know if my persistence is such a good thing, they told me that they wanted to wait another month and I insisted that they do it this week because there’s no reason to wait! They finally said okay, and I think we will have to persist a little more so they actually do it.

I need help! I need some FHE ideas, some games lessons etc. I remember we did a bunch of fun things but I’ve forgotten! Por favor!
We finally received some pic's of the luxiourious missionary apartment. Actually it seems to look pretty good for what you would think is in Mexico.
l
la casa- The elegant Living room

La Casa- looking from the front door

That tiny area to the left is the kitchen! haha . . . . yet I still lmake awesome pancakes when we have time. Oh and PB&J, all of my companions are going to learn that word!

The other elders before us broke the other bed, so one of us sleeps ont he ground! haha, its comfy though dont worry.

Well we’re going to finish the Book of Mormon this week! It has been one of the best spiritual experiences I have ever had. I have felt the spirit so much, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that this sacred book is true and testifies of Jesus Christ.

In the MTC, they promised us in five months we would speak the language if we worked hard. I completed five months yesterday, and I don’t speak like a Mexican but I know that I have improved because the people don’t look at me like I’m crazy when I speak!

Well I need to go..I´m so thankful to be serving the Lord here. I have seen so many miracles, this really is the work of the Lord.
-Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 22 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Below is a link to a GoogleMap of Trevors mission area and his area in Pachuca, zoom in to see a closeup.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114054482221229652040.0004666afc317de7d9100&ll=20.228125,-98.888067&spn=1.837441,2.463684&z=9">

La mano del Señor (the Hand of the Lord)
Hola FAMILIA!

Whoa, what a great week! We definetly saw miracles- again! This work is full of miracles.
I´m going to write quick! Before I forget-

Elder Sander´s last week! I´m so grateful he is my trainer. I learned so much from him. He is an awesome teacher, he knows how to answer any question that anybody asks him! Its´really cool. I hope I can be a teacher like that. We worked hard his last week, we were supposed to have around 6 baptisms, but one family of three has to wait until they get married, another sister didn´t feel ready so shés watiting. This week we baptized two, and THAT is the miracle I want to tell you about.


Belen and Diana Velazquez-Ambriz. Belen is 9, Diana is 10. We found them one day we were walking along and I saw a ¨Paleteria/Ice cream shop. We decided to try it…well I decided I wanted to try it. (Come on I hadn´t had ice cream for about a month!) We walked into the shop and bought our ice cream, and I decided to contact the sister who owns it (It´s in her house). She told us she knows us, and I asked her how. She said shés been inactive for a while, and when we asked to visit their family she said NO. We left and I kinda forgot about this family until we remembered the ice cream! So we went back, and I asked her if we could visit them and she said yes! That was last cycle I think… anyways, we´ve been visiting them ever since. Their dad didn´t give them permission to be baptized until a few weeks ago. Then when we asked the girls (who have been going to church for a year and a half) if they wanted to get baptized, they said they wanted to wait another year to feel more prepared! This week we knew it was the last chance, we stopped by and encouraged them to pray to know if they should be baptized this week. They said they would. The fact that they even accepted to pray about this week is a miracle! These girls were so set on waiting a year, and their mom wasn´t going to say anything to change them. We came back later this week and they said they were ready. Their uncles baptized them Saturday, and yesterday they confirmed them!!

Something I have really seen, is the power of the Atonement in people´s lives. The power this gospel has to change people´s lives. You remember Beatriz, her sons Pablo and Ariel. She´s the sister in law of the bishop. We have been working with them since the week I got to Mexico. At first she was very closed, didn´t want anything to do with the church but let us come and teach her. After a while she said she would be baptized! That was amazing to hear her say that, but we could tell it was mostly because of her husband. We went by last night so Elder Sander could say bye, and she said she really has changed. She told us she really didn´t want us to come over and teach her, but now she knows she needs to get married first and then be baptized.
I know this gospel is true. Christ is at the center of it- He has the power to change lives. As we put our trust in Him and his Atonement, we will change. That is one thing that I can say for sure- no matter what, after a lesson people are always more open and a little closer to Christ. Beatriz changed, Belen and Diana changed, Consuelo changed. All of them came closer to our Savior as they kept their commitments. I´m so grateful to be here in Mexico. They told us yesterday who has cambios or changes, and I´m staying here and receiving another missionary! (different than training, there was only one new Mexican missionary) I´m so glad I get to stay here, because there are so many that can progress and receive baptism. This really is the work of the Lord, and everyday we see ¨la mano del Señór¨. Thank you for your prayers and support, I love you guys.

Con mucho amor,
Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 21 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Mexico City East Mission - I counted 164 Elders, 20 Sisters, 8 Senior. Total 192 Missionaries (click on photo to enlarge)
8 de Junio de 2009
HOLA HOLA! Que tal?

Whoa, what a week!! We had some great experiences, and learned a lot!
What is that saying in the Rasmussen house again? Mom’s always what?? Yeah, I know- RIGHT! I thought they were just kidding when they said it rains every day here during summer…they weren’t. Last Monday after Teotihuacan it was pouring.


Souvenirs from teotihuacan, I hope they get here!
And was I ever grateful to have those awesome boots Mom insisted I bring. Let’s just say the drainage system isn´t very good here…as in, the main street, Federalismo, has about two drains. So when it rains for thirty minutes it looks like a river! En Serio! (we´re a little downhill)


L toR: Elder Sander, Jamie Morales, Benita Morales and Trevor (Love those pictures in white ! ! ! )
Benita y Jaime- It really is a miracle that we found this couple. This is the hermano we found when we were walking and knew we had to come back to that street. Jaime has a kidney problem, and has to go to dialysis every other day. His wife, Benita, is a really nice lady. She was open to the message of the Restoration. Thanks to the testimony of her husband, and the promise that comes with the Book of Mormon she was converted. Her baptismal interview was Friday, and when we visited her a few hours before she told us she wasn’t sure about being baptized. We promised her if she read and prayed after we left, she could receive an answer. We waited for them at the Church, and when they came we asked Benita how her prayer went. She looked at us with a smile and said ¨Very good!¨ The next day we went to marry them in a city close by. The Judge is a friend of the missionaries and gave us a discount! We baptized Benita the next day…barely. She’s in the ward Palmar which starts at 11. We were there at 9 for Constitucion when the lights went out! We didn’t even think much about it until an hour and a half before her baptism when we realized- we need electricity to pull the water from the well to fill up the font! We thought of a bunch of things we could possibly do to fill it up. We thought of siphoning the water out, of calling a truck to come fill it up, going to another building…when one of the members said ¨why don´t we just break the well open? ¨So we did! Some one had a hammer and they broke the lock! Some young men ran home to get buckets, while we started with what we had. We ended up filling up big trash buckets with water to fill the font, it was quite a sight. I was pretty wet before we even started.
When the meetings ended we started the baptismal service. I was in the water first and I thought it was pretty darn cold, but Benita after said she didn’t even feel it! After I baptized her she was crying. I am so thankful to have this opportunity! It really is the best feeling in the world! I can´t describe it. I thanked Heavenly Father after for sending us this success, because really if we have any success at all it comes from Him!


Trevor is the one in the middle with bent knees . . . . making sacred memories ! ! ! !

And to top it all off- Joel passed the sacrament this week! We each gave him a tie because he didn’t have many.
Oscar, Joel´s brother, doesn’t really want to go to church. He’s never been, even though every Sunday we go by to wake him up. He really needs the gospel right now, we’re trying to help him the best we can but he doesn´t want to listen to us. I’m sure he will, we just have to maybe pour water on him to wake him up one Sunday! Oh wait, we already tried that! haha

The sister in law of the Bishop, Beatriz, finally decided with her husband that they were going to get married. So this week we’re going to help them too! Elder Sander says I´ll be a pro at marriages before I leave here. Beatriz has two boys that are really excited to be baptized too! Also this week we´re going to help Ana be baptized. I think I’ve told you a little about her. Ana doesn’t know how to read, and has a hard time remembering things. So we’ve been visiting her a lot to help her. Elder Sander even taught her a little to read! She was supposed to be baptized yesterday, but couldn’t come. Also this next week, Jorge Hernandez could be baptized. I don’t know if I told you about him. He’s in his 30s, a lawyer, his wife is very Catholic, and is AWESOME! He is one of the most spiritual people we have taught. He knows he needs to be baptized, but is worried what his wife will say. She’s traveling and won’t be back until the end of this month, so he wants to wait. We’ve been praying for him to make the right decision and be baptized this week.



Dad, I promised I´d tell you about our Zone Conference. I have my notes here…
Well I told you a little about McConkear. I don’t´know If I explained it very well to you, I was in a hurry. It’s a verb that missionaries made up, it means to teach with power, exhort, animar con fuerza (I think that’s encourage with strength) so that they do something- or be baptized. Our Assistant gave that lesson, it was awesome!
Pres. Bulloch talked to us about our relationship with our companion. We read the chapters with Alma and Amulek, and how they supported each other and how we should really support our companions.

I love the Book of Mormon! I know it’s true! Right now we´re reading about when Christ came to the Americas, and it has so much meaning because I´m here where I am! President Bulloch told me in an interview that this is the land where the Book of Mormon took place. Teotihuacan was so awesome, and I really felt that what Presidente said is true.
I read this in my study this week, it´s one of my favorite verses…(I think probably one of every missionary´s favorite verses)
3 Nephi 5- ¨Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.¨
That scripture has so much more meaning, when you wear a badge that has His name on it. I´m so very thankful to be serving my Savior and Redeemer here in Mexico. This really is the greatest work! Whenever it´s a little hard, all I have to do is remember who I represent, and know there are thousands of elect people, just waiting to hear the gospel! Thanks for all your support, love you.
Con Amor,
Elder Trevor Rasmussen

WEEK - 20 PACHUCA, MEXICO

HOLA FAMILIA!

We missed the bus leaving Teotihuacan, and got here late. I´m trying to write as fast as I can. Thanks for the emails! I´m going to answer everything next week. Just a few things…

This week in our Book of Mormon reading, I felt really grateful for a Mother that taught me so well. In Alma 56Ñ46 and 47 it talks about what their mothers taught them, and I really know my parents taught me to have faith. Thank you!

Yesterday Pachuca played in the championship of soccer. They had the game here in our stadium! It was so crazy, because when they lost the whole city was dead quiet. When we asked two teenagers what happened one of them was near tears!

Trent I started laughing really hard when I heard you have a handprint on your back!! Haha

(Trent went to CA with a bunch of his friends to celebrate graduation. While at the beach Trent forgot to put sunblock on his back, but somehow came home with the imprint of someone's sunblocked hand on his sunburned back)

Dad, congratulations on your new calling. I´ll be praying for you!

Everyone! We need your help! There are two little girls in our ward that have been going to another ward, that know the gospel is true, and know the book of Mormon is true, and knew every part of the lessons, but are scared to get baptized. Their mom wants themt o wake up one day and say I wan to be baptized mom! Also, the sister of Consuelo, Rosalinda. She needs to go to church two more times, but has to find someone to cover her for work! I appreciate your prayers so much.

Dad, I want to tell you about our Zone conference, don’t´w orry I haven´t forgotten I took good notes. Soething I want to share real quick- there is a ¨verb¨here called McConkear. It comes from when Bruce R McConkie was in his mission and helped Dry Mormons to be baptized. We talked about how some people really do know the Book of Mormon is true, and do everything including paying tithing but don’t´want to be baptized. We talked about how to help them, I´ll write you more next week!

Maddie and Maeg, thanks for writing me! I´ll reply next week!


Sorry this is short, I´ll write more next week! I love you all, thanks for your support and love.

Elder Trevor Rasmussen