IT'S ALL A PHASE | 7.15.19

so context for this subject line: We met an absolutely lovely woman named Estella on her porch the other day. Absolutely delightful company. She was mentioning how her son was "penoso" (really shy) and I related to her, saying that I used to be pretty shy when I was young, too. I told her: "Hermanan, no se preocupe, a lo mayoria es nada mas una etapa!"
aka don't worry hermana, it's probably just a phase!
at that exact moment y companion just goes "are you KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW" under her breath 
haha so funny 

we had a really sweet week!! I have been listening to the New Testament in the mornings in Spanish and it has been an extremely delightful experience (thanks dad for sending me a speaker and thanks Hermana Sagers for allowing me to be that guy)and I have realized how cool it is that the disciples of Jesus Christ had a lot of transformation to undergo during their journey of discipleship.... I think it's really sweet. Like a lot of times they misunderstood very basic truths about the universe, or even a parable that Jesus taught,so Jesus would explain, and sometimes they still wouldn't understand...haha I guess I can just really relate because we are missionaries but it still feels like I am trying to grapple with some really simple topics that are pretty hard to learn and apply in my life. But gives me a lot of hope, and it reminds me to have a little patience and grace with my own journey and learning as a disciple of Christ!!!

This past week I was also able to give a training in district meeting about learning Spanish as at relates to our calling as missionaries. It was actually a really, really edifying and spiritual experience for me. I wasn't really the best person to be talking or teaching on this subject because I learned zero Spanish in the MTC and my Spanish is pretty ghetto, but I ended up explaining a few points that I realized I have a really strong testimony on. As I was up there speaking, I made a lot of realizations about the role of the spirit in communication and it was extremely rewarding and fun!!!
a few things I learned from teaching this training:
- learn in a way that works for you!!! don't drive yourself crazy trying to learn in a way other people are learning, just because it works for them. 
- Language learning is best propelled by LOVE for those around you.My Spanish is way better when I'm in a better mood/ am able to feel true love for those around me
- the spirit is the ultimate communicator, regardless of skill or language ability. I haven't really struggled with Spanish on my mission, but I have definitely struggled with self-doubt and feeling insecure speaking!!! and it's just as big of an obstacle I feel like. 

So yeah!! We had an excellent week. 
Also, I put by basket back on my bike and I feel like champion. Riding my bike daily for many miles is one of the most special parts of this time in my life. 

Please email me a way you have felt your communication abilities enlarged by the spirit/ good vibes/ whatever you wanna call it.I want to continue this convo!!!

Love you

Les mando un abrazo!!!!!

con carino
Hermana Rasmussen

1. natural habitat!
2. i ate a papaya for dinner one night because it was CHEAPER THAN AN AVOCADO!!!! the impuestos on tbe avocados are at a sky high right now, nearly$4 cada uno. it's really been the talk of the town. 
3  our magnifiscently reinforced tress structure. Hey I didn't take Statics last spring for nothing!! 




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