December 17, 2018 - The Talent Show

Elders Nelson, Feik, Robbins, Tuttle

This past week was absolutely nuts. First off with the title. The Tateoka’s (our mission president) like to do a talent show every Christmas so we can all have a lot of fun together. Well this year since we didn't know what to do, we decided to do a skit. If any of you have seen dude perfect stereotypes this is what we did but for missionaries. The video is hilarious but I can't attach it so just use your imagination. Elder Tuttle was the missionary who drank way too much water and always has to go to the bathroom. Elder Smith was the missionary who gets upset about every little thing. Elder Cathemer was green and didn't know how to do anything. I was the trunky missionary who always falls asleep. Elder Rasmussen was the pretty boy and storyteller. Then Elder Johnson was the missionary who always gets his hopes waaaaay too high then gets mad when it doesn't work. We did this in a meeting setting and it was an absolute disaster but it was so funny at the same time. Everybody loved it.

We also had exchanges, I was with Elder Rasmussen our Zone Leader. He is an absolute stud and knows how to work hard. I always learn a ton from exchanges on how I can become a better missionary and person. Sadly we got transfer calls and Elder Rasmussen will be leaving to Newberg but both Elder Cathemer and I will be staying together here in Salem for another transfer! Elder Cathemer is doing great and is an awesome teacher. We have a ton of fun together and get work done.
We haven't had much time to go finding this past week but we have been blessed for sure with two amazing people. We are working with a guy named Marcaisse, I may have mentioned him last week. He is from Haiti and speaks very little english, so his friend, who is a member also from Haiti, has to translate for us. Well Marcaisse has such a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and has such a strong desire to be baptized. He is currently on date for December 29th but would do it today if he could. Just a few more things to teach him and the interview then he will be good to go!

We also got a referral from some other elders and she is so solid. She wanted to be baptized a long time ago but wasn't able to. Well now the things that were holding her back are out of the picture and so she is so excited to be baptized here!

The Lord is much more aware of us then we could ever know. He is eager to answer any questions we may have. One big question I have had is how does Jesus Christ know us personally? Well I was reading in the Book of Mosiah and listening to a talk at the same time and I learned exactly how Jesus Christ knows us perfectly. He loves every single one of us and wants what is best for us.

 Moroni 7:48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

-Elder Robbins

Spanish Elders Robinson, Graybill

Elders Cathemer, Johnson, Rasmussen