Kim's First Area in Germany - Freiberg

Freiberg is a beautiful city with a temple. The members are so excited to have such outgoing sister missionaries to join them in their efforts to share the gospel. Kimberly's trainer is Sister Tasha Singer. I discovered her missionary blog the day Kim got her call and I was so impressed with her testimony and faith. Her writings revealed precious experiences sharing testimony, and how much she loves serving in the Berlin mission. I consider it a tender mercy that Tasha was chosen to show Kimberly how to become a successful missionary in Germany . Their shared experiences sharing faith are blessing lives. Together they have devoted hearts, incredible enthusiasm for the gospel, and strong faith that inspires. Kim's weekly e-mails are full of love and optimism. Kasandra has posted them at sisterkimberlyrasmussen.blogspot.com.

Hi Kimberly Sweetheart Sister Rasmussen the Studying Maniac, Aren't you so glad you are obedient when you are doing things that make you more knowledgeable in the gospel, more fit, more prepared to share your testimony, more outgoing (if that is possible), more organized, more modest, more reflective, more prayerful, more humble, and more wise? I am so impressed by all you are commitment to learning and hope you know how much your achievements in self-discipline and spirituality are having on us. We are trying harder to do what we are doing to the best of our ability to be more like you. Yesterday BT and I had an amazing visit with Mr. T. I stayed about 50 minutes, T was there almost two hours. The wisdom and sincerity that he shared has made a deep impression on both of us. In a nutshell: WORK - to be an artist you have to constantly work on your craft even though you need to do menial jobs to get by know that as long as you are spending your spare time creating, becoming, giving through your art you will be happy. If you are critical, lazy, doubtful, you will be miserable. HUMILITY - you have to be vulnerable and SERVICE - always remember that your art will be good if it is not about you. Prepare your art to give your audience something they will like. Mr. T gave an example of his passion for Shakespeare, masks, and poetry - things the average person doesn't really like. His father a rancher from Southern Utah sitting in the audience experiences wonder, new ways of thinking, unexpected feelings that change old perceptions and bring new relevance through story so that even the hardest nut to crack begins to open to that media even just a little and is grateful for having had the experience. I couldn't help but think of you preparing for missionary service as your art. The living room, park, pulpit is your stage. Your message will be directed toward the needs of your particular investigator. As you ponder and prepare for the opportunity to teach with hard work, humility, and lack of self-interest, you too will find success. Another aspect of an artist's life Mr. T mentioned is the kind of people BT needs to surround himself with. Lazy, critical, doubting influences will stifle creativity and waste precious time. Finding committed artists who work hard with pure motives will create an atmosphere of synergy that will propel the group to new heights. Does that sound like the MTC or what? I Mr. T, "Big-T has not shut the door on the possibility of going on a mission. How would that affect his goal of becoming an artist?" He responded that it would add to his emotional maturity and not hold him back in achieving his potential at all. He said it would be hard, and talked of serving in New Zealand where at first he was disgusted by the dirty households and children climbing all over him, but by the end he looked forward to the tickle wars and would wipe a kid's nose with his tie. Oh Kimberly, thank you for your prayers and the great love you have shared with him especially over the last few months. I think it is becoming clearer now who really has his best interest in mind. Mr. T gave BT advice about whose voices to trust as he walks this path of the artist and reassured him that he (Mr. T) would always be there for him. The other trusted source is A S the woman who plays his mother in Cricketless. I am working on helping T have access to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost. Finding artists T respects who can testify of that source of inspiration like Brickey or Capener, would be amazing. You, M A, and Ben were mentioned by name in his family prayer last night. I know your voices are also trusted sources of inspiration for him even though he doesn't like being preached to. Stories of your experiences show how you are living what you believe and make the testimony real. I think that's what he meant when he told President T that you live the gospel with more integrity than anyone he has ever known. He has seen what a strength and a light the gospel has been for you. He is gradually making a space in his mind and heart for that strength and light to grow in him. Isn't it interesting that the book of Mormon is about the constant struggle of the believers and the non-believers. The reader gets to imagine through those words what it might have been like to be on either side. In Helaman 16 Samuel the Lamanite is on the wall trying to warn the people of their sure destruction at the Savior's coming if they do not repent. Those who believed were ready to confess their sins and be baptized by Nephi. Many did not believe and tried to shoot Samuel with arrows and hit him with stones. He was protected by the Holy Ghost and not one hit him. Others were converted by that miracle and came to Nephi to repent and be baptized. We know the Savior is coming. Miracles through the Holy Ghost are happening all around us - through missionaries like you, BW, JD, and many other young people who change their lives from being me-centered to Thee-centered and serving for what must seem like eternity in your young lives. Learning to take each day as a gift, a chance to follow the spirit and accomplish whatever tasks the mission rules or the spirit direct. Then come the blessings and the joy of serving the Lord, changing lives, and preparing world to again receive the Savior. We pray for your success, safety, and happiness. We are sure you fill the lives of those around you with love and laughter not allowing room for discouragement or doubt but standing in the light strong and firm, ready to follow the Master. Thanks for blessing our lives with your constant love and caring. Tchuss for now, -Mom

Dear Kim
Thanks for your patience as we gather your requests. The nice thing about having you on a spiritual high is that your patience is probably high too so you are not made at the delay in some of your requests. I hope your exercising continues to bring you rewards. I have dropped a few pounds since walking early in the morning and I am eating less and feeling more energy. All that plus the spiritual benefit of meditating while I walk and dipping into the scriptures just before writing to you makes this new part of my day my favorite.

Today we walked around Hidden Oaks and I pretended I was walking the streets of London. Remember those quaint neighborhoods we went through on our way to Harrods after watching the changing of the guard? The brightly painted doors, flower boxes, brass handles and embassy flags made me wonder what it would be like to live there. But the same is true of beautiful neighborhoods here. I just imagine the quaint English accent and taking time for tea and I am back in that wonderland we visited. I think that is what it will be like for you in Germany. You will have to pinch yourself that you really live among such a quaint and caring people who take care of their yards and make time for deep relationships. I think you will love the yogurt.

I seem to need inspiration from Helaman. He was so faithful. Even with much contention in the land he fulled the judgement-seat with justice and equity;...he did observe to keep the statutes, judgements, and commandments of God. He did that which was right in the sight of God continually; he did walk after the ways of his father, insomuch that he did prosper in the land. His two sons, Nephi and Lehi began to grow up unto the Lord.

Big-T and K-Baby are the children I am focusing on this week. BT is responding very well so far to the plan of action - making decisions about his future career in the arts, planning for school, getting a bookstore job, and living the gospel more fully. He seems truly grateful for guidance, structure and advice on how to set and achieve goals. He was the star of the bonfire at Draper Park last night. Made it home at a reasonable time, and happy it seems. I am hoping he recorded on the tape before he fell asleep last night so we can get it to you ASAP!

KB pushes toward independence, struggles to exert effort and real focus in completing responsibilities with a glad heart. She craves time with her friends, opportunities to impress boys, and sleepovers. I am trying to find a balance between helping her respect rules, responsibility, and form and attitude of gratitude rather than a right to request without restraint. Anyway, she still loves her family very much and wants to please us. Tweenagers are an interesting and impressionable breed.

What a marvelous reward for righteousness - to have your children grow up unto the Lord. I am so grateful to you for your role in helping all of us draw nearer to the Lord as we strive to live the gospel more fully. How great is the pull of media, consumerism, popularity, and self-gratification. How full of light and peace are the rewards of the temple, the sacrament, study and pondering the marvelous blessings of the gospel we have been given. Not to be seen of men, but to be more in line with God for the sheer joy of feeling the presence of the Holy Ghost blessing our efforts.

May that special gift be yours as you continue in your quest to understand more of the beauties of the gospel and how to proclaim truth in the German language.

We adore and admire you with all our hearts!
Love,
-Mom

Hey Sista Kimba,

So our first experience with the tape thing wasn't as rewarding as I had hoped. It was great hearing your voice and your enthusiasm about all your new peeps and although we are glad you are settled and well on your way enjoying the experience somehow in all the voices and laughing we had a hard time following "train of thought." We ended up listening just before family prayer so we weren't doing other things while we were listening and decided to save the rest for later. Then we decided to try taping for you starting with the 'together forever 1, ,3' and when it was my turn to say stuff they all laughed at me for how I was doing it. Oh brother! That's what I get for living with a bunch of blues. Well anyway, I like thinking of the tape as a phone so I when I have a turn to talk (in privacy to save my self esteem) I will be having a one sided conversation with you. Dad likes having the tape be in on a group conversation and that is fun too but I guess I'm not at that level yet. Since we didn't finish your tape our ours yet it might be next Monday before we get around to sending it back. This job of staying tight with your missionary is kinda complicated. I watched in awe as you did it with Ben. Anticipating the weekly e-mail, sending off letters and packages, picking out special gifts and hoping he likes what you send. Luckily I have your father who is just like you in that area so I'm able to let him handle it. I miss hearing about BW's experiences with you.

I am so grateful for this time I have in summer to rejuvenate, set some new goals, and have time to reach higher in various areas of my life. One big focus right now is your brother Big-T. Since I go to girls camp next week I am trying to dedicate this week to helping him get on top of a few things like finding a direction and plan for his life these next few months. I am hoping to get some good heart to heart talks in about using the spirit to help guide your life. I am making health related appointments and scheduling meetings with important people he respects to share their decision making stories from when they were his age, and their perspective on choosing a career in the arts in 2010. Of course I will emphasize keeping the gospel at the center and hope Big-T will agree that making his plans within the framework of the church and establishing an eternal family will bring him the greatest joy. I pray that his maturity in that long-term vision of his life will kick in soon so he can realize the blessings of obedience are waiting for him now.

Sis-K is OFF to lake Powell this week and girls camp the next so I don't have to work on her too much (modest swimwear seems to be our biggest source of contention). She still struggles keeping her room straight with her huge variety of outfits she just can't part with, but her dedication to her responsibilities at camp has been impressive. She is a lite and has come up with a lot of creative fun ideas to celebrate each young woman and help her feel loved. The ward boys are gaa gaa for her so she is delighted.

K-baby loves playing night games and dressing all hip dipping into Sis-K's wardrobe. She wears a different hat every day for that sheik look. She struggles getting going in the mornings but I am firm about chores, practicing, neat room, and reading before she moves into her free time of the day. Luckily she loves me enough to cooperate without complaining much.

Isn't being a mom the greatest!!! Actually I could not ask for more beautiful, adoring, talented, caring children than you four. It's just that parenting is a big responsibility with lots of variables. I pray that the Lord will be with me at this crucial time in our lives; that our love will grow, and that we will allow the spirit to influence, motivate, and inspire us along the way. We have been blessed with so much!!!

Kim I know you want photos. I have a post-it note on my e-mail desktop of things to gather for you. I realize that immunizations is at the top of the list. The problem we have is that you are over 18 so we need to show your drivers license and have you pick the records up in person. What a pickle we are in. I will try calling the MTC to find out what the status is. Maybe you will need more shots there:)

I had a visiting teaching appointment this morning and shared a message about how sacred and miraculous our bodies are. Sacred because of the price paid through the Savior's atonement and because they are to house our spirits which are holy as well as the Holy Ghost. May we all take good care of our bodies and respect the great gift it is to have a body. Learning to control and care for it is a life-long quest best met by following the Lord's example. Thank you for emulating that and inspiring us to enjoy the blessings of doing likewise.

Pippin and I walked the Porter Rockwell trail at about 8:00 this morning. Dad's anxiety got the best of him so we'll walk together tonight. I was up super late working on a missionary reunion invitation. Now it's off to make a productive afternoon out of this day. I guess Elder Hunt flies out for Singapore today. What broadening experiences await him. I'm so glad you two had some fun times in the MTC together. The Hunts are a great family I hope we get to enjoy a fun friendship with for many years to come.

Love to you from your home base in Sandy where we are so proud of our German missionary!!!
Hugs & Kisses,
-Mom

Hey Kim,

Happy Greg's Birthday! My baby brother is 39 years old today and he got to go to a fun water park with his family. I just can't imagine a greater joy than being a part of a loving family like ours and his. Yes it is tiring at times but oh how deep is the love that grows through every season, time of life, and all the ups and downs. We are so blessed!

I went to Brooke B's bridal shower today and Brittany said her papers are in, so the Wednesday of girls camp - July 21st she should get it. I just realized I won't be able to write any dear elders that week. Paper letters will have to do. Both girls are so energized and excited about these two wonderful events. Unfortunately Brooke was very late for her own shower. She went with fiancee Grant early in the morning to get a triathlon started and due to an accident on the freeway got stuck in traffic. Luckily Brittany was at the shower, glowing like you did as a perspective missionary, and she filled us in on all the juicy details of how they met. I told her maybe Brooke might have to give the farewell for her to make them even. Just kidding!!! I know Brittany will do a dynamite job at her own farewell and Brooke will be her biggest fan. Lori of course is a little beside herself with these two events happening all at once but she is so thrilled for both girls.

I spent my anniversary Friday night in the baptistery of the Draper temple with eight of our Hidden Oaks young women including Kasandra. Of course I thought of you and the many times you and Natalie and your peeps went to do baptisms while you were anticipating your call and then - your "big girl recommend" let you into the precious parts of the temple. I can't imagine anyone appreciation the opportunity to receive her own endowment more than you did on that beautiful Saturday in March. Your desire to return often was evidence of how much it meant to you. Your valiant spirit connecting with the sacred and powerful covenants along with the closeness of the Holy Ghost seemed as living water to your thirsty soul. I read from the Bible that evening and found a scripture I had seen in the Brenda and Allan Baird home but never remembered running across on my own. It is in the the third epistle of John verse 4, " I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." In this chapter he seems to be referring to truth as testimony, or "walking with God." I think in the halls, classrooms, and chapels of the MTC, you must be walking with God Kimberly. That is why you are so full of love for the Savior, your family, your colleagues, teachers, and the Germans you are yet to meet. You have submitted your will to the Father and now you feel a portion of the love he has for all of us. What a miracle! What a privilege to be your earthly mother. You are actually my sister too you know, and now I am looking up to you and the level of spirituality you are attaining. We are all so blessed for your willingness and readiness to serve.

Our love for you grows deeper as we share these tender feelings through letters. My mother said she teared up reading your e-mail at the level of love for the gospel and others you have developed. We all pray for you to continue in strength, courage, and charity as you use each day to the fullest. Your letters are like gold. Reading them makes us feel rich in the spirit!

I have this whole week to get caught up on things. Immunization records, addresses, jeans & t-shirts are all in the works.

Love and hugs to you sweetheart and #1 daughter of a couple still very much in love after 23 years! Whoo Whoo:)
-Mom

Dear Kimberly,

Old habits die hard. I just love this quiet morning time to write you. We received the SD card and tape yesterday, one day later than the other letters because the postage was wrong and there was no return address. The mail carrier paid the 85 cent difference and asked that we leave that amount in our mailbox today:) What fun to get those photos! I feels like we are there with you now. Sorry your jeans and t-shirts won't make it for today's p-day. We will get you more family photos soon too. I'm so glad the routines of each day are rewarding and you are surrounded by so many motivated dedicated elders and sisters. I know they are uplifted by your positive attitude too.

Pippin gets to come to art class today. She will be the model for the kids to try drawing a lion - maybe a baby lion. She is so obedient now and loves to cuddle. Hugs from Pippin to you!!!

You are part of a great latter-day army standing for the right. Thank you for staying strong and keeping the covenants you have made. What a foundation for the rest of your life you are establishing. May the spirit guide your thoughts as you prepare to serve and live the gospel to the fullest.

Love your eternally grateful mother,
Mom

Dear Sister Kimberly Danielle Rasmussen,

Another beautiful walk this morning with Pippin bouncing along beside, in front, and sometimes behind us, I am grateful to be able to walk and enjoy movement, this beautiful earth, and my eternal companion. I think besides the exercise, the unity we feel as we walk is as valuable as the momentum. Thoughts of our many blessings seem to flood our minds. We love our jobs, we have such an amazing family, and we have the gospel of Jesus Christ to keep it all in perspective. As we walk we contemplate the day and the future but not too much.

We attended fireworks in front of the Woodheads and Collettes last night and enjoyed the association of many ward members whom we admire. The children, especially Kara, had such a great time lighting the specially wrapped packages of fire art. Some of the dads were looking like children out there playing, advising, and delighting in the spectacle. Fortunately no one got hurt and the mess was cleaned up in no time.

Lots of people asked about you and our reports are always positive. We feel so blessed to have your example and faith lifting us as we meet the challenges that come our way. In Mormon 1:13 - 16 describes a time when the people were so wicked and rebelling against God that the Lord's beloved disciples were taken from them so miracles and healings did cease. There were no gifts from the Lord and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any because of their wickedness and unbelief. Even Mormon who had tasted and know of the goodness of Jesus wanted to preach unto the people but he was forbidden to preach unto the hardness of their hearts and the land was cursed for their sakes. Oh Kimberly, how fortunate we are to live in a time when we have disciples to preach to us and examples of faith and good works to follow. The land of Germany must also have people who are being prepared to receive this gospel or there would be no missionary work allowed. The mission field is a sacred place where the elect are gathered and those who hear the voice through you will receive their reward. I pray that you and I may not be discouraged by the ups and downs of sharing the gospel but rather nurture the faith within us as we prepare to strengthen the faith of those around us.

Thank you for your love and example of faith that is such a source of strength in my life!!
Love always,
Mom