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Shoutout to my boy Elder Matthew Leone, he single handedly (probably actually used two hands) wrote the best missionary email I've ever read! Elder Matthew Leone, if you are reading this, stop right now and write another one please. I'm dying to figure out what will happen in Matthew chapter 2. This week I told myself (and God) that I wanted to work on being humble. Elder, I need to take some notes and maybe one day I, like thee, will compose an email as magnificent as that one. 

Almost 4 transfers in ... you know what that means ... next transfer they get here ... time to really start PMG chapter 14 ... (I'm not going to explain that joke, but that is all it is, a joke! ... 多分)

Food trends over the past 5 months since I came to Japan:

 I don't think there has been a week where I haven't made curry once or twice

 Seaweed is good if it has the weird sweet/sour stuff on it. If not it's just bitter green paper

 Nato isn't bad, I actually think its kinda good but I don't eat it very often so I'm not sure if I actually like it or not

 Yakisoba is getting a little old, didn't buy stuff to make it this week

 Elder Johnson came in clutch when he came to Ishigaki and brought a big tub of nutella, after we ate that one I bought a little one, super expensive but super good. It ran out this last week. :'(

 I'm going to make Chick-fil-A this week, I bought stuff to batter my own chicken and everything, but I just realized I forgot milk but I guess I will use the blue cans...

 The Blue Cans. I don't know what it is, its kinda milky, kinda like a protein shake, and very much a heated debate in the district. You either love it or you hate it. I'll admit, the first sip is a little salty, but after that it is so good. One of the members in Miyako gives each elder a can every Sunday, but since they don't really like them they have built up a store over the last few years, there was probably over 100 cans in their apartment. During one exchange a long time ago (with Elder Nagao, 1st or 2nd transfer) we went on an exchnage and I drank 8 cans in 24 hours. I loved them and brought some home to Ishigaki. I stored a few at church and a few at the apartment. When Sister Shimada saw it she was surprized and asked whos they were... Apparently they are high calorie drinks that doctors often prescribe patients who are struggling to gain weight/get nutrients. Each is almost 400 calories. (almost half the size of a soda can) I drank 8 in like 24 hours. But so yummy! :P

Ok sorry, this week!

 We had a fire game night with our friend Sara. (normally 15 or 20 people come but everyone went to a firework show so it was just us, the Shimadas, and Sara lol) 

 Bipin is a alive I think. Or there's an AI infrequently sending messages on his facebook account and he did actually die in the hospital. We've been planning to meet like 2 or 3 times but then he doesn't respond or doesn't show up.

 Everyone is still busy, Elder Yamanaka still hasn't met Kakeru yet.

 Elder Yamanaka's english is popping off! We are trying to only talk in english for 4 hours this week so he can practice!

 We are going to the temple this week, probably! Theres a typhoon coming but it won't hit us this time, its going for all of Japan. Our Zone conference is supposed to be on friday so we are flying there on Thursday so that we can go the temple Thursday night! 

 Volleyball is still l the greatest finding activity ever. We went friday night and are going again today.

The Corner Stone's Foundation

 The Book of Mormon or Jesus Christ is often viewed as the Corner stone of our religion, thats such a great analogy, without that center stone, an arch cannot stand. Today when I was pondering about what to write about I felt like I should emphasize that every part of the arch has a part to play. Without the sides of the arch or the foundation, the corner stone is just a funny shaped stone that rests on the ground. But with those other parts it gains greater power. We are those other pieces, we hold up the corner stone and open the path for people to progress to return to God. If we don't do our job then the Book of Mormon cannot to its job. Hold it up and invited others to enter into the arch and learn from the teachings of Christ. And remeber, as j.schulz taught me in AP Physics, the higher we hold that corner stone up, the more potential energy it has. That potential energy is the power to transform lives, give hope, and meaning in a world full of doubt and sorrow. Give the Book of Mormon more power in the lives of those around you by holding it up higher, let it's light shine by and through your efforts every day.

This week I studied about Patriarchal blessings! I did a patriarchal blessing shout out a few weeks ago but hey! They are great! Study yours regularly so the spirit can help bring it back to your remembrance when you need it! 

In group eikaiwa we shared the video of the two boys who put the money in the farmers boots! It was so good! The week before we talked about the 2 great commandments to love God and love our neighbors! We invited our friends to do a good thing this week to someone around them, see how they feel, and then share next week!

The Point of Safe Return- President Uchtdorf

This was a talk a few years ago! With the power of the Atonement, we are never too far from the power of Christ. He can help you no matter what you have done!

The Sunday before last Brother Furgeson came from the stake! During 2nd hour he and our branch president, President Chibana studied the handbook together about priesthood blessings! It reminded me of an experience I had a long time ago when giving a blessing! I started to feel a fraction of the love that God had for that person and it was crazy! I couldn't comprehend the love that I felt, I know God loves you with that love, and way more! That love is pure and perfect.

I love yall!

Elder Rasmussen!

Ps. Jack if you read this I want more emails pls

Ps. my brain can't do english and japanese, i tried to translate for a Canadian family in sacrament meeting and i could not get the english to come out. It was more of a summary than a translation.