MTC Address

For the next 2 months letters can be sent to Liz at:

Sister Elizabeth Rasmussen
MTC Mailbox #287
ITA-MIL 0520
2005 No. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793

She will be heading to Italy on May 20.
Thank you for your interest, love, and support.

Reporting to the MTC

When Liz opened her call on Dec. 13, 2007 and saw that she would not enter the MTC until March 19, 2008, it felt like forever away. Low and behold those months passed quickly. Finally, the day arrived. Liz was set apart on Monday evening. Whitney loved being her companion for a few days. We left our home on Tuesday morning to head up to Provo. We were able to stop at the St. George Temple on the way up. Dad and Whitney did baptisms. Liz and I did initiatory work. We arrived in Provo just in time to meet Grandma Larsen, Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen, Paul, Becca and LeGrand and their kids at Chuck-a-rama for dinner. Dad, Liz, Whitney and I stayed at the Rasmussen's home.
On Wednesday, after having a good long cry, getting ready, shopping for a few last items (she forgot to bring her gym shoes), receiving a father's blessing, and readjusting her luggage, Sister Rasmussen was off for the MTC.

As a sidenote--Paul is expecting his mission call next week [major exciting!!] so we will have two missionaries out at the same time! He was helping Liz with her luggage at the MTC, and most people assumed he was the missionary reporting (until Liz got her nametag with the "celestial dot" on it). He got several comments like, "Elder, you need to put on your suit coat!" and "Elder, bring your luggage over here!" For Paul, going to the MTC with his sister was a "dry run" and also a reality check. He will be reporting for himself very soon!

Whitney, Sister Rasmussen, and Elder Rasmussen. Whitney is going to miss Liz and Paul. She will be an "only child" at home. Someone asked if she was going to become a "spoiled brat." She said that she hopes she is never a brat, but she won't mind being spoiled!

With parents and Grandparents. I believe that Grandpa Larsen was there with us, too! I have the distinct impression that Liz has strong family support from both sides of the veil!

Three of my girls. I wish Brandi, Emily, and Kirsten could have been with us, too.

Garth and I are very happy, pleased parents. Who wouldn't be, with the wonderful children we have been blessed to raise?

Aunt Liz is one of the kids' favorite people in the world. Brayden, Addy, Sophie and Kolby said good-bye at the MTC. Liz said good-bye to Nicole last week. Ethan, Brynlee, Hailey, and Karli said their good-byes in Columbus. Bridger and Angeli had to say good bye to Aunt Liz at Christmas time.

Ready or not, (and she is very ready--one of the most prepared missionaries I know) here she comes!

Getting the name tag, the "celestial dot", her mailing address, and the all important meal card.

I got to clip her name tag on.
It is official. Sorrella Rasmussen has reported to the MTC.
The meeting was good. I know we are leaving her in good hands. Now we just wait for the letters!

Set Apart

On Monday, March 17, 2008, Elizabeth was set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve in the Italy Milan Mission. Russ and Kami Bowler, representing our bishop, and President Ken Asay came to our home to set her apart and give her a blessing. She will be a wonderful missionary, and will use her many talents to share the blessings and joys of the gospel. We shared testimonies together and felt Heavenly Father's love and approval.
You know, it isn't easy to send a child far away for such a long time. I will miss Liz so much. I will miss her cheerful smile, her affectionate hugs, her friendly manner, her beautiful singing, and on and on. I appreciate the strength of her testimony and her desire to please Heavenly Father. She is an incredible woman and I admire her determination to fulfill the calling she has received. I am glad that Ammon, Stewart, and Seth have had mission experiences. They are wonderful examples, and it was also hard to have them leave. But you know what, they all came home better than they left, and they did come home! Two years--or 18 months--does eventually pass. Liz will return home to us. I just hope I can learn and grow and improve too.

Temples attended

I Love To See The Temple

Liz was very excited to go through the temple. She received her endowment in the Las Vegas Temple on Dec. 26, 2007. During the months of waiting to start her mission, she was able to visit many temples and do work for many people. She enjoyed the feeling of peace that she felt in each temple. It was fun to spend time with Liz as we traveled around Utah and California. She has so many insights and good understanding. Being in the temple helped Liz feel strength and peace that she needed to help prepare her for her mission. Liz loves the temple and will miss it while she is in Italy.
She was actually able to go to 12 different temples!!!: Las Vegas, Mount Timpanogos, Provo, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Jordan River, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, San Diego, Redlands, Columbus (Ohio), and St. George. How fun is that?!?!

We just wanted to share the moment with all the loved ones that weren't able to be there...Thank you all for being on the phones and for being excited for Liz when you heard the news!! We are thrilled!!

After a long day of final exams and a late night Christmas Caroling gig, Liz finally got to come home where something wonderful was waiting for her...a white envelope from Salt Lake City!! Liz has wanted to serve a mission since she was 3...and here it was! She requested a moment on her own and then came the letter. "Sister Elizabeth Rasmussen...we hereby call you to serve in the Italy, Milan mission" Wow, Milan, Italy!! ...What! March 19th, that's like 3 months!! What a whirlwind of emotions for our family and especially for Liz! She is excited to go serve and feels the Lords peaceful hand in this call to go serve!