Jacob and his 2 baptisms

Week 16

This is week 16, almost 4 months have gone by since Jacob left on his mission. Each letter brings us more and more joy as he is so excited to be doing what he is doing. We wait with anticipation for each email. This will be a sad week but also and exciting one as we will get to talk to Jacob on the phone but will celebrate our first Christmas with him being away from us. We are really looking forward to hearing from him and being able to talk with him. Jacob has had an exciting week as you will read and see in his latest email.
"This week was definitely special. Let me tell you a short story: a few weeks ago, we taught a woman named Carmen the first lesson, we found her by knocking doors. The lesson went well, although she was a Testigo de Jehova (Jehova´s Witness) for a number of years. We tried to go back to visit her twice, but she wasn´t ever there, we assumed she wasn´t interested. About a week and a half later, we forgot about her completely. That is until one day, we were walking on her street by her house and I asked, ´`what happened with that lady?´´ We decided to check if she was home. Surprisingly, she greeted us with a warm welcome. The lesson that insued was deeply spiritual and gave her much needed hope. We invited her to come to church. She agreed, and to our surprise, she had a non-member friend accompany her. After the services, we taught Carmen´s friend, who´s named Daeli, and gave her a Book of Mormon. The next day when we went to check up on her, we were again surprised to find out that Daeli had read 11 chapters of The Book of Mormon, and had already grown a testimony. We set baptismal dates for Carmen and Daeli and continued teaching them. They were golden investigators as we say. The day before Carmen´s baptismal interview, she had a doubt about her job (she gets paid to help people through therapy, although she doesn´t have a licence). We told her we would find out if it was anything to worry about and return the next day. Turns out her doubt was nothing wrong, but she still felt guilty. We offered her a blessing of comfort, the Spirit in the room was the strongest I´ve ever felt in my life. Carmen must have felt it too, because she was baptized (with Daeli) on Saturday and confirmed yesterday! So that´s my experience and confirmation as to why I´m in this area! Anyway, we have two Christmas church fiestas this week and a possibly bautizona on Christmas day. I got my package yesterday, and I'll admit... I opened it early. I can´t even thank you all for your sacrifices on my behalf. The Christmas stocking is absolutely classic and I definitely needed the ties. Well don't worry about me calling home, I'll just call sometime during Christmas day, so be close to the phone! Our transfer date was this past Tuesday, so it will be six weeks before I find out where I'm going. My companion (Elder Amador) is going to end his mission before that date, so we'll see what happens. We're working hard so that he can surpass 120 baptisms which means 17 more for him. Well I love you all. I know the Church of Jesus Christ is His kingdom on earth and I know you know too. Talk to you soon!

Merry Christmas!

-Elder Butterfield

Week 15

Okay, I am finally getting caught up. Well another week has flown by and we are getting pretty close to that important phone call that we are all looking forward to. It will be so nice to hear Jacob's voice again. It truly does seem like forever that I talked with him. He sounds so good in his emails and we received a wonderful card from his Mission President. I had a lovely letter in a card and a picture of Jacob meeting them for the first time. They are truly wonderful people. Well here is the latest from Jacob. He would love to hear from everybody so here is his email jacob.butterfield@myldsmail.net I can't guarantee he will write back.
"Well we're still meeting in the Coca Cola factory, but the chapel should be finished soon. Did you ask everyone what they thought the gnome was? I bet no one has an answer still! Well, thanks for keeping the tradition alive. I've seen some pretty crazy trees already. People here really get into the Christmas spirit. I wish you could meet President Hansen and his wife, it's tough to explain the relationship I feel with them. Truly great servants of the Lord, no other words. I'm not craving really anything, my time is limited to myself, and I wouldn't have it any other way! This week was interesting. There is a huge celebration in Mexico with the Catholic church that can only be described as pure anarchy. We had to go in 30 minutes early on Saturday because it was so cazy. Despite all that, I love it here! We baptized a 13 year old boy this week, and another of our converts received the Priesthood! We have three marriages we have to organize this week, and we are going to baptize a lifelong Jehova's witness on Saturday! I'm sorry this letter is short, but I promise next week will be a better letter! I love you all, and I love the people of Mexico!

-Elder Butterfield

Week 14

Okay, I am a week or two behind. What else is new? I have been just a little busy with Christmas and work etc. I will try and do better. The weeks just seem to roll along. It is Monday and I am all excited for the newest email and before I know it Friday is here. Well enough from me. I am sure you all want to hear what is happening in the Veracruz area. Here is the latest from Jacob's email.
"What a week! You know what's funny? President gave us football scores in the weekly letter, but he stopped doing that this week, but you still sent me some. Just kinda funny. Anyway, sounds like it's truly winter in WI; everyone asks me if there's snow in Wisconsin, now I can say yes! This week was one of the best in my entire mission! We had our Christmas Conference on Thursday in Veracruz, President Hansen answered so many questions I had that I couldn't doubt the inspiration. After the Conference, we did a session in the Veracruz Temple! It was completely in Spanish, but still very spiritual. I stayed in Verzcruz overnight to sign my visa, then we bussed back to San Andres. On Saturday we had three baptisms! All were brothers ages 9, 12, and 16; the mom really wants to get baptized too, but we need to get her to church one more time. On Sunday, we got a woman named Carmen to church. She was a Jehova's witness for a number of years, but she left them when her husband was dying and they basically shunned her. We taught her the Plan of Salvation, and my companion declared, ''there were angels in that room.'' At church, she acted just like a member! Carmen has a baptismal date for the 18th, and we're really excited about that! Anyway, we went to various beautiful sights today and I plan to send home some pictures this week. I think we have a branch Christmas party coming up soon, but I'm not sure. Next week I should have the info on calling home so don't worry. We'll figure it out. Well, I love hearing from you all. I'm trying to get some letters off soon too. The Church is true and the work is exactly how it should be. I hope you're still reading The Book of Mormon regularly. Conversion comes from that book more than any other source. I don't even carry a Bible with me regularly. Let Lesley, Mikkal, Jenessa, our cousins, etc. know that they can email me. I want to know how they're doing too.

Con amor,
Elder Butterfield
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Week 13

Blake and I had a very touching experience at the temple on Tuesday, November 22nd. We have made it a goal to try and get to the temple each month during the time that Jacob is gone. The temple is a little more than 2 hours away so it is a time commitment. When we got to the temple I went in and changed and was waiting in the waiting area before our session was to begin. I picked up the Book of Mormon to read and opened it up and to my surprise it was the Spanish version. I didn't think too much about it but when we got into the session the tape was started and it was in Spanish which should have happened. When we finished the session I told Blake about how I picked up the Book of Mormon and it was the Spanish version to my surprise he told me the very same thing had happened to him. Heavenly Father was just reminding us that he was aware of us and he is taking good care of our son. It is the small things that give us joy. Anyway, here is the latest letter for Elder Butterfield.
"Let me start off by thanking you for sharing that spiritual experience with me. It's great to know that Heavenly Father recognizes our committment. I'm glad to hear that you went to the temple too (I get to go this week)! The area is certainly beautiful, we went and took pictures today on the coast and in the jungle. How beautiful! Seeing these wonderous sights inspired me to commit to working harder in thanks to Heavenly Father. The heat has been pretty tolerable so far, and I'm not missing the snow too much. I'm loving it here, and Heavenly Father is blessing you all for our service. Anyway, you can send me a letter through the address on my Facebook that I left. Check it out! Our living conditions are pretty reasonable, we have a working shower, toilet, sink, fridge and beds. I'll send some pictures of them. Our week was tougher, we got a lot of rejections and one baptism fell through. The problem down here is that a lot of people have families, but they're not married. It's tougher to get married sometimes, so we have office missionaries who can get the required records for them. We taught a woman who was a Jehovah's Witness for a number of years, she wants to know the truth but she's worried about her not-so-good children. We left her Mosiah 27 and we will visit her later today. On Sunday, we had church in the old Coca-Cola factory because our chapel is being renovated. It was the first time I had ever had a sacrament meeting outside. We got 10 people to church this Sunday, and half of them are ready for baptism! Our mission president said that the area we're in right now, certainly had some Book of Mormon history in it. Maybe even a prophet walked here! The Olemech heads (we saw an original) match up with the Jaredites, so this land goes back farther than I realized. The Spirit here is very strong, but so is the opposition. It's an amazing place to be and I know this is where we're supposed to serve! I'm going to upload some pictures! Love you all and I will hear from you in a week!

Week 12

We have been waiting patiently to hear from Jacob this week. The last thing we heard from him was that he had arrived in Mexico safe and sound. We finally heard from him today and what a wonderful email it was. He is so excited to be working with the people I can almost hear the excitement in his email. Here is a little of what he has to say about his surroundings.
"Well it's been one week in Mexico and I´m absolutely loving it. Here's the story: on Monday we got in pretty late, went to eat, and went to bed for the next day. Tuesday, we got out assignments and had our interviews with the President. Remember how some missionaries were transferred to Villahermosa? Well that was because an area in the Veracruz mission was transferred to the Villahermosa mission. That area, called Los Tuxtlas, was the dream area for all of the missionaries to have. Anyway, on Tuesday, President Hansen announced that we got that area back in our mission and that some of us would be going to serve there! He put me in a trio with an Elder from California and a native Mexican Elder. One is the Zone Leader and the other is a District Leader. We are in a city about 3 hours from Veracruz called San Andres Tuxtla. It's a city of about 300,000, but you wouldn't think that if you visited. It's covered in jungle and rolling hills (huge hills that are tough to walk up). So, we've been here a week and we already found 3 people who were ready to be baptized. Not wasting a second, they were interviewed and I was fortunate enough to baptize one! Her name was Amelia, and I baptized her in the font in the meeting house. Ironically, the church is under construction, so the whole building is lacking a ceiling, floors and parmanent fixtures. But the baptismal font was nice and clean once we finished cleaning it. I'm absolutely in love with the area and the people especially. It´s not too hot right now, and it rained all one day. It kinda feels like early summer in Wisconsin, but more tropical. Everyday, we've been fed by members and it's been delicious! This area is heavily Catholic, so sometimes it's tough to get in houses, but I know that there are a lot of people to be found. We teach very simply down here, and I normally teach the Restoration section of the first lesson. Interpreting is a lot easier than talking, but I know it won't be long before I'm more confident in speaking. Mexico feels pretty safe, and most people respect the missionaries. Just about all of the houses are concrete blocks, lightly funished and pretty open. People leave their doors open, which makes it easier to contact! The people are very humble and courteous, and I wish Americans were like that a little more. My address is posted on my Facebook, I think it says, ''use after November 1st.'' I'll try to get some letters written next week, and we'll send them up pretty soon. Just know that I LOVE this work and my mission President and his wife are superb. You can just feel the love and respect coming off them. I'm loving Mexico, check out San Andres Tuxtla on Google Earth, by the way, we're about 10 miles from Lake Catemaco, or the witch capital of Mexico! I'll be safe, I know the Lord is with me and that my mission is the best mission in the world! We have a goal for everyone in our area to baptize on one Saturday in December, we call that a Bautizona! If we keep working hard, we can baptize EVERY WEEK! It all depends on our faithfulness. Well I love you all, please keep us in your prayers and continue to ready the Book of Mormon (I just finished Alma today)."

Much Love,
Elder Butterfield (Campo de Mantequilla en español)

Week 11

Jacob left the MTC on Monday, November 15th to travel to Veracruz. He was able to call from the airport in Salt Lake City. Blake and Lesley both got to talk to him before he left. They said he was so excited to finally head to Mexico. We received the following email late Monday evening.
"Hey everyone! Well I made it here safely, and customs wasn´t that bad. I will get my assignment today, and I know it won´t be in the city. Well I don´t have a lot of time, but from now on, you´ll have to email me each week! Love you all, my Mission President and his wife are absolutely wonderful, and I´m doing the work of the Lord!" We are anxiously awaiting his next email.

Week 10 He Is Off To Mexico

Friday, November 12th we received a special surprise. Jacob was able to call home and tell us that his visa had come through and he would be leaving for Mexico on Monday morning. He was so excited as he has been patiently waiting for this day. He told us that he would be able to call from the airport on Monday before he left. He indeed did call around 10:30 or so. I was at work so I didn't get the chance to talk with him but Blake and Lesley did. They both thought he sounded great and is so anxious to go out and preach the gospel. I think I am kind of glad that I didn't talk to him. It was a hard day for me knowing that he was no longer going to be in the US. He was able to send this short email when he arrived in Veracruz.
"Hey everyone! Well I made it here safely, and customs wasn´t that bad. I will get my assignment today, and I know it won´t be in the city. Well I don´t have a lot of time, but from now on, you´ll have to email me each week! Love you all, my Mission President and his wife are absolutely wonderful, and I´m doing the work of the Lord!

-Elder Butterfield

I am sure for here on out there will be all kinds of stories and adventures to write about.

Week 9

It is hard to believe that I am looking at week 9. The other day I thought before too long he will be 1/8 of the way through his mission. Not that I am counting or anything. After his phone call home we received a very inspiring email from Jacob. I have posted just a portion of his email.
"My extra week in the MTC has probably been the best week on my mission thus far. I sang in the devotional choir and Elder Ballard came and spoke to us. He shared a story about a meeting he had with the second in command at Berkshire Hathway and how he turned a cordial meeting into a missionary moment. He also set up another meeting with this man and his wife to talk soley about the Gospel. On Wednesday, I obviously got to talk to my lovely parents, although the phone cut out early. I'll be able to call once I get my travel plans and possibly at the airport. It was a great 5 minutes though, and I thanked Heavenly Father for that opportunity. On Sunday we had an inspired Mission Conference, where the MTC Presidency and their wives delivered messages I needed to hear before I was sent out to the field. Our fasting was very spiritual, and I've received countless answers to my prayers. There's just no way I could deny the miracles I've seen in the last two months. For the Sunday Night Fireside, Sheri Dew came and spoke. I didn't know much about her, but her message capped off a wonderful Sabbath day. Afterwards, I got to shake her hand, look her in the eye, and thank her personally for her message. The temple today was highly informative, and I received witness of ideas I couldn't create on my own. I don't mind being at the MTC, I know the Lord is keeping us here, and I see more of the reason everyday! Anyway, thank you all so much for everything you've done! I love my mission and I'm patiently waiting my flight to Mexico! I know the Church is true, and I can't describe this week with words. The Spirit is plentiful here, and I see the love of God and the Atonement in everything!

With love,
Elder Butterfield

First Phone Call

What an exciting week. Jacob was able to call home on Wednesday, November 3rd. We had decided on 9:00 pm Wisconsin time, which was 8:00 pm Utah time. The phone ran just around 9:15 and Blake and I both ran for the phone. I answered and asked, "Who is this?" to which I replied, "Your mother". He told me that it seemed like a long time since he last heard my voice. He sounded so mature and so happy. He expressed how much he has learned and that a lot of things have changed for him. I am not sure what all that means. He said goodbye to his first companion, Elder Craig, who departed to Bolivia. He stated that he is with 5 other Elders all waiting for their visa's to arrive so that they can go and preach the gospel in Veracruz. He thought that his visa might arrive within the next 2 weeks. With that being the case he will stay in the MTC until that happens. He ended the conversation in Spanish and I have no idea what he said but I think it was his testimony. It was so nice to hear his voice and the excitement his has for the gospel. He should be able to call home once his travel plans are in place.
We also received another very pleasant surprise in the mail this week. The companion of whom I spoke about earlier, Elder Craig, had written,Blake and I a very nice letter about how much he enjoyed being Jacob's companion. He told us what an example Jacob was to all those around him and how excited he is to preach the gospel. I was so touched by the letter that Lesley had to finish reading it to us. I miss him terribly, but I sure am glad he is where he is suppose to be. That's it for now. Watch for the latest email.

2 Month Mark

Well 2 months have passed since Jacob left only 22 more to go. He has not left the MTC as of yet. We are excited to hear him this week. He gets a 5 minute phone call so I will update the blog after that phone call. I think he is calling to tell us what is happening with his visa but I am not sure. He just continues to amaze us with how much his testimony has grown. Here is a little from his latest email.
"I had a busy, but wonderful week in the MTC and I'll share some of the experiences I've had. On Monday, we sent off another missionary to the field. He's going to Ohio Spanish speaking. On Tuesday, I sang in the choir "With Faith in Every Footstep" for the devotional. Elder Richard G. Scott came to the MTC and spoke on the importance of the Hold Ghost. He also bore one of the most touching testimonies I've ever heard. What a great servant of the Lord. On Wednesday, we got to "teach a lesson" in front of the brand new missionaries at the MTC. We were hooked up to microphones and the "investigators" were really great actors. On Thursday, we met with an "investigator" we've been meeting with for the past 6 weeks. Even though she was acting, it was amazingly spiritual. Also on Thursday, my companion got his travel plans for Bolivia; I know he'll do great there. On Friday, I received an amazing package from you all! Thanks so much for your support, and I especially loved the beef jerky. On Saturday, we taught two missionaries who had been in the mission field for 5 months, but returned to the MTC to sign their visas for Mexico. The lesson was on the Law of Tithing and went really well. On Sunday, we had to conduct, preside and teach the lesson in Priesthood meeting. We had quite the responsibility, but it was a great lesson about the Atonement. We taught from Preach My Gospel, which is an excellent resource for all members of the Church. Also on Sunday, we were released from our responsibilties as Zone Leaders. I really enjoyed the opportunity to serve our zone! Well today we attended the temple and now my companion has to go pack for tomorrow. I'll join another companionship after he leaves.

How was your birthday mom? I heard about a special surprise ;) Hope everything is going well, did you all have a good Halloween?

Well one other thing, I'm alloted a 5 minute phone call this week. Please send me a DearElder that tells me when a good time to call home will be! I'm excited to hear your voices, even for only a moment! Well, the Gospel is true. The Doctrine of Christ is the only true doctrine of the Father. The Atonement can be applied to everyone and everything. I love you all, and I can't wait to hear from you soon!

-Elder Butterfield

p.s. I'll be sending home a package very soon, so be on the look out"

Week 8

It has been 8 weeks since Jacob left for the MTC. In some ways it seems like it has been forever but in other ways the time really has flown by. It is so wonderful to see the change that has come over him in such a short time. He really has grown in his language skills and in his testimony. The following is from his latest email.
"I think you better start taking those lessons in Spanish right now, because it looks like I won't be reassigned after all! We spoke to the travel office this past Friday and apparently our visas are in Salt Lake City now, the thing is they need to take time to sort them out so I might be in the MTC an extra week or two (which works for me)! My companion may get reassigned because things are different for Bolivia, but we'll see what happens! If my plans do change, I will be allowed to call home for 5 minutes, so I may be calling home this week... Sounds like a busy week, how are the nephews? Thanks so much for the package! I'm enjoying everything and sharing it with all the Elders (they thank you too). Well this week was exceptionally fast and busy as ever. On Tuesday, I sang in the devotional choir and Elder Russell M. Nelson came and spoke to us! It was very inspiring and powerful. Then Wednesday, we got a new District and offiented them a little. On Thursday we gave them a tour of the MTC and taught them some things about missionary work. On Friday, one of the new Elders in our zone sprained his ankle severly, so we got to help him out with food, transportation and call the Branch President. Friday night, we participated in a blessing for this Elder and comforted him. Saturday, we taught the second lesson in Spanish and taught the new missionaries completely by the Spirit. Throughout the week I had some questions on my mind, and on Sunday I decided to fast for an answer. I asked my Branch President about it, and he clarified for me. My Branch President is an amazing man, Steve Studdert, look him up some time to see how privileged I am. Anyway, at the Sunday Fireside, the speak said he was impressed to say something, and he basically spoke verbatim to answer my question, and look right at me for a split second. It was so clear, and so precise, that I just plain could not deny that my question had been answered. The Spirit has confirmed my questions and doubts, and even though it's been 8 weeks on my mission, I can finally see that I'm totally ready to serve the Lord. I will go to the edge of my service, and once I reach it, the Lord will push me off, and I will fly (paraphrased from Elder Holland). I can't wait to hear from you all and know that I love you very much! This Gospel is true and The Book of Mormon is the most perfect book in the world. Do your part to serve the Lord as I am doing, and He will bless you forever!

Love you all
Elder Butterfield

Week 7

This week really did fly by.  By the end of next week Jacob should know whether or not he will be headed to Mexico right away or if he will be reassigned until his visa comes.  Here is the latest email from him.
"Monday is your favorite day?  Yo tambien, pero todos los días son mis favoritos.  Mi llamamiento para servir el Señor por Ledires de Zona ha sido muy ocupado.  Mi compañero y yo son los missioneros buenos y nuestro compañerismo es muy fuerte.  Le amo a mi compañero y espero que Ustedes puedan conocer a el Elder Craig en el futuro.  Entonces, mi experiencia con el Espiritu Santo fue cuando estaba leyendo en 2 Nefi 4, cuando Nefi adoró el Señor.  Un sentimiento en mi corazón fue en fuego.  Yo sé que mi Salvador vive y sé que El Libro de Mormón es la palabra de Dios y testifico que José Smith fue un profeta de Dios y él fue llamdo para restarar La Iglesia de Jesucristo."


"We sent off the Elders from the oldest district and some other bitter, bood to hear Henrik got his visa, 2500 is quite a few, but we'll see how it goes for him.  Well I finished Matthew and 2 Nephi this past week, now I have to finish Mosiah and Mark for this next week.  On top of that, we get a new district this week!  Oh the joys of leadership.  Well no tengo mas tiempo.  Le amo mucho!

-Elder Butterfild

Week 6

Well this week I had a weird experience.  Last week Jacob told us in his email that he thought he would be released from being the District Leader. I had a feeling Monday morning that I would open his email and he would tell me that he was the new Zone Leader.  Well that very thing happened.  Here is a little of his latest email.
   "Alright, it's that time of the week again!  I know you all are pretty excited, so let me tell you about my week.  Well, we're 6 weeks in (this Wednesday) and I was realeased as the District Leader this past Sunday.  Fortunately my responsibilities have only increased because my companion and I have been called to serve as Zone Leaders for our remaining time in the MTC.  I'm excited about this responsibility, but not so excited about having to check out the missionaries leaving for the field (one left at 3:00AM this morning and the other left at 5:45AM), so sleep isn't my biggest concern I suppose.  Our responsibility is to inspire the other missionaries in our zone and to welcome new missionaries to it.  We don't have a new group this week, but it's likely we will next week.  All of the missionaries in the departing district got reassigned.  They will temporarily serve in places like Fresno, Ogden, Tuscon, San Diego, Alabama and Denver.  It's likely I will get a reassignment in 2 weeks if I don't get my visa, so we'll see.  I really enjoyed Conference as I said, and there was a lot about following the Prophet.  We're fortunate to live in a dispensation (let alone the last dispensation) and to have a true Prophet of God among us.   Well the MTC was all fired up because of how terrible BYU is at football this year, and I have a brief encounter with Aggie football pride (I didn't know it existed).  Love you all, and I know this Church is the only true Church on the Earth.  I had an amazing experience with the Holy Ghost this week and I will never deny it."

 

-Elder Butterfield
Well there you have it.  We wish that he wouldn't just leave us hanging when he makes a statement like the last one in his email.  How long will we have to wait to hear the end of that story?  Well signing off for another week.

Week 5

This week went by pretty fast.  He is the lastest from Jacob.
    "The MTC has been great this week and even more spiritual due to Conference.  Sadly, I wasn't in the choir for Priesthood Session, but I felt like I was there.  I heard USU won, ouch for BYU.  Well I'll be sure not to mention it to Travis.  It's been halfway through the MTC and I'll likely be released as District Leader this Sunday, but we'll see.  How did you all like Conference?  I took about 15 pages of notes, and I'll probably review them this week.  Me and my companion have set a goal to memorize one scripture every week day for the rest of our missions.  So far we have 5, so it's a start.  I wish I had more time, but I love you all, and I'm as happy as I've ever been right now.  I'll be sure to wrute a letter, bye!

 

-Elder Butterfield

It really makes us feel good to hear that he is the happiest he has ever been.  We are still a little flabergasted over the fact that he took 15 pages of notes.  We don't think he has ever taken 15 pages of notes on anything.  Well that is it for this week.

Hand Written Letter

Jacob sent us a hand written letter this past week with some pictures included.  I will give you just a little bit of that letter.
" Well each day here at the MTC goes fast nd I hear it goes even faster in the field.  I guess when you are doing so many things all at once time flys.  A typical day at the MTC goes like this:
6:30 wake up/get ready
7:00 personal study
8:15 breakfast
8:45 - 12:15 class (missionary and language)
12:15 - 1:00 companionship study
1:00 pick up mail and lunch
1:45 finish companionshipa study
2:30 - 4:00 language study
4:00 pick up Dear Elder letters
4:00 - 6:00 class
6:00 dinner
7:00 - 8:00 gym/recreation
8:00 - 9:00 other study
9:00 - 9:30 plan for next day
9:30 - 10:10 prepare for next day
10:10 - companionship prayer
10:15 - 10:25 read, write in journal
10:30 lights out
Sp as you see, it's a busy life but I really enjoy it.  I think I will live by this schedule for the rest of my life and I know the habits I've picked up will benefit me too." (I want to see him live by this when he comes home)
His letter goes on to say that he is carefully studying the Book of Mormon.  He bore his testimony in Spanish at the end of his letter.  I must say I was really impressed.  Now this comes from a boy that didn't take more than 2 years of Spanish because he didn't like it.  Well more next week

Pictures from the MTC

Jacob and his companion, Elder Craig
Elder Craig is from Riverdale, Utah

Elder Ruefenacht, Elder Bentley, Elder Butterfield

Week 4

It has been a month since Jacob left and it really seems like it has gone by fast. At first I was counting down the days and then I went to weeks and now I think I am going to go to months. Counting down that leaves 23 months to go. Here is a little of Jacob's latest email.
"Hey everyone back home! How are things? First off, thanks so much for the package this week! Everything was perfect. I didn't realize how much I would be writing at the MTC, but I'm glad to have the extra noteboks. The beef jerky was delicious and I'm already using the journals. Btw, the fabric softener is sweet smelling and delectible. I'm pretty much all set as far as supplies go for now. I'm not sick (just allergies) and the Spanish is going great. We only have to more verb conjugations to learn! I did inititories in the Temple today, then I helped iron clothes with a temple worker from Veracruz! The visa situation is troubling ...but I would be happy serving wherever for awhile.We had some Elders and Sisters headed down to Guatemala this week which is supposedly when a hurruicane hits. Well I love you all, and I love hearing from you! Is Lesley getting my emails? Let me know, because I really appreciate the pictures and letters she sent me! Keep on writing (I hear DearElder might be free to Veracruz, but I need further verification for that).

Love you all,
Elder Butterfield

Week 3

It is hard to believe that 3 weeks have passed since Jacob left. There are times that I think I will just text Jacob and then I come to the realization that he is gone and I can't text him or call him. Well anyway here are a few excerpts from Jacob's letter week #3.

"Hey again! It's already Monday and I'm short on time as always. Anyway, I've had a cold this week but things are looking better. Meals have been getting better and I'm settled in the lifestyle. An RM who went to Veracruz told us about his experience this past week. He said it was safe and clean, that iguana tastes pretty good and that there's a lot of hard work to be done. I'm really excited now! I met a temple worker from Veracruz this morning while I was volunteering at the temple. I was able to do sealings today (missionaries can only be children though) but it was very spiritual and sacred. Next week we are going to do initiatories! The sealer said that these 9 weeks in the MTC are somewhat for language, but are also for the temple. The oldest district in our zone is leaving this week, and only one Elder got his visa. The others were reassigned to Ogden, Provo and Pheonix. We'll see what happens in the coming weeks!"

Jacob's Missionary Plaque

This is the plaque that hangs in the foyer of the Stoughton Branch.  It makes me proud and sad at the same time.  I never thought the day would come when my son's picture would be hanging in that missionary display case.
The scripture Jacob chose is John 15:13 "Great love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"

Email Week 2

I look so forward to Monday evening because I know that we will receive an email from Jake.  Here is a little from his latest email.  "Hey everyone!  How are things back in Oregon?  Things are great at the MTC, but they generally are.  I've been feeling a lot better since the last time I e-mailed you and things have been going smoothly.  The food is pretty good (if Elder Allen will eat it, it must be) but I've been working on balancing my meals better.  The language training has been going pretty well, I'm still sorting out all of the 6 conjugations I learned last week, but it's all for better.  The visa situation is somewhat sketchy as of now, some Elders have received them on time, while others have been reassigned.  Just keep on praying and I have faith it will turn out just fine"..." What's going on in the world today?  I don't even know the weather for tomorrow!  hahaha.  I was fortunate to go through the Temple today, but last week it was closed for the holiday."  I want to tell Travis that the temple was very clean.  I want to do a sealing before I leave, but if I do, I have to be a male child.  Anyway, we got 33 new missionaries in our zone (by far the biggest on campus."   Ah... I wish I had more time, but I'm going to leave you with a challenge.  Please read Preach My Gospel and study its principles, quotes and scriptures.  I truly love this text and I'm sure you can learn from it.  (I especially llike chapter six.)  Well I have to go!  Thanks for writing, and use DearElder.com as much as you want! (I can read letters every day).

First Letter

We received the first letter from Jacob on Monday, September 6th.  It was an email and we were so glad to read it!  Here are a few excerpts and highlights from his letter:

"I have been in the MTC for less than a week now, but I've already learned so much! It has been a great time of humility....I am adjusting to the lifestyle of a missionary much better than I thought I would be and I been preparing to serve the people of Veracruz nonstop since I've been here...
    After meeting my Branch President, President Studdert, I was called to be district leader! This calling has greatly blessed me already and humbled me so much...I have learned to pray in Spanish, albeit simple prayers, but still sincere...Let everyone know how beautiful the Gospel is and how greatful I am for the Atonement. It's only a few short weeks before I can testify to the people of Veracruz!"

As were all so excited to hear his excitment for the gospel.

Jacob Enters the Mission Training Center

Jacob entered the Mission Training Center on Wednesday,September 1, 2010. He wa able to spend a day with Jenessa and Travis before his entrance date. Jenessa said that she cried the rest of the day. I am certainly glad that he was able to spend some quality time with his sister. Thanks Jenessa for taking good care of him.

Jacob's Open House

Sunday evening we planned an Open House at the church for Jacob. Many people came to wish him good luck. It was a great way for friends and neighbors to see the church and learn more about what serving a mission is about. Of course, the theme of the Open House was all about Mexico, we had the Mexican colors everywhere and blew up a giant map of the Veracruz mission boundaries. Dessert was served and was delicious!

Farewell, Elder Butterfield!

Today Jacob is leaving for Utah and Wednesday he will report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo. The morning has been full of last minute packing, writing thank-you cards, and saying goodbyes. We will miss him dearly, but are so excited for the great things he will experience on his mission.

This past weekend has been great. Mikkal and Ben flew in from Utah for the occasion. Jacob's "farewell" Sacrament Meeting was yesterday and much of the family was able to be there and even participate in some way. Jacob talked about the recent conversion story of one of his friends and how glad it made him to see his friend accept the gospel. We held an Open House at the church later that evening for friends and family to send their final well-wishes to Jacob before he leaves. Jacob was also set apart as a full-time missionary. Brother Neilson from the Stake Presidency gave him some great counsel at this time, too.

We are proud of Jacob's choice to serve a mission and serve the Lord. We know this experience will be life-changing, not only for him, but also for many people that he meets in the mission field.