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.