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
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
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!
"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
Sunday, October 17, 2010
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."
"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.
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!
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.
"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.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
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
" 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
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| Jacob and his companion, Elder Craig Elder Craig is from Riverdale, Utah |
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| 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
"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
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
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!"
"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!"
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Jacob's Missionary Plaque
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"
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