Week 37

Well, week 37 can't believe it. Not a lot has happened this last week. It seems like Jacob should be coming home for the summer but so much has changed since last year. I am so proud of the choices he has made and the progress that he is making with his testimony
"Here's some proof that I'm enjoying the mission (see picture attached).  A humble abode, but really delicious food.  Everything is going wonderful.  We're into baptizing, and finding the chosen people that Heavenly Father has prepared for us.  I may not have gained any weight, but I'm certainly not in shape, I was very tired this week!  Apparently the city Xalapa was visited this week by Elder Oaks and a few Elders of the Seventy, and some blessed missionaries were able to meet them and their wives.    Don't let a day pass without studying that book with an eye of faith, it's all we use out here and it's all that is needed.   I keep having the idea of memorizing scriptures although there isn't much time, we'll have to find a plan to do it.  Anyway, this week we baptized 2 Erikas!  One is the daughter of the couple we baptized last week and the other is an 18 year-old that is in love with Michael Jackson.  Haha, it was really special to see the change in these two daughters of God and help them find the path of righteousness and repentence.  I know the Church is true and that God directs it today, He blesses us in our families and is willing and ready to help us change our lives for our own benefit and for the benefit of others.  I love you all and I'll hear from you in a week!"
-Elder Butterfield

Week 36

Well it is week 36 and I got a phone call. We were actually able to have a whole family conversation with everyone on skype (Thanks Keith). I couldn't see Jacob because I couldn't get skype on his computer. He could't even remember his password so I could download it. Anyway it was great to talk to him and hear his voice. I hear that he is pretty red and that worries me some. I need to get him some really good sunscreen. He also tells me that all his shirts are stained because it is so hot. New white shirts on on the way. Well it will be the longest time yet between phone calls now 7 months to be exact. I am sure I can hang on. Here is his latest letter and picture!
"Thanks a lot for your e-mail, it helps me so much to know you're all doing fine back home.  I really don't need much of anything, I really couldn't be better set here.  I'm really loving it here, and I feel wonderful.  I've been going at the mission in the wrong way for too long.  Too often I find myself reciting things in lessons as if I were a robot.  I'm really trying to put the material into my own words to help myself with the conversion process.  We watched a talk by Elder Holland this past week about missionaries that memorized their lessons, and became inactive after their missions.  This is something I fear and something I think I need to change.  If I can really put the lessons in my own words, I will become converted.  I think it's why I'm on a mission in this time, because I need to convert myself and help the wonderful people I teach become converted also.  Well, we just had a baptism of a couple this week, and we're going to baptize many, many more.  This is a picture of Esperanza and Eduardo, both had their problems, but are very solid and going to make a wonderful addition to the branch.  Well I love you all back home.  I don't need a thing, because my Heavenly Father provides for me.  Just always remember to pray and read the scriptures diligently, I know there are answers in the simple things!
 
-Elder Butterfield

Esperanza and Eduardo

Week 35

Here we are at week 35 and Jacob has been out for 8 months and I can hardly believe it. I am looking forward to his call this coming Sunday and to think that the next time I talk to him on the phone it will be Christmas and he will be on the count down. He is enjoying his mission and all the learning that has come with serving. Here is his latest letter.
"Hola!  Well thanks for letter, and filling me in on your week.   This week, an 86 year-old member got up to bear her testimony although she had been sick this week, as she was about to close, she fainted into the arms of the Ward Secretary and Conselor in the Bishopric.  We gave her a blessing and she was driven to her house to rest.  Her testimony was very powerful and the investigators we brought were touched by her genuineness.  Although it was a bizarre situation, it really showed how the ward worked together and comforted it's sick member.  There's always love in this work and a great sense of urgency and duty.  We're teaching a family that really needs the Gospel in their lives and we're looking forward to the baptisms of the parents this weekend.  Don't worry about a thing where you are, just be diligent, faithful, loving and meek.  The Spirit will teach you what your purpose is in your present situation.  I look forward to calling you all this Sunday around 3:00 your time, so just have the account ready.  Love you all very much and I can't wait to talk to you (and see your HAPPY faces!)

-Elder Butterfield