Aug 19 - Letter from Jacob's Mission

Letter from Jacob's Mission - Aug. 19, 2016

Hello Brother and Sister Derricott,

We will miss Elder Derricott very much in our Access Services Zone where he has served diligently.

He is very precise and complete in all that he is asked to do.  When leading the singing he follows

the beat exactly. He has been an excellent companion.  He utilizes the strengths of his companions

and understands their needs and weaknesses and accommodates accordingly.

We appreciate your son's willing spirit.

These are comments passed to us by some who have worked closely with your missionary son.

Cordially,

Elder and Sister Shurtz

(Access Services Zone Leaders)

Week 103 - Aug 18, 2016

Week 103 - Aug 18, 2016
Jacob -

Hello, everyone!

One thing I have to say about leaving day, the biggest thing I have to take home is the big blue container with things I have collected over the mission (plus my clothes and bedding.) I don't know if they will let me take some food home with me, but bring a cooler just in case! I hope to at least finish the perishables and leftovers before you come!

I have had a lot of experiences that have helped me shape my perspective. One is the injury to my arm. It was a good reminder for me to keep strong in the gospel. I would like to tell you a bit more about it after I return home. My arm has gotten a lot better and is basically working just like it used to. I just have to focus on not playing sports with it for at least another month. On the plus side, I don't have to wear a sling anymore!

This past week I have had the opportunity to attend the monthly temple session. After it was over I got a hug from President Tate and was congratulated for all the hard work I put into this mission. I am happy to know that I am loved and appreciated.

Well, it's hard to believe that this will be my last mission letter to you guys. I have learned a lot on this mission, and it gives me a comforting feeling that I could not have felt elsewhere. I will see you very soon.

Sincerely, the former Elder Derricott

Week 102 - Aug 11, 2016

Week 102 - August 11, 2016
Jacob -

Hello, everyone! My arm is a lot better now that I have gotten some motion back into it again. The doctor said that it would be at least a month before it would heal properly, so I should try to avoid sports and much heavy lifting.

I am excited to come back home and I pray that I will be taken care of and helped out during this time.

I am glad that my siblings are doing well. I am excited to see them again. I hope that Erik gets back on his feet again. I know that both are being aided as long as they are being righteous.

My companion, Elder Beach, doesn't talk much but he is loved by the other missionaries and I try to take good care of him.

This week after district meeting my district leader held a little "icebreaker" party. We had ice cream and played a little round of "Jenga." We played another game where flour was compacted into a can then placed on a plate, and then a coin was placed in the center of the flour pile. Each player took a turn using a butter knife to cut away as much flour as possible without letting the coin fall. Whoever makes the coin fall has to pick it up with their mouth! Another game we played was "What If?” Each of us wrote a "what if" question, then randomly selected someone else's question and answered it. Then someone reads the question they have and the next person reads the answer to the question they had, then they read the question they have, etc. I just thought I'd throw out some ideas for next time we had a social event.

Well, hope to see you again soon!

-Sincerely, Elder Derricott

Week 101 - Aug 4, 2016

Week 101, Aug. 4, 2016

Jacob - Hello, everyone! This week has been pretty good. My arm is actually doing very well, and I don't need a cast. The doctor told me and Elder Nash that fortunately the break was in place, so it's actually healing by itself. He recommended that I take the arm out of the sling and before I went home, I should try to see if it has as large a motion range as my good arm. If not, we may need to look into some therapy...

I also got the care package you sent, and it's nice to know that you all care about me and are looking out for me.

I have had a few jobs here in the library. One of them is a second check on how B2 books show up on the library's catalog. Sometimes it's a simple fix like if the call number or bar-codes don't match up. Other things like a broken or incorrect book are sent to the Inventory team for fixes.

I have noticed a grayish tint over the skyline, maybe it's smog?

I haven't heard about the fire in Hamilton, but I'm glad that all of you are safe.

I am excited to get back, but at the same time I will miss everyone here on the mission. I hope for the best for you and for them. I hope to talk to you again soon!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott

 

Tony -  Keep exercising that arm as much as you can.

 

Jacob -  I will work on my arm as much as time allows, but the doctor tells me to stay away from doing any heavy lifting until the arm is healed.

 

Tony -  But you can still do light and medium lifting. :)

Note from Elder Nash - Aug 1, 2016

Note from Elder Nash, Aug. 1, 2016

Hello Sister Derricott,

I wanted to provide you an update on Elder Derricott.  And it’s good news J

We went to an orthopedic specialist today.  Although he has a fracture, it is non-displaced and perfectly positioned, and will heal very nicely.  In his case, there is no need for casting his elbow, and in fact, the more he uses it, the better.  Stiffness and range of motion are the primary functions they are watching now.  The goal is to improve his range of motion to from the 125 or so degrees he has now, to about 145 degrees.

He has been asked to bend his arm often from a straight position up to his chest, and to not be afraid to use his arm.  He has been instructed to back off any lifting or any arm actions if he feels discomfort.  His arm will tell him if he is doing too much.  With a little time, he will be good as new.  If his range of motion is not where it should be when he leaves the mission, physical therapy will likely be recommended for when he gets home.

Thank you!

Elder Jim Nash

Young Full-time Missionary Assistant Coordinator

Family & Church History Headquarters Mission

15 East  South Temple Street

Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-0403

Office:  801-240-9477

Week 99 - July 21, 2016

Week 99 - July 21, 2016
Jacob :

Hello, everyone! I don't know what everyone else is doing, but I'm doing well. This week we have had a young elders conference. President Tate talked about the coming of the Book of Mormon and what the process of translation was like for Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.

We also learned that there might be certain foods that we were buying that might have "hidden sugars" such as sweet bread, flavored yogurt, pre-processed food, etc. Today while shopping I paid more attention to looking for foods high in vitamins, protein, and other more nutritional food.

Next Tuesday is transfers, and I'm nervous to learn who will be my last companion. It surely has come and gone by quickly. I have certainly seen God's hand in many of the things I have done on the mission, and I pray that He will continue to do so after my mission is over.

So this week I had to open a microfilm cabinet to see if I could help somebody find a film. When I got to the cabinet, I found that it wouldn't open. I wanted to get help, but I got the impression that I should try again. This time I found that there was a button below the handle that, because of the placing of labels on the door, I didn't even bother to press. I did so, and the door slid right open. So don't underestimate the influence that ohters on the other side of the veil can provide!

I believe that that's all that has happened with me this week. I would love to hear what you guys have been doing! I love you a bunch!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott

Tara:  Hello elder !  So good to hear from you!   I was just getting ready to write to you when your letter popped up. We are doing good. Did I already send you pictures of us with Grandma and Grandpa last weekend in Bannock? If not I will send them to you.

Great job on trying to eat healthier. I am really trying to feed our family healthier foods. Most of the time it isn't too hard, but when I haven't prepared it is tricky to come up with something that is good for us and that everyone likes.

Time is certainly moving quickly! I can't believe it's your last transfer... But life is always moving forward and it's good to have new experiences. We are so proud of you and your missionary service!  I hope you know how pleased we are, and how pleased Heavenly Father is with your work.

We have a long weekend, with Pioneer Day coming up. We haven't decided what we are going to do yet, but I'm sure we can find something fun. Erik is taking his last finals and finishing his last projects.  Emily has band camp next week. Dad and I keep working and taking care of the home and family

We love you and are glad you are doing well. I loved your story about the locked cabinet... Those are the kinds of things to write in your journal.  Heavenly Father answers our prayers, in big things, but more often in small and simple ways.  Never forget He is always there.

I love you s bunch and have started counting down the days till I get s big hug from you! Keep working hard and doing your best! Love mom

Jacob:  I don't believe I have got those pictures. Could you please send them?

Mom:  I'd love to. Give me a minute

Week 98 - July 14, 2016

Week 98 - July 14, 2016
Jacob:

Hello, everyone. It's nice to hear from you each week and get caught up on what is happening.

We had a dinner appointment with Elder and Sister Pocock this past Sunday. We ate some chicken fettuccine, fruit, and brownies with sherbet. It was a pretty fun time. I find that some of my favorite spiritual thoughts are about the story of Jonah and the rich young ruler. They are both very informative and I learned from previous companions the history and background behind these and other scriptural accounts, so I decided to incorporate some important elements from those stories into our lessons.

Yes, this week was the Hail an Farewell. I have a couple of pictures from the event that I expect to send you. You know that red means "stop" and green means "go," right? (except for watermelons :D) At the Hail and Farewell the red ribbon is to welcome those who have put their regular lifestyle on hold to serve a mission, and the green ribbon is for RMs who need to move on with their life. I have a month left, but since they don't have another Hail and Farewell for two months I had to wear it for this month. I do have mixed feelings, but come what may and love it.

I like that Elder Rodriguez is still trying to keep in touch. I haven't told him about the cruise, so I was wondering if you put it on a social media site and he happened to look at it? That seems like the only possible explanation to work on.

It's nice that Emily is learning to drive. I hope and pray for her success. I may need to re-register for a permit. Also, my new temple recommend (signed by the Salt Lake 2nd Branch presidency) is good for 90 days after the end of my mission, so I might have to re-renew it after I get home.

I am also praying for Erik's success and that he makes the most of his time.

Thank you everyone for backing me all the way!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott

Tara :  Hi son... Good to get a nice long letter from you!  Sounds like things are going well?

Jacob:  Yes they are. Thank you for noticing.

Tara:  How is your sleeping going?  I hope you are able to get to sleep better?

Jacob: Yes I am.

Tara:  Oh good! We are loving the pictures you sent. It is so fun to see you, and the activities you are doing? Do you like getting the pictures we send?

Jacob:  Yes I do

Elder Kitchell and Schroeder, currently the best pianists on the mission

Me and my previous district leader, Elder Dowd.

The Hail and Farewell banner, with other decor. The theme incorporated both pioneers and America's freedom

The singers. They sang pioneer songs, and in between songs some of the missionaries got to share stories of their pioneer ancestors.