Week 76 - Feb 13, 2016

 Week 76 - Feb 13, 2016
Jacob:

Hello, everyone! It has been a good week here in Salt Lake City. Like I said before, we didn't have much opportunity to visit Rootstech. However, all of the young elders got a free notebook with a holder that I started to write my shopping lists in. Sister Tate suggested that we buy some daily multivitamins and vitamin D3 because many of the young elders were inside most of the time and didn't get enough sunlight. I have noticed some dark spots on the bottom of my feet; is it athlete's foot? If it is, I probably need to get some foot spray.

Now on to happier things...

I have some good friends here on the mission, I should enjoy it while it lasts because they go home a few months earlier than I do. Some of the young elders make little contact cards for the other elders before they leave.

It's glad that Erik and Emily are stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new things. They should be proud of their hard work.

A couple more things to share, I have some links to share with you.

The first is for the missionary database I was working on during the mission. It's called "Go Ye Into the World" and it would be fun to try out.
https://history.lds.org/missionary/?lang=eng

This one is for a gingerbread model of the Salt Lake Tabernacle complete with audience, MoTab, and the organ.
http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/articles/gingerbread-tabernacle.html

Love you!

Tara:

Hi son! Good to hear from you!!! I don't know what the spots on your feet are... Athletes foot usually has reddish spots, feels itchy, and the skin starts peeling. Maybe see the mission nurse about it when you get a chance?  Let me know what you find out! 

I'm glad you have good friends on the mission.  The cool thing is that you can continue to keep in touch with them after missions are over!  Email and Facebook make it so easy!  I am excited to check out the links you shared.... Should be fun! 

Did you get that package of treats yet?  If not, you should be getting it on Monday.  

I LOVE the pictures!!!!!  

Tony: 

 You could also take a picture of your foot spots and we might be able to help. 

Jacob:

Yes, I did get the package. There are a lot of things in there that are so tempting... but I must try to stay the course of healthiness!

Tara:

There are a lot of yummy treats.... Be sure to share them, and make them last a while.... That way you can have an occasional treat when you want one, but still stay healthy!  Some of them are actually pretty good for you!  Great job being aware of what you are eating.  I am proud of you and I love you!
Sent from my iPhone

Week 75 - Feb 5, 2016

Week 75 - Feb 5, 2016

Elder Dull's 5 pound burrito at Blue Iguana

Utah capital building

Me and my companion, Elder Dull

wood picture in the Joseph Smith building

Jacob: Hello, everyone! It's been a pretty good week here up in SLC. I'm writing on Friday because the library will be packed with Rootstech visitors tomorrow. Of course, our Walmart is on another side of town, so that won't affect us too much. I recommend that next time you're free, you can invite a couple people to come with you to Rootstech.

I read a little bit on the Provo temple and how it used to be a tabernacle. Have you (or we) ever visited it before it was reconstructed? From what I found, it was just beautiful!
I am trying to make sure that everyone in my district is well-informed about what is happening. We are currently making the effort to make sure that our apartments are as clean as possible, because after the new apartment inspectors came in a few months ago we have been stressing the importance of cleanliness and trying to teach our new elders about apartment maintenance. We sure need the help with cleaning around here! I am working on teaching about keeping the table and dishes clean.

When we went out for dinner I managed to snap a couple of images of Blue Iguana's 5-pound burrito for you. We actually found that there was a similar deal at the Red Iguana at City Creek that cost less for more, so Elder Dull plans not eating the stuff from Blue Iguana anytime soon. I don't think I could eat anything as big or as spicy, not even if somebody paid me to do it.

That's it for this week! I hope to talk again next week.

Sincerely,

Elder Derricott
Tara: Hi son!   Sounds like you are doing good!  The Provo temple was a tabernacle previously... The architecture and decoration were absolutely stunning!!!  I loved it! I don't think we have been there before.

That burrito is huge!  I wouldn't be able to eat it either!  Did elder Dull eat the whole thing? Dad and I are considering eating at one of the iguana restaurants while we are here...which one do you recommend?

Where is the picture of Christ located... The one that you sent a photo of?  Did you see the pictures that dad sent of us superimposed over the other photos? Don't forget that I want to get a picture of you and elder Dull together!  I love you!
Jacob: 

Blue Iguana is good, but if you want to avoid dark alleys I would recommend "Red."

That picture was made of wood, and it's in the medical clinic on the third floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

I like that picture with dad as Custer or somebody.

Week 74 - Jan 30, 2016

Week 74 - Jan 30, 2016
Jacob:

Hello everyone! Transfers went well. My district was only affected by a change of two elders; I'm still companions with Elder Dull.

As far as I can tell, we're not working at Rootstech unless we are called to work during that time. I hope that we get a schedule for what to do when it happens! I expect a lot of people will be attending it.

We have also had a couple of snow storms up here too, and there's even one today! We woke up early this morning to do our laundry and found about an inch of snow. It's about six inches now, along with some slush. I had to change my socks before noon. Actually we don't go to the super Walmart anymore. During my time with Elder Bowers we heard about an incident where one of our mission vehicles got stolen and hit another elder. After that the decision was made that we would go shopping at a smaller Walmart at the other side of town.

Today we went to Mr. Mac and the Church History Museum (which reminds me, I need a new black missionary belt before my mission is up.) Later today we are celebrating a missionary's birthday by going to a restaurant called "Blue Iguana." I want to get a simple meal, and Elder Dull's going to try one of their 5-pound burritos.

Apparently our mission is "getting more expensive," so that's why we're getting a little more money each month.

I hope you're all doing well. See you later!
Tara:  Sounds like a lot of snow today!  I've never been to Blue Iguana...but I've heard it's good! Take a picture of the 5 pound burrito for me. That sounds like enough food to make a person sick!   It will probably be easiest for you to get a new belt at Walmart when you get a chance...that way you can make sure it is the right size for you. If you need us to send some extra money for one, let me know.  How is the arbitrator job going?
Jacob: I am enjoying being an arbitrator very much. Of course, sometimes you have to pay attention to when the information is handwritten, and it's even worse when they write shorthand! I could only use 20$ or so for the belt.
Tara:  I bet it can be difficult to figure out some of that old handwriting! I know I have a hard time indexing some of it.  We will get some money sent for a belt for you. Are you feeling healthy and doing well physically?
Jacob: Yes I am. It's just that my current black belt is wearing out and needs to be replaced.

Week 73 - Jan 23, 2016

Week 73 - Jan 23, 2016
Jacob:

Hello everyone! It seems like you are doing alright back at home. Last weekend we went to the temple to help some other elders get some baptisms and confirmations done. We were planning to do some initiatories done too, but there wasn't enough time and we hadn't had dinner yet.
We also decided to pull out of dodge-ball for sports because it was getting too competitive and my companion got injured. It says right in the handbook that sports should not be too intense, but we believe that dodge-ball is getting too intense especially with new young elders who don't know their own strength. As a result my companion and our sports coordinators are trying to find ways to make indoor sports more fun and safe.

Let's go on to something happier...

In my Indexing I got moved up to "Arbitrator" status because FamilySearch was looking for more arbitrators. Basically it's like indexing, except you get two lists that were already done for a single record. I get to solve the differences between the two lists and figure which item on either list is more correct. Or if they're both wrong I get to type in the correct answer.

If it's help on family history work, then there are some lessons and videos by Leland Moon on the FamilySearch website in the Learning Center (under "Get Help".) They are especially good for those who are beginning family history work. There are also a bunch of family history videos in lds.org's Media Library that you can use.

It's nice that everyone is breaking out of their comfort zones this year. I hope that you all put your best foot forward and have a good year.

Sincerely,

Elder Derricott

Beautiful snow covered mountain

DI truck on temple square

Full moon

Back of my new missionary token

Carpet being replaced in the Joseph Smith building

Front of my new missionary token

Salt Lake Temple close up

Entrance to underground elevator at temple square

Capital Building

Week 72 - Jan 16, 2016

Week 72 - Jan 16, 2016
Jacob:

Hello, everybody! This week has been a pretty good one. We had the Hail and Farewell this week, and there was a special after-dinner presentation by T. C. Christensen about his latest movie The Cokeville Miracle. It was a good night, and I can't wait to see the movie as soon as I get back!

We also had a temple trip this week. I wanted to take a card that hadn't had initiatories done on it yet, but when I took it in to the room where they did initiatories they gave me a few extra temple cards they thought I would have time to do before our endowment session. It turns out, however, that it takes about an hour before all the cards got done with initiatory and my own card had been saved for the end. The temple workers told me that my own card was the most important, and I got it completed before our session started.

I am having a good time up here. Recently I have tried shopping by writing my own shopping lists. I am currently in the process of using up as much non-perishable food as I can before I leave. I have also been considering setting aside some money to return to the mission. I was hoping to take a couple more years of school, but when it comes to other things I have some counselors up here that will help me cross that bridge when I come to it.

I also have some pictures to share with you from this month. I hope you enjoy!
Tony: 

Remember to make healthy food choices while you're eating non-perishable items and saving money.  If it comes down to saving versus eating healthy, spend the money it takes to purchase the healthier choice.

Tara:  Hi Jacob... sounds like a good week!  I can't wait to see your pictures.  I'm glad you are enjoying the time you get to spend in the temple.  I am hoping that we can go through the Salt Lake temple with you sometime after your mission.  I'm glad you got your own name done.. sometimes it seems like I get everyone else's names done first... but that's ok, as long as mine get done also.  I'm glad you are gaining experience and independence in the shopping area.  As dad said, just be sure to get the things you need to be healthy and balanced.  We are trying really hard, as a family, to take good care of our bodies by exercising and eating healthy foods.  How are things going with Elder Dull?  Do you still keep in contact with Elder Rodriguez?  Occasionally he posts pictures from his mission on facebook, and you were in a few of them!  Don't worry too much about what you want to do after the mission.... we will figure out most of that as it comes.  Finish strong... keeping your heart and mind focused on being a great missionary through all of it.  We are so very proud of you!   Love you bunches... mom

January Hail and Farewell

Salt Lake Temple

Food line at the Hail and Farewell

President Tate, Elder Dull, and ME

Me and Elder Dull, my companion

 

Week 71 - Jan 9, 2016

Week 71 -  Jan 9, 2016
Jacob:

Hello, everyone! I am doing very well over here in Salt Lake. Our mission is getting bigger. In fact, I overheard that if our mission gets any bigger we'd have to change our zone shopping for our p-days. Speaking of shopping the vehicle we usually take for our shopping group was being used by the people at the Granite Mountain Records Vault, so we had to shop at Harmon's. It's harder to navigate than Walmart, and it's expensive too. Fortunately I managed to crunch my shopping down to at least $20.

Our apartments have been inspected for bedbugs, and only 4 of the 20+ apartments actually had them. Fortunately, ours wasn't one of them. The reason being; we cleaned it out. I helped by cleaning the soap scum from the bathroom and cleaning out the refrigerator and oven. I know how to clean, but my companion Elder Dull knows how to deep-clean, which shows what a little preparation can do. We also have some steel wool, which really helps with those "invisible" stains that hide on our counter-tops.

Elder Dull loaned me his camera, and I gave it back when the new one came. I might send you some pictures of the Hail and Farewell (aka "Hail and Wail") which is this next Monday.

How are you doing? have you started on your New Year's goals yet? I hope that this next year we can make the most our situations and pray for everyone's well-being.
Tony :  That sounds great.  We'd love to see pictures of you and your pals
using your new camera.
Tara:  Hi son! So good to hear from you! Sounds like you have been doing a lot of cleaning lately... Good job! That is what we are doing at home right now. I'm glad your apartment is clear of bedbugs.   That's a relief to me!  Sounds like a bit of an adventure shopping at a new store today... Hopefully you got enough food for the week.  Is it snowing in salt lake today? We are getting a really pretty snowfall right now.  Did you get to watch the bug sniffing dog?  I love you!!!   Mom
Jacob: For the dog to perform his job successfully anything that caused a draft like fans or heaters had to be removed. You can't, however, turn off people. We had to be away while the dog did his job, and we couldn't come back until the evening to avoid running into him. Besides, the housing coordinators told us that he's not a person-type dog.

Tara: Sounds pretty cool... I bet it would have been fun to watch him do his job.  We would love to see some hail and farewell pictures.  Just make sure you are in some of them! Is everything going ok in your new assignments? What is your favorite job to do?