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.

July 10 - Letter and Picture from Elder Pocock

July 10, 2016
We just had dinner with your two wonderful sons.  They are companions, Elder Beach and Elder Derricott.  We have missionaries over for dinner regularly and today we were privileged to have your sons.  You would have been proud of how well they conducted themselves before, during and after the dinner.  They are maturing so well, and I am sure this mission is helping them develop in so many ways.  They gave a spiritual thought that was very impressive about the meeting of Christ and the young, rich nobleman.  Each week they also teach a principle from Preach My Gospel.  We love all the young missionaries, and your sons are some of our favorites.  Thank you for sharing your sons with us and raising them so well.  LOVE, Elder and Sister Pocock

Elder Derricott and his companion Elder Beach

Elder Beach, Elder Derricott, Elder and Sister Pocock

Elder Derricott and Elder Rast

Week 97 - July 7, 2016

Week 97 - July 7, 2016
Jacob:

Hello, everyone! This 4th was a pretty good one. We had some sports and a lunch with pizza and nachos. We also watched A More Perfect Union: America Becomes a Nation.

I wish Dad a happy (late) birthday and everyone else a good week!

I had an interesting experience this week. Elder Beach and I went to cash our monthly checks at Zion's Bank on Saturday, then I remembered that it was closed on weekends. So we had to hold onto our checks until the weekend was over. We tried again on Tuesday, but then I realized I forgot my ID. So I had to come back yesterday with my ID and I successfully got the month's pay. Guess it goes to show how planning pays an important role in your life.

It's nice that my siblings are preparing for the summer. It will be good for them to have a rest from the education for a while. I also congratulate Mom for her new calling and wish her the best of luck. I know that God calls each of us to different positions for a reason, and we must do our duties until He sees fit to release us from those duties.

Attached is a picture of all of our missionaries in the Family and Church History Headquarters Mission for the month of June (it was two years since the last photo was taken.) I am in the third row from the front, directly behind the senior missionary with the white shirt. In front of me is Elder Warden, who was my companion for the first few weeks I was here, next to his companion at the time Elder Teichert.

Anyways, I love you a bunch, and I wait to hear from you again!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott

Week 96 - June 30, 2016

Week 96 - June 30, 2016
Jacob:

Hello, everyone! I like your latest letter from home! I was going to tell you about Elder Nash's help and my satisfaction in knowing that I didn't have to worry about the ecclesiastical endorsement. I'm glad that you got some classes ready for me before I got home. Thank you!

I am excited for Independence Day. I still don't know what we are doing, but I bet it will be a great experience for all us missionaries.

I wish I could help out in the garden, I liked to do that a lot. Maybe Erik could help out with that more? I'm trying to cut back on the sugar and junk food.

Elder Beach is from Logan, so that's also not very far from here. He doesn't talk much, but sometimes he likes to hang out with the other missionaries. I do have some mixed feelings about the Hail and Farewell, but it will be fun anyways. The theme for this one is pioneer ancestors. Our branch has asked for volunteers to talk about the stories of their pioneer ancestors, but I couldn't think of any off the top of my head (unless James Campbell Livingston was one?). I would love to hear our family had any stories about pioneer stock!

Anyways, I hope that you have a good week and be sure to make the most of your time!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott

Tony:  James Campbell Livingston is certainly a good example of your ancestor.  You should volunteer to talk about him.  Your mom can give you some more details later

Week 94 - June 16, 2016

Week 94 - June 16, 2016
Jacob:

Hello, everyone! Last weekend was a summer block party at the Family History Library. We didn't go, of course, but it was nice to see it being set up. We also went to a lunch at City Creek with our district. We went to Pizza Studio, which sold some "artisan"-style pizzas. It is kind of expensive (about 7$ for a 6" pizza) but the quality, in our opinion, is worth the cost. It was raining that day, so they had to move some of the entertainment inside, which made it difficult to get to the elevator.

We also had a mission conference this week. One of the main subjects was on how to prevent bullying. I haven't participated in any bullying, and as far as I can tell I have never been the subject, but it's just something that is good to review.

Next week we have transfers. It's exciting, but at the same time nerve-wracking. Before President Tate, we used to get some sheets detailing where if you were moving or changing zones you learned exactly where you were going and you could plan ahead for the change. Now we have sheets that say something along the lines of, "You're moving apartments! Please pack so you can move tomorrow (meaning the day of transfers.)" At the transfer conference, we learn where we're moving and if we're changing zones. I don't know if it will be that way for me, but if anything changes in my p-day schedule I'll ask the Musgraves to let you know.

I love you all, I'm in good health, and I wish you all the best of luck!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott

P.S.- Out of curiosity, what type of cruise ship will we be on for our trip?

Fish at City Creek Mall

Setting up for family history block party

Week 93 - June 9, 2016

Week 93 - June 9, 2016
Jacob -

Hello, everyone! It has been a good week! I haven't gotten my ecclesiastical endorsement done yet, but I hope to get it done before I leave. I am doing well with diet and exercise, and I am trying to cut sugar from my diet.

During weekend sports we had Elder Andersen, a former missionary who left on medical leave come to our church. I thought he was coming back, but he told everyone who asked him that it simply wasn't so. It was nice to see him for a little bit, though.

We were told that there was going to be a special meeting for all the elders on the 7th, but that was as far as we knew. It turns out that our senior coordinators invited Brad Wilcox from BYU to talk to us about the gospel and what it meant to us. Here is a sum-up of what he said:

G- Godhead (Jesus Christ and God are distinct, separate beings with bodies of flesh and bones.)

O- Only true church (churches are like organs with a few keys, but ours is the only one with all the keys.)

S- Spirit (The Holy Ghost helps us make important decisions.)

P- Priesthood (You need the priesthood to effectively perform proper ordinances.)

E- Everyone (God wants everyone to know that the gospel has been restored.)

L- Living prophets (The prophets of this dispensation are here to lead us in the ways of righteousness.)

Yesterday we had the opportunity to attend the Ogden temple. It was a great experience, but it took a long time to get everyone on the buses back.

Today we had a delay in our shopping schedule, which is why our email time is kind of late. But it's nice to get a chance to hear from you!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott.

Tara:  Hi son!  Sounds like you have had a really good week. I especially like hearing about your meeting with Brother Wilcox!  So cool! That endorsement needs to be gone asap so talk to your leaders about it as soon as you can!!!! We can't get your classes till it is done. What held up your shopping today?

GENTRI

A weird bug

Memorial Day Special

Ogden Temple in the Morning

Jacob:  Aparrently the sister missionaries had the keys and we had to wait until we got them back.

Ogden Temple at Noon

Quail Family

Week 92 - June 2, 2016

June 2, 2016 - Week 92
Jacob -

Things are going well in my area. I will try to send you some pictures as soon as I get the chance.

Memorial day was fun. I thought I was going to run out of water before the hike back was over, but luckily I was able to ration out my supply before the end. Also, I got a little sunburn in the areas I didn't think would be affected by the sun (i.e. the base of the neck and under the elbows.) Oh well, lesson learned! We also had some sports for a while. I was told that we would move inside eventually, but it was so nice outside that we never went in.

Anyways, one of the new duties I have at Access Services is at the AS Window. From there I get to help people print out ordinance cards and look up some books online.

I am doing very well, and I get to have some fun along the way. I will try to keep you informed as they happen!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott