Week 80 - March 12, 2016

Week 80 - March 12, 2016
Jacob -

Hello, everyone! Not much has happened this week, but I did see that Temple Square has been working on putting up some flowers (they still haven't taken down all the Christmas decorations yet!) Anyways, we are going to have a temple trip this week, and President Tate managed to hire a bus to take us to the Bountiful temple. Elder Musgrave has agreed to give everyone 8$ for lunch afterwards, so that's something to look forward to. Not this upcoming Sunday, but the next Sunday, we are going to view the Provo temple dedication, so that's something to look forward to. We are also having our carpets shampooed sometime this month; we're still waiting for more information about that.

Anyways, I have been having a lot of fun with the Doctrine and Covenants challenge. I learned a lot about the different people that Joseph Smith interacted with, like the guy who used to be a Shaker and tried teaching the other Shakers about the restored gospel, which they initially rejected. I also learned about a time when Joseph and his brethren attempted to maneuver the river and learned that the Adversary was taking control of the river. Pretty interesting stuff, alright.

Well, I hope to hear from you soon! I look forward to this time every week!

Sincerely, Elder Derricott

Tara -  Hi son... I wasn't expecting to heR from you till this afternoon. Why so early? I didn't get a chance to write to you yet! We are all good. Dad and I are out walking along a river this morning.  Tell us about the doctrine and covenants challenge... The temple trip and lunch sounds awesome!


Jacob - My companion and I had the idea to come here in the morning and do our laundry in the afternoon. That way, there's less crowds to deal with.
We're reading through the Doctrine and Covenants three times in a row, just like our previous challenges. I'm surprised that you haven't heard anything about this beforehand; we started our second time through this month.

Tara -  This is the first we have heard of the challenge. So did you already do your shopping today? How is your sleeping going?

Jacob -  We're still shopping at noon, there's just not a set time for emails or laundry. My sleeping is doing much better, now that I have those earplugs. By the way, is there any way that I can clean them so I won't have to throw them away?

Tara -  Try some soap and warm water on the earplugs. If it doesn't work, you can buy more at Walmart or someplace like that, anything else going on? We sure love you and miss you!

Week 79 - March 5, 2016

Week 79 - March 5, 2016
Jacob -

Hello, everyone! Looks like everybody had a fun week! Is there a chance that your "Scotch Christmas" is going to become a family tradition, or was it that one week only? I would like to have an opportunity to celebrate it with you. I thought of a humorous video on lds.org about a boy learning to play the bagpipes. I didn't even know that Lori even had bagpipes.

I am still the district leader, but President Tate says that he wants to give everyone on the mission a chance for leadership so I might not be a district leader for much longer. Elder Hellebrand is very talkative and great to get along with. He is also kind and likes to hold the door open for people, even if it's a large crowd.

I got the earplugs, and they seem to be helping a bit. I haven't seen much that looks like spring started, but I'm hoping that will change in the future. I am having a great time here.

Just one thing I need. President Tate told me that my release date is on August 25, but he wants to make sure that I get back in time for my fall semester. Could you maybe tell me when the start date is so neither of us are in the dark? It would shave off a lot of time.

Many thanks.

Tara - 

Hi there! Good to hear from you.   I'm glad you are living your mission so much... It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure!  Elder Hellebrand sounds like a great guy... Where is he from? 

We did Scotch Christmas last year so I'm hoping it will be a tradition that we continue... Maybe we can even add other countries that our ancestors came from!  

What else is going on with you?

I am excited and sad to get your release date... I miss you a ton, but the mission has been so good for you!!  It looks like the fall semester starts on Sept 12th. I will start working on your registration, etc... If that is what you plan on doing. 

Week 78 - Feb 27, 2016

Week 78 - Feb 27, 2016
Jacob -

Hello, everyone! I am doing well this week. I am still in the same apartment, but my assignments and companion have changed. I am now companions with Elder Hellebrand, and he is very fun to be around.
I have been transferred back to the Church History Library which, if you remember, was the zone I was in when I first started the mission. Right now I have been assigned to adding more sources to the Church History missionary website. My evening zone is Research Essentials, which allows elders the opportunity to learn new skills on family history work, and then put those skills to work and help them find more about their lineage. Because some elders are tied up with other assignments during the day, this is the perfect opportunity for them to relax and get some research done.

That's basically it for me. I'm planing on cooking a pizza for dinner tonight, and the rest of the evening is a blur. Some say that sports is cancelled because there is an event in the cultural hall tonight. Some also say that sports will be held outside instead, but I'm skeptical on that claim.

Anyways, it sounds like you are all making the most of your time over there. I would love to get those pictures and, if possible, a copy of that homecoming talk. Thank you and have a good day!

Sincerely-

Elder Derricott

Jacob -  I haven't seen anyone reply for over an hour. Is everyone alive?

Week 77 - Feb 20, 2016

Week 77 - Feb 20, 2016
Jacob -

Hello everyone! Turns out I was mistaken about those spots on my foot. Turns out they were dry spots and they needed a little lotion. I guess the only thing to tell is that the mission president is concerned about clean apartments and he wants us to clean out our apartments before next transfer comes around. We did a deep-clean in our apartment last night and today, and all we have to do is make sure it stays clean.

It's nice that Carissa got home safely, and I can't wait to see her and the family when I get back! Could you send a copy of the homecoming talk?

It has been warming up here, too. There was a surprise snowstorm this Thursday, but the weather today has basically melted it away. While we were walking home we noticed that the snow melting off the side of the Tabernacle made a "waterfall" off the south-west side. I don't like the mud either, thank you very much.

Basically that's it for this week. I would like to have a set of multi-color pens and a set of earmuffs or earplugs for sleeping. I think it would help out a bit when I sleep. Thanks!

Other than that, I am doing very well! I will be in touch and I will let the Musgraves know if my p-day schedule needs to change so I can email you.

Sincerely,

Elder Derricott

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.