Fam Damily

Hey, Sorry about the short one on Wednesday, they said that we literally have five minutes to write our Mom's and say we're not dead, which was only partially true because I felt physically dead for about 3 days. My pday is Thursday, So I will write home between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursdays until I get into the field. My first days here, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were the three worst days of my life. I hated being here, I felt very stressed, and I did not once feel the Spirit, but then Saturday came. Everyone here tells the newbies just make it Sunday, but for me that great change came Saturday Night. My Zone Leader came in and deliberately broke the Mission rules, went on Youtube and showed us a great video about why missionary work is so important, (I wish I could tell you what video but it combines some talks by Eyring and Holland while in the background showing the story of Jesus Christ.) I felt the Spirit rush into me, the way I rush into my Bed after a long days work, and just rest comfortably in my soul. I knew at that point, I was going to be staying for the full two years. That was my answer to three days of praying, Why on earth should I stay here when I was so much happier before? It's because missionary work isn't about always being happy, it's about not just giving the lord two years, but giving up two years. There's only one way to do missionary work, His way. 

   I will begin with my Companion, Elder Benjamin Dazey (also a Puebla South missionary) He is from North Carolina and he plans on going to BYU, he was a trumpet player and in the marching band, and choir. He is very obedient. We even joke around with each other a lot.  The thing he is really outstanding at is he is very good with Spanish. And I never have to worry about him breaking any rules. Over the last week I developed a theory called the Clasby theory, which is this, Do not expect yourself to be perfect, because falling short of your goals sucks. Expect to be perfectly yourself, magnify your strengths, and eradicate your weaknesses one at a time, starting with the biggest. So be patient with yourself, you are not expected to be perfect, you are expected to work towards perfection. 

   Tuesday, Elder Ballard came and spoke to us, it was good, but not as good as the video we watched Sunday called the Character of Christ by David A. Bednar. When he talks to missionaries, he is a whole new person, he has this swagger and just commands his audience like a pro. I recommend it to all people, it is very powerful.

  I've seen Elder Clasby 4 seperate times and also many other people from Pleasant Grove, We have been able to talk quite a bit, considering I live at Wyview and he lives on Main Campus. 

  The best thing about being here is that it is very much like climbing Timpanogos, everyone has this big goal, and we all want to succeed, so everyone is always smiling and asking how you are doing, everyone cares about each other, a lot, it's great.  

  To those of you who I did not respond to personally I'm sincerely grateful for your message, I have only one hour to read and respond to everyone so please don't stop sending me emails, even if I don't have time respond, I will always read them. And the Pictures, are even better. (I have pictures that I will send you guys next thursday!) I miss home, the first thing I will do when I get home is sleep on mom's big bed for 2 days, and just watch Perry Mason reruns. I miss how simple things would bring so much joy and peace. You don't get a lot of those simple comforts here. But all is well. I testify to you all that this is God's work and Glory, I am a Representative of Christ, His personal messenger inviting all to return to Him. God be with you till we meet again.

Love Elder Jacob D. Wilson