So I have missed a "few" weeks... Week 12

Well, Jacob is in Japan and has been for just over 2 weeks now. He is loving being in Japan, happy and thrilled to be taking in all the wonders of a new world. Japanese, well, it is coming but not where he'd like it to be. It will come, I can't imagine trying to learn Japanese, let alone in only a couple months. He is working hard on it and trying his best. Very proud of him being very dedicated and determined to learn.

He is located in a small coastal town called Hamada. He did send some photos, with no explanations but I think I get what they are of..

This I believe is the view from his apartment, little foggy or rainy, so can't see far.

Next we the church. Would love to know a bit more about where they meet at Church, how many go, etc. 

He did mention that the beds aren't as comfy as in Canada, but I figure by the time he gets home he will be hating the softer beds. 

This is his trainer in Hamada, he is from Japan, close to Osaka. He knows at least one of Jacob's cousins who live(d) in Osaka. Elder Murata

Love you Jacob! Mum xoxox

Week 4

Well it has now been a month since shipping Jacob off, it has gone fast and slow all at the same time, which is strange. We did receive an email from him yesterday (I am late at posting) and he is in good spirits and is doing well. I am never sure how much of his email that I should share, guess I need to ask him that.

I have noticed a huge change in him since leaving. He is working so hard and praying hard for miracles. This week he told us that he was able to bear his testimony in Japanese using the rules that he has learned and also that he read a scripture verse in Japanese as well. So the language is starting to come together. I am sure it isn't easy to learn and I am grateful that I don't need to learn Japanese. 

He mentioned a friend that he has made at the MTC who's name he said was Tanaka-San. He is also serving in Fukuoka, so he is hoping to be able to see him again there, perhaps to be companions sometime in the future. He is also very excited to head out to japan and would like to leave now, but knows he is learning valuable things in the MTC.

This past week Brad and I drove down to Utah to attend a funeral for Neil Jarman, Brad's sister's husband. It was a beautiful service to honor a life well lived. I shared a story that was told at the service with Jacob and I will share it here as well. 

"One time in particular we were at a prison at the point of the mountain and on one of our songs were talking about how we encourage those people that were in prison to find people that they can be friends with who will take them in and be there for them and encourage them in the right direction So that they don’t end up back in there again. There was this one guy specifically Who was really rough and always kind of looked at us like he wanted to hurt us. After explaining that song…he pulled up his sleeves and said to us...you see all these tattoos… See the way I look… You think they’re going to except me when I walk in the doors of the church. And I remember Neil‘s response was so sweet and genuine to this man. He told this guy, I know it’s hard when people look at us and judge us but We are who we are… And no matter what we have to remember that even though others might not except us that the Lord loves us! Our Savior loves us."

Thought it was such a wonderful way to look at things. Neil was a good man, loved God and loved those around him. He will be missed.

Anyway, one month down, but I know that Jacob won't be in a hurry to come home. I know that he will love Japan and the people there.

Looking forward to speaking with him in less than 2 weeks :)

Love mum

Week 3 at the MTC

Well he isn't sick of the food yet, so that is good news. I hear that by the end of the 9 weeks most get sick of it. But hey, to be honest, he was probably sick of my food after 18 years! 

Here is a photo from of his district. 

Looks like they are having fun! 

So the Japanese is coming, slow, but coming. It is not an easy language to learn. He tells me he has taught a 20 min lesson in Japanese. But memorizing all those words, wow, lots of work. 

Thank you to all who email or send Jacob items. He really appreciates your support. 

This week Jacob and I both highlighted the same scripture... Alma 26:27 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst they brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."

Mum

Week Two

Well, officially completed week two at the MTC. I managed to send him a package with the help of Grandpa A and Aunt Karen. Been so long since I was a missionary that I didn't realize you couldn't just drop off packages, so Karen, the seasoned pro, steered me in the right direction. Well actually Grandpa had drove to Utah for Thanksgiving and staying with Karen, she made sure the package got to the right place. Thank you!!

I did hear from Jacob today, he was very happy to get a package with lots of treats and baking. Always nice to have a touch of home when you are away. I made some chocolate chip cookies and some cinnamon buns along with Doritos, Canadian Dry Ginger ale, gum and a few other goodies. We also each wrote a note for him, which he was grateful for.

So they had Thanksgiving last Thursday. President Uchtdorf spoke to the missionaries about gratitude. Jacob said he gave a great talk about how we should be thankful for not only the blessings but for the trials and thank murmuring is the same as being ungrateful. Which is an important message for all! Pres. Uchtorf is a fabulous speaker and I am sure it was in incredible talk.

I need to bug Jacob to send me a photo or two of him and his companion or district...maybe next week! Mum

MTC address

For anyone wishing to mail to Jacob, this is his MTC address...

Elder Jacob Maxwell Ackroyd
JAN22  JPN-FKU
2005 N 900 E Unit 321
Provo UT 84602  

I just heard from Jacob and he is doing well. Making new friends, trying to learn Japanese, Adjusting to missionary life in the MTC. His companion at the MTC is Elder Vance, which, is the brother of a missionary that we have serving here in our ward right now. Crazy, but true. They are getting a long great, which makes life much easier. 

He was called to be a district leader, which he finds intimidating but he will be awesome at that. He is great at trying to include everyone.

Wednesday is his day to email, so I will  update on Wednesdays. 

It is hard to be away from him but he is doing a wonderful thing and I am very proud of him.
Mum

He's Off

Well yesterday we put Jacob on the plane to SLC so he could be at the MTC for today. He is officially a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and our two years has now started. It was hard to say goodbye but I know he will do a fabulous job and he has a lot to offer the people he will serve.

Before he left we made brunch, our last meal together for awhile. Isabelle made a Tie pancake just for Jacob as he will be wearing a lot of ties.

Jacob had a couple good friends come say goodbye at the airport. Sadly I didn't get a photo of Nathan and Jacob, but at least they had one last goodbye. Thanks for coming Nathan and Ryan! You both have been such good friends for Jacob, thank you!

And he's off...

We did hear from him last night, he arrived safely and seemed to have a very positive first day off as a missionary.

Love Mum