First letter from Arcadia

So I and sixteen other missionaries leaving for Arcadia left the MTC at 4:00 in the morning and my flight left at 7:15, there was a 2 hour layover in Phoenix so about 11:15 we left for Ontario California where we were picked up by the mission president and his assistants. They had us write a letter when we got the the mission office to let our family know we made is safely We didn't get put with our trainer when we got there I don't know why instead we were put with another companionship for that night, I don't know why. The next morning though we got put with our trainer. My companion is Elder Adams from Payson Utah, he has been out for 20 months and this is his first time training. My first area is El Monte. Elder Adams previous companion was going to be giving a talk on Sunday, but he got transferred so I had the opportunity instead. I also attended my first Baptism Emmanuel Marin, he was a contact of Elder Adams had been teaching. I am happy to be here and I love my family.

Jake

Made it to Cali!

We received a letter from Jake's mission president to assure us he made it to California safely. Included was a hand written letter from Jake and a few pictures.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I made it safely to California. First thing I noticed when I stepped out of the airport was that the air was clean. I can't wait to start sharing the gospel.

Jake

(Who else wishes Jake would write more than a few sentences each e-mail/letter?!)

 

 

Jake last letter from the MTC

I leave for Arcadia about 24 hours from now. The days feel long but the weeks go fast. I have learned and grown so much in the last two weeks. I can't wait to get out into the mission field and start teaching the people of California. I know that this is the only true church on the Earth. I know the Lord is sending me there for a reason, there are people that only I will be able to reach. I love my family.

Jake

First Letter

My first six days at the MTC have been great. My departure date is on February 19, thirteen days from when I arrived at the MTC. The group of missionaries I arrived with is the largest the MTC mission president has seen since he was called and it is just going to get bigger every week. We are also the first group to leave in two weeks. I have learned a lot about how to be a more effective missionary. I can't wait to get to Arcadia and start teaching. My MTC companion is Elder Fenn from Arizona. Including me my MTC district has twelve missionaries: Elder Compton, Elder Lindner, Elder Cotter, Elder Hahn, Elder Sasser,Elder Fenn, Elder Maldunado, Elder Jones, Elder Christensen, Elder Dunslow, and Elder Smith. Elder Christensen is the district leader. My teachers, Brother Yack and Sister Sandstrom, are great. President Richards, my branch president amazing. I love being here and I love my family.

 

Jake

MTC

Today we dropped Jake off at the MTC. 

Jake with his cousin Spencer, who just returned from his mission.

Jake with his youngest sister, Nicole.

We will miss him but we know that he is doing the Lord's work. We love you, Elder Peterson! See you in 2 years :)