August 26, 2014

It is going great. When I got here we only had 1 Investigator, we have 3 now. That guy that came to church and someone he was talking to outside. We taught them the first lesson and have return appointments with them this week. The lady that stopped us was only into the church for our welfare program.

I have to say I love the weather here a lot more than Kansas most of the time. One of the few things I miss are the HUGE storms we get there. These are all tiny. But, I love being able to go outside and not have to change clothes twice a day because of sweat. The shade here is exactly that: SHADE. NO HUMIDITY (or really low).

Mom asked:  What's the winter weather like there?
Jacob replied:
I hear that it is only in like the 20s or so here. and it will be nicer because of the low humidity sweat and things will not get frozen from the wind. But they do tell me that I need to stay suited up for the weather. They only get like 2 or 3 inches of snow on this side of the mountains.

Mom asked: Is it hard to keep the Mission Rules?
Jacob replied:
Its easy to follow the rules. All you have to do is just do them. They are simple. Wake up at 6:30am, get dressed and be in Personal Study by 8am, Companionship Study at 9am, be out the door or eating at 11am, then go out and teach and find, return at 9-9:30pm, plan for the next day, lights out at 10:30pm.

Here are some pics some are from my group at the MTC others are my companion Elder Sellers. And the other elders in my apartment. Elder Gonzalez, Elder Partlow, and Elder Avery.

I have learned so much while I have been out here about the Gospel and how I can better apply it to my life.

 "Questions start where Knowledge stops."

Always ask questions. By doing so you call upon the powers of heaven. The Holy Ghost will testify of truth no matter if it is Spiritual or Temporal.

I love you all,

Elder McCallson

                                                 My Companion, Elder Sellers

                                                  Elders in my Apartment

                                                    My Little Bit of Home

August 18, 2014

My first week was awesome. Right off we, Elder Sellers and I, did a little shopping, then went straight to a teaching appointment at a member's house. The goal in this mission is to teach all members the first lesson so they understand what and how we teach. I think that is a great idea. 1) because most member don't really know what to talk to their friends about when they ask about our religion (or at least I didn't) and 2) It helps us grow closer to the families so they can trust us with their friends and other referrals.

One of the few things I miss most is swimming. We have this pool in our apartment complex but.... I can't go! The weather here is dry, whether cold at nights or hot, when the sun is out it is just dry. It is a lot better than Kansas. The people are different. I can't really explain it. I guess this experience will do... Saturday, we went to a members house to help celebrate their 1 year old's birthday. When it came time for cake they stripped him to his "birthday suit" :) so he could eat the cake. Not only that but the party was outside.

Now about the area.... My district covers about a 3-5 square mile area. My companion just transferred from an area in Meridian where he said it was 1/2 a square mile. Most of our ward that we cover lives in apartment complexes (we have 4 in our area) so the static families all hold the callings and live in this area called the Hill. It has become hard for us to continue with the goal of our mission because we don't know where half of the people live; most of that is due to the moving in and out of apartments and our list is like a year old. When we get iPads it will change because we then have an always up-to-date mapping of families in the Ward.

I don't have a Chipotle... That was a bit of a bummer, but so far as I have been here I have yet to eat steak/roast and potatoes. :P I have had chicken alfredo twice though :P

I had the opportunity to confirm my first person. Granted he was 8 years old and his brother was on a mission in Arizona (Mesa). But it was still cool!

It has only been a week but I am loving the time I have to serve the Lord. I know that by reading and praying we all can have our testimonies grow.

I can also attest to the fact that the Lord blesses the diligent. Sunday we had a gentleman just walk into church. Well we saw him and have an appointment set up for this week. Also as we were visiting another sister, we had a woman walk up to us and say "I want to be Mormon." Needless to say, we set up an appointment right there and will also visit her this week.

I know that the Lord is preparing people to hear the Gospel. All we have to do is be where he wants us to be.

I love you all,

Elder McCallson

August 12, 2014  
Boise Mission Home

Dear Missionary Parents,

How thrilled Sister Winder and I were to greet your son and to welcome him as a full-time missionary in the Idaho Boise Mission. What a blessing it will be to our mission to have him serving here to the assigned field of labor.

After arriving at the mission office and conducting a brief orientation of the mission, I had the
opportunity of interviewing your son in an effort to become better acquainted with him and to feel of
his spirit. As a result of this interview, I felt impressed to assign your son, as a companion, to the most obedient, most skilled, and hardest working missionary in the mission. You can be assured that this companion is one of our mission’s very best.
We are confident that your son will have a very positive experience while serving in the Idaho Boise
Mission. We know he will strengthen his skills, increase his knowledge and testimony of the gospel, and establish an increased measure of love for all of our Heavenly Father’s children he will assist in teaching.

We have attached a picture of your missionary with Sister Winder and myself and also a picture of him with his trainer, Elder Sellers.

May the Lord’s choicest blessings be with you as you sustain your son and pray for his continued
welfare.

Faithfully yours,
President John Q. Winder
Idaho Boise Mission

                                      Elder McCallson and President and Sister Winder

                                      Elders Sellers, McCallson and Pres/Sis Winder
                       

August 12, 2014

from Sister Claudine Loertscher:
Just wanted to send you a couple of quick pictures that we took a few minutes ago!  It was so fun getting to meet Elder McCallson!  He is excited to be here and ready to get to work.  He has a great example in Elder Sellers.  He will be an amazing trainer for Elder McCallson.  Elder Sellers will be performing a baptism on Saturday for a little boy in our ward.  My 8 year old son will be getting baptized that day as well.  So, it will be a fun to be able to be with them during this time.  Thanks for sharing your sons with us!

                                                Elders McCallson and Sellers

                                                        

My new address will be:  Elder Jacob McCallson
                                         IDAHO BOISE MISSION OFFICE
                                         1111 South Cole Road
                                         Boise, Idaho  83709

    No humidity!! I have three Elders from California (one from Laguna Beach, Orange County) they all say it is cold and humid here, I can't help but laugh. They have no clue what humidity really is. The weather had been awesome we had a few raindrops every now and then (nothing like the storms in Kansas). I also cannot count the times I have heard "you're not in Kansas anymore". But, I don't mind, I think it's funny.

    I had two really cool teacher Brother Sebesta and Sister Draney. They really know how to make the lessons and ways to teach fun. I wish I could give you all a quick lesson to show you how you can help teach others. The first lesson can be taught in under a minute.

   I love you all so much, (thanks for the emails- you don't realize how awesome mail from home is until you are out on a mission, so please tell Jeremy: I am sorry.) I would like an update on Hunter and Everett and their calls whenever possible.

"Pray always that you may come off conqueror..."

 I wish I could give you all a great big hug.

I love you,

Elder McCallson

                                                      Flowers in Provo, UT

 

                                                      Elders in MTC Group

                                     
                                                 MTC Group, Elders and Sisters

 

My First P day!

I am having a blast. I can see why people learn so much here (I almost wish I was learning a language). I have found so much out about me and how the Lord shares his gospel. I am glad that all of you are doing well.

The food is good. I definitely prefer your home cooked meals. We were able to go to the temple today so that was awesome. My district is made up of 6 Elders and 2 Sisters they are all amazing. 

I feel for the first time in forever (Haha Frozen!) I truly understand Charity and unless you come to the MTC or set apart a week where that is all you learn about you really cant learn it in primary or Sunday school classes.

So you already are changing my room? I thought I would have at least till I was out of the MTC to hear that. :P but, its all good. I wish I could share all I have learned to you through this email but I just don't think that will ever be possible.

I love you all and hope that you all stay well and keep moving forward. 

Your Elder,

Elder McCallson

Whattupp!!! I guess I have no clue what to type. I guess it is going alright. I know that you all are not missing me yet and that is good. I don't want you too. I am loving it here mostly because at night it is quiet and I get a full 8 hours. The food is good but not as good as Mom's. Study, eat, study, eat, study, eat, study, sleep is my schedule.

I am told it cannot be too long. So I love you all and hope you are doing alright. :)

This is my address for the MTC:

Elder Jacob Scott McCallson
AUG12  ID-BOI
2009 N 900 E Unit 163
Provo UT 84602