Off to the MTC

What a handsome young man

            

Here is our missionary, ready to fly out of Boise on December 28th, 2011.  We were supposed to drive him down to Provo, but his grandma in Portland passed away the day after Christmas so plans quickly changed.  Having to say goodbye two days earlier than planned was tough, especially for Tena!  Everything went perfectly, and some of Jacob's friends picked him up in Salt Lake and delivered him to the MTC on schedule.  Below is a shot of his group at the MTC:

And here are old friends Tyler and Nik.  Tyler just recently left for Mexico, and Nik entered the MTC just a few weeks ago.

Here is one of Jacob's letters he wrote shortly after entering the MTC:

Dear Family, 

Everything is going great here at the MTC. It has been a great experience so far. You wouldn't believe just how much you can learn in just a couple days! I have been teaching and I feel it has gone very well. I have definitely been blessed with the gift of tongues as I am able to understand nearly everything that the investigator has to say and I am able to reply with the exact things that I wish to say. In the class I am probably one of the best in my district which is made up of nine elders. I have two companions, Elder Hosch and Elder Terrill. They are way chill and we get along just fine. 

The first few days were pretty hectic. We didn't even have a teacher one day when we were supposed to but all the mishaps have been fixed. We have been eating very well I may have even gained some weight if we are lucky. Fast sunday definitely took it all back off though haha. I'm having a real good time. We work straight through the day until meal times then it's off to bed. Tuesdays are my p-days so that's when I am able to write letters and send emails.  It's great being here but I really can't wait to get out into the field, although I have a lot more to learn here. 

 

Thanks for being such a great support and I know I am doing the right thing by being out here and serving the Lord. I know I can never pay Christ back for all the things that he has done for me but I sure can try and that is exactly what I am doing now. I can't bare not to let all partake of the joys that I have received through this gospel. I have prepared my whole life for this moment to serve the Lord, and I will not waste a second of His sacred time while I am here.

Love you all,

Elder O'Brien

We are very proud of our missionary and look forward to his weekly emails.  We will post letters and pictures as we get them, so check back from time to time.