JACOB...

Well...Jacob's is back home.  I have heard that the MTC is tough.  They get up every morning at 6:00 and from there they go and go and go until it is time to go to bed where they crash exhausted in their beds.  It is a grueling routine for anyone, but some people can deal with the stress of it better than others. It is even more difficult when it is a foreign speaking mission.  Then they stay in the MTC for 2 months and try to teach the language well enough to get a start.  Jacob says from day one they spoke only Japanese to him.  Also, you have to be with your companion 24/7...so there is never time to be alone and regroup.  Unfortunately, all of this created a stressful situation for Jacob and he was unable to continue.  It happens.

Jacob is considered a returned missionary, having been honorably released, and when asked where he served he says...the MTC. (If anyone presses further, he explains in more detail.) In the short time he was there, lessons were learned and friendships were formed.  It is enough. So Jacob is moving on.  He did what he needed to do, which was be willing to serve an honorable mission.  He feels good with the decision to just move on and we are supportive of his decision. We are super proud of him for trying. He is enrolled at Mesa Community College on a scholarship and he is working on getting a job.

Welcome Home Elder Jacob Johnson!  We missed you!!  

JACOB - Jacob's First Note Home...Received Wed. June 22, at 8:20 PM

I received this short note from Jacob the evening after he checked in.  It almost

sounds like a hostage letter, where the captors tell him to tell me he's fine. 

I am looking forward to getting a "real" letter from him this week. 

Hi Mom! 

I only have a minute to talk, but my Pdays are on Wednesday. Send
emails before then so I can prepare responses in advance. I'm safe and
well, and I have a good companion. I love you, and I can't wait to
hear from you!

Jacob