CLOSURE

JACOB HAS RETURNED AFTER COMPLETING A SHORT BUT HONORABLE MISSION.
HAVE YOU HEARD THE MANY NEWS REPORTS AND EVEN THE NFL SPEAKING ABOUT THE SERIOUSNESS OF CONCUSSION.  JACOB SUFFERS WITH POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME.
HE HAS EXPERIENCED BLACK OUTS, BLURRY VISION, DIZZINESS AND CONSTANT HEADACHES.  HE NOW RESIDES WITH HIS GRANDPARENTS IN UTAH.  HAS OBTAINED A JOB A KOHLS AND PLANS TO ATTEND COLLEGE IN JANUARY.

WELCOME HOME JACOB, A TRUE WARRIOR

DOCTRINE & COVENANT 124:49

JACOB HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME.  IN ARIZONA HE WAS TESTED, AND TESTED.  SOMETHING LIKE 2 CT'S OF THE BRAIN, 3 MRI'S AND NUMEROUS BLOOD TEST.  HE HAD A FULL CARDIO WORK UP.  ALSO A NUEROLOGIST AND ENT CONSULTED.
UPON ARRIVING BACK HOME IN ALABAMA AT HIS FOLLOW UP WITH THE DOCTOR HE WAS TOLD THE SAME DIAGNOSIS.  TOLD HE WOULD HAVE A LONG HAUL BEFORE HIM.
SINCE HE HAS NOT HAD A BLACK OUT IN A WEEK SHE CONSIDERS HIM ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY.  HE CANNOT DRIVE FOR 3-4 MONTHS NOR MAKE SUDDEN MOVEMENTS.
HE HAS BEEN PUT ON 3 DIFFERENT MEDICATIONS IN ATTEMPT TO CONTROL HIS SYMPTOMS.
PRESIDENT FELT SHARED THIS SCRIPTURE WITH US:
D&C 124:49
  49 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, (PAUSE FOR A MOMENT AND THINK, THIS CAN REFER TO A MISSION) and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their ^adiligence,(JACOB EVEN AFTER THE INITIAL IMPACT PUSHED FORWARD DOING ALL THAT HE COULD) and their enemies(PAUSE AGAIN-WHO OR WHAT ARE ENEMIES) come upon them and ^bhinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to ^crequire that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings.(PRESIDENT FELT STATED JACOB HAS COMPLETED A SUCCESSFUL MISSION THAT HE HAS DONE ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED OF HIM)
  53 And this I make an ^aexample unto you, for your consolation concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work and have been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by ^boppression, saith the Lord your God.

The Strength of a Missionary

So, one of my teammates made this video and I asked her if I could use it, because I think it is amazing. It is incredibly inspiring for athletes, but it's interesting because once Ilene pointed out that it is inspiring for missionary work as well-it fit perfectly. I can't even imagine how tough missionary work can be. Tracking day in and day out, some people listening and some people not. Yet, every missionary has what makes him or her stronger. Of course God gives us family. Of course God gives us friends. He knows we are going to go through hard times and He wasn't about to let us go through them alone. For me, if I were to make a video like this. I would say that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ make me stronger everyday. They know I have weaknesses and they allow me to work them into strengths. My family and every person that I know I am supposed to meet--Jake and his family--support that I know I will always have even when I am miles away. These things make me stronger :)

DISCOURAGING MOMENTS

Jacob bumped his head on his bunkbed and received a slight concussion.  During the next few days he experienced dizziness and weakness.  Was taken to the hospital July 26th where they rehydrated him.  When he mentioned he had had lymes disease they kept him to do additional test.  We are awaiting a call from his
Mission President.
Jacob WOULD NOT LIKE a lot of fuss or attention, the President states he, Jacob, is anxious to get back out and get back to work.
After experiencing such highs with some of his early success he is experiencing some discouraging moments.
I know he is included in ALL of our prayers

Jake's Advice

In the last letter I received, Jake ended the letter with some advice. He said, "Spend as much time as you can with your family. I wish more than anything that I would have done that more in VA...Your family is one of the greatest gifts that Heavenly Father gave you. As you already know, family is where true happiness is and only there can you find it."

Jake is one of the best examples to me of someone who always treasures and appreciates family. He taught me a lot about the significance of family when he was here and he continues to teach me while on his mission. I don't think it was a coincidence that Jake gave me this advice in this letter, because it came at a time when I am getting ready to leave for school. His letter allowed me to stop and appreciate my family and encouraged me to treasure each day I spend with them. I think it's good advice for everyone! :)

Hopin"

Been hoping Jacob would send some pictures.  Funny that being 105 degrees is cool compared to 115 degrees, cannot even imagine.  Jacob wrote it is so hot the soles of his shoes melt to his bike pedals and that he burnt his fingers on his watch.  Had a couple of items thrown at him from moving cars, but missed him.

Hard Physical Work

Jake wrote: Its a lot of work being on a mission, especially physically.  We rode our bikes in 112degree yesterday and every time I got off the bike my back is drenched and my garments are drenched.  Its pretty gross but by the time we get done talking to someone on the street it completely drys.  Dehydration is a huge problem.  So is heat exhaustion.  I am constantly tired, but hopefully I will get better:"