Jacob Emerick

Jacob Emerick
Jacob in Temecula

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Jacob's farewell talk



Greeting, talk about previous talks, say thanks
Today in my talk I split it into three main sections, where I started, where I am now, and where I hope to be/going.
Since as long as I can remember I have always had the desire to serve a mission for the Lord; probably singing ‘I hope they call me on a mission’ with Jake Snyder in primary furthered or even started my deep desire to serve a mission. In elementary school I loved to sing at the chorus concerts. It gave me a certain feeling of accomplishment. I never got a solo, even though I was the only boy who stayed throughout the music program into middle and high school. From singing in school to primary I loved all the songs about serving missions. Throughout my childhood I knew that I was going to serve a mission, I just didn’t know when or how. Although it was most definitely after I had grown a foot or two. I was taught at a very young age that a mission was a very important thing for young men and women to deeply consider. I can recall my dad asking me when I was about 6 or 7 ‘Do you like girls yet?’ I responded with a resounding NO. His reply was ‘Good! You’re not allowed to like girls until after your mission!’ Back then I gave no thought of this as a mission was many years away. I am that sad to say that what my father told me has come to pass. Not that I don’t like girls like a little 5 year old but I haven’t gotten into a serious (or any kind for that matter) relationship at all. I now realize what he was telling me back then and it showed me how important missions are.  A couple years back I started to become nervous. Being given larger roles in musical productions, playing soccer for crowds and with the varsity team, and singing with choral groups has made me anxious to not mess up, hence the nervousness. I always strive to do my best in all that I do. I hold myself responsible for mistakes, shortcomings, and all manners of negativity. I would always be scared that I would mess up in front of the whole school, let my team down, or let myself down. So because of all this stress I believe I became a nervous person. Even in my senior year after 6 years of musicals, main roles, many speaking lines I was still just as scared/nervous as the first time I had a major role. This has made me more conscious of why I was getting nervous before activities such as musicals or talks.  I was watching Doctor Who, a fantastic television show, and the Doctor (who is an alien from a distant planet and can travel through time and space that is played by a human character) was talking to a young boy who was scared of a specter underneath his bed sheets. It could have been just a friend playing a trick on him, or a monster that the Doctor has been searching for. (Sorry you have to watch the show) He told him “Are you scared? You see him on the bed. Look at it does it scare you? ‘Yes’ Well that’s good. You want to know why that’s good? ‘Why’ Let me tell you about scared. Your heart is beating so hard I can feel it through your hands. There’s so much blood and oxygen pumping through your brain it’s like rocket fuel! Right now you could run faster, and you can fight harder! You can jump higher than ever in your life and you are so alert it’s like you can slow down time! What’s wrong with scared? Scared is a superpower! There is danger in this room and guess what its you! Do you feel it? Do you thinks he feels it? Do you think he’s scared, nah loser.” So from this the Doctor is telling this young frightened boy that scared is not something to feel bad about. In fact scared helps us and even can bring out the best in us. So if we are scared to do something we were given the ability to do it. Like in 1Nephi 3:7 “Read it” If the lord has commanded us to do something, we can do it, even if we’re scared. I’m sure Nephi was a little hesitant to go back to Laban’s house because when they first asked for the plates, he threatened to kill them, but if we go forth in faith than we can do anything.
When I first received my mission call in the mail I wanted to rip it open that second as I have waited for it for at least the past couple weeks. But my parents wanted to invite people over to share with the experience, so I waited a couple more days and finally got to open it. Dear Elder Emerick, you are hereby called to serve in the California Carlsbad Mission. This was somewhat a surprise to me because I had guessed state wise the San Diego Mission which is exactly below my mission. So it was a testimony to me that California was the mission I was supposed to go to.  But then a couple of sentences down it said that I would teach the gospel in Spanish! This was another testimony to me because I had prayed that I would learn a new language on my mission. But I was also astonished to see that I would go to the Mexico MTC, as I had also prayed to go another country on my mission. So I had received what I had been praying for and the Lord’s will was also met by me going to California, the place where I needed to be. I was so excited when I read the rest of the letter, it told me of all the blessings that would help me and my family while I was on my mission. I read the missionary booklet that told me all the things I needed and since August I have been anxiously waiting for December 31st. It has been awesome telling all my friends on Facebook, Twitter, and at work what I’ll be doing and how great the next two years are going to be. I am so excited to start my mission and embark on the greatest journey of my life.
Now as I leave for Mexico, then California I know that what I am doing is for the Lord. I know that because he died for us that we can return to live with him and that’s why I want to serve a mission. I want to share that message and the message of the restored gospel. It won’t be easy, some days I will feel that this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. But I know that these next two years will be the best two of my life so far. I like it when I go out with the missionaries and help them with their appointments. I can’t wait to learn Spanish! I’m sure the Mexico MTC will be tons of fun and I will learn a lot there. My parents have helped me learn how to study a little bit and showed me a Spanish App that helped me remember some remedial Spanish. They have been so supportive to me for my mission and they, along with everyone else have been such a blessing. I will definitely remember your love while I’m out serving the Lord. Thank you for everything you all have done.
Testimony


Going Going.... Gone!






I can't describe my feelings as I see my oldest son leave for his Mission, but I will try.  I am anxious, and yet proud. Overwhelmed and also at peace. I am nervous and hopeful. I am all of these things and more. I am anxious that he find his connecting flight and proud that he has chosen to do this. Overwhelmed because I wont see him for two years and I can't be there physically to help him. I am at peace because I trust Heavenly Father and know he will watch out for him. I am nervous for him. I want him to succeed, but know it is up to him if he succeeds or not. I am hopeful for his success. I know he can do this if he but turns to our Heavenly Father for help.  Lastly I am sooooo Happy. Happy for the Man he will be when he gets back. Happy knowing he can do this and that he is ready. Happy for this new stage in his life.
It was weird watching him go through security by himself, like a mother hen we all stood above and watched as he disappeared through the security check point.  We watched the line snake to the front occasionally loosing sight of him as he passed behind poles and people. We watched him place his carry on jacket and shoes on the conveyor and watched him walk through the glass tunnel. He was a ship passing past the horizon and we were on the shore waving it goodbye. We walked out to our car in silence with an emptiness in our car and our hearts.  This is our new normal. We can do this and so can he. He is awesome. If you heard his talk on Sunday you know he is ready.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Jacob Emerick
 2015
This is the Blog for Jacob Emerick. He is serving in the Carlsbad California Mission for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints, as of December 31, 2014. He will be gone for two years. His hope is to bring to the Spanish  speaking people of Carlsbad California the good news of the Savior Jesus Christ.
The Blog is for his family, friends and himself.