Elder Jacob Hillstead

Well folks, just like that the year's come to a close. And man what a year she was! 2025 was the only full year of my life where I was designated as a full-time missionary, and the experiences I've had the priviledge to participate in I will never forget. Last year on new year's day, I wrote a letter to myself one year from now. At that time, I was just finishing up my training and getting ready to move onto my second companionship. I asked myself in the letter what things I would learn, what experiences I would have and what changes I would undergo from then until now. And as I reflect back on where I was a year ago, I can see the product of the work I put in to try and be better each day in 2025. To try and be more like the Savior.  The best word I can use to describe my feelings on the experiences I've been through is "priviledged." I have been priviledged to live amongst these incredible people, to be their servant, to wear the Savior's name everyday, ...

Hello everybody, and Merry Christmas! Ive got just a couple of minutes left in pday, and although the days been super busy I've never missed a weekly email and Im not gonna start now. I just wanted to share a quick christmas message and then share a couple photos from the week! Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a missionary. I wanted to go somewhere in the world, and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ for 2 years, and I am happy beyond words to be here being able to fulfill that dream. I never would have imagined how much joy I feel here on the mission. I've felt such high highs but also such low lows. I've cried, but Ive laughed so much more. I've served, but I've been served so much more. Ive taught, but Ive learned so much more. I feel so privileged to wear the Savior's name on my chest each day, walk the streets of amapa and para and love Christ's children. I am so grateful for the Savior's humble birth, for his perfect example, and for hi...