My Unexpected Mission
Hi. My name is Laurie Jacobson, and I am deaf. I would like to share my story on unexpected sacrifices and serving a four-month mission. I never expected I would serve this mission, and basically had no warning whatsoever. Everything started when I went to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and new granddaughter in Idaho in June 2012.
Last year during the last week of June, my ex-husband and I made a trip to Idaho to visit our daughter's family. It was an exciting time for us. I had never been in West United States before in my whole life. We traveled for 22 hours in a car. It was exhausting and a very long trip. We only stopped for gas and at rest areas and didn't get much sleep. We ate fruit and drank water, saw many interesting landscapes, how people lived there, and beautiful mountains. We arrived in Shelley, Idaho in two days. We were happy to see our daughter, Stephanie, after two years since her wedding day, as well as our first granddaughter, Brinley Jo, for the first time since she was born! She was three months old at that time. She was so adorable and beautiful. It was a joyful reunion. My sons couldn't make it due to work and football practices, sadly. During our visit, we saw many different places in Yellowstone and Jackson, Wyoming. They were the most interesting places we have ever been to.
Around our fifth day of our visit, my daughter Stephanie and I went to the Rexburg, Idaho Temple. During on our drive, she was telling me what her husband, CJ, had felt about Stephanie's younger brother Stefan. She asked me to see if her dad and I would consider sending Stefan to Idaho to live with them in his Senior year of High School. She said that CJ felt impressed to have Stefan live with them to help him have more options in life. Stefan would grow better in the gospel of Jesus Christ and live in a better environment in Idaho. I was very surprised to hear about this from her. I told her I will need to ponder on this and discuss with her father. At the Temple I did pray and asked the Lord to see if it's right thing for us to do by sending Stefan to Idaho. My prayers did get not answered on that day. A few days later, our prayers did get answered and knew it was the right thing to send Stefan to Idaho; I knew that the Lord needed him. Having had that impression, Michael and I agreed to let our son, Stefan, stay in Idaho to live with CJ's family.
On the day of July 13th, I was standing with Stefan at the airport, as they bought Stefan a ticket for him. It was tearful farewell. About five weeks later I received a revelation from the Lord. He said, "Fly to Idaho and live in an RV next to Stephanie," just right after I woke up from my nap. It was a huge message in front of my eyes with big letters, and I was shocked by this message. I knew this message was coming from the Lord. Naturally I was very nervous about this. So, I took a leap of faith. I turned in my notice to the landlord after living 10 years at my old house. I started selling my stuff, my van, furniture, and put the rest of my things in storage.
I bought a ticket for Idaho for September 8th. Afterwards, I informed my daughter I would be coming. When I arrived I did live in the RV next to her home as it was predicted. I lived in Idaho only for six days. Things did not work well for me in Idaho; there was so much opposition there. It was not what I had expected. I couldn't understand why I was there in the first place, so I decided to move back to Illinois by train, and I felt good about this decision. While I was in the train, I was bit upset, sad, and worried because I just sacrificed my home and van all for nothing. I was still wondering where I would go. So, I kept in faith and knew the Lord will lead me to the right place. I arrived in Chicago after two days riding on the train. My ex-husband and my dogs were waiting for me at the train station to pick me up. He told me we were going to go to Quincy. He thought I should contact my mother to live with her. I told her that's not an option, but due to his persuasion that I should email her, I gave in. I emailed her and she said she did not want me to move in with her.
Michael was shocked by the news and I said to him, "Now you know that she doesn’t want me to live with her." I was thinking, “who else should I go to?” and the Spirit came to my mind and said, "Go see Vivian." I told Michael about it and he said, "Really?" I told him, "Let's go to Jacksonville Storage first to get a few of my things." After I got my stuff we went to Quincy. We arrived in Quincy at 10:15PM. I told him try to try and find Vivian's house. When we got there the house was dark so I knew everyone was sleeping. We found a motel to stay the night.
In the following morning of September 17, 2012, I woke up at 4:30AM and I couldn't sleep. I was worried about several things, so I prayed to Father in Heaven to help me to understand what's happening with my life and continue to keep in faith. The morning came and I got ready to leave to see my deaf friend, Vivian. I drove to her house feeling nervous. I had no idea what to say to her except to ask for a place to stay. When I got to her house I rang the doorbell and waited for her to answer the door. Vivian found me on her doorstep and was surprised to see me. We hugged and went to the backyard with her five dogs. We sat down and I explained my situation about how I came back from Idaho and I needed a place to stay for two weeks until I find my own place. Vivian welcomed me to stay, but she needed to ask her boyfriend, Monte, for his permission. He allowed me to stay and it was relief for me, even to stay temporarily until I find my own place.
I got everything settled with my three dogs, and then Vivian came to me and told me that I shouldn't leave in two weeks. I was shocked and asked her why? She said, "God told me that you must stay for a while until you are ready to leave." Thought to myself, "Why do I need to stay here?" She told me that she did pray to Heavenly Father for many months that she needed a help with her kids, remodeling the house, and cleaning around the house. I was surprised with this news. I agreed to stay to help her and her family.
About less than a week later, on a Sunday morning, the spirit came to me and said, "Teach her the gospel." Now I knew why I was staying here. I accepted and agreed to do God's will. I went to the Quincy Ward to learn more about what the ward had, and I found that they had no interpreters. It was scary for me at first until I met a sweet lady. Her name was Sonya Smith. She knows a little sign language. She told me she has a deaf sister who lives in Hawaii. I was so relieved to know that I have something to start with. I met with Bishop Nathan Seaman and the counselors; they were so nice about everything. I felt more comfortable about communicating with the Bishop and told him I moved here. I couldn't stay for Sunday School and Relief Society because Sister Sonya Smith couldn't interpret for me. She was a Primary President at that time.
For few weeks I was teaching Vivian the gospel. We had so much opposition at her house; one of our dogs got in fight. Satan was not kindly liking it and initiated the fight between the dogs. At first I didn't understand why it happened. After the second fight the next day I suddenly saw it very clearly, so I warned Vivian that I could not teach while the kids and the dogs were around to prevent from having the kids hurt. So, once the kids and the dogs went in bed, I taught her the gospel, helping feed her the meaning of the scriptures to help her to understand our Heavenly Father's plan. In mid-October I brought the family of five to the Quincy ward for the first time; it was an awesome feeling. I approached the Missionaries to tell them to come to their house to teach them the gospel. Sister Sonya Smith was glad to help interpreting for all of us until the day her family was moving to Hawaii, which would be until the end of December. After then, were out of an interpreter. I had to interpreter for the Missionaries via laptop for Monte and Vivian for a few weeks. Both of the Missionaries, Elder Hewitt and Elder Jewett continued learning American Sign Language to help us with discussions. They learned so quickly!
Monte and Vivian got married on first day of December of 2012 so they could qualify to be baptized. I was Vivian's maid of honor. It was a quick wedding; it was prepared in three weeks! Their kids were overjoyed to gain a father! Bishop Seaman was glad to conduct their wedding in his home. Sister Donna Carlson from the Nauvoo Ward persuaded the Quincy Missionaries to request for an ASL-speaking Missionary. The Mission President did agree to search for an ASL-speaking Missionary to come to help with deaf people in Quincy, Illinois. I was surprised to learn the ASL Missionary would arrive on the day before the Spurgeon's family baptism! A perfect timing! His name was Elder Christian Mattoon and he was from Utah. It was awesome to see this missionary be able to sign. Even though Elder Mattoon was here for a few days, all of the Elders were learning sign language! It was amazing to see them learning together. On the day of December 29, 2012, the Spurgeon's family of five was baptized. It was a very spiritual feeling. I gave my talk on Baptism and Michael Jacobson gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. The Elders were signing everything at their baptism. It was awesome to be able to understand everything. I will never forget the day! They received the Gift of the Holy Ghost the next day at Sunday during sacrament meeting.
I knew my mission work was completed. I had been praying to Heavenly Father where should I live, and two days later I received a text message from one of my son’s, Spencer, that he wanted us to live together again. I knew the moment that is the answer to my prayers that I would move back to Pekin, Illinois.
The amazing thing has happened when my friend Holly Simpson just informed me about the Mission President who gave a talk in Pekin ward last December in 2012. He told the audience he did set a goal to baptize 400 people beginning the year of 2012. It was announced in December of 2012 that it needed five people left to meet the goal of 400. Recently, on January 9th, 2013, I told Holly that I got five people baptized on December 29, 2012 during my mission! She knew the Mission President did fulfill his goal. She was overcome with the Spirit and knew that I introduced the last five people into the gospel and helped them to be baptized! I was shocked and couldn't believe when I heard about it from her.
So, here I am, asking you to find in your heart to help me by reading my story and purchase the first in a series of seven of the Jake the Bear and His Adventures ebook and spread the word to your family and friends to help me to support my son Stefan's mission. I knew I have no way to pay this and here is my plan. I am selling my e-books that contain 50+ stories for children.
I have been praying how to restore my home, my car, and income supporting myself. The Lord answered to my mind that says, "Sell your book." I was very surprised and happy. I have forgotten all about it since last summer. After few weeks later another one of my sons, Stefan, will serve his mission this coming fall. His father and I were overjoyed with his decision to serve the Lord. We have no idea how to support his Mission, but I knew if I can sell my ebook, the funds will go to his mission for two years.
The stories are about Jake the Bear’s adventures in the Bear Kingdom. Jake the Bear meets new friends, experiences, journeying, wisdom and accountability.
I am selling my e-book in order for you to buy from me to help support my cause. That’s be fair trade. I want to give my cool stories for you and your child(ren) to enjoy. I would appreciate if you spread the word to your families, friends, co workers and strangers in Email, Facebook or in a person to support me. That would be appreciated!
I will be working on the second series after I get settled in. Thank you again for reading my story and your feedback would be appreciated!
My Testimony: I want to bear my testimony. This is truly Lord's work. I know my sacrifice was such a great thing. I knew if I do Lord's work, I will get a blessing twofold, I have no doubt. My youngest son Stefan has turned 18 recently and is preparing to go on his Mission. I can't wait to witness something that will bring his family so much joy! I know this Mission work is hard work I ever experienced. Nothing is easy, but it will be worth it by bringing the souls to Heavenly Father. I never dreamed what I would suffer and struggle through from the adversary just to bring the gospel to the Spurgeon's family. I knew Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are true, as they have love for the world. They have prepared me and knew I would accomplish His work. I'm very grateful that I did experience His wonderful work. I say in this name of Jesus Christ.
Amen!
Thank you for your support!
Laurie Jacobson
Hi. My name is Laurie Jacobson, and I am deaf. I would like to share my story on unexpected sacrifices and serving a four-month mission. I never expected I would serve this mission, and basically had no warning whatsoever. Everything started when I went to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and new granddaughter in Idaho in June 2012.
Last year during the last week of June, my ex-husband and I made a trip to Idaho to visit our daughter's family. It was an exciting time for us. I had never been in West United States before in my whole life. We traveled for 22 hours in a car. It was exhausting and a very long trip. We only stopped for gas and at rest areas and didn't get much sleep. We ate fruit and drank water, saw many interesting landscapes, how people lived there, and beautiful mountains. We arrived in Shelley, Idaho in two days. We were happy to see our daughter, Stephanie, after two years since her wedding day, as well as our first granddaughter, Brinley Jo, for the first time since she was born! She was three months old at that time. She was so adorable and beautiful. It was a joyful reunion. My sons couldn't make it due to work and football practices, sadly. During our visit, we saw many different places in Yellowstone and Jackson, Wyoming. They were the most interesting places we have ever been to.
Around our fifth day of our visit, my daughter Stephanie and I went to the Rexburg, Idaho Temple. During on our drive, she was telling me what her husband, CJ, had felt about Stephanie's younger brother Stefan. She asked me to see if her dad and I would consider sending Stefan to Idaho to live with them in his Senior year of High School. She said that CJ felt impressed to have Stefan live with them to help him have more options in life. Stefan would grow better in the gospel of Jesus Christ and live in a better environment in Idaho. I was very surprised to hear about this from her. I told her I will need to ponder on this and discuss with her father. At the Temple I did pray and asked the Lord to see if it's right thing for us to do by sending Stefan to Idaho. My prayers did get not answered on that day. A few days later, our prayers did get answered and knew it was the right thing to send Stefan to Idaho; I knew that the Lord needed him. Having had that impression, Michael and I agreed to let our son, Stefan, stay in Idaho to live with CJ's family.
On the day of July 13th, I was standing with Stefan at the airport, as they bought Stefan a ticket for him. It was tearful farewell. About five weeks later I received a revelation from the Lord. He said, "Fly to Idaho and live in an RV next to Stephanie," just right after I woke up from my nap. It was a huge message in front of my eyes with big letters, and I was shocked by this message. I knew this message was coming from the Lord. Naturally I was very nervous about this. So, I took a leap of faith. I turned in my notice to the landlord after living 10 years at my old house. I started selling my stuff, my van, furniture, and put the rest of my things in storage.
I bought a ticket for Idaho for September 8th. Afterwards, I informed my daughter I would be coming. When I arrived I did live in the RV next to her home as it was predicted. I lived in Idaho only for six days. Things did not work well for me in Idaho; there was so much opposition there. It was not what I had expected. I couldn't understand why I was there in the first place, so I decided to move back to Illinois by train, and I felt good about this decision. While I was in the train, I was bit upset, sad, and worried because I just sacrificed my home and van all for nothing. I was still wondering where I would go. So, I kept in faith and knew the Lord will lead me to the right place. I arrived in Chicago after two days riding on the train. My ex-husband and my dogs were waiting for me at the train station to pick me up. He told me we were going to go to Quincy. He thought I should contact my mother to live with her. I told her that's not an option, but due to his persuasion that I should email her, I gave in. I emailed her and she said she did not want me to move in with her.
Michael was shocked by the news and I said to him, "Now you know that she doesn’t want me to live with her." I was thinking, “who else should I go to?” and the Spirit came to my mind and said, "Go see Vivian." I told Michael about it and he said, "Really?" I told him, "Let's go to Jacksonville Storage first to get a few of my things." After I got my stuff we went to Quincy. We arrived in Quincy at 10:15PM. I told him try to try and find Vivian's house. When we got there the house was dark so I knew everyone was sleeping. We found a motel to stay the night.
In the following morning of September 17, 2012, I woke up at 4:30AM and I couldn't sleep. I was worried about several things, so I prayed to Father in Heaven to help me to understand what's happening with my life and continue to keep in faith. The morning came and I got ready to leave to see my deaf friend, Vivian. I drove to her house feeling nervous. I had no idea what to say to her except to ask for a place to stay. When I got to her house I rang the doorbell and waited for her to answer the door. Vivian found me on her doorstep and was surprised to see me. We hugged and went to the backyard with her five dogs. We sat down and I explained my situation about how I came back from Idaho and I needed a place to stay for two weeks until I find my own place. Vivian welcomed me to stay, but she needed to ask her boyfriend, Monte, for his permission. He allowed me to stay and it was relief for me, even to stay temporarily until I find my own place.
I got everything settled with my three dogs, and then Vivian came to me and told me that I shouldn't leave in two weeks. I was shocked and asked her why? She said, "God told me that you must stay for a while until you are ready to leave." Thought to myself, "Why do I need to stay here?" She told me that she did pray to Heavenly Father for many months that she needed a help with her kids, remodeling the house, and cleaning around the house. I was surprised with this news. I agreed to stay to help her and her family.
About less than a week later, on a Sunday morning, the spirit came to me and said, "Teach her the gospel." Now I knew why I was staying here. I accepted and agreed to do God's will. I went to the Quincy Ward to learn more about what the ward had, and I found that they had no interpreters. It was scary for me at first until I met a sweet lady. Her name was Sonya Smith. She knows a little sign language. She told me she has a deaf sister who lives in Hawaii. I was so relieved to know that I have something to start with. I met with Bishop Nathan Seaman and the counselors; they were so nice about everything. I felt more comfortable about communicating with the Bishop and told him I moved here. I couldn't stay for Sunday School and Relief Society because Sister Sonya Smith couldn't interpret for me. She was a Primary President at that time.
For few weeks I was teaching Vivian the gospel. We had so much opposition at her house; one of our dogs got in fight. Satan was not kindly liking it and initiated the fight between the dogs. At first I didn't understand why it happened. After the second fight the next day I suddenly saw it very clearly, so I warned Vivian that I could not teach while the kids and the dogs were around to prevent from having the kids hurt. So, once the kids and the dogs went in bed, I taught her the gospel, helping feed her the meaning of the scriptures to help her to understand our Heavenly Father's plan. In mid-October I brought the family of five to the Quincy ward for the first time; it was an awesome feeling. I approached the Missionaries to tell them to come to their house to teach them the gospel. Sister Sonya Smith was glad to help interpreting for all of us until the day her family was moving to Hawaii, which would be until the end of December. After then, were out of an interpreter. I had to interpreter for the Missionaries via laptop for Monte and Vivian for a few weeks. Both of the Missionaries, Elder Hewitt and Elder Jewett continued learning American Sign Language to help us with discussions. They learned so quickly!
Monte and Vivian got married on first day of December of 2012 so they could qualify to be baptized. I was Vivian's maid of honor. It was a quick wedding; it was prepared in three weeks! Their kids were overjoyed to gain a father! Bishop Seaman was glad to conduct their wedding in his home. Sister Donna Carlson from the Nauvoo Ward persuaded the Quincy Missionaries to request for an ASL-speaking Missionary. The Mission President did agree to search for an ASL-speaking Missionary to come to help with deaf people in Quincy, Illinois. I was surprised to learn the ASL Missionary would arrive on the day before the Spurgeon's family baptism! A perfect timing! His name was Elder Christian Mattoon and he was from Utah. It was awesome to see this missionary be able to sign. Even though Elder Mattoon was here for a few days, all of the Elders were learning sign language! It was amazing to see them learning together. On the day of December 29, 2012, the Spurgeon's family of five was baptized. It was a very spiritual feeling. I gave my talk on Baptism and Michael Jacobson gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. The Elders were signing everything at their baptism. It was awesome to be able to understand everything. I will never forget the day! They received the Gift of the Holy Ghost the next day at Sunday during sacrament meeting.
I knew my mission work was completed. I had been praying to Heavenly Father where should I live, and two days later I received a text message from one of my son’s, Spencer, that he wanted us to live together again. I knew the moment that is the answer to my prayers that I would move back to Pekin, Illinois.
The amazing thing has happened when my friend Holly Simpson just informed me about the Mission President who gave a talk in Pekin ward last December in 2012. He told the audience he did set a goal to baptize 400 people beginning the year of 2012. It was announced in December of 2012 that it needed five people left to meet the goal of 400. Recently, on January 9th, 2013, I told Holly that I got five people baptized on December 29, 2012 during my mission! She knew the Mission President did fulfill his goal. She was overcome with the Spirit and knew that I introduced the last five people into the gospel and helped them to be baptized! I was shocked and couldn't believe when I heard about it from her.
So, here I am, asking you to find in your heart to help me by reading my story and purchase the first in a series of seven of the Jake the Bear and His Adventures ebook and spread the word to your family and friends to help me to support my son Stefan's mission. I knew I have no way to pay this and here is my plan. I am selling my e-books that contain 50+ stories for children.
I have been praying how to restore my home, my car, and income supporting myself. The Lord answered to my mind that says, "Sell your book." I was very surprised and happy. I have forgotten all about it since last summer. After few weeks later another one of my sons, Stefan, will serve his mission this coming fall. His father and I were overjoyed with his decision to serve the Lord. We have no idea how to support his Mission, but I knew if I can sell my ebook, the funds will go to his mission for two years.
The stories are about Jake the Bear’s adventures in the Bear Kingdom. Jake the Bear meets new friends, experiences, journeying, wisdom and accountability.
I am selling my e-book in order for you to buy from me to help support my cause. That’s be fair trade. I want to give my cool stories for you and your child(ren) to enjoy. I would appreciate if you spread the word to your families, friends, co workers and strangers in Email, Facebook or in a person to support me. That would be appreciated!
I will be working on the second series after I get settled in. Thank you again for reading my story and your feedback would be appreciated!
My Testimony: I want to bear my testimony. This is truly Lord's work. I know my sacrifice was such a great thing. I knew if I do Lord's work, I will get a blessing twofold, I have no doubt. My youngest son Stefan has turned 18 recently and is preparing to go on his Mission. I can't wait to witness something that will bring his family so much joy! I know this Mission work is hard work I ever experienced. Nothing is easy, but it will be worth it by bringing the souls to Heavenly Father. I never dreamed what I would suffer and struggle through from the adversary just to bring the gospel to the Spurgeon's family. I knew Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are true, as they have love for the world. They have prepared me and knew I would accomplish His work. I'm very grateful that I did experience His wonderful work. I say in this name of Jesus Christ.
Amen!
Thank you for your support!
Laurie Jacobson