Mission Calls

As many of you know, I am the head cheerleader for sending out missionaries. I feel sorry for those who never get the chance to experience so many things that others will never completely understand unless they become missionaries themsleves. I have been home almost two years and I still think about the people and lessons I learned on a daily basis. It was such an amazing gift to be able to go serve the Lord all day every day for 18 months. Besides the wonderful joy of helping others come unto Christ, a mission prepares you to work hard in school, to start a career, to become a good spouse and parent, etc.

Just last week I found out that one of my ex-coworkers has decided to not go on a mission. It broke my heart because I know that he is a good kid, but at the same time, if you don't go into it full-hearted, then it's best that he not go at all. I just feel sad for him because of all the wonderufl experiences he's going to miss out on. Who knows, maybe he'll pull a Derek: he will be turning 24 next week and he just left on his mission this year.

Last week I was invited to go see Gregalo (Greg Sanderson--Mary's ex-boyfriend and my ex-coworker) open his mission call. I was touched that he invited Chris and I. He has become like what I imagine a little brother would be like: likable, but really obnoxious at the same time as he knows all the right ways to push my buttons! Anyway, Chris, Mary, and I went over to his house as did another 30 of his friends to watch him open his mission call. He is going to the Riverside California mission (I guessed California, so I won $4!). A mission will be great for him, and I think he'll do a great job.

My sister-in-law Lara is planning on a mission too. When she announced that she wanted to go, I was extatic! She will make a wonderful missionary. She has already been doing a great job here at home; one of her good friends Zeb, who is pretty much part of the family already, will be baptized this Saturday morning! Last night she opened her mission call. She will be going to the Canada Alberta mission. How exciting! I just hope all the elders don't fall in love with her. She is absolutely gorgeous and super friendly.

Sometimes I get a little passionate about this sort of thing, but seriously, if any of you are thinking about it, just do it! You won't regret it!