My two oldest children left yesterday to serve missions for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My daughter (22 years old), will be serving in the Winnipeg, Canada Mission. My son (18 years old), will be serving in the Retalhuleu, Guatemala Mission. Unfortunately, they both left at different times on the same day, which meant enduring two goodbyes.
Last week we had many wonderful and precious moments as my four children, wife, and I went to the temple together, listened to Pat and Taegan's fair well talks, and watched/participated in their setting apart. There were many moments I felt overcome with emotion. My daughter gave me a hug after her last talk in church. I told her it was great and could say no more. I wanted to say, what!? A million things...I love you, I'm proud of you, don't leave me, don't grow up, I need you so much. She saw it all in my countenance. She teased a little later, but I told her I didn't say more because no more was needed, "I was practicing an economy of words." Mostly, while struggling to suppress a flood of tears, I wondered, "What have I done?"
Yes, "What have I done?" Our male church missionaries (Elders) serve for two years and female missionaries (Sisters) for one and a half years. My family and I converted to the church about 11 1/2 years ago, after two very special missionaries knocked on our door (Elder Klingler and Elder Gardner). I remember it like it was yesterday -- since then, we have been preparing the kids to serve a mission of their own by discussing the mission, singing songs about serving a mission, how to keep yourself clean enough to serve a mission, how to pray for answers on whether you should serve a mission. Here's where the "what have I done," comes in. I taught them how to build a testimony utilizing the direction of the Holy Ghost, and they did it! Not only did they find their own testimonies, but they grew into a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. When do they ever listen? I tell them to do the same chores nearly every single day and yet they never (ok, hardly ever) get done without prompting. Now they listen? I'm joking...sort of. Children listen all the time, to every word we say, and more importantly, they look for the action behind those words. Now they are putting action behind their own words.
At the airport, we all gave hugs to our missionaries and said goodbye. I again used an economy of words and watched as my two little ones walked away. As we drove home, it seemed that everyone was lost in thought. My mind kept straying to two little kids holding my hands, squeezing them tightly and looking up with smiling faces. They trusted in me to guide and direct them, play with and teach them, and love and console them. But mostly, to show them how to trust in themselves, find joy in life, love others, and be loved. Mission accomplished.
Mostly, I'm excited to hear about their experiences and to help chronicle them, so they can remember the amazing work they've undertaken. This part of my blog will be for those purposes. To record things that are happening here at home in their absence, and to spread the news as it comes back to us from the mission field.
The field is white Elder (and Sister) and ready to harvest. God speed.
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