Last night we spent a few hours listening to a dear couple we have known for many years. They recently returned from the West Indies as missionaries. Needless to say we are ready to pack our bags and go anywhere.
They shed tears as they shared stories, experiences, and events surrounding the people they met and grew to love. They shared the fear they had to leave their grand children for a time. But they also shared that they hated to leave those people in the West Indies for they had become as if family also. Now they have family in Utah and the West Indies.
Another couple shared that they also shed tears when they had to leave their "family" in Germany as they returned from their mission. I guess you could say that when someone goes on a mission and gives their all, their testimony, loves the members and serves them, that couple is just expanding their family beyond those they gleaned through natural birth.
I remember the same experience as I left the saints in Mexico. I have fmaily down there, if they are still alive after all these years. We are excited to adopt more family wherever the Lord decides to call us.
Yes, I guess the good a senior couple does is also important, but the service, the love one gets from their missionary service is another glorious benefit. We have been anticipating going on this mission for a long time. I served in Mexico. My parents served four, and who knows what will happen in our future. What a glorious experience to meet, grow to love, and serve different people around the world. What a glorious exerience to "suffer" through cold showers, eat real strange food and pretend to like it, see the insignificance of money, give our time to others who are hungry for attention and love, etc.
Only 113 days until our 40th anniversary when we want to be "on our way" or at least in preparation to go.
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