I am not a big crier, but I have been known to shed a few tears especially when I am feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost. However, in the days leading up to our missionary's departure, I found myself tearing up over the smallest things.
I shed tears at Men's Warehouse when the sales clerk kept calling our son "Elder" and when our son came out of the dressing room wearing his suit and white shirt. The man who stood before me was not a child, but my spiritual equal prepared to do the will of his Heavenly Father. The poignant realization that his childhood was over was as painful as the realization that I was finished raising him felt right.
I cried during instruction in the Jordan River LDS Temple when the matrons kept referring to me as "the missionary's mom." Having never been a missionary's mom before, the title was startling and deeply satisfying. I must say that for me being "the missionary's mom" is right up there with being an "elect lady". I realized that this was the moment we had been moving towards from the time he was born and that we had reached this place with the help of a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
I sobbed when we realized while packing that we had purchased 8 long sleeve shirts and 2 short sleeve shirts instead of 2 long sleeve and 8 short sleeve. The stress of the week's preparation activities finally caught up with me when I realized our mistake. By the time I had cried myself out, I was emotionally exhausted. So when we dropped our missionary off at the MTC later that day, after making an emergency stop for additional shirts, I was ready for him to be gone. There were no tears left to be shed. Not the most touching moment, to be sure, but I learned a lesson. I wish I'd known that the week prior to his departure was going to be so stressful, wish I'd known all the things about sending a missionary off that I've learned since, and I wish that I'd known what a cathartic moment it is to watch your missionary walk off, head held high, anxious to be engaged in the Lord's work. If I'd known how happy that would make me, I might have shed a few more tears.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Report from the Mission Field
After two months in the mission field, Elder Zaitzeff reports that:
The most surprising and hardest thing about being a missionary is "working with the ward members, we are looking for support that we are not getting a lot of."
The easiest thing is "I do not think anything is easy" about being a missionary.
The best thing is "talking to people, teaching and feeling the spirit."
On companionships: "Having a companion is not like having a roommate or a brother - I have to be with them all the time that gives a companionship a very different feel."
The most surprising and hardest thing about being a missionary is "working with the ward members, we are looking for support that we are not getting a lot of."
The easiest thing is "I do not think anything is easy" about being a missionary.
The best thing is "talking to people, teaching and feeling the spirit."
On companionships: "Having a companion is not like having a roommate or a brother - I have to be with them all the time that gives a companionship a very different feel."
More reports to come as they develop.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Backpack or Shoulder Bags: Which is best for an LDS Missionary
Basically the choice between a backpack and a shoulder bag will be determined by the mission president of your missionary's mission. Our missionary was informed in his booklet of general instructions that shoulder bags were considered more professional and strongly encouraged in his mission in SoCal.
Shoulder bags were extremely hard to find. We finally had success at the Missionary Mall in Provo, but they are not cheap. They run about $80, but with added bells and whistles, can run over $100. Later our missionary also found them at the MTC bookstore.
Backpacks are, of course, easier to find, but they need to be black or dark blue with no visible logos or insignias. Finding those, I think, would be harder.
Known as tracting bags, these bags are designed to carry the essentials for daily missionary work like missionary planners, pamphlets, pass-along cards, cameras, keys, etc. Some have room for rain gear and water bottles.
A tracting bag would make a nice birthday gift for a 19 year-old future missionary.
Shoulder bags were extremely hard to find. We finally had success at the Missionary Mall in Provo, but they are not cheap. They run about $80, but with added bells and whistles, can run over $100. Later our missionary also found them at the MTC bookstore.
Backpacks are, of course, easier to find, but they need to be black or dark blue with no visible logos or insignias. Finding those, I think, would be harder.
Known as tracting bags, these bags are designed to carry the essentials for daily missionary work like missionary planners, pamphlets, pass-along cards, cameras, keys, etc. Some have room for rain gear and water bottles.
A tracting bag would make a nice birthday gift for a 19 year-old future missionary.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Avoiding the Power Suit
In my blog The What To Wear List for an LDS Missionary, I listed the church's preferred suit colors for missionaries. They are black, dark blue, dark green, dark gray and dark brown. (Notice the dark and conservative theme.)
I recommend that you avoid buying a black suit, even though they may be considered the standard uniform for missionaries. Here's why: according to research in the field of color psychology, black is a power color.
"Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless...Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula [and Darth Vader], often wear black."
Black is not a welcoming, approachable color. It is a dominating presence in a room. For example, when our missionary was set apart, his stake presidency met with us during the middle of the day. One of the counselors had come from his office where he is a top executive. He was wearing a black suit, and as we proceeded with the setting apart, he was physically dominating the meeting. I can still remember how severe he looked, though he was a very pleasant person.
Now you might say that a dominant presence or a sense of authority would be a good thing, but I think that one of the hardest obstacles to overcome on a mission is just getting people to talk to you, the whole first impression. A missionary in a black suit is a lot more threatening, than say a missionary in a dark blue suit because blue is a more easy, approachable color.
"The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms...Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms."
A lot of the general authorities wear blue at General Conference.
Green is a calm, refreshing color, and brown is manly, earthy and reliable. Since there are other, better alternatives, I recommend avoiding black, if possible. It probably won't have much bearing on your missionary's success while on their mission, but why not give them an added advantage, even if it is only psychological.
I love dark gray as an alternate to black myself, and our missionary looked so grown up in his dark blue and dark gray suits. I cried when he came out of the dressing room.
I recommend that you avoid buying a black suit, even though they may be considered the standard uniform for missionaries. Here's why: according to research in the field of color psychology, black is a power color.
"Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless...Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula [and Darth Vader], often wear black."
Black is not a welcoming, approachable color. It is a dominating presence in a room. For example, when our missionary was set apart, his stake presidency met with us during the middle of the day. One of the counselors had come from his office where he is a top executive. He was wearing a black suit, and as we proceeded with the setting apart, he was physically dominating the meeting. I can still remember how severe he looked, though he was a very pleasant person.
Now you might say that a dominant presence or a sense of authority would be a good thing, but I think that one of the hardest obstacles to overcome on a mission is just getting people to talk to you, the whole first impression. A missionary in a black suit is a lot more threatening, than say a missionary in a dark blue suit because blue is a more easy, approachable color.
"The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms...Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms."
A lot of the general authorities wear blue at General Conference.
Green is a calm, refreshing color, and brown is manly, earthy and reliable. Since there are other, better alternatives, I recommend avoiding black, if possible. It probably won't have much bearing on your missionary's success while on their mission, but why not give them an added advantage, even if it is only psychological.
I love dark gray as an alternate to black myself, and our missionary looked so grown up in his dark blue and dark gray suits. I cried when he came out of the dressing room.
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Number One Reason to Go On A Mission
In 3 Nephi 27:13, Jesus Christ describes the purpose of his life's mission to the Nephites in these words:
"Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me." (The Book of Mormon)
His purpose is to do the "will of the Father," and as we draw closer to Christ as our Savior, the purpose of our lives should also be to do the will of the Father.
In her blog, Finding the Only Reason that Will Sustain Us, author Becky Thomas remembers the advice she received from her father about the best and only reason to go on a mission when he said, "You need to go for one reason only, to serve your Heavenly Father."
There are a lot of hardships and challenges in serving an LDS mission from deciding to go in the first place to finding joy in the call to living in unfamiliar, and sometimes harsh, circumstances to finding success in sharing the message.
Very few reasons besides doing the will of the Father will sustain a missionary through those kinds of trials, but imagine the power in the missionary who when asked why they sacrifice and serve answers back, "I came to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me."
"Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me." (The Book of Mormon)
His purpose is to do the "will of the Father," and as we draw closer to Christ as our Savior, the purpose of our lives should also be to do the will of the Father.
In her blog, Finding the Only Reason that Will Sustain Us, author Becky Thomas remembers the advice she received from her father about the best and only reason to go on a mission when he said, "You need to go for one reason only, to serve your Heavenly Father."
There are a lot of hardships and challenges in serving an LDS mission from deciding to go in the first place to finding joy in the call to living in unfamiliar, and sometimes harsh, circumstances to finding success in sharing the message.
Very few reasons besides doing the will of the Father will sustain a missionary through those kinds of trials, but imagine the power in the missionary who when asked why they sacrifice and serve answers back, "I came to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me."
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The All Important LDS Missionary Plaque
Different units have different traditions regarding missionary plaques. Some wards and branches pay for and provide the plaque; some do not, leaving it to the family.
After some searching and a few recommendations, we settled on GoLDS plaques. GoLDSPlaques.com is an LDS family-owned and operated business that specializes in LDS missionary plaques and other products common in the “Mormon” community. They have a significant web presence, can answer any of your questions and take your orders online
They offer a wide range of options to commemorate your missionary's service. We just picked the standard finish with brass because that is traditional for our ward.
The tricky part has been getting a picture of our missionary to the ward clerk and getting it mounted. Wish I had professional pictures taken of our missionary before he entered the MTC. Nothing fancy, just something with his suit on...
After some searching and a few recommendations, we settled on GoLDS plaques. GoLDSPlaques.com is an LDS family-owned and operated business that specializes in LDS missionary plaques and other products common in the “Mormon” community. They have a significant web presence, can answer any of your questions and take your orders online
They offer a wide range of options to commemorate your missionary's service. We just picked the standard finish with brass because that is traditional for our ward.
The tricky part has been getting a picture of our missionary to the ward clerk and getting it mounted. Wish I had professional pictures taken of our missionary before he entered the MTC. Nothing fancy, just something with his suit on...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Birthday Box for an LDS Missionary
Our missionary turned 20 today!
Because our missionary is stateside, we were able to send him gifts through the US Postal Service. Since he has not been out very long, his wish list was relatively short. He had only asked for church music on CD and new ties. (It seems that you can not have enough ties, especially if you have to wear one every day.)
At Deseret Book.com, we were able to find a variety of appropriate music including Come Thou Font of Every Blessing by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The Best of Jenny Baker. We also found two tie options that we liked: a Nephi necktie with pin and one with an Ammon necktie with pin. With shipping, the cost for one CD and the both ties was about $50.
And because we could not help ourselves, we also sent him a box with a cake mix, frosting, an aluminum pan, balloons, candles and a card with family pictures tucked in the envelope. Call it a party in a box.
In his weekly email, he told us that his mission president had called him this morning and sung "Happy Birthday" to him over the phone. Can I just say that his president rocks! (Wish I could have done that...)
Because our missionary is stateside, we were able to send him gifts through the US Postal Service. Since he has not been out very long, his wish list was relatively short. He had only asked for church music on CD and new ties. (It seems that you can not have enough ties, especially if you have to wear one every day.)
At Deseret Book.com, we were able to find a variety of appropriate music including Come Thou Font of Every Blessing by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The Best of Jenny Baker. We also found two tie options that we liked: a Nephi necktie with pin and one with an Ammon necktie with pin. With shipping, the cost for one CD and the both ties was about $50.
And because we could not help ourselves, we also sent him a box with a cake mix, frosting, an aluminum pan, balloons, candles and a card with family pictures tucked in the envelope. Call it a party in a box.
In his weekly email, he told us that his mission president had called him this morning and sung "Happy Birthday" to him over the phone. Can I just say that his president rocks! (Wish I could have done that...)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
White Shirts in Every Size
One Sunday, I was in sacrament meeting, and sitting in front of us, I noticed a family with four sons of various ages all wearing white shirts and ties. Knowing the mother, I thought to myself, "She must have white shirts in every size." Then I looked down my own bench and realized that with five sons of our own, we had white shirts in every size hanging in our closets too.
White shirts and ties are the standard Mormon uniform for men serving in the priesthood, and we start training them young, even as early as nursery and junior primary. Every Sunday, you can see little future Mormon missionaries, dressed just like miniature versions of their fathers, toddle off down the hallways to class holding fast to their daddy's big hands.
Regardless of where they serve, elders serving in the mission field will spend the majority of their time wearing white shirts and ties.
We found our missionary liked the Joseph & Feiss brand dress shirt; it was 100% cotton, but it was also non-iron, that being the clincher.
Also consider a dress shirt that is a 70-30 poly-cotton blend; it will not wrinkle like a standard 100% cotton shirt, but the shirt can still breathe. Pointed collars are more professional and appropriate with a suit, but button-down collars, while more casual, are still acceptable and common among missionaries and members alike.
If you can, look for dress shirts with unbreakable buttons and extra buttons sown on the inside of the placket. Extra buttons are a most. So if the shirt does not come with any, add white thread and shirt buttons in two sizes (one size for the shirt front and cuffs; smaller ones for the collars, if necessary) to their sewing kit.
White shirts and ties are the standard Mormon uniform for men serving in the priesthood, and we start training them young, even as early as nursery and junior primary. Every Sunday, you can see little future Mormon missionaries, dressed just like miniature versions of their fathers, toddle off down the hallways to class holding fast to their daddy's big hands.
Regardless of where they serve, elders serving in the mission field will spend the majority of their time wearing white shirts and ties.
We found our missionary liked the Joseph & Feiss brand dress shirt; it was 100% cotton, but it was also non-iron, that being the clincher.
Also consider a dress shirt that is a 70-30 poly-cotton blend; it will not wrinkle like a standard 100% cotton shirt, but the shirt can still breathe. Pointed collars are more professional and appropriate with a suit, but button-down collars, while more casual, are still acceptable and common among missionaries and members alike.
If you can, look for dress shirts with unbreakable buttons and extra buttons sown on the inside of the placket. Extra buttons are a most. So if the shirt does not come with any, add white thread and shirt buttons in two sizes (one size for the shirt front and cuffs; smaller ones for the collars, if necessary) to their sewing kit.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Secret to Socks
Here's an insider tip:
Don't buy socks with a pattern. If the mate is lost, the other sock is obsolete. Buy all the same color dress socks and match the color of the suit. Then regardless of how many socks get lost or swallowed by the dryer, there will always be a match. Also if, heaven forbid, your missionary grows taller on their mission, they can still get some mileage out of their suits without the high water look.
Wool blends work well in cold or wet missions. (In extrememly cold missions, try football socks. They are so warm.) Avoid all polyester socks because even though they will last forever, your missionary's feet will not be able to breathe, and fungus might result.
Our missionary loves his socks produced from bamboo, a natural fiber alternative to cotton, wool, hemp and synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. They are super soft, moisture wicking, and do not retain odor. We purchased them at Mens Warehouse in Utah, but you can find them on the web and at department stores. They make great birthday day and Christmas presents for LDS missionaries in the field. Try to find them on sale or as part of a "Missionary Special," if you feel that they are pricey.
Don't buy socks with a pattern. If the mate is lost, the other sock is obsolete. Buy all the same color dress socks and match the color of the suit. Then regardless of how many socks get lost or swallowed by the dryer, there will always be a match. Also if, heaven forbid, your missionary grows taller on their mission, they can still get some mileage out of their suits without the high water look.
Wool blends work well in cold or wet missions. (In extrememly cold missions, try football socks. They are so warm.) Avoid all polyester socks because even though they will last forever, your missionary's feet will not be able to breathe, and fungus might result.
Our missionary loves his socks produced from bamboo, a natural fiber alternative to cotton, wool, hemp and synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. They are super soft, moisture wicking, and do not retain odor. We purchased them at Mens Warehouse in Utah, but you can find them on the web and at department stores. They make great birthday day and Christmas presents for LDS missionaries in the field. Try to find them on sale or as part of a "Missionary Special," if you feel that they are pricey.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Things to do Immediately
If your missionary has sent in their papers and they are waiting for their call, here are a few things they can do immediately to get ahead of the game:
Try getting all the clothes, the endowment, the setting apart, the haircut and finish a college term and move out of their apartment all in a week, that was crazy nuts. Do not try this at home...give everyone a chance to breathe and encourage them to space everything out as efficiently as possible.
- Resolve all medical issues that may effect their ability to serve. Complete all tests and treatments including dental work and eye exams.
- Obtain all required vaccinations and inoculations. If they are planning to enter the MTC in the fall or winter, get a flu shot prior to entering.
- If possible, continue private health insurance and carry contact information.
- If they are active or inactive Reserve or National Guard, they must obtain official clearance from their unit prior to entering the MTC or else they will be AWOL. (And that would be bad.)
- If they are attending college, they must officially defer by contacting their admissions office and following procedure. If they have scholarships, there may be a deferment procedure as well.
- They must settle all their personal debts.
- Their hair should be cut according to missionary standards.
- Their name should be marked in all their belongings including clothing and luggage.
- They should obtain a patriarchal blessing if possible.
- They should obtain a temple endowment if possible.
Try getting all the clothes, the endowment, the setting apart, the haircut and finish a college term and move out of their apartment all in a week, that was crazy nuts. Do not try this at home...give everyone a chance to breathe and encourage them to space everything out as efficiently as possible.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
LDS Missionary Wellness 101
Here is some great physical health advice for future missionaries from a 2007 Ensign article by Donald Doty, MD:
- Regular (daily) exercise. A missionary must be able to walk an average of six miles (10 km) per day and ride a bicycle 12 miles (19 km) per day. Prospective missionaries can prepare for the rigors of missionary life by establishing a regular pattern of aerobic exercise—walking, running, or cycling for one hour every day.
- Adequate sleep. Although sleep needs vary, young adults generally need to sleep seven to eight hours per day. Missionaries live a scheduled life. They are in bed by 10:30 p.m. and up by 6:30 a.m. every day. This schedule will be difficult unless prospective missionaries get into a similar routine well in advance of the call to service.
- Healthy eating habits. Rather than living on sugar and fat, young people should learn to enjoy meals consisting of protein and fiber, such as lean meat, yogurt, vegetables, and fruit. Also, drinking more than 12 ounces of carbonated beverage per day is too much. The Missionary Department requires that missionaries have a body mass index no higher than 37. Prospective missionaries should strive to keep their weight in the normal range, thereby avoiding obesity-related health problems. Being markedly under normal weight can also have serious health consequences.
- Meal preparation skills. Parents can help their sons and daughters learn how to prepare simple, healthy meals. I stress the word simple because missionaries often cook food on a hot plate or a single gas burner and may not have an oven. Every prospective missionary needs to know the basics of cooking and sanitary food handling. Since dishwashers are rarely found in missionary living quarters, it is also important to know how to clean up after meals with hot water and dish soap.
- Personal hygiene. Personal cleanliness and good grooming habits are vital to missionary success. Favorable first impressions are lasting. Clean hands also help missionaries stay healthy and prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
- Skin problems. Those with a severe acne problem should get help from a medical doctor well before entering the Missionary Training Center. Some acne medicines require monitoring over time and are not used in the mission field.
- Dental health. Prevention is the key to good dental health. This means a habit of brushing teeth at least morning and night, daily use of dental floss, and consistent visits to your dentist. Any required dental repair should be finished before the missionary recommendation is submitted. Orthodontic treatment—which often takes two years or more—must be completed before arrival at the MTC.
- Chronic health issues. With proper treatment, many health problems become controllable, making missionary service possible if treatment continues throughout the mission.
- Immunizations. Those preparing to serve missions should obtain all available routine vaccinations and booster injections at appropriate ages. Well before beginning their missionary service, they should also receive any special immunizations required for the particular country where they will serve.The advantages of immunization overwhelmingly exceed the minuscule risks of receiving vaccines. Immunization renders an individual resistant to disease for varying time periods. Maintaining immunity may require a booster injection.
Why 3% of LDS Missionaries Go Home Early
Dr. Donald Doty writes, "Today about 3 percent of missionaries have their missions shortened by either physical or mental health problems. Losing three out of 100 missionaries may not seem like very many. But to the individual and his or her family, having a mission cut short is significant...I recommend that health preparation begin at least two years in advance of the anticipated missionary service. Those who wait to prepare until the last minute or until after they have received the call to serve may not be ready and may even have their missions delayed."
Here's where having to take PE everyday or attending sports practice or living without a car or walking or biking to class falls under missionary prep. Daily exercise offsets fatigue, saddle sores, and weight related problems that might occur while serving as a missionary. Being in good physical shape also helps make the other transitions to missionary life easier.
Here's where having to take PE everyday or attending sports practice or living without a car or walking or biking to class falls under missionary prep. Daily exercise offsets fatigue, saddle sores, and weight related problems that might occur while serving as a missionary. Being in good physical shape also helps make the other transitions to missionary life easier.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
This is Why We Sent Him on a Mission
I just have to share this...today when our missionary closed his e-mail, this is what he wrote:
"Thank you for all the effort that you put into raising me, for my good education and everything. I am a lot more grateful for these things now that I've seen other homes and other people's situations. I Love You."
I get all happy inside every time I read this. It makes every sacrifice and every penny spent seem insignificant.
May all our LDS missionaries come home with a greater appreciation of their blessings and a greater sense of compassion towards others. Amen.
"Thank you for all the effort that you put into raising me, for my good education and everything. I am a lot more grateful for these things now that I've seen other homes and other people's situations. I Love You."
I get all happy inside every time I read this. It makes every sacrifice and every penny spent seem insignificant.
May all our LDS missionaries come home with a greater appreciation of their blessings and a greater sense of compassion towards others. Amen.
How to "Lose" $4800
My sister-in-law shared this unfortunate story with me.
A family in her ward had a son (let's call him Elder J) on a mission, and in addition to his family's monthly contributions, the ward was receiving financial donations in Elder J's behalf. Only the donor had not specified on the Tithing and Donation slip that the money was for Elder J; they had just entered their donation on the line titled "Ward Missionary." Consequently, the ward had approximately $4800 extra in their ward missionary fund, because the money had not been forwarded to church headquarters, and then on to Elder J's mission. As per procedure at the end of the year, the extra $4800 was sent to church headquarters to the general missionary fund, and Elder J and his family discovered too late that they were still responsible for the coming year's worth of financial contributions.
While I am sure that the Church made good use of the donation, it was probably an unwelcomed surprise to Elder J's family. They were probably counting on that money to cover the balance of Elder J's missionary service.
Please, please, please check periodically with your ward's financial clerk to make sure all your missionary's funds and contributions are in order. No one needs a $4800 surprise.
A family in her ward had a son (let's call him Elder J) on a mission, and in addition to his family's monthly contributions, the ward was receiving financial donations in Elder J's behalf. Only the donor had not specified on the Tithing and Donation slip that the money was for Elder J; they had just entered their donation on the line titled "Ward Missionary." Consequently, the ward had approximately $4800 extra in their ward missionary fund, because the money had not been forwarded to church headquarters, and then on to Elder J's mission. As per procedure at the end of the year, the extra $4800 was sent to church headquarters to the general missionary fund, and Elder J and his family discovered too late that they were still responsible for the coming year's worth of financial contributions.
While I am sure that the Church made good use of the donation, it was probably an unwelcomed surprise to Elder J's family. They were probably counting on that money to cover the balance of Elder J's missionary service.
Please, please, please check periodically with your ward's financial clerk to make sure all your missionary's funds and contributions are in order. No one needs a $4800 surprise.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Accounting for the $$$
The first installment payment for our son's mission was due by the first day of the month that he reported to the MTC. Since then, we have made a payment to our ward using a donation envelope on the last Sunday of every month. These are easily tracked in our checking roster. However, we also have extended family members who are donating towards our son's mission on an irregular basis, and these payments are harder to account for and track.
What I did not know was that our ward's financial clerk could print off a report called Income and Expense Detail Report for a ward missionary that was just like looking at a checking account statement. It showed the Who, What, When of the donations that have been made to our ward in our son's behalf.
What we discovered from reviewing the report was that during a leadership transition when a new financial clerk was called, one of our payments had not been forwarded to church headquarters. Just a small oversight, but it takes checks and balances to make sure all the details of missionary service are covered.
Try not to overwhelm your ward's financial clerk, but definitely check your missionary's account at your ward every quarter or, at least, semi-annually.
What I did not know was that our ward's financial clerk could print off a report called Income and Expense Detail Report for a ward missionary that was just like looking at a checking account statement. It showed the Who, What, When of the donations that have been made to our ward in our son's behalf.
What we discovered from reviewing the report was that during a leadership transition when a new financial clerk was called, one of our payments had not been forwarded to church headquarters. Just a small oversight, but it takes checks and balances to make sure all the details of missionary service are covered.
Try not to overwhelm your ward's financial clerk, but definitely check your missionary's account at your ward every quarter or, at least, semi-annually.
Friday, September 24, 2010
What's in His Wallet?
His temple recommend, his driver's license and an ATM card.
The first two are self-explanatory. The third is linked to a joint checking account at our local bank.
When our son went to college, we opened an account in both of our names so we could funnel money to him while he was away from home. Now that he is on his mission, the account has a $100 balance that he can access in case of emergencies like no food at the end of the month or incidentals like new socks.
I figure that everything in his wallet can be replaced if it is lost or stolen or left behind during the last transfer.
Another piece of financial advice is to check your missionary's credit report once a year to make sure that their identity is secure while they are serving. You can access free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. The site allows you to request a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. You will need their social security number, permanent address and permission because they are of legal age.
The first two are self-explanatory. The third is linked to a joint checking account at our local bank.
When our son went to college, we opened an account in both of our names so we could funnel money to him while he was away from home. Now that he is on his mission, the account has a $100 balance that he can access in case of emergencies like no food at the end of the month or incidentals like new socks.
I figure that everything in his wallet can be replaced if it is lost or stolen or left behind during the last transfer.
Another piece of financial advice is to check your missionary's credit report once a year to make sure that their identity is secure while they are serving. You can access free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. The site allows you to request a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. You will need their social security number, permanent address and permission because they are of legal age.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dear Elder
While our son was in the MTC, he kept writing about a service called DearElder.com. I had no idea what he was talking about. Finally I checked it out, and I must say that it's absolutely fabulous.
DearElder.com is a fantastic way to write your LDS missionary while they're serving in any LDS mission worldwide. The online service allows you to type in a letter which is then printed off and sent to either the MTC, a mission home, or through pouch mail if your missionary is serving in an area where regular mail service is not reliable.
If your missionary is in the Provo MTC, you can type in a letter by noon MST Monday-Friday at DearElder.com, and they will receive a hard copy of your letter that very day for free!
While in the MTC, our missionary's prep day was Friday. We found that if we sent a DearElder letter by Thursday at noon MST, he could read it Thursday night and respond to it on Friday when he sent his weekly email. That way he did not have to try to read all our messages and then reply during the short time he had to access to a computer. It was also a great, easy way for my husband and our younger children to correspond with their brother.
Now that our missionary is on the field, we send our DearElder letters to his mission's office (which is the procedure recommended by his Mission President) for the cost of a domestic stamp. At DearElder, you can check the recommended mailing procedure for your missioanry's mission by searching here.
If your missionary is serving in an area that ulitizes pouch mail, you can find out more about how their free pouch service works here or in their FAQ section.
DearElder also offers some very creative care packages that are available to send to either the MTC, a domestic or an intermational mission. Our son received the chips and queso in the Spice of Life package from a friend while he was in the MTC. His birthday is coming up in October, and both the birthday package and the complete birthday cake package look like fun options and are reasonably priced.
DearElder accepts donations which help cover their many free services.
Wish I'd known about DearElder.com before our son entered the MTC, but now that I do, I am a regular.
DearElder.com is a fantastic way to write your LDS missionary while they're serving in any LDS mission worldwide. The online service allows you to type in a letter which is then printed off and sent to either the MTC, a mission home, or through pouch mail if your missionary is serving in an area where regular mail service is not reliable.
If your missionary is in the Provo MTC, you can type in a letter by noon MST Monday-Friday at DearElder.com, and they will receive a hard copy of your letter that very day for free!
While in the MTC, our missionary's prep day was Friday. We found that if we sent a DearElder letter by Thursday at noon MST, he could read it Thursday night and respond to it on Friday when he sent his weekly email. That way he did not have to try to read all our messages and then reply during the short time he had to access to a computer. It was also a great, easy way for my husband and our younger children to correspond with their brother.
Now that our missionary is on the field, we send our DearElder letters to his mission's office (which is the procedure recommended by his Mission President) for the cost of a domestic stamp. At DearElder, you can check the recommended mailing procedure for your missioanry's mission by searching here.
If your missionary is serving in an area that ulitizes pouch mail, you can find out more about how their free pouch service works here or in their FAQ section.
DearElder also offers some very creative care packages that are available to send to either the MTC, a domestic or an intermational mission. Our son received the chips and queso in the Spice of Life package from a friend while he was in the MTC. His birthday is coming up in October, and both the birthday package and the complete birthday cake package look like fun options and are reasonably priced.
DearElder accepts donations which help cover their many free services.
Wish I'd known about DearElder.com before our son entered the MTC, but now that I do, I am a regular.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Buying the Perfect Bicycle for an LDS Missionary
When our son was called to his "biking" mission, he received the following information in the booklet he received with his call . Under the heading "General Instruction Checklist: Miscellaneous," it read, "If you are assigned to an area in your mission where bicycles are used, you will be expected to purchase both a bicycle and a helmet. Use of a helmet is mandatory. You and your family will need to provide the money to purchase a bicycle and helmet when needed. The current cost of a bicycle and helmet is US $350. It may not be practical to ship these items from your home."
Not very long on specifics as you can see.
The first thing we did was to contact the mission home where our son was going to be serving and see if there was a vendor they recommended. Fortunately for us, we were directed to Bob's Bikes.
Located in Southern California but serving missions nationwide, Bob's Bikes is an approved vendor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Kona bikes advertised on his website range in price from $389 to $599, though other models are available. All the bikes are made with high quality aluminum frames with replaceable rear dropouts, shimano drivetrains, and front suspension. The price includes an accessory package that includes a kickstand, helmet, front and rear light kit, cable or U-lock, multi-tool, water bottle and cage. If your missionary will be serving in a SoCal mission, Bob will assemble the bike and deliver it to their first transfer meeting. He will also maintain the bicycle during their mission. For more information or recommendations, Bob can also be reached at (619) 507-7424 or by email at bobbyholaday@yahoo.com.
Bob was actually able to furnish us with a refurbished bicycle that a former missionary had left with him on consignment. Bob replaced some of the parts that had excessive wear, and then he delivered it to our son on his arrival. The total for the refurbished bike and the accessory package was $250.
My recommendation would be to contact the mission office first and ask a lot of questions, but if they do not have a preferred vendor, look for a bike with an aluminum frame that comes assembled. And do not forget the helmet!
Not very long on specifics as you can see.
The first thing we did was to contact the mission home where our son was going to be serving and see if there was a vendor they recommended. Fortunately for us, we were directed to Bob's Bikes.
Located in Southern California but serving missions nationwide, Bob's Bikes is an approved vendor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Kona bikes advertised on his website range in price from $389 to $599, though other models are available. All the bikes are made with high quality aluminum frames with replaceable rear dropouts, shimano drivetrains, and front suspension. The price includes an accessory package that includes a kickstand, helmet, front and rear light kit, cable or U-lock, multi-tool, water bottle and cage. If your missionary will be serving in a SoCal mission, Bob will assemble the bike and deliver it to their first transfer meeting. He will also maintain the bicycle during their mission. For more information or recommendations, Bob can also be reached at (619) 507-7424 or by email at bobbyholaday@yahoo.com.
Bob was actually able to furnish us with a refurbished bicycle that a former missionary had left with him on consignment. Bob replaced some of the parts that had excessive wear, and then he delivered it to our son on his arrival. The total for the refurbished bike and the accessory package was $250.
My recommendation would be to contact the mission office first and ask a lot of questions, but if they do not have a preferred vendor, look for a bike with an aluminum frame that comes assembled. And do not forget the helmet!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Putting a Saddle in Their Slacks
Okay, so I had never heard of such a thing, but while we were shopping for suits for our missionary, the salesman at Men's Warehouse asked if he was going to serve in a "biking" mission. We said yes, and then the salesman recommended we add a "saddle" in his dress slacks. A "saddle" is an extra lining that is added to the crouch area where one would sit on a bike-like sitting on a saddle. It is meant to help alleviate wear and prolong the life of the slacks.
Who knew?!!
Being a conscientious mother-of-a-missionary and in a highly suspectible state at the time, we purchased "saddles" in all of our son's dress slacks. Only time will tell if they were a good investment.
Who knew?!!
Being a conscientious mother-of-a-missionary and in a highly suspectible state at the time, we purchased "saddles" in all of our son's dress slacks. Only time will tell if they were a good investment.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Prep Classes For Prospective Missionaries
Besides the wonderfully, amazing Seminary experience, there are several institute or college classes that will also help your prospective missionary to prepare for service. These include:
Mission Preparation
Book of Mormon
Doctrines of the Gospel
At LDS.org, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an Institute Finder page if your 18 year old would like to enroll in a class if they are not attending a church-owned university. If formal classes do not fit into your future missionary's schedule, they can purchase the class manuals from Church Distribution and study independently.
If possible, the opportunity for them to attend a Temple Preparation Class in their ward or stake should not be undervalued. The new Duty to God requirements for Priests encourages them to read Endowed from on High which is the manual for Temple Prep.
Our son took Temple Prep with another couple during Sunday School his senior year after he turned 18. Later, he was fortunate to be able to take Mission Prep and Book of Mormon while he attended college.
I wish we had used Preach My Gospel more during Family Home Evenings because I think that it would have helped him prepare to teach the gospel as opposed to just learning the gospel. There are several FHE lessons on Mission Preparation available on line at LDS.org and the March 2007 New Era is dedicated to Preparing For Your Mission. Copies are available at Church Distribution for $1.50 or you can access it online.
Mission Preparation
Book of Mormon
Doctrines of the Gospel
At LDS.org, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an Institute Finder page if your 18 year old would like to enroll in a class if they are not attending a church-owned university. If formal classes do not fit into your future missionary's schedule, they can purchase the class manuals from Church Distribution and study independently.
If possible, the opportunity for them to attend a Temple Preparation Class in their ward or stake should not be undervalued. The new Duty to God requirements for Priests encourages them to read Endowed from on High which is the manual for Temple Prep.
Our son took Temple Prep with another couple during Sunday School his senior year after he turned 18. Later, he was fortunate to be able to take Mission Prep and Book of Mormon while he attended college.
I wish we had used Preach My Gospel more during Family Home Evenings because I think that it would have helped him prepare to teach the gospel as opposed to just learning the gospel. There are several FHE lessons on Mission Preparation available on line at LDS.org and the March 2007 New Era is dedicated to Preparing For Your Mission. Copies are available at Church Distribution for $1.50 or you can access it online.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Dropping Your Missionary Off at the MTC
About a week before your missionary is scheduled to report to the MTC, they will receive an email directing them to a posting that will list their reporting time. Typically, the report date is a Wednesday and reporting times begin at approximately 12 noon and run until 2 pm. Missionaries report in groups based on the first letter of their last name. For instance being a "Z", our missionary reported at 2 pm on his scheduled Wednesday last June.
I recommend that you get to the Provo/Orem early especially during peak reporting season-summer and college breaks. We arrived about 11 am, had a leisurely "last meal" at the Creamery on 9th and then drove up to the MTC. The 9th East corridor was very busy with traffic and pedestrians trying to take pictures. You could spot new Elders and Sisters everywhere in the crowds. We figured that possibly over 140 new missionaries reported on the same day as our son.
Gone are the days when parents and missionaries met together, cried and sobbed, hugged goodbye and then exited out separate doors. Now there is much less emoting, but it is still heart wrenching.
We parked above the MTC near the Provo Temple about half an hour before our missionary was supposed to report. We were directed to leave his luggage in the car, take pictures, hug and say our goodbyes, and then return to our vehicle. Then we drove into the MTC complex and pulled up to the curb at a numbered space where several elders met us. The elders took our missionary's luggage, and then he went one way, without looking back, and his luggage went another.
We weren't even out of the MTC parking lot before our younger son said, "Okay, that was fun...now let's go back and get him."
I recommend that you get to the Provo/Orem early especially during peak reporting season-summer and college breaks. We arrived about 11 am, had a leisurely "last meal" at the Creamery on 9th and then drove up to the MTC. The 9th East corridor was very busy with traffic and pedestrians trying to take pictures. You could spot new Elders and Sisters everywhere in the crowds. We figured that possibly over 140 new missionaries reported on the same day as our son.
Gone are the days when parents and missionaries met together, cried and sobbed, hugged goodbye and then exited out separate doors. Now there is much less emoting, but it is still heart wrenching.
We parked above the MTC near the Provo Temple about half an hour before our missionary was supposed to report. We were directed to leave his luggage in the car, take pictures, hug and say our goodbyes, and then return to our vehicle. Then we drove into the MTC complex and pulled up to the curb at a numbered space where several elders met us. The elders took our missionary's luggage, and then he went one way, without looking back, and his luggage went another.
We weren't even out of the MTC parking lot before our younger son said, "Okay, that was fun...now let's go back and get him."
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tracking Pants for the LDS Missionary
In my blog of September 8th, I refered to the "What to Wear List" for a male LDS missionary. It includes 2 suits and 2 or 3 additional pairs of pants.
While shopping in UT, we found that most of the stores offered suits with 2 pairs of matching slacks. By purchasing suits that way, we accounted for 4 out of the 5 pairs of pants recommended in the dress guidelines. We considered the fifth pair of pants as optional.
What the guidelines do not specify is that most missionaries also need "tracking pants" which are nice dress slacks that hold a crease and can be worn without a suit coat. We did not realize the significance of that additional pair of pants, and so our missionary only packed 4 pairs of pants in his luggage.
In his first email after arriving at the MTC, our missionary asked us to send him an additional pair of pants. Fortunately, he had left behind a pair of dark slacks that he had been wearing to church while at college so we ended up shipping those to him.
Just one more thing I wish I'd known...
While shopping in UT, we found that most of the stores offered suits with 2 pairs of matching slacks. By purchasing suits that way, we accounted for 4 out of the 5 pairs of pants recommended in the dress guidelines. We considered the fifth pair of pants as optional.
What the guidelines do not specify is that most missionaries also need "tracking pants" which are nice dress slacks that hold a crease and can be worn without a suit coat. We did not realize the significance of that additional pair of pants, and so our missionary only packed 4 pairs of pants in his luggage.
In his first email after arriving at the MTC, our missionary asked us to send him an additional pair of pants. Fortunately, he had left behind a pair of dark slacks that he had been wearing to church while at college so we ended up shipping those to him.
Just one more thing I wish I'd known...
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Books They Can Take To The MTC
Whether your missionary is an avid reader or a skimmer or a "does this come as a graphic novel" type of reader, there are a couple of church books, besides the scriptures, that they can take with them on their mission.
Along with the standard works in their native language and a foreign language (if they are called to a foreign language speaking mission), the following are approved reading for full-time LDS missionaries:
As a youth and as a college student, our son had received copies of both True to the Faith and Our Heritage. Wish I'd Known...before I bougth the set new. Also check your family library shelves, you might find some gently used copies from dad's, uncle's, aunt's or your mission that would make a great going-away or graduation gift. Good books never go out of style.
Along with the standard works in their native language and a foreign language (if they are called to a foreign language speaking mission), the following are approved reading for full-time LDS missionaries:
- True to the Faith
- Our Heritage
- Our Search for Happiness
- Jesus The Christ
As a youth and as a college student, our son had received copies of both True to the Faith and Our Heritage. Wish I'd Known...before I bougth the set new. Also check your family library shelves, you might find some gently used copies from dad's, uncle's, aunt's or your mission that would make a great going-away or graduation gift. Good books never go out of style.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The What To Wear List for an LDS Missionary
Here it is...what you have been waiting for...the what to wear list for a male LDS missionary:
When shopping and packing, think Dark and Conservative...
- 2 Conservative, Tailored Suits in dark brown, dark gray, dark green or dark blue; wrinkle free; narrow pins stripes are ok.
- 10 White Sleeve Shirts; a mix of long and short sleeved shirts depending on the weather
- 5-6 Conservative Ties to match the suits
- 2-3 Slacks that hold a crease; dark conservative colors (see above)
- 1-2 Conservative Belts; no braided or canvas
- 8-10 Sets of Garments
- 2 Pair of Conservative Dress Shoes in cordovan, black or dark brown; rubber soles highly recommended for walking; must be made of material that can be polished
- 8-10 Pairs of Dark Socks that match the slacks
- 1 Raincoat
- 1 Pair of Pajamas; robe and slippers as needed
- 1 Set of Baptismal Clothing: white pants, white socks, white tie, white shirt
- 2 Below-the-knee Shorts
- 2-3 Conservative T-shirts
- 1 Supportive Undergarment
- 1 Pair of Gym Shoes
- Gym Socks
- One Set of Prep Day Clothes including full length pants
When shopping and packing, think Dark and Conservative...
Friday, September 3, 2010
The LDS Missionary and the Crazy Tie Craze
If you had to wear a white shirt and dark pants everyday for two years, how would you express your individuality?
Why...your necktie, of course.
I've sure you've seen it...the pink tie...the baby blue tie...the my-grandfather-wouldn't-even-wear-this-tie tie.
I have to admit that, on their prep day, I took our local missionaries to TJ Maxx in search of the perfect ugly tie. Seems the missionaries trade ties in our mission. (Wish I'd known...) As a mother, that is a little distressing to learn having paid between $15 and $30 for silk ties that coordinate perfectly with the new suits.
The problem with the crazy tie craze is that the white shirt/suit look is a professional, conservative uniform meant to set LDS missionaries apart. Along with their name tag, their appearance identifies them as representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who carry a message of Jesus Christ and the Restored Gospel. Wearing a tie that may be intentionally distracting from their message is immature and draws unnecessary attention to themselves.
If your son has a flair for fashion or none at all, help them understand how their appearance authenticates the seriousness of their purpose. After all their hard work meeting people and setting up teaching appointments, I am sure that they would not want to undermine their message by wearing a crazy tie.
Why...your necktie, of course.
I've sure you've seen it...the pink tie...the baby blue tie...the my-grandfather-wouldn't-even-wear-this-tie tie.
I have to admit that, on their prep day, I took our local missionaries to TJ Maxx in search of the perfect ugly tie. Seems the missionaries trade ties in our mission. (Wish I'd known...) As a mother, that is a little distressing to learn having paid between $15 and $30 for silk ties that coordinate perfectly with the new suits.
The problem with the crazy tie craze is that the white shirt/suit look is a professional, conservative uniform meant to set LDS missionaries apart. Along with their name tag, their appearance identifies them as representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who carry a message of Jesus Christ and the Restored Gospel. Wearing a tie that may be intentionally distracting from their message is immature and draws unnecessary attention to themselves.
If your son has a flair for fashion or none at all, help them understand how their appearance authenticates the seriousness of their purpose. After all their hard work meeting people and setting up teaching appointments, I am sure that they would not want to undermine their message by wearing a crazy tie.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Buying Suits for an LDS Missionary
Here's my advice: If possible, buy your missionary's suits in Utah or the Intermountain West. Typically a missionary needs 2 suits, each with 2 matching pairs of pants. I could not even find such a thing in the Midwest. I went and looked at my local mall, and either the suits were outraeguosly expensive for something that was going to get worn in the rain or while riding a bicycle or they were so poorly made that I didn't think that they would last four months, never mind two years.
We asked the missionaries that were serving in our area where they purchased their suits, and they gave us some recommendations where to shop in Utah. Since we were going to be there on vacation prior to our missionary entering the MTC, we decided to wait and do all our shopping there.
All the department stores were familiar with what we needed. At the time, Macys was running a special that included the suits, shirts, and the whole list of needed items for about $700-$800. Ultimately, we ended up at the Men's Warehouse on State Street in Murray. Their mission special included the 2 suits with 2 pairs of pants, 10 shirts, socks and 2 pairs of shoes. We paid about $660.
We bought the suits on Thursday, and they were able to alter and have them ready for us by the following Tuesday afternoon, but that was a rush for them.
The first time I got teary-eyed that week was when our son walked out of the dressing room in his suit, and the salesman called him, "Elder,"
We asked the missionaries that were serving in our area where they purchased their suits, and they gave us some recommendations where to shop in Utah. Since we were going to be there on vacation prior to our missionary entering the MTC, we decided to wait and do all our shopping there.
All the department stores were familiar with what we needed. At the time, Macys was running a special that included the suits, shirts, and the whole list of needed items for about $700-$800. Ultimately, we ended up at the Men's Warehouse on State Street in Murray. Their mission special included the 2 suits with 2 pairs of pants, 10 shirts, socks and 2 pairs of shoes. We paid about $660.
We bought the suits on Thursday, and they were able to alter and have them ready for us by the following Tuesday afternoon, but that was a rush for them.
The first time I got teary-eyed that week was when our son walked out of the dressing room in his suit, and the salesman called him, "Elder,"
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Arrival Letter
Our missionary was called to the California Carlsbad Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Last week he arrived in his mission after spending eight weeks learning Spanish in the MTC in Provo. Today we received an arrival letter from his mission president.
The letter included assurances that our missionary made it safely to the mission, instructions on sending packages and mail to our missionary, reminders about appropriate use of his email priviledges, information about his prep days, their commitment to the spiritual and physical well being of the missionaries in their care and their thanks for preparing our son to serve. Also included in the envelope were a colored map of the mission so we can follow his transfers and a picture of our missionary with his mission president and the mission president's wife.
Getting the letter was like drinking hot chocolate after an afternoon spent in the snow-very warm and reassuring. It was also a sweet, unexpected surprise like finding money in your pocket the day before payday. Do you know what I mean?
We are so grateful to those who sacrifice to serve with our missionary, and it was nice to know that they feel the same way about us.
The letter included assurances that our missionary made it safely to the mission, instructions on sending packages and mail to our missionary, reminders about appropriate use of his email priviledges, information about his prep days, their commitment to the spiritual and physical well being of the missionaries in their care and their thanks for preparing our son to serve. Also included in the envelope were a colored map of the mission so we can follow his transfers and a picture of our missionary with his mission president and the mission president's wife.
Getting the letter was like drinking hot chocolate after an afternoon spent in the snow-very warm and reassuring. It was also a sweet, unexpected surprise like finding money in your pocket the day before payday. Do you know what I mean?
We are so grateful to those who sacrifice to serve with our missionary, and it was nice to know that they feel the same way about us.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The LDS Missionary and the Digital Camera
A picture is worth a thousand words.
A small, inexpensive digital camera is a great gift for a missionary who is preparing to serve their LDS mission. We bought a camera from Office Depot because I had a great coupon, but there are a lot of options on the market. We also bought two memory cards and some small mailers so when our missionary filled up one disk, he could mail it home to us. Then we loaded the pictures on to our computer and sent back the empty disk so that he could reuse it after he filled the second one. While there are mailing expenses, it cuts down on the time and expense a missionary would have to spend getting their pictures developed while out in the mission field. It also allowed us to attach his pictures to e-mails and notes we have sent to friends and family members.
There is an inexpensive way to get pictures developed while at the MTC so make sure your missionary has or has access to envelopes and stamps so they can send their pictures home to you.
A small, inexpensive digital camera is a great gift for a missionary who is preparing to serve their LDS mission. We bought a camera from Office Depot because I had a great coupon, but there are a lot of options on the market. We also bought two memory cards and some small mailers so when our missionary filled up one disk, he could mail it home to us. Then we loaded the pictures on to our computer and sent back the empty disk so that he could reuse it after he filled the second one. While there are mailing expenses, it cuts down on the time and expense a missionary would have to spend getting their pictures developed while out in the mission field. It also allowed us to attach his pictures to e-mails and notes we have sent to friends and family members.
There is an inexpensive way to get pictures developed while at the MTC so make sure your missionary has or has access to envelopes and stamps so they can send their pictures home to you.
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Mormon Missionary and the Microcassette Recorder
In the movie, The Best Two Years, Elder Johnson, who is serving in the Netherlands, receives audio cassettes from his girlfriend back home in the states.
Well, our missionary, who is a slow typist, but a good storyteller, thought cassettes would be an easy way to communicate without actually having to type an email or post a letter. Consequently, we purchased a microcassette player, cassettes, batteries, mailers and stamps from a office supply store. (He later found the player at the MTC bookstore for about $15 which was half of what we had paid...Wish I'd known.) If you are considering this options, remember that you will also need a second player for playback at home.
We just received our first cassette eight weeks into his mission. And I must say it was so fun to hear his voice! All things considered it was a good option for us. If you think that your missionary will actually use it, microcassettes may be fun alternative for your family and a way to handle the waiting between the phone calls at Christmas and Mother's Day.
Well, our missionary, who is a slow typist, but a good storyteller, thought cassettes would be an easy way to communicate without actually having to type an email or post a letter. Consequently, we purchased a microcassette player, cassettes, batteries, mailers and stamps from a office supply store. (He later found the player at the MTC bookstore for about $15 which was half of what we had paid...Wish I'd known.) If you are considering this options, remember that you will also need a second player for playback at home.
We just received our first cassette eight weeks into his mission. And I must say it was so fun to hear his voice! All things considered it was a good option for us. If you think that your missionary will actually use it, microcassettes may be fun alternative for your family and a way to handle the waiting between the phone calls at Christmas and Mother's Day.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
One of the Most Exciting Things
One of the most exciting things had happened while we were getting our missionary prepared to enter the MTC was that while we were compiling his four generation pedigree chart, we got hooked on family history again.
He had a four generation pedigree chart that he had prepared for the Boy Scout Genealogy merit badge, but we had purchased a new computer since then and there is now new genealogy software and downloads available at http://www.familysearch.org./ So we needed to update our information.
According to Mormon.org, "The site is one of the most popular online genealogical services and is free of charge. It’s operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is linked to the world’s largest collection of genealogical resources and a global network of research centers. It contains a billion names from over 110 counties and territories including those found in the 1880 United States Census, the 1881 Canadian Census, the 1881 British Census, the Ellis Island database and the Freedman’s Bank Records. The Church is currently working on a massive digitization project of microfilmed and other records that will bring even more billions of names into the collection over the next few years."
After entering the information, we already knew into our Personal Ancestral File software, and we just started downloading and linking information we found at familysearch.org. On one line, we were able to link back to the year 0965. It was crazy. We spent about seven hours total before we exhausted all the available information. However, on two of our ancestral lines, we were lucky to know enough information to complete the four generation pedigree chart. So do not get discouraged if that is your circumstance, just do what you can do, and consider all the exciting work you have to look forward to in the furture.
Also, I guess what I'm saying is that family history and genealogical research would be a great way to prepare your child for a mission. Start now!
He had a four generation pedigree chart that he had prepared for the Boy Scout Genealogy merit badge, but we had purchased a new computer since then and there is now new genealogy software and downloads available at http://www.familysearch.org./ So we needed to update our information.
According to Mormon.org, "The site is one of the most popular online genealogical services and is free of charge. It’s operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is linked to the world’s largest collection of genealogical resources and a global network of research centers. It contains a billion names from over 110 counties and territories including those found in the 1880 United States Census, the 1881 Canadian Census, the 1881 British Census, the Ellis Island database and the Freedman’s Bank Records. The Church is currently working on a massive digitization project of microfilmed and other records that will bring even more billions of names into the collection over the next few years."
After entering the information, we already knew into our Personal Ancestral File software, and we just started downloading and linking information we found at familysearch.org. On one line, we were able to link back to the year 0965. It was crazy. We spent about seven hours total before we exhausted all the available information. However, on two of our ancestral lines, we were lucky to know enough information to complete the four generation pedigree chart. So do not get discouraged if that is your circumstance, just do what you can do, and consider all the exciting work you have to look forward to in the furture.
Also, I guess what I'm saying is that family history and genealogical research would be a great way to prepare your child for a mission. Start now!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Most Frustrating Thing
The most frustrating thing about getting our missionary ready for his mission was, not only was he over 18 years of age, but he was also out of town attending college. If your missionary is of legal age (all of them are), the doctor's office will not give you a copy of their immunization record, the Division of Motor Vehicles will not give you a copy of their driving record, and if your missionary is at college/school, you can not arrange for deferment without their authorization.
Now I believe that if your child is preparing to go on a mission, they should shoulder some of the responsibility for getting themselves ready to go. However if you are coordinating over long distances, someone has to do the legwork. If it is you as the parent/guardian, be aware that acting on behalf of another adult is tricky.
Fortunately, I had an updated copy of our son's immunization record from before he left for college, but we needed a notorized consent in order for me to get his driving record. That was a pain. My recommendation is to get all the necessary paperwork collected while your missionary is either at home or visiting during a break if they are attending college or school away from out of town.
Now I believe that if your child is preparing to go on a mission, they should shoulder some of the responsibility for getting themselves ready to go. However if you are coordinating over long distances, someone has to do the legwork. If it is you as the parent/guardian, be aware that acting on behalf of another adult is tricky.
Fortunately, I had an updated copy of our son's immunization record from before he left for college, but we needed a notorized consent in order for me to get his driving record. That was a pain. My recommendation is to get all the necessary paperwork collected while your missionary is either at home or visiting during a break if they are attending college or school away from out of town.
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Call
When your missionary gets their call, they get a beautiful letter signed by the prophet and a booklet assembled, just for them, under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In the booklet is the biography of the mission president and his wife, a map of the mission, a general instruction checklist, medical information regarding health care and immunizations, the dress and grooming guidelines for his mission including the "what to wear" specifics and the missionary travel instructions for getting to the MTC.
With in a few weeks, our missionary also received a letter from his future mission president that included instructions specific to his mission, information on obtaining a bicycle, recommendations regarding his personal preparation and answers to FAQ.
He also received a letter from the MTC that included information on how to prepare for his arrival, how to obtain his missionary email address and his MTC mailing address, and directions for drop-off on the day of his arrival. Two weeks before his arrival at the MTC, he received an email at his missionary address from the MTC presidency with specific guidelines regarding his stay at the MTC.
All this information was, of course, invaluable in planning and preparing him to serve. I recommend, however, that your missioanry read it all and you read it all and that you have someone else read it. Somehow I got confused and purchased 8 long-sleeved shirts and 2 short sleeved shirts instead of the other way around. My friend Sheli said that both she and her mother missed the instructions to bring sheets so when she arrived in her mission she had none. Wish I'd Known...that including someone else in the preparation might have helped us not to miss things in the details.
With in a few weeks, our missionary also received a letter from his future mission president that included instructions specific to his mission, information on obtaining a bicycle, recommendations regarding his personal preparation and answers to FAQ.
He also received a letter from the MTC that included information on how to prepare for his arrival, how to obtain his missionary email address and his MTC mailing address, and directions for drop-off on the day of his arrival. Two weeks before his arrival at the MTC, he received an email at his missionary address from the MTC presidency with specific guidelines regarding his stay at the MTC.
All this information was, of course, invaluable in planning and preparing him to serve. I recommend, however, that your missioanry read it all and you read it all and that you have someone else read it. Somehow I got confused and purchased 8 long-sleeved shirts and 2 short sleeved shirts instead of the other way around. My friend Sheli said that both she and her mother missed the instructions to bring sheets so when she arrived in her mission she had none. Wish I'd Known...that including someone else in the preparation might have helped us not to miss things in the details.
Friday, August 20, 2010
P-days Bring Me Joy
Friday is our missionary's preparation day (P-day), and every Friday since our missionary entered the MTC, we get an e-mail from him at about 2:00 pm CST. Can I just tell you how happy his little notes make me. All day long, I wait for them, and after getting them, I smile and am warm for the longest time.
Not much changes from week to week in the MTC, but I like hearing about it all anyway.
The separation is a sacrifice, and I'd encourage him to go on a mission all over again if I had to, but I miss him. Even though he has already been away for a year at college, I miss seeing his face on Skype and hearing his voice on the phone. His e-mails sound like him, and his writing looks like him, and I know he's there. And that brings me great joy.
Not much changes from week to week in the MTC, but I like hearing about it all anyway.
The separation is a sacrifice, and I'd encourage him to go on a mission all over again if I had to, but I miss him. Even though he has already been away for a year at college, I miss seeing his face on Skype and hearing his voice on the phone. His e-mails sound like him, and his writing looks like him, and I know he's there. And that brings me great joy.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
One Stop Shopping for Less
There is a bookstore type facility at the MTC...Wish I'd known. In his first e-mail to us, our missionary wrote, "Buying stuff at them MTC is super cheap. For example, I could get that tape recorder for $14 dollars. Just so you know when [younger brother] comes to the MTC. I should have bought my tape recorder, my journal, my notebooks, my shoulder bag (they have backpacks and shoulder bags here) and my scriptures here (and they engrave for free, if you buy it here). Basically, we get a 40% off missionary discount for all items. I also received a new pair of Spanish scriptures for free. (So if [younger brother] goes foreign language speaking, don't buy him new scriptures)."
One Stop Shopping
The new flagship Deseret Book store across from Temple Square was a great place for one stop shopping. We purchased our son's temple clothes, scriptures, additional reading material, oil vial and other odds and ends all in one place. The location was convenient to the temple, and it had everything "Mormon" that is hard to find outside of the intermountain west.
While we were there, the younger brothers and sister bought LDS and YA books. I bought some distribution materials including some soft cover copies of the Book of Mormon (for our own missionary efforts). And my husband bought a muffin.
There is also a Deseret Book store conveniently located next to a Church Distribution Center in Orem.
While we were there, the younger brothers and sister bought LDS and YA books. I bought some distribution materials including some soft cover copies of the Book of Mormon (for our own missionary efforts). And my husband bought a muffin.
There is also a Deseret Book store conveniently located next to a Church Distribution Center in Orem.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
What to Bring to the MTC
Besides their luggage, there are a couple of things that your missionary will be requested to bring with them to the MTC. These include: their temple recommend, their immunization/shot record, their driving record, a copy of their driver's license and a four generation pedigree chart with stories about their ancestors. For studying, they will need pens, pencils, a notebook, and highlighters. They will also need a hymnbook in their native language, envelopes, stamps, hangars, a towel and personal care items. In order to travel, they will need $100 in cash to use to pay for transportation from the airport to the MTC and to check their luggage when they leave the MTC for their mission.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Mormon Missionary and Social Media
Guess what? While your child is out on their mission, their investigators, companions' families, ward members and others are going to look them up on the social media sites like Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. Hopefully since your child has chosen to go on a mission, they have been living a life worthy of being a representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that is reflected in their use of social media. But people will check up on them because they will want to know that they are "for real" and that they practise what they preach. Still, it would not hurt to clean up their social media pages for their mission by adding a picture of them in their missionary garb and their favorite scripture.
Also another piece of advice for LDS missionaries and their parents: While our missionary is serving, we post his weekly e-mails to his Facebook page to help let his friends and our family know how he is doing. One of his friends started a group on Facebook that receives her weekly mission updates, posted by her mother. It has been really great to see the reactions of their friends of other faiths and a great way to keep in touch. Just a thought...
Also another piece of advice for LDS missionaries and their parents: While our missionary is serving, we post his weekly e-mails to his Facebook page to help let his friends and our family know how he is doing. One of his friends started a group on Facebook that receives her weekly mission updates, posted by her mother. It has been really great to see the reactions of their friends of other faiths and a great way to keep in touch. Just a thought...
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Suitcase Dilemma-Advice for Future Missionaries
While helping our son pack for his mission, we determined that he only really needed two suitcases. So to lighten his load, we used his large and medium size bags, and we were able to fit everything in. The only problem was that after he arrived at the MTC, he was told that he would need to pack a carry-on bag with a change of clothes and other personal items in case he and his luggage got separated during his trip to his mission. It makes sense as a precaution, but it wasn't in the instructions we were given. Wish I'd known...Ultimately, we ended up shipping his empty carry-on bag to him while he was still at the MTC.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Where in the World is Elder Zaitzeff?
How do mission calls get assigned? My husband had the idea that missionaries were just sorted into available openings and needs of the Church's missions on any given week, and my mentality was kinda like let's throw all the applications up in the air and see where they land. However, it was our good fortune that Elder Ronald A. Rasband gave a great talk called The Divine Call of A Missionary while we were waiting for our son to receive his call. Since I was not at the Saturday Evening Session of General Conference, I was able to watch the video on line at the General Conference page of the website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Rasband's talk was inspiring and answered all our questions. It also enabled us to fully and confidently explain the process to our family and friends of other faiths.
Getting the Mission Call
Our son was told it would take 10 days to 2 weeks after he met with his Stake President before he could expect his call. Because General Conference fell during that time, it understandably took a little longer. The call was mailed to our son at his college address, but we were able to watch him open it using Skype, a free internet video calling service. All you need is a computer, a broadband internet connection and a webcam for both the sender and receivers in order to make your video call. It was just like being there and so thrilling to share that moment with our son and his friends.
Monday, August 9, 2010
A Good Gift for an 18 Year Old Future Missionary
Get them a passport even though you don't know if they will need it for their mission. If your missionary already has a passport when they receive their call and they need it for their mission, then that's one less thing you have to worry about acquiring before the day they report to the MTC.
You never know when world events are going to impact the application process or worldwide travel. In 2010, travel to the World Cup in South Africa was a major factor in getting passports and visas in a timely manner. The US State Department has a great website with step by step instructions. Also the US Postal Service's website has applications on-line. The passport book is going to cost about $135. You are going to need a copy of their birth certificate so pull that out of the file.
Oh and passport pictures were less at CVS than at FedEx Office. Wish I'd known...
You never know when world events are going to impact the application process or worldwide travel. In 2010, travel to the World Cup in South Africa was a major factor in getting passports and visas in a timely manner. The US State Department has a great website with step by step instructions. Also the US Postal Service's website has applications on-line. The passport book is going to cost about $135. You are going to need a copy of their birth certificate so pull that out of the file.
Oh and passport pictures were less at CVS than at FedEx Office. Wish I'd known...
A Good Gift for a 17 Year Old Future Missionary
Luggage...yep. Not very flashy, but oh so practical. The missionary luggage went to EFY and college before it was dropped at the curb at the MTC. I recommend the 3 piece set from the Missionary Mall. It meets international travel standards and it has a 15 year warranty.
The Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth are going to have to come out even if your dentist says that your child has room for them. Extraction is going to set you back about $500 if you have good dental insurance, more if you don't. Our son had his wisdom teeth out between college semesters. His younger brother won't be so lucky. Our plan is for him to have them out during spring break of his senior year.
It's all so bittersweet...
It's all so bittersweet, sending your child on a mission. You've wanted them to go since birth, practically, and now the day has arrived you don't want to let go of them. I am reminded of Hannah who brought her precious son, Samuel, to the temple as her offering to the Lord and in gratitude for the blessing of being his mother. Though not as dramatic, my husband and I took our son and two suitcases and dropped them at the curb of the MTC. Our son had told me he was ready to go, and by the time we had come to that moment I was ready for him to be gone, but that doesn't mean I don't miss him everyday. Sometimes I even yearn for him, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. (And I hope to do it at least four more times in the next twelve years.) It wasn't easy, but it was right. There are just a few things I wish I'd known before he got his call...
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