Merry Skypemas

The holidays are over now, but my Skype with my Missionary is still fresh on my mind! Having our little family "all together" for a few minutes was definitely the highlight of Christmas day!

We laughed, shared stories and laughed some more... it felt so good! When our time was almost up, we asked our Elder to bare his testimony to us in Spanish... the Spirit was strong! And then our 10 year old offered the sweetest family prayer! It was a little slice of heaven!

In MM households all over the world, families gathered around computers, tablets and phones to share a few minutes with their Missionaries. Some got a "Family" picture, some had new members of the family to introduce to their Missionary, some couldn't get the connection to work very well, and some only got a phone call. BUT, we were all excited to hear from our Missionaries!

Let the countdown to Mother's Day begin!  ;)

***THE GOSPEL IS TRUE***
~Heidi  =0)

LOOPHOLE

My Son came home from his mission. 

With 10 months left... he came home. He realized that there were some things that he needed to take care of... so he came home.  

On a Friday afternoon I got a call from our Stake President. He said that he needed to talk to me and my husband and could we call him together as soon as possible. I said sure, and hung up. Aaaaand then my mind started to wonder... was one of us getting a Stake calling? I had a really uneasy feeling, so I called him back and asked if he was needing to talk to ME with my Husband there or if he wanted to talk to my HUSBAND with me on the line??? He said he needed to talk to us both at the same time. I asked if my Missionary was OK, he said yes.... and then I knew...

I knew in my heart that my son was coming home, and I had no idea why.

Flight info came later that day. We were to pick him up on Monday morning. I was slammed with a cocktail of emotions...  I was proud that he was strong enough to make this right! But, I was heart-sick, I was mad... at him, at me, at everyone!!! I was excited to see him, and then felt guilty that I was excited, I felt huge guilt...where had I gone wrong as a parent??? And I was WORRIED!!! Worried about how he was feeling, worried for his Mission President, worried for his companion, worried about how our ward would treat him and worried because what the heck do you do with a 20 year old boy....ok, man, for 6 months??? 

With such short notice, I ended up being the only one in the family that could go up to the airport to pick him up. Boy, that was a looooong drive! Once at the airport, I stared down the walkway, searching each face for my son. Then I saw him... he looked tired, and humble. I hugged him long, We cried. No banners. No balloons. No pictures. But, in that moment I realized... he is still my son and I would do anything in my power to help him. I had a deep motivation to support him in every way possible! 

He has met with our Bishop on a regular basis, our Stake President has been wonderful, our Ward family has been kind and accepting. He has made it a priority to keep up on his scripture studies and attend the temple as much as possible! He was called to teach a Primary class and has given service as much as his schedule allows. He got a job and has reffed basketball games and umpired baseball games to fill up the rest of his time!

Yesterday we got THE email. The email we have been waiting for since that 6 months was up!

Early tomorrow morning I will be taking my son...my missionary... back to the airport!!! He will return to his mission, to the people that he loves. He will be able to teach with a new strength and energy. He will be unstoppable!

Along this path we have taken, I have learned some valuable lessons! Lucky for me, I have two close friends, who have had sons in similar situations, that have held my hand and listened to me cry, scream and laugh through this whole experience!

Here are 10 things I have learned...

1- Be proud of him and let him know it! --Let the Bishop be the coach... you get to be the Cheerleader! 

2- Send out an email, or call close friends to let them know he is home and needs their support. --The most awkward part is when people see him for the first time.

3- Stand tall and walk with him into uncomfortable situations. --Walk with him into Sacrament Mtg that first time, and anywhere else that people might be judgmental... if they can see that YOU are OK, they will know that it's going to be OK!

4- Let him talk ALL about his mission experiences. --Ask tons of questions about his mission, the people, the food, the area. It is still a HUGE part of who he is!

5- It does get better --but well-meaning people can say dumb things sometimes.... love them anyways!

6- Keep him busy. --Jobs, service, callings....whatever....keep him busy!!!

7- Don't expect him to be perfect. --Just because he was a missionary doesn't mean he won't make mistakes... and you will too... cut him and yourself some slack! It's also important to know that he may not return, and it's alright!

8- Have fun. --The extra time you have is a gift! Laugh, play, enjoy having him home while you can!

9- The Priesthood does not move at the speed of Moms! In my mind, 6 months was up on May 24th..so I felt he should be back in the Mission on that day... it doesn't always work out that way!

10- The Atonement is personal. --You can't compare where your missionary (or anyone for that matter) is to where another Sister or Elder is. The Atonement is big enough to cover each of us in the way that we need it to. It is a very personal thing between each of us and our Savior.

Last year my son had told me that he wanted to extend, but that they weren't approving extensions anymore.... LOOPHOLE! But, I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone.  ;)

****THE GOSPEL IS TRUE****

~Heidi

What do they Sell at the Provo MTC Missionary BOOKSTORE?

Provo MTC Missionary BOOKSTORE 

Does Elder Jones need 3 weeks of laundry soap?  Should I send Hermana Smith with 6 weeks of shampoo?  Oh NO, I forgot to pack…

Have you ever wondered what they sell at the Provo MTC Bookstore?  Here you will find a list.

You spend months and months packing and preparing for a mission.  No need to stress, the BOOKSTORE at the PROVO MTC is where they can get a number of useful items. 

A few tips.  #1 – laundry machines are FREE, but they do need to bring or buy soap/dryer sheets.

The pay phones at the airports are very expensive for collect calls.  So they can call you before they  fly out and it won’t cost an arm and leg, we highly suggest you send your missionary with a pre-paid phone card.  They DO sell these at the bookstore too.

Personal care items

·                     blow dryers

·                     curling irons

·                     hair care supplies - both elders and sisters

·                     kleenex

·                     makeup 

·                     nail care items

·                     over the counter medications

·                     soap and soap dishes

·                     small spray bottles

·                     towels

·                     wash cloths

·                     water bottles

·                     bobby pins - both black and brown

Clothing

·                     belts - elders

·                     bike pant/skirt clips

·                     button extenders

·                     ear muffs

·                     flip flops

·                     gloves

·                     handkerchiefs

·                     nylons

·                     shoe laces

·                     gym shorts

·                     socks

·                     sweatshirts

·                     t-shirts (lots and lots of styles and prints)

·                     ties

·                     pants and shirts

·                     half slips

Electronics

·                     batteries

·                     battery chargers

·                     clocks

·                     photo albums

·                     power adapters

·                     watches

Cleaning supplies  
FYI - laundry machines are FREE.
You do need to buy/bring soap & dryer sheets

·                     laundry detergent

·                     pre-wash

·                     bleach

·                     dryer sheets

·                     laundry bags

·                     room deodorizers

·                     sewing kits

·                     shoe goo

·                     shoe polish kits

·                     zip lock bags

Misc

·                     ankles or wrists braces

·                     coat hangers

·                     ice cleats for shoes

·                     journals

·                     junk/snack foods

·                     luggage bag tags and straps

·                     pass along cards

·                     push up bars for exercise

·                     all kinds of office supplies – pens, pencils, notecards, notepads, etc

·                     STAMPS

·                     oil – for elders

·                     wallets and inserts

·                     mini white boards

·                     PHONE - Calling cards  $5 for 500 minutes!!!!  (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

·                     books 

·                     triple combination scriptures  (English)

If you are learning a new language they will GIVE you copies of what you need for your mission.

The books sold in the book store are extras.

Angel Momma Project

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Missionary Mommas need to think like Walmart and the craft stores and get Christmassy EARLY.... especially if your missionary is overseas! We get so excited as we prepare Christmas packages for our missionaries. We want them to feel love from home!!!

It has come to our attention that there are a few of our missionaries that have companions that don't have the same support. Some missionaries are the only member in their family, and some families don't have the means to send packages or even letters to their missionary.

Now, I know what you are thinking...because I am have'n the same thought! And the answer is YES, we CAN help! After checking in with the Mission Dept in SLC, we have come up with a couple ways that anyone can help out!!!

We can donate to the General Mission Fund so that when there is a need, the Church can help. And we can send Christmas cards and small packages for the Elders and Sisters on our "Needs Some Love" list. We'll include a few fun items such as CD's, stationery, bookmarks, pens, small treats, etc...

Sooooo....here's the plan...

There are several ways to be a part of this project!

1- Donate funds using the Paypal donation button on the MM Mall, in the pinned post on the FB Group or here on the MM Blog! Click here >>>>

2- Purchase a MM Angel shirt, available at the MM Mall... for each shirt purchased, a portion will go to the General Mission Fund and a portion will go to help put together and ship our packages.

3- Donate to the General Mission Fund by using your tithing slip.

4- Go serve the missionaries on YOUR area. Remember to take pics of your service to share with the group throughout December!

I am only one MM... alone I can only do so much... but together as a group, 6,700 strong, we can make a huge difference to the 25+ missionaries on our list!!!

LET THE HOLIDAYS BEGIN!!! And to help get things started, here are some of our missionaries that are already celebrating... celebrating birthdays and P-Day, that is!!! ;)

Thank You for the Rain!

On September 17th last year, THIS happened....

It rained the whole way home... outside AND inside the car...sniff....sniff!

BUT, on September 17th this year, THIS HAPPENED!!!

This past year has been so much fun, getting to know MMs from all around the world and their  missionaries who are serving all over!!! A day doesn't go by that I don't get to laugh, cry, share, learn and love on Missionary Mommas!!! 

I have found that I am not the only one with a worn-out refresh button on my computer, and I'm not the only one weeping during football, basketball, track or baseball season. I'm not the only one with a secret stash of chocolate for hard days and I am not the only one cutting across traffic to get to the curb and whipping out my phone to snap a pic of missionaries riding by.... yes, I really did this yesterday  :}

One year down and one to go...and then I get to buy a "mission accomplished" banner and post "airport hug" pics! I am already on the look out for cute "homecoming appetizer" ideas.... and OH SUGAR, this means I hafta give his hoodie back!!!!

And about the time that I get used to NOT having a missionary out.... my daughter will be old enough to go! ***SIGH***

Until then... I will not only enjoy the rain....I will be thankful for it. Because without missions there would be no MMs and without rain....there would be no rainbows!!!

****THE GOSPEL IS TRUE****

and 

****I LOVE MMs****

First Day Blues

Recently, Traci Hovey asked the question "How do you deal with the 

proud but "empty" feeling when that missionary finally leaves?"

Lots of Mommas jumpped in on this thread with lots of good suggestions! We discovered that everyone "deals" differently! Some Mommas have to stay out of their missionaries room and others get right in there and clean! Some Mommas go to movies to get their mind off the "missing", and some Mommas treat themselves to ice cream, soda pop, Krispie Kremes....and yep, you guessed it CHOCOLATE!

Some Mommas need lots of hugs, others just go to bed early. Some watch comedies, and others dive into family history! Some Mommas go to the Temple to find comfort, some get blessings and others focus on love'n on the kids they still have at home. Some Mommas use dearelder.com to send daily notes to their missionary in the MTC, and some Mommas just gotta let themselves cry.

We have Mommas that recommend taking the day off, and Mommas that go hug their local Sister Missionaries. We have Mommas that wear their missionaries hoodies and Mommas that set new goals to accomplish while their missionary is serving! AND one Momma even suggested bungee jumping!  LOL!

We all look forward to snail mail and weekly emails and everyone agreed that staying busy helps. Getting out there and serving your local missionaries helps a bunch!!! For me, hanging out on the MM group with other Mommas that "get it" has been the best cure for those first day (and every **BIG SIGH** day) blues!!!

****THE GOSPEL IS TRUE****

Heidi

Do You Want a Book of Mormon?

Watch this great video by Missionary Momma JoDee Edwards' daughter, Bella.   She made it for her big sister, Sister Edwards, who is serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


Do you want a Book of Mormon from JoDee Edwards on Vimeo.



.....and if you do, click here... Free Book of Mormon

Africa

The Gospel in Africa 

by Terry Wilkerson

“This is a land, a people, and a place of great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Elder David A. Bednar said recently about Africa.  And even though many Africans live simplified and even challenging lives, “an uncluttered life can be more significantly and singularly focused on Jesus Christ.”

Click here to watch the video on LDS.org - Unto All the World:  The Gospel in Africa

 

Our son, Elder Nathan Wilkerson, serving in the Johannesburg, South Africa, was thrilled to attend one of Elder Bednar’s conferences when the apostle visited Africa.  

 

The church really is growing in Africa.  Elder Wilkerson teaches 20-30 lessons a week.  Recently he wrote, “this past week we had 26, we are truly blessed.  

 

 

 

Elder Wilkerson has had to make many adjustments to life in South Africa.  He attended the Johannesburg MTC and went through the temple with missionaries from Uganda who started their mission without having had the opportunity to go to the temple yet.  His first companion, an Elder from Rwanda, spoke five languages but couldn’t drive a car, and on Elder Wilkerson’s first day in the field, he had to drive a stick shift car on the left side of the road, never having driven stick shift before in his life.

 

Little things are different.  It’s hot on Christmas and New Year’s and he wrote when he looks up at the night sky, he doesn’t recognize any constellations because none of them are the same.

 

He has had companions from a variety of interesting places, including Rwanda, Austria, Madagascar, and Utah.

Many people where he serves are poor, and many drink a lot, especially at Christmas time.  But, as Elder Bednar said, many also develop great faith and love for others.  Elder Wilkerson told us about how he felt love and welcome when he arrived in his first area.  “All the little kids call me ‘mahuwa’ which means ‘white man’.  Its so funny!  Lots will come up to me and hold my hand and give me their version of a high five, which is you put your fist together and then put your thumbs together and push to the right side, kinda like swiping something. It’s wonderful.”

Elder Wilkerson loves South Africa and tells us he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.