One of my very best friends is going on a mission, on Wednesday in fact. I was one of her youth leaders about 6 years ago and now she’s all done growing up and ready to face the big scary world. 🙂 She will spend 3 weeks at the missionary training center in Provo, UT and then will be shipped to Guatamala.
5. Mormon Missionaries lives strict rules. They have a white handbook that pretty much tells them everything they can, and can not do. They can’t hold babies/kids. They can’t be on the internet, they can’t watch TV, they can’t listen to most popular music (exceptions for classical and some church music).
6. Missionaries are all about service. Each week they have to give some hours to service. They’re good hard workers. We had ours help put in a sprinkler system, but they also find ways to help out in the community, ours recently helped a lot with the local “Mormon Helping Hands” day.
So, why on earth would you do it? I can testify that going on a mission changes you. Boys leave, men come home. They are working hard, they are dedicated to the service of their God and they are helping others. They come home with amazing skills, a new language (which is part of why the Salt Lake City Olympics were so successful), an ability to communicate better, and an ability to be on their own.
So, next time you see them riding their bikes, or walking by — give them a smile. They’re working hard to bring people happiness, and their moms will thank you!
** I will add, that I didn’t go on a mission. I was considering it when I had very strong feelings that I should get married instead. I don’t look forward to the time my boys serve a mission (when they are 19) but I know it’s a refining fire that will help them (even if it makes me miserable to think about).
IrishEyes says
Are you assuming that ALL Catholic priests are pedophiles? Your anti-Catholic sentiment is apparent and distressing to people who are just here to learn about what their Mormon missionary neighbors are doing.
Hilary Erickson says
I’m sorry that bothered you, I will change it.
Jean says
What about college? Doesn’t that 2 years or 18 months away plus the cost of supporting themselves almost make college impossible? Just wondering….
Pulling Curls says
Most colleges allow students to defer scholarships, grants, etc for the time that they are on their missions. Also, for those that need it, our church has a Mission fund to help those that would like to serve but don’t have the funds or all the funds. Missions teach a lot of life skills that help them for the rest of their lives.
Maddy says
It has changed a little bit in recent years, although it does depend on where your mission is. Missionaries can now call their families once a week and communicate with others through Facebook. They can wear jeans if they’re doing service as long as it’s not form fitting. My sister is currently serving Spain but she was in Colorado for a few months as well. Also, you will probably have several companions and get relocated within your area from time to time.
Pulling Curls says
Yes, it has changed quite a bit in the last few years. I love that they have the ability to communicate a bit more with families now.