The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has asked all males at the age of 19 years old, who are able, to serve a full time mission. These young men dedicate two years of their lives to a mission. They are assigned to any possible part of the world where their service is needed. They teach people about Jesus Christ, they provide manual labor for free, they baptize and bring a message of hope to those who are willing to hear.They do not see their families for two years, they do not talk to them on the phone or text them (with the exception of two phone calls a year, one on Mother's Day and one on Christmas). They are not paid, they actually have to pay for everything themselves. These young men serve the Lord willingly and do nothing else for two years.
Scott is the the first missionary in our family to serve The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is no way to adequately describe the change that happens to these young men when they go and serve. Some people say that they leave a boy and come home a man. I have seen the blessings of a mission. My husband served a full time mission in Costa Rica and I benefit from it everyday. I have also been blessed because of Scott's faithful missionary service.
This was always a dream I had for my little brother and I know it was his own dream. As he began to prepare and the time was drawing close, some people did not understand why he would want to go. Why would a 19 year old boy want to leave family, college, dating and the comforts and safety of home to talk to people about God?
All I can tell you is that I have seen his life change, as he changed the lives of others. He has written home and shared with us the many miracles that have happened while he has been away. He has walked the streets and met people who were hopeless, taught them that there is hope in this dark world and through this, he has changed them forever. He has performed hard manual labor, helping communities in California. I have seen the mile long hills he has had to climb in 100+ degree weather on a bicycle with a pack on his back. His life for the last two years has been filled with purpose and dedication. He has been in leadership since he began his mission and through this, he has learned many valuable life lessons.
I have never heard him happier, than he has been these past two years. Although I wasn't able to talk to him regularly, his mission strengthened me. It blessed my family. It increased my testimony and changed me forever. I am so proud of him and I love him.
He did it! He did it!
To learn more go to: lds.org
