Support.

I remember the nervousness and complete terror our only daughter felt when she transitioned from our ward's nursery to the front row in the primary room.

PSSD - Pre-Sunbeam Stress Disorder. 

Sarah clung to me, crying and scared to death. To get there we had to walk past the row of rowdy 10-11 year old boys and they even scared me. God bless primary teachers. It took weeks before I was able to move from the chair on the back row and slip out the door without her needing an occasional glance over her shoulder. An assurance that I was close by and that she was going to be just fine. 

Gary and I feel just like Sarah did…walking into this new experience with absolutely no idea what to expect, where to go, or what to do next. All we want are treats and a nap.

Sup-port: /səˈpôrt/

Verb - 1. Bear all or part of the weight of; hold up

   2. Give assistance to; enable to function or act.

Noun- 1. A thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright. Give approval, comfort, or encouragement to. 

Within hours after our call to serve, we began to receive phone calls, instruction, emails, encouragement and direction from the church’s missionary department. In short…support.

Over the years I have come to depend on the efficiency of the church. The industry, organization and effectiveness have always been a source of comfort and pride for me - that I belong to a church that knows how to get things done. Our mission call journey is proving to be no different. We feel the brethren's sustaining encouragement and assistance right out of the gate, thru an extremely competent and capable staff.

Before we can be assigned to a specific mission, there is a list of required tasks we're asked to accomplish (without telling anyone why we were doing them).  It was similar to the process of getting our kids ready to serve, with a few age-appropriate additions: physical exams, colonoscopies, dental exams, portraits taken, church email addresses set up, temporary photos sent, passport applications. We were given access to and began to digest training and logistical materials, all the while trying to ‘act natural’ in the every day motion of things and not draw attention to the fact that we are stressed out of our minds. 

We also welcomed 2 new grandsons, little Thayne and Jack. I remember when we met them for the first time. It made my eyes sting, knowing we wouldn’t get to hold them as babies for long. Their parents have no idea we’re leaving.  All three boys born this fall will all be on the front row of the primary room before we return from wherever we are going. 

This new adventure for us comes on the heals of a powerful General Conference. We are ruminating on the words of our living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. Let God Prevail. Here are a few of his words:

'For centuries, prophets have foretold this gathering, and it is happening right now! As an essential prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord, it is the most important work in the world! ...

...Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?'

We are trying, President Nelson, we truly are! And we feel so grateful for the sustaining support we feel through the Holy Ghost from a loving Heavenly Father. And the missionary department!