This is really happening!

Fairly early on Friday morning, January 8th I was studying at my desk and Gary was reading in his favorite chair. It felt quiet and peaceful. We were gearing up and emotionally preparing for the next day, when the church would post the names of new mission presidents. 

All of a sudden our phones started to buzz simultaneously, with texts from friends congratulating us on our call. 

Wait, what?

Turns out we got the date wrong. 

We spent the next hour or so quickly texting family and close friends, but then had to jump on a zoom call with all of the new mission leaders and the missionary department. We felt unsettled and back on our heels a bit, but I am guessing this is a feeling we should get used to. 

As we were listening to Elder Nash, Sister Cordon, and our dear friend Dave Weidman in this introductory meeting, I gazed at the sea of faces on the call with us. Other new mission leaders, who undoubtedly were feeling a lot of the same emotions we were. I noticed that many of the faces looked a lot younger than us. I immediately started thinking about what this call would mean for a younger mother...not just packing and preparing a household, but taking children with you.  Disrupting a family rhythm, leaving friends and teams, and starting new schools. What if you were also trying to learn a new language?  Then study and familiarize yourself with Preach My Gospel? And get your kids all on board for this new adventure?

All of a sudden my own fears and concerns weren't a big deal anymore. I felt gratitude realizing Gary and I were coming off of four years of experience serving at the Provo MTC, which would aide significantly in our preparations. 

Then I started praying for all those faces on the zoom call I didn't know.

'...Press forward, Saints, with steadfast faith in Christ,

With hope’s bright flame alight in heart and mind,

With love of God and love of all mankind.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!...'