Mormon Missionary Moms: From Kenya to Peru

~by Karen

Karen has a son currently serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Kenya.

Yesterday my friend and her family sent off their oldest son to Peru for two years. He is a great young man who has a natural goodness and was also raised up well by his parents. The perfect candidate to go out in the world and do some good.

As I stood on my friend’s driveway last night to see how she was doing we both teared up a bit. The lack of contact is hard, both the verbal contact, and in the case of both of us, the physical contact. Tall sons who like to wrap their arms around their mothers and, at least with my own son, rest their heads on top of ours. Good boys (men) who leave a real hole when they are gone, even though they are having the blessing of filling up someone else’s life for 24 months.

My husband was standing there with us, and to lighten the mood he reminded us that there are some things that actually get irritating about having a gangly 19-yr old boy around the house all the time.

But, not today, honey. Today we like to think of our boys as perfect.

And, funny thing, I am still thinking that way this morning.

———

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6 Comments

Luann on August 24, 2009 at 8:18 am

I’m a little over 6 years away from facing the possibility of sending my oldest out into the world for a 2 year mission, so I can’t say I know what it feels like. But I imagine watching that gangly 19 year old walk away in his new suit is one of the most heart wrenching and wonderful feelings a mom can have. I dread it a little, but also, it is one of the deepest hopes of my mom-heart that one day he will have the desire and worthiness to go. Moms and sons like you and yours make the world a better place.

Daniel Z. on August 24, 2009 at 9:36 am

I had the privilege of meeting a few similar young men, serving in the much less exotic location of California. They changed my life. I would not be who I am today, I would not have my family, I would not have such great happiness if it weren’t for them. I consider every young man or woman who serves a mission to be my hero.

Thank you for having the courage to send your sons out to serve the world.

Heather on August 24, 2009 at 6:24 pm

I’m 17 years away from sending my son a mission, but reading this brought tears to my eyes.

Sandra on March 4, 2011 at 1:21 pm

I just sent my son to the MTC on February 23, 2011. Oh how I miss him! The thought of 2 years of this is almost too much. I keep holding onto how many LDS parents give their sons to God’s cause for 2 years of their young life and how great the blessing are for these young men! The hurt is still real and the tears are wet and do flow however! He is headed to Uganda, Kampala Africa and I know the people will love him and he will love them. I just love him too! 🙂

Karla Wilson on June 13, 2011 at 10:47 pm

I will be taking our son to the Provo MTC on July 6th. I keep telling myself I can do this, but I am also so very scared. Two years with only 2 phone calls a year, when now we talk once or so a week if not calling then texting!!! Help me Heavenly Father as you are the only one who can!!!
I CAN DO THIS!!!! I CAN DO THIS!!!!!

mormonwomen on June 13, 2011 at 10:55 pm

Yes, Karla, you can do this! It will be hard, but you can do it!

And you can definitely write once a week! It will change the dynamic a little, but imagine what a treasure it will be to have two years’ worth of emails — your own family history treasure of communication between mother and son.

Luann on August 24, 2009 at 8:18 am

I’m a little over 6 years away from facing the possibility of sending my oldest out into the world for a 2 year mission, so I can’t say I know what it feels like. But I imagine watching that gangly 19 year old walk away in his new suit is one of the most heart wrenching and wonderful feelings a mom can have. I dread it a little, but also, it is one of the deepest hopes of my mom-heart that one day he will have the desire and worthiness to go. Moms and sons like you and yours make the world a better place.
Daniel Z. on August 24, 2009 at 9:36 am

I had the privilege of meeting a few similar young men, serving in the much less exotic location of California. They changed my life. I would not be who I am today, I would not have my family, I would not have such great happiness if it weren’t for them. I consider every young man or woman who serves a mission to be my hero.

Thank you for having the courage to send your sons out to serve the world.
Heather on August 24, 2009 at 6:24 pm

I’m 17 years away from sending my son a mission, but reading this brought tears to my eyes.
Sandra on March 4, 2011 at 1:21 pm

I just sent my son to the MTC on February 23, 2011. Oh how I miss him! The thought of 2 years of this is almost too much. I keep holding onto how many LDS parents give their sons to God’s cause for 2 years of their young life and how great the blessing are for these young men! The hurt is still real and the tears are wet and do flow however! He is headed to Uganda, Kampala Africa and I know the people will love him and he will love them. I just love him too! 🙂
Karla Wilson on June 13, 2011 at 10:47 pm

I will be taking our son to the Provo MTC on July 6th. I keep telling myself I can do this, but I am also so very scared. Two years with only 2 phone calls a year, when now we talk once or so a week if not calling then texting!!! Help me Heavenly Father as you are the only one who can!!!
I CAN DO THIS!!!! I CAN DO THIS!!!!!
mormonwomen on June 13, 2011 at 10:55 pm

Yes, Karla, you can do this! It will be hard, but you can do it!

And you can definitely write once a week! It will change the dynamic a little, but imagine what a treasure it will be to have two years’ worth of emails — your own family history treasure of communication between mother and son.