I am an official missionary's mum! I LOVE IT! New Zealand culture is fabulous!
You may be wondering along with me . . . why am I even creating this blog?
This has been a struggle for me because I'm rather private and want to protect my family from any judgement. I'm so far from perfect and accordingly have yet to produce a perfect child. Strange, I know! However, I think they're rather close to perfect at times because they are good and they try. I have also prayed and honestly believe and have faith that our family is supposed to share these stories and experiences.
With Landon beginning the missionary application process I may need to start referring to them as Elder Keaton and Elder Landon. "Elder Moore" is going to get confusing really soon!
I have wondered WHY share my beloved family's letters?
Perhaps someone out there is curious about LDS missions and missionaries?
Maybe someone is preparing for a mission and this might give them a little perspective?
Reality . . . it's probably just good for me!
Elder Keaton has always been so obedient and doesn't mind following rules but it originally was a real struggle to live the letter of the law. Some of the missionaries in his mission have joked that they even count their steps on Sundays.
Exaggerated but the motto is: "We obey with exactness" and in his mission it is interpreted to be very exact. Elder Keaton is obedient.
I am so amazed with him and his growth! Every mission is different and no one should assume that all missionaries share the same experiences and feelings.
How do I handle the hard parts? For me, I won't judge or complain. The mission president is doing his very best to care for all these amazing missionaries. I can only imagine the challenges and I appreciate his love and care for my son. His companion is doing his best to teach and train. I appreciate his sacrifice at a young age to have the courage to serve. Missions are hard. Missions are also incredible!
My son is serving the Lord and how could I ask for more?
Elder Keaton really isn't himself in these first few emails in the field but keep reading as I post and you will laugh yourself silly! He gets back to normal. His personality comes through and he gets his rhythm going. It took him a few weeks to stop internalizing everything negative that was said and only be accountable to the Lord and be okay with his best.
Something good comes out of everything. Perhaps Elder Keaton has needed this solitude to really build a stronger relationship with the Lord and come to know Him in a way he wouldn't if he had a different initial experience. You'll soon see other ways our Elder Keaton has chosen to handle the situations and it's incredible! He loves the hard and crazy things!
He's doing well and loves his mission, which is all I need.
Sacrifice is . . .
. . . leaving your beloved dog at home with your crazy mum for two years!
Elder Keaton had a very dear friend who stayed with us for five months or so before he left on his mission. (His fabulous friend, Jake, is currently serving a mission in Brazil!) Jake told us we talked more than any family he had ever known and said, "I think it's great that y'all talk so much. I mean, y'all actually sit around and talk instead of watching TV!" Poor Jake! We made his ears hurt. Elder Keaton didn't leave very equipped for quiet.
This picture was taken on Elder Keaton's birthday--the day before he left for his mission. It's very candid and of course we're all talking.
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