MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011
I want to explain to some of my friends who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints precisely what a mission is so you can understand the emotions around returning with honor.
After two years of service, I was acting like a crazy mother at the sight of my son. When a young man chooses to serve a mission (usually at 19), they have traditionally prepared for this their entire life. While these boys serve the Lord, they are given strict rules to show their obedience and devotion to their work. They are allowed to call their families on Christmas and Mothers Day; other than those days, they do not speak to family or friends while they are gone; they are also given the opportunity once a week to email family. Just like anything in life, when we can devote our time or talents without the distractions of girlfriends or boyfriends. We can accomplish so much more. These young men cannot have physical contact with females while they serve again. That could be another distraction; they are on their mission to do the Lord's work and spread the word of the gospel.
When Blake left, I felt so lost as a mother, knowing I could not be the one to answer his questions or comfort him when he needed it; I guess we both learned over the past two years to do the best we can and then turn the rest over to the Lord--He will help us find our way. He will reach down and lift us up when we trust in Him I'm looking forward to sharing with each other the spiritual experiences we both have had.
Having him home and making our family complete again has been so sweet. When he was released from his mission and reported to President Merrill I was so touched by Blake's testimony. He sobbed as he explained the journey he has been on. The sacrifice these boys make is unbelievable. They leave family, friends, school, and life as they know it to go out and serve for two years. Blake has served and learned so much from these two years of sacrifice; the experiences he has had will bless his life forever, and the people he has touched will be changed forever. I would give anything to somehow be that type of example to people.
We haven't had a chance to sit down and talk with him. Tonight we had an open house so his friends could come to the house to visit with him.
Tomorrow we are taking Blake to Mexico for some much-needed alone time... I want to hear about his wonderful and maybe not so wonderful experiences. Tonight I am overwhelmed knowing the Lord took care of my son, better than I could have.
4 COMMENTS:
HOW SWEET IT IS!!!!!!WELCOME HOME ELDER WILLIAMS, The Scheurns LOVE YOU!!!
Can't stop crying!! I feel sure you could of never had a better weekend in your life Bon Bon... as Elder Williams returned home so honorably! The spirit I felt as I spoke to him was so tender!! Full-time missionaries are such selfless, noble, humble people! Blake is truly the one that received the blessings of his service for the last two years and I could feel his humility and his knowledge of this as we spoke!! I do know that he has made a huge difference in many people's lives in the Dominican Republic...and for this, these people and their posterity will be eternally thankful to Elder Williams!!
Tracey said...OCTOBER 04, 2011
That is the sweetest video! Love it.
That made me cry, seeing your love and excitement for him. So glad he served the Lord and is home! You made it!!!!
OCTOBER 05, 201i Robin said...
