Missionary Mom Tip #1: Make connections with moms who also have a child in the same mission

The following was shared on my social media March 11, 2025. 

I was saying a prayer and thanking Heavenly Father for the opportunity I have had of being a missionary mom. I was feeling grateful for so many things. Including making connections with other moms from the mission and the joy that has brought me.  I was impressed with the thought of doing a daily countdown and sharing a missionary mom tip or something that's helped me find joy in this journey. I'll never get to be a missionary mom again.This season of my life is ending. So why not share some things I've learned along the way that might help someone else. 

Only 8 days until Eliza comes home and tip #1 - Make a connection with some of the other mothers in the mission. 

When my first child left, there was no video chatting or regular phone calls.  We introduced ourselves to each other when taking our missionary to the airport and exchanged phone numbers. If one mom received a picture of their child from the flight or layover to the mission from a random, kind stranger, it was sent to our new group of missionary moms. We all get excited and happy. Closing in the gap just a bit with a recent goodbye to a child.  

When Eliza left, I met two moms early that morning at the airport whose sons were going to the same mission. We’ve become friends, and now our group of missionary moms has expanded. We share lunch dates, pictures, and support through our GroupMe. At our last lunch, one mom suggested that as we introduced ourselves to the new moms, we show a picture of our Elder or Sister. Which was awesome for all of us to see. We were connecting that some of our children are in the same district or they did splits together or enjoyed a p-day adventure together. Now, when I see Eliza's pictures, I better recognize and know who the other missionaries are and even know their mom's, too! 

For me, a connection with other mothers helps with the loneliness or sadness of having a child gone AND is another way to feel joy when your child is away serving and teaching others about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

I'm grateful for missionaries and their mothers. 

10 Days Until My Missionary Returns Home!!

On March 9, 2025 I made a post like this on my social media. I was beginning a 10-day count down of Eliza returning from her mission on March 19, 2025. Wahoo!!

So much excitement and gratitude!!

In 10 days, my amazing daughter will be coming home after serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France!

I am overflowing with delight and gratitude as I think about the many lives she's touched and the many that have touched and blessed her life. This includes companions, leaders and teachers at the MTC, terrific mission leaders, senior missionary couples, members in the branches and wards, all her fellow missionary pals, the many people she met and were willing to talk to her, and all those who would listen to her share and teach about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

The faith, strength, and love she's exhibited over the past 18 months have been such an inspiration to me. I can’t wait to welcome her home, hear her stories, see her notebook of miracles, and see the incredible person she’s become through this experience.

I’m so proud of her and grateful for the service she’s done in France and Belgium—what a beautiful journey it has been!

Your Worth and My Worth is Great!!

My Aunt Betty Wade had this picture hanging on her refrigerator for years. It was a strength and a reminder to my younger self, many times. Okay, even my older self at times needs it too. 

We all go through times in our life where we question who we are and doubt our worth, maybe that is you right now. You might question if you matter to God or if God really knows you. Here is my plea and witness to you (and maybe this post will be a reminder to me when I need it in the days or months to come, because I forget) - YOU matter, God does know you and you are not forgotten.

 

Ask Him how He feels about you.

Do not let the enemy rob you of your worth and don't let the world define your worth. Your worth is great! You really ARE a child of God!

The truth is, YOU are of such great worth that someone gave their life for YOU! Jesus Christ, your older brother, has already suffered for your pains, your mistakes, your sorrows - He really knows how you are feeling. Pause and think about that for a minute. It’s amazing, isn’t it?

 

That is one of the reasons why Easter time is so special to me.

The enemy of your soul and the world might tell you things like: “you are too far gone”, OR “what you say or do doesn’t matter” OR “you are not enough _______ (fill in the blank)”, OR that “you are beyond the reach of God or Jesus Christ and Their love and help”. Those are lies! The enemy desires you to be miserable like he is. Is it working? If so, please don’t let him steal another day of your worth, your peace, your happiness.

 

While it is true our choices might distance us from Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, I know they acknowledge the reaching and humble heart.

As we turn toward God, have “a change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general” that is repenting. And oh, the great joy that brings Jesus Christ.

Let's all give God joy today! 

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Post script/side note... Posting and sharing truth like the above takes courage, which I do not always have it. I fear a lot and I have doubts. BUT, God knows that too and He sends little messages to give my encouragement, strength, and power to go forward and to do His will, which He inspired me to do. Such was the case with the following verses from Doctrine and Covenants 19, which I read a few days ago.

29 And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.

30 And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.

37 And speak freely to all; yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound of rejoicing, crying—Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!

These verses spoke to my heart, given to me through the Spirit, enlightening my mind that this is a great guide to social media posting and what God desires of me.  Go forth and share my testimony, my witness, what I am learning, and my joy!