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.