The anticipation

September 13, 2013

It was only about four weeks, but it seemed like forever! Wow! Finally seeing the envelope from the Office of the First Presidency was a heart-pounding experience.

Who gets to read it?

Okay, we each have one of our own to read.

Even though we were fairly certain we would be called to Thailand, until we saw it in print:
       "You are called to serve in the Thailand Bangkok Mission"
we weren't 100% positive. We were both flooded with emotion. What a blessing to have this opportunity to serve the Lord in a country we both love.

Pushing the submit button

Sweaty palm time! Ray said, "Are you ready? Once you push the button, there is no turning back!" I have to admit that my hand was a little shaky, but I finally got up the courage to press the enter key.

There was nothing left to do now but wait!

The Process

Even though we had sent three sons on missions, we had no idea how involved the process was. Immunizations started immediately. Talks with the bishop and stake president, paperwork, medical and dental work, (and did we say paperwork?)--all finally completed and the application was ready to submit.

Every missionary application has to have a picture. Here is ours:

How it all began . . .

In May 2013, Ray's business partner and his wife returned home from a mission in Winter Quarters. They reported that they had had an amazing time! We were not surprised--missions are like that. We were surprised, however, when his partner came to Ray a few weeks later and asked when we were going to serve a mission. Ray explained that we planned to go when he retired in a few years. His answer was unexpected: "Oh no, you need to go now! You can take time off work, we will help you, and your office will be here when you get back."

That started serious conversations between us. For 40 years Ray had dreamed of returning to Thailand to serve a mission with his wife. Could it really be possible for us to leave years before we had thought? The questions and concerns flew between us. When would our health be better? Could we leave our kids for a year? When would we have fewer grandchildren to leave behind? Who could take care of our home? Would finances be okay? After much discussion between us and with our kids, and after much prayer, we decided it was not only possible but the correct decision for us to apply for a mission. Ray contacted the mission president to see if it was possible to serve a foreign mission for only one year. It was! So, now we began in earnest.