Reader comments: Anxiously awaiting my missionary

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Stepmom | 6:56 a.m. June 23, 2008
We have thought sometimes that there ought to be a HTC (Home Training Center) to help returning missionaries to adjust to life after the mission. We agree that it is very difficult to readjust, but since you've been through this before, you are prepared to help him through it, and he will be fine.

Sadly, many young returned missionaries fall though the crack when they get home.
John B Sheffield | 11:16 a.m. June 23, 2008
Ann, Thank for sharing your thoughts, it must be so difficult for both sides, but Faith will carry you through!
Grace | 2:54 p.m. June 23, 2008
I have only experienced this once...in February when our daughter returned from Germany. As she hugged me at the airport she cried and was happy to see the family but in the same breath said "I want to be back in Germany." It takes time to transition. AND that is a sign of a missionary who has truly given their all. That they need time to go through the "changing" process of coming home and then taking that next step in their lives. I wish you the best Ann. Enjoy your son and get him ready to move on to the next phase of his life! We have a son coming home in August. It's exciting and joyful to boot!

Grace
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Returning Home | 3:51 p.m. June 23, 2008
I remember coming home from my mission,it was a mix feeling experience, sad to leave the people that i have served for two years and also excited to see my family. The lord has given me the opportunity to serve my fellowmen as well as preparing me to rear my future family and for this i am eternal grateful.
Have a Great Day | 4:21 p.m. June 23, 2008
Picking up my missionary at the airport was one of the happiest days of my life. It was also scary as you mentioned. I will never forget what a counselor in my stake presidency said to me. He said "you know the landing is harder than the take off". My son has now been back from his mission to Japan for two years. He is still saving to go back. I know he wanted to go back the minute he got off of the plane. It is so good to have them home and be able to give them a hug. Have a great day picking up your son!
Dennis | 2:00 a.m. June 24, 2008
My wife left me and the church many years ago and influenced all 6 of our children to do the same. My lifelong dream of a mission for my children was shattered. You are all so wonderfully blessed to have your children realize that dream. Nothing in life has such strength and power and influence as serving a mission. It solidified my testimony and became the foundation for all of my future. Although they are all good and kind etc they are not active. Sorry I don't mean to ramble or preach, just know that you are so blessed
Mama Clella | 12:07 p.m. June 24, 2008
When our missionary returned last fall, I expected we would pick up right where we were when he left. It didn't happen. He had changed. He had...matured. He was still high energy, loved life, loved his family, but he had an air about him that hadn't been there before. Instead of attaching himself to us (as I had thought he would), he visited friends, got a job, started dating the girlfriend he had broken up with before his mission (who's now his fiance). Looking back I realize how silly I was to hope that we would return to where we were two years ago. Life doesn't stand still. Thank goodness!

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