Was excited until now.

[pooter1]

My son recieved his mission call.He is going to california. I have been so excited for him and I told everyone I work with.This started conversations about missionaries. They don't understand why he can't have no computer,no cell ,no dating,no t.v. In fact they started saying things like"I wouldn't let my kid go",Do you want to change religons?" "I am so worried about you,are you going to be ok?"It has really bummed me out.Im thinking, my child wants to go and serve GOD,SERVE GOD!!!!!!! Why wouldn't they want the same for their children.I am so proud that my son decided to make this decision but the people I work with are starting to bring me down about it.

[Vida]

My son recieved his mission call.He is going to california. I have been so excited for him and I told everyone I work with.This started conversations about missionaries. They don't understand why he can't have no computer,no cell ,no dating,no t.v. In fact they started saying things like"I wouldn't let my kid go",Do you want to change religons?" "I am so worried about you,are you going to be ok?"It has really bummed me out.Im thinking, my child wants to go and serve GOD,SERVE GOD!!!!!!! Why wouldn't they want the same for their children.I am so proud that my son decided to make this decision but the people I work with are starting to bring me down about it.

Proud Mother,

Forgive them for their lack of understanding how this missionary is one the milestones in young adults' lives

Smile along with them that your son's enrichment is far more super than they would have at this age

Sing along that your son will go as budding missionary and comes back as an apprecative, wise, and respectful son.

Vida

[rameumptom]

We live in a selfish and materialistic world. Even as in John 1, they see the Light, but do not understand it. You and your son are setting an example for the world, a city on the hill, a light to all the world. Here is your chance to explain to them that the things of most worth are not visible to the eye (The Little Prince, St Exupery). Perhaps you will be able to make them think.

Explain to them the joy that a mission brings into the life of the missionary, his family, and those they bless. The spiritual feast is worth being away from the mundane things of the world for a short while. It is like going off to college, where you have to give up some things for a while, in order to focus on excelling, learning and graduating with honors. This is the spiritual university.

[Jennarator]

MIssions RoCK!!!

Your son will have a MIssion PResident, his wife and many others looking after him. More safe then sending him away to college, if you ask me.

He will be great, you and the whole family will be blessed. He will grow and learn to overcome the hard times! Don't worry.

[Guest]

Last year, my sister-in-law calls me and says... "I just read that LDS boys have to go on a 2 year mission! Oh, that's bad! I fear for my nephews!"

Yeah, they just don't understand.

[RipplecutBuddha]

I served a mission in California. The only thing that I had to worry about was money for doing laundry, and grocery shopping.....for two years....the experience was one of the most intense periods of personal growth of my life, and I'm still learning from it today.

Add to that the joy of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ; the chance to take something that gives our lives meaning and purpose, and share that with others and watch them experience the same wonders and joys. There is nothing a single man or woman can do in this life that is more rewarding than serving God.

[ZionsRodeVos]

Wow, people think going without these things is that indispensable? I have four children and will be happy to send them all on a mission if they choose to go. I served a mission and know it gave a great boost to my understanding of the gospel and my testimony. What I learned in those two years you can't learn in two years of being connected to all the technology this world has today. And I believe that there are few if any other ways to grow closer to God in a two year time span.

Keep up the excitement. Let those people at work know that your son will be informed of anything he needs to know from his mission president , other missionaries, and the people he talks to as he shares the gospel.

[Guest]

Tell them Tim Tebow has been doing it every summer of his life.

[UrbanFool]

Wow. You need a big dose of Relief Society. I know the missionaries are spoiled to death here. So, whatever others think, don't let that ruin your excitedness. And if he's assigned to the Redding Stake, let me know!

[Traveler]

My son recieved his mission call.He is going to california. I have been so excited for him and I told everyone I work with.This started conversations about missionaries. They don't understand why he can't have no computer,no cell ,no dating,no t.v. In fact they started saying things like"I wouldn't let my kid go",Do you want to change religons?" "I am so worried about you,are you going to be ok?"It has really bummed me out.Im thinking, my child wants to go and serve GOD,SERVE GOD!!!!!!! Why wouldn't they want the same for their children.I am so proud that my son decided to make this decision but the people I work with are starting to bring me down about it.

Invite your friends to have the missionaries in your area drop by and give a firsthand account of what it is like to be a missionary and why they are willing to give of their time and in many cases support themselves in their missionary endeavor. Tell them that it is quite possible that they have been given much misinformation about LDS missionaries.

I suggest you address them directly with the scripture John 7:51 and ask them if they are taught in their religion to judge others without even talking directly to them about what they are doing.

The Traveler

[Backroads]

... but we're not the only religion that encourages missions...

[mnn727]

For most non-LDS religions, Church is something you do for an hour and a half on Sunday and then put it back on the shelf(so to speak) until the following Sunday.

The idea of someone serving the Lord for 2 years would be terrifying to most people.

Its a great opportunity for you to do some missionary work, you should pray for what to say when people have reactions such as this.

[mnn727]

... but we're not the only religion that encourages missions...

Actually we really are the only one that has most young men serve a 2 year mission. Other Churches MAY have people go for a week or 2.

A Church or group of Churches may sponser a missionary or 2 but I know of no religion like ours.

[UrbanFool]

We had a Schwann's guy who was saving up to do a several year Mexico mission with his wife and gazillion kids. They were going to build orphanages or something.

[Guest]

Actually we really are the only one that has most young men serve a 2 year mission. Other Churches MAY have people go for a week or 2.

A Church or group of Churches may sponser a missionary or 2 but I know of no religion like ours.

The Catholic Church encourages their young men to spend the REST of their lives serving God. It's called going into Religious Order... where you become a Catholic priest.

Of course, not MOST young men do it...

[Traveler]

The Catholic Church encourages their young men to spend the REST of their lives serving God. It's called going into Religious Order... where you become a Catholic priest.

Of course, not MOST young men do it...

Interesting - if all Catholic men did as encouraged within a generation the Catholic church would be in serious trouble and it very existance threatened.

The Traveler

[pooter1]

I guess I thought everyone believed like I do! I also thought everyone believed in the pre-existance. lol Home grown mormon I am. Thanks for all the comments Im feeling better talking to my own people who understand!

[classylady]

I think a lot of mothers have mixed emotions about sending their children on a mission. On one hand, we're worried about our children, feel sad that we won't see them for two years, and then on the other, we're so pleased they have chosen to serve the Lord. It's hard for people, who don't understand the blessings a mission can bring our children (and to others), to comprehend why our sons/daughters would choose to give up two years of their lives to serve the Lord.

I've had the opportunity to serve a mission myself, (wonderful experience) and so far, have sent a son and daughter on a mission. I have another son who just turned 17 and plans on going on a mission. It's hard to send them out, but as a family we received so many blessings while they were gone.

I'd like to serve a mission with my husband after he retires. I'm looking forward to it, but at the same time, I'm hesitant because even though all my children will be grown by that time, I still feel the need to be there in case something happens. Plus, I certainly will miss my grandchildren. I believe that when we have fears about missions, either for ourselves or for our children, we need to have faith that all will be well.

[slamjet]

I'm still trying to figure out why the OP gives other people the power to determine what level of excitement she should feel about her son's mission?

[Dravin]

I'm still trying to figure out why the OP gives other people the power to determine what level of excitement she should feel about her son's mission?

Going to friends/acquaintances with exciting news and having them poo-poo it can be a bit of a downer, particularly when you expect them to be excited with/for you and not vomit killjoy all over you. If it's chronic and completely eliminated all prospects of excitement, yeah, you got a very valid point, but a momentary double take and disappointment isn't unusual.

[Backroads]

For most non-LDS religions, Church is something you do for an hour and a half on Sunday and then put it back on the shelf(so to speak) until the following Sunday.

The idea of someone serving the Lord for 2 years would be terrifying to most people.

Its a great opportunity for you to do some missionary work, you should pray for what to say when people have reactions such as this.

Oh, I don't know. I have a friend who used to be JW who served for over a year.

I met some very evangelical Christians who are going to China for four years.

There are plenty of Christians who do a lot more than be religious once a week.

[Guest mormonmusic]

I think the reaction of your friends shows they are lacking in relationship savvy. If someone comes to me about something they are going to do that is exciting to them, I'm usually excited too, and if not excited, keenly interested in figuring out why they are excited -- which leads to empathy and a bigger view of the world.

One thing I've learned is not to share the aspects of my own individual culture that others aren't aware of. You never know what you're going to get -- better to hop on the phone and talk to some other LDS friends.

[findingmyway]

YAY!!! Congratulations on your son getting his mission call !!!

[SeekerofTruth]

Yeah, I don't share my excitement for religious things with those who don't share the same faith as me, why? because they don't understand it. I'd say just ignore them and love them as Jesus already does.

I'm not LDS but I grew up going on church events and we weren't allowed to bring ipods or cell phones when we went on missions trips either. I remember one of my friends went on a month long retreat and they had their cell phones but then they went up in the mountains and they had absolutely no reception or means of contact, and my friend was like "at first it was frustrating, but then it was awesome because nothing was there to distract me from prayer and listening to God and spending time with Him and His creation"

I have issues with how people are okay with bringing electronic devices and stuff to really any event. It's rude and you don't get the whole experience because you're too selfish to let go of things you won't be able to take with you when you die anyway. Sometimes I just turn off my cell phone for a whole day lol especially if I go on a Sabbatical. lol

So yeah, don't let people like that get you down. It's because they don't understand, and put yourself in their shoes. Sympathize with their ignorance of your beliefs and love them despite what they say.

Congrats for your son! I'll keep him in my prayers! :-)

[pooter1]

I think I better just talk to my lds friends.I need to lifted up and not brought down. I started thinking about what they were saying and started thinking"Yeah two years IS a long time" and "Yeah Why CAN"T I go see him" Be in the world but not of the world.I have to stay focused its hard enough to let him go. Thank you for all the uplifting comments.makes me feel better.