Can I let you in on a secret?

Don't ask me where this even came from, but I was thinking about things I would like to accomplish in my life. Things I want to see, where I want to go, things I want to experience, and as I was looking on Facebook I came to this thought. I REALLY want to witness a homecoming of a missionary that is a complete stranger to me. I mean I've been to the slc airport 8 times now in the past year and a half and still haven't gotten to see one. What time do these boys ship in?! I always keep my eye open for them but they are no where.

For those friends who aren't sure what I'm talking about, a mission is something that young men do for our church. As a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, young men are asked to give 2 years of their time between the ages of 19 to 25 to devote 2 full years of their lives to sharing the gospel with the world. For the majority of these guys, they leave at age 19 and come back at age 21. Young men are taught in the church that they are supposed to do this, yet it is ultimately their decision to go. They fill out paperwork, go through interviews and physicals months prior to their 19th birthday to prepare to receive their call. When it finally comes in the mail, some will have huge parties to celebrate the opening of their call, telling them where they are headed, because they really have no say as to where they go. Each of these missionaries are called to an area, I feel for a purpose. They then head to the Missionary Training Center to learn the language they'll speak and learn how to share the gospel. This is a huge commitment on their part, along with their families because they have to put school on hold, don't have cell phones, or internet priveleges except to a specific email address that only immediate family can contact them through. the rest of the contact comes from letters via snail mail, and they get 4 phone calls the entire 24 months. 2 for christmas, and 2 for mother's day. and that's it.

For girls, missions are a little different. they can serve at the age of 21, and for 18 months. We are not asked to serve, but given the choice. I'm so thankful for that, because now being at the age where my guy friends I have made are around the globe, I'm realizing the trials and efforts they go through and how much preparation it actually takes.

I can't even begin to describe to you how happy and proud I am of all the guys I know that are out on their missions right now. Looking and reading the different messages they share about their current experiences are such testimony builders for me becuase I know that their efforts and progress are helping people all around the world. I know none of them will ever read this, considering that at the earliest, they won't come back until late summer and another 2 years for those preparing to leave, but I want them all to know that I am praying for them, and that I am thankful they have lived their lives thus far to be worthy enough to take on this task.

Now back to what I was saying at the way beginning. I think it would be fun to witness a stranger's homecoming because even though I know nothing about the person, where they served, their stories etc, I know that they were doing the Lord's work, and that no matter where they were that they were choosing the right and helping people. You can see the reuniting of the parents and I'm sure it is an experience, that even though they are strangers will still make anyone cry.

that being said, maybe I'll fly out a few days early, and live in the airport till someone shows up. anyone want to join??

**disclaimer. These pictures are from google. My friends are much better than these missionaries, but i felt weird taking their pictures from their facebooks