To Oaxaca and Back, Ten Reasons Why You Want to Serve a Couple Mission

So last week we had to go back to Oaxaca to get our fingerprinting done for our visa's. On our drive over and back we reflected on how wonderful this opportunity is and wondered why many others aren't taking advantage of an opportunity to serve as a couple. An Elder from our mission had returned a couple of weeks ago with his parents and they said we needed to let others know how wonderful this is. They mentioned that people seem to think that they will be serving the same kind of mission they did when they were 19 years old. This is a very DIFFERENT mission experience. So in light of our conversation with them and considering our time to pander the issue we came up with Ten Reason Why You WANT to Serve a Couple Mission. In no particular order here they are.

Bring Others Unto Christ

Our main purpose as missionaries is to Bring Others unto Christ. In all we do everyday this is our focus. For us, this is done more through example and fellowshipping. Whether it be existing members who are not as active as they once were or getting to know our neighbors, this is our purpose. We strive to follow the example of our former Bishop Larry Eggett, who once challenged us with this question, "If you were on trial today for being a Christian, could they convict you on circumstantial evidence?"

Live in a Different Part of The World

Whether it is a different city in your own country or a different country altogether, this is a great experience. You get to learn how others drive, negotiate, communicate and every other thing you need in everyday life. Things we think of as commonplace are anything but, here in Oaxaca, and things that we would never expect are commonplace here.

And one of the things we don't see much of is Hermana DeWolf being taller than 75% of the women.

Develop a Greater Appreciation for Your "Hometown"

Little things that you would never expect like a bathroom. When we were in Oaxaca we where downtown in a store. Hermana DeWolf felt a sudden and strong urge to use the bathroom, this happens sometimes in Mexico ; ) She asked the lady helping us if they had a restroom she could use. The lady said she was sorry but no they didn't. However if we walked 1 1/2 block down the street and then turn left 1/2 block there is one available. Hermana DeWolf's mind shut down at hearing 1 1/2 blocks and she grabbed my hand and we hurried out of the store. Luckily my Spanish comprehension has improved enough to follow directions and soon we were at the stairway up to the "Public WC".

At the top of the stairs this is what it looked like.

Insert pesos to pass, then,

Push the button then out comes about 10 squares of paper. The sign hilariously translated is "Paper is dispensed one time per person, let's avoid having to charge you again" What a life !!!!!

Grow Closer as a Couple

When your focus is others and you spend 24/7 with your companion you learn to really appreciate their strengths. Hermana DeWolf is an amazing person and I am so fortunate to have her as my Eternal Companion. Getting to experience new things almost daily together develops memories and bonds you like nothing ever has. One of the couples in the MTC who had serve several missions stated that a mission is like a "Second Honeymoon" and I would agree. You learn to love and appreciate your companion at a much deeper level than ever before. This reason alone should have people submitting paperwork to serve as a couple within hours of reading this ; )

Serve Others

The opportunity to serve others in a myriad of ways is present daily when on a mission. Whether it is helping clean the church, teach an English class, help a single mother, providing a ride for the missionaries, help someone who was locked out of their home, etc, etc. When you look for opportunities there is never a shortage.

Meet Incredible People, Especially Missionaries

We have met people that we have felt we already knew..........
Had the opportunity to make friends that we would have otherwise never met.
This was our first experience with changes and missionaries going home after completing an honorable mission. We were amazed at how close we bonded to these young adults in just six weeks. There were several tears shed as we said goodbye and watched them board buses to next assignments. We truly Love the missionaries and are amazed at their spiritual strength. It is an honor to learn from them on a daily basis.

Greater Appreciation for Your Children

As a couple you can communicate with your family as much as is necessary. We use Skype and Facebook to keep in contact with our children and watch them grow. Last week our grandson Solomon was admitted to Primary Children's Hospital and ended up in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). Watching this unfold from far away was difficult, however watching our children step up and support each other was a blessing. Had we been there we would have swooped in and attempted to "save the day", instead we relied on the Lord and our other children to take care of JD, Kendra, Zeke and Solomon. They did a wonderful job and he ended up recovering much quicker than we anticipated.

Experience New Food and Cultures

What can I say about the food, it is AWESOME !!!!! From the fresh seafood available to the tacos al pastor and everything in between we really love the food on our mission.

As far a the culture, Mexico is rich with culture both current and ancient. We had the opportunity to go to Monte Alban and see some fantastic ruins which were inhabited for over 1500 years.

 

 

 

Spiritual Growth

 

I believe that it is impossible to NOT grow spiritually when your focus 24/7 is to Bring Others Unto Christ. This is the next step on our spiritual journey. Being around these young missionaries and watching them grow spiritually is uplifting and increases our ability to feel the spirit daily. We have seen the Lord work in their lives and the lives of those they teach as well as in our life.

 

 



Blessings for You and Your Family

 

We are reaping blessings daily as we and our children grow. One of the blessings that I believe is a direct result of our service to the Lord is the quick recovery of our grandson. Our prayers were truly answered and we expect that our children will continue to be watched over while we are away.

 

 

 

Did I mention the food ....................

 

 



Come on down and I will save you a piece of that corn.............