Tick Tock for My "Baby"

There is a Greek word for time-kairos-
which has a different sense than the ordinary passing of moments, the position of the hands on a clock. Kairos means a particular hour, a critical moment which, when it dawns, demands a decision from us. from: The Book That Changed My Life by: Brother Christopher

We mormons have a very unique tradition.
We send 19 yr old boys out to the 4 corners of the world for 2 years.
Most "outsiders" looking in seem to to view this practice of ours as something esteemable and even praiseworthy. Often it is equated to the sending out of young people to work in the Peace Corp. (is there still such a thing?)
People not of our faith marvel at the sacrifice that it appears to be and IS; to part with our boys (and girls) with only the promise of 2 phone calls a year and mail that the postman or email brings. And most are impressed that this service comes without any financial support from the Church. Instead they learn that it is the prospective missionary or his family that forks out the dough for this opportunity to knock on doors and seek for those who would like to hear the message of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So let it be known....that I AGREE!!!! On all counts!!!
It is a sacrifice.
But its more of a marvel.
If a 19 yr old boy can go out and accomplish what they do...then maybe, just maybe, what they have to say is true!!

Today the last interview is complete, the Book has been read, the doctors have signed off on his good health, and the last form has been signed. Every T has been crossed and every i has been dotted. Today is the day that the "submit" button has finally be pressed.
And though we already have one missionary out from this household, this handsome guy now awaits the customary 10 days for his packet to arrive in the mail. A packet that will contain his official letter from Salt Lake-informing him where he'll be going in this vast and beautiful and sometimes scary world.
This letter will change his life.
All my other kids will concur that their letters and subsequent missions did indeed change their lives.
Bri has chosen this most formative step in his life on his own. There was no overt pressure applied. Sure...it is true that there is a great deal of "implied" pressure and great expectations...but around here we have learned that example screams much louder than words. The successful completion of 4 missions by Bri's older siblings is much more powerful a persuasion than anything we can dish out. In the end, it is always their choice and not coercion, to go and to serve. It is they that are willing to give up the comforts of home and the peaceful routines so that they may serve and do what they know is best.
I can think of no other experience that beckons for more trials and pain and struggle than a mission does. Parents can only hope that they have done what they can to prepare their rookie sons for what will hit them between the eyes once they are out there in the world. Leaders and teachers and parents can only try to insure that their testimonies are strong as they set off for the 'great and terrible adventure' we call missions. But who can really prepare them for the unknown?
Bri has been our least opinionated and quietest kid when it comes to the time honored tradition of speculating about where he'd "like" to serve. In fact, hes been uncharacteristically speechless on the subject. This is new for us. There has been no bantering or betting on where he may go. Though it is highly probable that this could change in the ensuing few days before we do actually know for a certainty where he is headed.
These next 10 days are nerve racking ones...to say the least. The powers that be, up there in Salt Lake, in that beautiful skyscraper we fondly call "The Church Office Building," will now deliberate and pray and receive inspiration for our Brian. Heavenly Father knows Brian. Bri now knows that God knows him. We now wait at home, just twiddling our thumbs and wondering where it is that the Lord will send him to work.
The countdown has begun.
tick tock
Maybe you'll count with us?

(ps- i know where i'd like to see my baby go on his mission. im not above speculation, but i am superstitious, and i'll not utter a word. besides, we know that wishing wont make it so. i'll let you know if im even close.)



photo by chelsea