Mission Call

I hope they call me on a mission!
 

In October 2012 President Thomas S. Monson announced that the church was lowering the missionary ages.  Young men could now be missionaries at age 18.  Young women could go at age 19.  The ages were lowered from 19 and 21 respectively.  It has been miraculous watching the influx of missionaries since the announcement. 

The Deseret News recently printed, "In the weeks following the missionary age announcement, the Church reported that missionary applications had increased dramatically (from 700 applications per week to 4,000), with women comprising more than half of the applicants. While the number of post-announcement applications is still double what it has been in the past, the total number of men and women who have applied since October is now about equal. Prior to the announcement, approximately 15 percent of missionaries were young women."

I am excited to see so many sisters taking the opportunity to serve.  My 19 months as a missionary changed my life.

In February 2013, 58 new missions were created bringing the total number of missions to 405.  Crazy right!?  My mission (Virginia, Richmond) will be split into two. The Virginia Chesapeake Mission will consist of the areas that belonged to the southern part of the Virginia Richmond Mission, Newport News, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. It will also add two more stakes from NC.  

While the prospect of seeing my kids leave for 18 months to 2 years makes my heart stop, I am excited to help them prepare to serve wherever and whenever they may be called.