What is the Hardest Thing You do as a Mission Leader? - Easter
Easter Morning, He is Risen - It is true!
People will ask me, what is the hardest thing you do as a mission leader?
At first, I thought it would be praying that I say the right thing to inspire and help a missionary at any moment when they have a difficult question.
Yes, that weighs on me, yet as I look back over the 33 months that I have been on my mission so far, the hardest thing is really the most painful thing and that is sending a missionary home early.
Before our mission, President Quinn and I naively hoped we wouldn’t ever have to send someone home. We soon learned that sometimes it is the right thing and even the best thing for the missionary. Still, that doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking.
Sister Knotts & Brunette at interviews
You would hope that when you’re doing the right thing it wouldn’t be painful, but it is. These decisions come after sleepless nights, heartfelt prayers, and careful counsel, when possible, with the missionary’s home stake president, parents and the missionary themselves. There are many, many days President Quinn and I both have walked around with heavy hearts. We understand the implications of it all—the disappointment, the stigma, the concern for what comes next. Parents who feel distraught and worried. A missionary who may be discouraged, and hopeless. Every situation is unique. We have to consider many factors including the effect on their companions, and the mission as a whole. The bottom line though is what is truly best for this missionary?
I remember one time walking a missionary into the office to meet with President Quinn. As I stepped back out, I looked over and saw his suitcases packed and ready to go by the door. Suitcases with carefully folded shirts and ties that still had more wear in them. I paused, touched the handle, as tears seeped from the corners of my eyes. This missionary had a soft spot in my heart from the beginning. He had done so much good. This wasn’t the plan.
And yet, I also knew he was going home to love and support from church leaders and family who would help him move forward. There is always a path ahead, even if it looks different than expected.
You would think that a missionary going home for health reasons would be easier, yet it can still be difficult for that missionary with many uncertainties, concern, feelings of things not being finished and disappointments. AND our hearts still really hurt.
Hermana Austin, Riches & Perez on their way to a lesson.
It feels fitting that I’m writing this on Easter. A day of hope. A day of new beginnings. A day that reminds us that through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, there is always second chances, healing and renewal!
I don’t believe God looks at calendars and transfer dates. He looks at hearts. When a missionary is humble, willing to work hard, and surrounded by love, change comes. It is a missionary’s attitude that makes all the difference. In time, what feels like an ending can become a powerful beginning.
It’s been a week packed full with missionary interviews, birthday wishes, General Conference and Easter.
Sister Meyer, Beattie, Foster at interviews.
The tech sisters, Hermana Brimhall and Sister Mitchell, put together a video for me of all the missionaries saying Happy Birthday and things they loved about me. What a wonderful gift! It made me cry. The video stirred up so many tender feelings.
Santa Rosa Zone in the mission home for General Conference
We enjoyed having the Santa Rosa Zone over for morning General Conference and cinnamon rolls. During Saturday afternoon conference there were three CASRM missionaries singing in the combined choir from BYU Idaho - Sam Myers, Elijah Rosenberg, and Micah Barrus. We were able to spot two of them. (Photos below)
We were with Jeff and Laurie Quinn, Mark’s brother and his wife who live here in California for Easter. They always spoil us when we’re with them. They’re such good people. I love all the blooming flowers in this photo. It has been such a beautiful day!
President & Sister Quinn with Laurie and Jeff Quinn
I so enjoyed General Conference and can’t wait to talk to the missionaries about it! It was inspiring as a missionary! And here is our “Coming to Know Him” #39 journal prompt!❤️
More photos from the week:
Elders Giron, Hill, Welling, Reese, & Waldo-Speth at interviews
Hermana Winterton & Brinkerhoff at a baptism
Elder Hale & Oh at interviews
Elder McIntyre showing me an object lesson at interviews. Thanks! I love object lessons. So kind to remember to bring it.
Hermanas Proffitt & Adams with Sister Quinn at interviews
Elders Housley, Hunt, and Schwieder at interviews.
Elder Kaufman & Owens - a selfie while borrowing my phone - love it!
Hermana Brinkerhoff & Sister Quinn matching
Hermanas Perez, & Austin with Sister Pancic & Griffin and Hermana Riches at interviews
Former missionary Sam Myers singing at General Conference
Former missionary Elijah Rosenberg singing at General Conference. (top, center)
