Called to Serve... Getting the fateful mission call

Last night, in a much anticipated event in the Mormon culture to which I happily belong, our family gathered to open my son's mission call. Over the next few years, I'm sure I will find occasion to share some experiences from his mission on this blog. Realizing that not all of my awesome readers share my faith, I feel that perhaps a little explanation may be necessary:

What is an LDS missionary? 

LDS Missionaries are young men (18-19 year olds) and women (19-21 year olds) that leave their homes and devote two years (18 months for females) as representatives of Jesus Christ. These young people leave their families, their friends, their internet, and even their cell phones. They postpone their work/schooling, pay their own way, and most often live in very humble circumstances. They do not choose where they will serve, and it is anything but a two-year vacation. So why, you may ask, would they volunteer their service? It's really quite simple: As members of the LDS (Mormon) church, we strive to keep the Savior, Jesus Christ, as the center of our lives. We have faith in Him, love Him, and find joy in His service. Because we have felt His love and know the peace He can bring to our lives, we invite others to learn of Him and accept Him in their lives.  For more information about missionaries and their work, you can visit Mormon.org.

Talk of my son's mission has filled the walls of our home for years. Since he was little, his desire to serve the Lord has been humbling. As his mother, I am so pleased with the young man that he has grown into. I am excited to see him prepare himself to be worthy and willing to dedicate his time, talents, and the fullness of himself in the hopes of bringing others to Christ. I am just beginning to realize the scope of this commitment and the sacrifice it will be for both him as well as for our family and I am honored to be the mother of such an amazing young man.

What does it take to be a missionary?

There is much preparation that must take part before a missionary can serve. One must first learn of the Savior, develop faith in Him, and strive to live His commandments. Missionaries are not perfect; however, just like other faithful Christians, they are striving to live as Heavenly Father would have them live. This is not an overnight process but a life-long journey. There is much learning a missionary must do to prepare to serve. He/she should know and understand the commandments, faithfully read and be familiar with the scriptures (both the Bible and the Book of Mormon), and attend their church meetings to further their learning of the gospel. A missionary also must be clean...clean from drugs, alcohol, sexual relations, unhealthy habits, and unlawful acts. 

Prospective missionaries essentially apply for their mission by submitting their "papers" to LDS Church Headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. These "papers" include documentation from their doctor and dentist stating their physical eligibility, recommendations from their bishop and stake president (local church leaders) about their worthiness, and a series of personal questions. Upon receipt, members of the First Presidency prayerfully make each mission assignment. 

My son completed his papers and his interview with our bishop and stake president a week and a half ago. Typically it takes two weeks to receive your call (aka: assignment). However, because of the recent age change for prospective missionaries, the influx of submitted papers has spiked, thus slowing the process in some cases to 6 weeks. Imagine our surprise when, after only a week and a half, we got his fate-filled envelope in the mail!!!

We gathered our family together - some via phone - to share in the experience as he opened the envelope... and, essentially the unveiling of where his next two years would be spent. Having no control over where your 18 year old is going to be for two years is a bit nerve wracking for any mother. Honestly, for me, it was a HUGE test of faith. 

As we waited on pins and needles, I could only imagine where he might go. Would he be going foreign or domestic? Familiar or completely new? Tropical or perhaps even arctic? Would he have to learn a new language? What kind of cultural changes were in store?

I know I'm not the only one that was shaking with anticipation as he gently tore into the envelope! 

Though I'm not a crier, I was prepared for tears. What I got instead was an overwhelming confirmation that Heavenly Father does, indeed, know my son! His call wasn't one that I'd even considered, but as I looked at my beaming son, I KNEW it was exactly where he was supposed to go. 

Because of the public nature of this blog, I've chosen not to share the location to which he has been called. He might be legally an adult, but my mama instinct tells me I still need to protect him. To those who know my family personally, I will be glad to share. For the rest of my amazing readers, I will tell you this: he has been called to serve in one of the beautiful countries of his ancestors  He is both excited and qualified for the experience that lies before him. I have no doubt that he will touch the lives of those whose paths he crosses. I also have no doubt that the Lord will always be mindful of him. 

Serving LDS Youth: Why I Launched Serving LDS Youth

I did a crazy thing today... As if I didn't have enough to do! ;-)

Read about it here:

Serving LDS Youth: Why I Launched Serving LDS Youth: Several weeks ago a friend called me with some questions about theme ideas for her girls camp. Always eager to share my experience, I ventur...

The difference between Scout Camp & Girls Camp

There are two cultural markers within the LDS youth community: Girls Camp and it's more masculine counterpart, Scout Camp. Having spent 8 of the last 10 years at girls camp (and, having been up to my eyeballs in girls camp literature for the past several months... *wink, wink*), I excitedly attended my first ever week long scout camp this past summer.  

After a week of full on sun, dirt, and laughter immersion, I couldn't help but notice several differences in the camping styles and traditions of our young female and their male counterparts. In fact, it took less than 24 hours before the differences started to emerge.  

Upon arrival at our Troop's campsite, we were greeted by not one but two dead animal skulls. Now, I'm by no means dissing the decor, but never - and I mean NEVER! - have I seen a Girls Camp decorated with animal carnage. Which brings me to my first of  three key observations:

1. Camp Decor: 

Young women camps are infamous for their decorations. Themed decor is as rampant at a girls camp as it is at a crazy, colorful, perfectly themed birthday party! Aside from the smiling, skinless jawbone prominently hung for all to see, our scouts didn't invest a whole lot into decor. And, by not a lot, I mean NONE! Not so much as a tablecloth - coordinating or otherwise. Which brings me to my second observation:

2. Sanitation:
Not only would girls never consider sitting down for a meal on a scratchy, paint-peeling, dirty table without a clean tablecloth, they would be absolutely disgusted by the presence of a random pair of dirty socks or a discarded, wet shirt anywhere near their food. Scouts? Not so much. In fact, after failing to be a "fly on the wall" I not only offered up a tablecloth (which was politely declined), but more importantly, by the end of the second day, I'd removed nearly a full load of dirty laundry from the picnic table. Tidiness, however isn't the only sanitation difference. At girls camp we will polish off an entire bulk-sized pump of hand sanitizer and sometimes we'll even break into a second one. Aside from their fascination with it as a fire-starter, the scouts rarely touched the germ-killing wonder gel. Now, I'd like to believe that since they weren't using the sanitizer they were washing with soap and water, but honestly, that too may have been a stretch for some.



3. Entertainment
This is almost a no-brainer, I know, but girls are honestly harder to entertain than boys are! Give a group of boys a simple rope and hours - yes I said HOURS! -  of testosterone infused time passes without a bored soul in sight. Bloody noses, torn up hands, muscle and pride aches, sure. But not a skiff of boredom. Nuff said!

And the girls? Well they've got a little something I like to call "Camp Chic."

That's right, the infamous Girls Camp hair dos... and in some cases hair don'ts! Girls may never find hours of delight playing tug-of-war, but boys will definitely NEVER try to devise creative, striking, and sometimes downright strange creations out of each other's hair.

I think we could go on and on about the differences, sharing stories till we are all blue in the face, but I can tell you this: at the the end of each adventure-filled day, whether it's in the company of the young women or the scouts, when the fire casts shadows on their beautiful, dirty, smiling faces, their is no place on earth I'd rather be.  

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 25 - Boy Scouts

The Boy Scout program recently celebrated its 100th birthday in the United States. Though some may feel it's an antiquated program, I am grateful for the role it has played in the development of my husband and sons. This weekend, in particular, I am grateful for the Boy Scout program. 

Saturday was my oldest son's Eagle Court of Honor... and, yes, I am one proud mama. But more than that pride, I am grateful for an institution that sets high standards for our youth and helps mold our boys in to honorable men. I am grateful for a program that teaches the value of setting goals and achieving them. I am grateful for an institution that supports the Constitution of our great country. I am grateful for it's unwavering promotion of God and faith. I am grateful for the myriad of skills learned and the memories made through hands-on adventures. I am grateful for the men and women who donate their time, energy, expertise, and in many cases money, to help our young men have quality experiences. And, I am grateful for the small role I've been able to play, hopefully "making the difference in the life of a boy." 

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 14: Bright Futures

I have the privilege to rub shoulders with some of the most amazing young people on the planet. In a somewhat rare opportunity, I get to work both with the Young Women in my LDS congregation and the Boy Scouts of my community.... And I can say without a doubt, there is no place I'd rather be! These kids are remarkable. They bring me joy today and give me hope for our future.  I am grateful for the chance to witness their greatness in bloom. 

Summer 2012 Recap

Summer's not quite over, but after an over 6 week hiatus from my blog I though it was high time I filled you in on what I've been up to. And rather than tell you, I think it's better just to show you: 

I witnessed a beautiful wedding...

Rachel & Kevin 6/29/12

Danced with a hot cowboy!!

Went to the Family History Museum, FBI Headquarters in SLC, and boating 

with our awesome ward for Youth Conference.              

Awed at my beautiful niece's enthusiastic testimony as we sent her off with 

hugs and smiles to serve an 18 month mission for the LDS church.  

Witnessed the inaugural execution of the Worlton Family Polar Plunge at Fish Lake, UT.  

8 teenagers + 50 degree water = one hilarious afternoon!  

Went to my first ever Scout camp where I met Elder Robert K. Dellenbach, LDS General Authority....

BSA GSL D29 Board w/ Elder Dellenbach, 7/23/12

Nearly blew away as I watched a Blackhawk Helicopter land in front of 1000 eager Boy Scouts...

Got face-to-face with a live eagle named Liberty....

Met the very delightful Thurl Bailey 

& was honored to have him invite me to have my picture taken with him.  

Thurl Bailey & Stephanie Worlton, D29 Scout Camp,  7/29/12

Felt my tummy tickle while I watched my excited 10 year old fly high in the sky-diving simulator. 

7/30/12

Witnessed another beautiful wedding!!!

Sarah & Chaun 7/28/12

Went to my "ump-teenth" Girls Camp, where we giggled, lost sleep, and had many great experiences including A HUG from Sister Elizabeth Ann Takasaki...  

Listened to the amazing vocals of Jenny Phillips (also at Girls Camp). 

And - while spending 26 of the last 52 nights away from home - 

I took the time to watch a sunset or two and give thanks for the blessed life I've been given! 

Mama Bear Goes Camping

It's funny what happens when you throw a bunch of women into a tent and charge them with the care of handfuls of young women. Giggles abound, makeup disappears, hairdos morph into works of art, and almost as natural as if you'd given birth to them yourself, those girls become "your girls" and those women become your "sisters." 

Girls Camp (aka: LDS Young Women Camp) has been one of the highlights of my summer for so many years that I've lost track. (In fact, the years without camp are easier to count than the years with it.) And, honestly, I can't think of a better way to spend a week of my time than in the company of our fabulous young women! 

Last week was our stake girls camp and for the first time in years I had a zero-responsibility assignment. I simply had to show up and take pictures. In a perfect world one might assume that this meant I could shed the responsibility of my young women and simply be a photographer. Fortunately, however, my girls were about as interested in ditching me as I was in ditching them. Before the week was over I'd developed a following. My little pose' of giggly girls became my shadow... okay, who am I kidding? They were the highlight and I was the shadow. They took over my camera and filled it with great (and some not-so-great) photos. They giggled, they teased, and - thanks to my dear friend Amber Packer - they learned how to properly eat corn on the cob!  

In a camp with nearly 300 girls you'd have to hide under a rock to have not made a new friend or two, and I'm grateful for each new mark etched on my heart. Inspirational adults uplifted me and amazing young women humbled me with their beauty and strength. But I've got to admit that I hold a special place for my own girls. And, when I say "my girls" I mean all 21 of them! I can't tell you the excitement I felt every time I ran across one of "my girls." Like a Mama Bear with her cubs, my heart did  a summersault when I saw their smiles and broke when I saw their tears. I wanted to love them, protect them, and play with them. It didn't matter that their hair was dirty or that they didn't have on a lick of makeup. They were glowing. Beautiful. And I couldn't wait for their smiles and hugs! 

 

So, from one Mama Bear to another, I hope you encourage your daughters to attend Girls Camp. The confidence they gain, the testimonies they strengthen, and the friendships they make are priceless. And, if you are blessed to serve with the Young Women, I hope that you make it a priority to go to camp with your girls. Camping may not be your cup of tea, but if you look beyond a sleepless week in tents, you'll find a irreplaceable opportunity to build a relationship that might just change a life.