Don't make the same mistake as others by preparing every needful thing. Here are 6 things that you'll want to make sure you bring on your mission.
When you are sending your Sister Missionary out, you'll want to send her with shoes that are comfortable, supportive, waterproof and will last a looooong time. Missionary guidelines say Sisters should be prepared to walk 6 miles per day or bike 12 miles per day...and they often do more than that! Choosing shoes for your
Almost a decade ago, I began the process of starting my mission papers. I remember anxiously texting my bishop, going to doctor’s appointments, and begrudgingly getting my wisdom teeth out. On a more spiritual level, I started attending temple prep classes and reading Preach my Gospel. I received my endowments. I finally submitted my application. I remember confidently checking the box indicating that I would like to learn another language. Although I would never admit it at the time, I prayed I would get called somewhere cool and foreign to impress my friends (although when they asked I would coyly say I wanted to go “wherever the Lord called me”). I became insufferable to my poor family as I ran to the mailbox every morning hoping my call had arrived. My call finally showed up in the mailbox on Christmas Eve. I waited six more hours to open it so that my older sister could be there with me. I was so anxious about the whole ordeal my mom swept me into the car to run mindless holiday errands with her in hopes that I would calm down before opening it. I had recently graduated high school and frantically texted my classmates to be there with me when I opened the letter. This was quite customary for my graduating class since I had graduated from high school in Utah County and the majority of my peers were also LDS and considering missions. When I arrived back home to rip open the white folder my dad had placed under the Christmas tree my house was buzzing with teenagers from Timpanogos High’s 2013 cohort. I honestly have no memory of opening my call. I think I blacked out. I’ve watched the shaky video my little sister filmed of me opening the letter. When I watch it back I hear the shock in my voice as I read “Guatemala City Central Mission- Spanish Speaking.” Immediately after opening my call the anxiety set in. I remember feeling so confused- isn’t this exactly what I wanted? Isn’t an exciting, foreign mission exactly what I had prayed for? Wasn’t I the person who submitted my papers? Didn’t I check the box indicating I wanted to learn a foreign language? The reality was that after the initial excitement and attention from submitting my papers wore off, the fear set in. The reality of what I had signed up for felt crushingly intimidating. Eighteen months felt like an eternity. I had dropped out of eighth grade Spanish, why did I think I would be able to learn it now? What if my companions didn’t like me? What if I didn’t make it? My deepest fear, although I would never admit it at the time, was that I would come home early. The shame and fear became paralyzing. The three months between opening my call and getting on a plane headed for Guatemala City were some of the longest, hardest months of my life. Truly, I felt like I was just white-knuckling my way through. I cried the entire way to the airport. Looking back all these years later, I wish I could hug the 19-year old version of myself who was boarding that plane. Whether she realized it or not, she had become swept up into the cultural pressure and shame that can often accompany missions within the Church. If I could go back and give her advice, these are the things I would tell her: 1- It’s okay if you don’t serve the whole 18 months (no really, it’s okay). So much of my anxiety was caught up in worry that I would return home early from my mission. I feared the whispered conversations speculating about why I came home. I worried, deeply, about what other people would think of me. While I wish I could tell the 19-year-old version of myself that no one cares if you come home early, I know that (unfortunately) there is a lot of pressure to stay in the mission field and a lot of shame to navigate if you don’t. What I would tell a missionary leaving for the mission field is, it’s okay if you come home early. Really, it’s okay. Yes, some people might judge you. But at the end of the day, the people whose opinions matter won’t. Your mission call says it is anticipated that you will serve for 18 months (or two years) but it isn’t a contractual obligation. There are countless unforeseen circumstances that could cause you to come home before that. No matter what your reason may be, if you come home early it’s okay. No one knows your circumstances and what is best for you better than you do. This will be one of many instances in your life where you make a decision that other people may not understand, but that doesn’t mean that decision is wrong. Stand in your power and rely on your relationship with your Heavenly Parents. I promise you that, while it might feel like the end of the world right now, as time passes this will too. 2- You don’t need to “lose yourself in the work” in fact, it’s better if you don’t. Every young missionary in the field has heard the phrase “forget yourself and go to work” or been counseled to “lose yourself in the work.” I remember feeling this pressure to an extreme as I entered the field, especially during my training. I would feel guilty, embarrassed, or even shameful if I caught myself feeling homesickness because (in my mind) I wasn’t “losing” myself enough. Your Heavenly Parents called you to serve a mission. By trying to lose yourself or forget about the background that shaped you to who you are, you are showing up as a less-genuine version of the person who got called on this mission in the first place. It’s okay to still be a human being while you’re a missionary. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, disappointed, frustrated, or homesick during your mission. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad missionary, it means that you’re human and you’re having a very mortal experience during your time serving. By allowing yourself to feel all of these emotions, you also open yourself up to feeling joy, excitement, humor, relief, and the ability to form genuine relationships. You can’t selectively numb emotions, by choosing to recognize and process the hard emotions, you open yourself up to the happy ones too. There is room for all of it and feeling it all doesn’t make you a worse missionary (in fact, it makes you a better one). The Lord called YOU to be a missionary, not a robot. 3- The relationships you build on your mission will be the most important part. Focus on the people and let the other stuff go. I remember feeling so stressed about mission transfers, contacts, memorizing sections of Preach my Gospel, challenging people for baptism, and so much more during my mission. If I could go back, I would tell myself to focus less on the little details and focus more on the relationships I was building on my mission. Eight years after my mission, I don’t remember if I hit every bullet point I wanted to during that important lesson- but I do remember the people I was teaching. I’ve forgotten about the ways I embarrassed myself by messing up my words in Spanish- but I remember my companions who were so kind in helping me learn. Truthfully, I don’t even remember if some of the people I taught joined the Church after I was transferred away from their area, but I do remember the stories they shared with me as we huddled around their kitchen table. Eight years after I first got my mission call, I can confidently say that the relationships matter the most: my relationships with my companions, the people I taught, other missionaries in the mission, my Savior, and my relationship with myself are what matter. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t obsess over the details. People have their own agency and will choose their own path here in this life- your mission is just a wonderful opportunity to learn about Christlike love. Make the most of it. Lots of love, (former) Hermana Wise
Do you have a sister missionary going out any time soon? If so, this curated list of sister missionary must-haves is for you!
So...during my mission I will get 30 minutes per day to work out. Only 30 minutes. Now I'm not saying that I'm some workout fanatic, but I have done cross country and track for the past 7 years and just recently did my first half-marathon. Now I could wake up early and work out more, but that all depends on my companion. So instead, I searched and picked the best ways to motivate myself and make the most out of the 30 minutes! Also, included are instructions to make the workout book I made! MY WORKOUT ADVICE FOR FUTURE SISTER MISSIONARIES! 1. Bring cute workout clothes. Or at least like the clothes you bring to workout in. Now I know this sounds dumb, but if you like the clothes you have to workout in, then you will be more likely to workout! Bring clothes that you will be comfortable working out in. I personally love the loose capris, but I know plenty of people that prefer basketball shorts. Make sure they are modest, but beyond that, make sure you like them! Also, buy clothes for the weather you will be in. If it will be cold, bring long sleeved, thermal leggings, headband, cheap gloves, etc. If it will be hot, bring sweat wicking material. Be smart with what you bring! It has to last for 18 months!! (Below are some of the things that I bought!) 2. This may be the most important one, but bring good quality shoes! If you are wearing the same pair of shoes everyday for 18 months, make sure they are good quality. I would recommend going to a running store (I like Roadrunners Sports) that has a program to determine the best type of shoe for your foot and tread. Also, shoes have specific durations that they are made for. Look for an endurance shoe or one for longer distances. They will last longer. Some shoes are made for 200 miles, others for 500+ miles. Look for the ones that will last 500+ miles. They will be more expensive, but won't fall apart in the middle of your mission! My favorite running shoe brands are Nike, Brooks, and Mizunos. For my mission, I got a pair of Mizunos (see below!) 3. Use what you have to bring the most success. Sister missionaries don't have enough space to pack a personal gym. However, with just your body weight, you can have a very successful workout. Other small equipment that would be helpful to have would include bands and a speed jump rope. Jump rope is a great way to get an indoor cardio workout. Also, instead of bringing weight, use cans of food, water bottles, or shoes. 4. STRETCH! Make sure to stretch after the workouts. It will be your lifesaver. No one wants to tract all day with a sore body from the earlier workout. Stretching for even 2 minutes (but preferably at least 5 minutes) twice a day will make worlds of difference in how your body responds to working out and the other stresses of a mission. 5. Bring workouts to do! If you target certain areas of your body per day, you will be more successful. Also, circuit workouts are very effective in short amounts of time! I've seen many different ways to bring workouts, but I'm kinda crafty, so I made a workout book! And...I love it! I'm so excited to do these workouts! I got most of my workouts from Pinterest (my board here). Then I cut them out and pasted them in a small notebook. I also typed up what each type of exercise was in a index. Because I am a nice person, I made a PDF (link here) of all the exercises and the index, already to size so others can use it to make their own book! Enjoy!
So...during my mission I will get 30 minutes per day to work out. Only 30 minutes. Now I'm not saying that I'm some workout fanatic, bu...
The MTC always seems to get an array of opinions ranging from "the prison" to "the most fun I ever had!" The MTC is a very special ...
This is my little sister on her mission in Taiwan! http://www.sistermissionaryclothes.com
After a day of prayers and searching, "we are grateful to confirm that Sister Heeji Nada Kang has been found, and is safe and unharmed," reported Church spokesman Eric Hawkins on the afternoon of June 1, 2016. "We express our sincere thanks to all those who helped locate her."
A random survey of self-portraits created by women through the centuries Self-taught artist and missionary Sister Gertrude Morgan (1900-1980) 1. Self Portrait/Revelations, 1965 / Mixed media on pap…
DOWNLOAD ELDER MISSIONARY PRINTABLES HERE DOWNLOAD SISTER MISSIONARY PRINTABLES HERE
Everything changed for me in between sessions of General Conference on Sunday. The whole thing was good and I got a lot out of the talks, but President Holland and President Nelson were doing a little interview around noon about the surge of missionaries going out now. They talked about how now that we have the internet they can post training materials online and they have shortened missionaries' prep time in the MTC because there are just so dang many of them. I was struck by the similarity of this time to the invention of the printing press which enabled Mormons to get the Book of Mormon out there. I realized that the general authorities not only embrace new technology and use it but they expect me to step it up because of the internet. In the olden days it must have been like, "with our new-fangled printing press you can read the gospel YOURSELF with your own portable copy that you keep in your very own house!" And now they are saying, "Well, you're on Pinterest all day anyway so surf on over to LDS.org and start getting your kids ready for their missions." I also heard that the general authorities were looking at data about how there are fewer divorces between couples who both serve missions. (To be clear, they were looking at when a sister missionary marries a guy who went on a mission. Ahem.) So they wanted more people to go on missions. They also noticed that the year boys usually wait until they turn 19 and can go on missions can be a tough and awkward one. All of this led to lowering the age. I think it makes sense. During the little news feature between sessions, it hit me that my daughters should go as much as my boys should. Now, you know I'm a feminist and I would have always encouraged my girls to go. But I didn't go on a mission and it really is optional in my mind for girls to go. But I want my daughters to be the kind of women who would go. There used to be this unspoken thing for women like, "go on a mission if you've got nothing else going on." I would never have said that. In fact I didn't even know I harbored thoughts like that until I felt my mind changing. But I realized that I'm going to prepare them all to go. That's my job now. 3/4 of my kids are baptized. This is the next thing we are doing. Now that they leave younger, it has become more of a parenting task to prepare them to go. Know what I mean? I know there are factors out of my control and that my kids are their own people. They might not end up going on missions. But I think serving a mission is the best thing for them—like nursing, a sleep schedule, being read to, having chores, getting braces, and making them do their homework is the best thing for them. Serving a mission is no longer a decision Maggie or Ellen will make as a young adult. It's something they will do as teenagers, when I am still in charge of them. Everything just changed.
Saint of the Day – 22 December – St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) Virgin, Religious Sister, Missionary, Founder. Patronages – against malaria, emigrants, immigrants (given on 8 September 1950 …
Tade Biesinger is a powerfully talented dancer, and he knew using his gift would help share a very important message about the role of angels in our lives. Elder Biesinger, along with Sister Bailey Smith
The blog for SisterMissionaryClothes.com, Sorella Bella, the online store for sister missionaries.
In 1898, Amanda Inez Knight and Lucy Jane “Jennie” Brimhall were called and set apart to be the first single proselytizing sister missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here are five facts you may not have known about these remarkable women.
. Zgromadzenie Sióstr Kapucynek Misjonarek (IMC) Congregação das Irmãs Missionárias Capuchinhas Congregación de las Hermanas Misioneras ...
October Missionary Service Accomplished **Make sure you choose the month that coincides with the leaving and returning date of your missionary!
Primary Activities Primary Activity Days
Okay so I've seen so many lists of MTC tips, but we are all so different and so these are personally my tips: Get extra fruit from t...
The 30-anniversary of revolt that brought us Imelda Marcos' infamous closet.
We've made a cookbook! This is a missionary and/or college student cookbook. Simple recipes for two that only use a few utensils in the kitchen!
A note from the artist: They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, well I believe that is very true. I’ve spent over 20 years drawing and working for companies like Disney and Warner Brothers on Feature films and Television productions and I can’t say that I’ve enjoyed anything more than drawing these Missionary TOONS pictures. From the time I made my first one in Guatemala while serving my own mission, to the most recent designs that I’ve created recently. Most of them have a scriptural based theme which are intended to inspire and be a reminder as a visual symbol of gospel principals and others are just humorous situations that every returned missionary can relate to. Pictured throughout my Missionary TOONS series are our main Characters, Elders Pemberton and Green. Two unlikely companions who find themselves growing together as they put forth their best efforts into getting along and sharing the gospel message. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I’ve enjoyed created them. Sincerely, Scott T. Petersen Animation Artist TV interview with Scott T. Petersen explaining Missionary TOONS artwork We hope to make an animated series called Mission Tales and have already created storyboards and layouts for the first two. Click here to view a teaser story reel for episode 2 "It's Super Elder" And here is an episode 1 teaser story reel "The Field is Green" 30 sec. TV commercial for Golden Street Animation and their products Buy Scott's Drawing and animation instruction DVD here for just $19.95 Called to Serve - The iconic picture of Missionaries on their bikes Missionary Angels - A reminder of the extra help that comes from above to those who are engaged in the Lords work. D&C 84:88 Moroni's Promise - At the end of the Book of Mormon is a promise that anyone may know for themselves if the book indeed comes from God by asking him through sincere prayer. Green family Baptism - This scene is from the first Missionary Tales short film, The field is Green, showing a flash back of Elder Green and his family being taught by the missionaries and baptized into the church. Enemy Dog - It does not matter where you serve in all the world, there are always neighborhood dogs who are anxious to greet the missionaries. Isaiah 40:31 Empty Mailbox - A reminder to show support and love through writing to our missionaries. Alma 60:6 Tracting Troubles - Awe…the joys of tracting! Following area maps, and searching for addresses, its something every missionary should experience. This picture also depicts the differences between our two missionarys personalities. Elder Greene is idealistic, positive and full of faith, while Elder Pemberton is more calculative, skeptical and laid back. Hardship Hill - A reminder that we should not loose faith through our affictions, even when they seem endless. We are assured that if we endure them well, great blessings will follow. Add a caption "Hardship Hill" A reminder that we should not loose faith through our affictions, even when they seem endless. We are assured that if we endure them well, great blessings will follow. I Can Prepare - 8 areas of focus to help those who wish to prepare for serving a full time mission. Add a caption "I Can Prepare" 8 areas of focus to help those who wish to prepare for serving a full time mission. Bus Stop - We should not be afraid to open our mouths, but be prepared for sharing the truths of the gospel at all times and in all places. D&C 28:16 Add a caption "Bus Stop" We should not be afraid to open our mouths, but be prepared for sharing the truths of the gospel at all times and in all places. D&C 28:16 Member referral - Every member of the church is a missionary through word and deed. We should remember that the most effective method for finding investigators is through member referrals. D&C 88:81 Add a caption "Member Referral" Every member of the church is a missionary through word and deed. We should remember that the most effective method for finding investigators is through member referrals. D&C 88:81 In Humble Prayer - As we humble ourselves before the Lord in Prayer, he gives us treasures of everlasting value. D&C 19:38 Add a caption "In Humble Prayer" - As we humble ourselves before the Lord in Prayer, he gives us treasures of everlasting value. D&C 19:38 Transfer Day can be a bitter sweet experience. It’s hard to say good bye after a friendship has been forged, but change can help us to learn and grow. Add a caption "Transfer Day" Transfer Day can be a bitter sweet experience. It’s hard to say good bye after a friendship has been forged, but change can help us to learn and grow. "Yea, Open your mouths" - We shouldn't be afraid to open our mouth and share our testimonies of the gospel when we have the opportunity. "Door Squashed" Elder Pemberton and Greene get accidentally squashed behind a door. This door squashed idea came from a story situation that was being developed for a film version. "Go Ye Therfore" This scripture and picture illustrates the very reason and purpose for which we do missionary work. End of the day - A reminder of the extra help that comes from above to those who are engaged in the Lords work. And also reminds me of how many times after a long days work I fell asleep during prayer. MTC Food - This one is deffinately a favorite (must be true) Elders Amor - Ephesians 16:10-18 Sisters Amor - Ephisians 6:10-18 Snake Pet Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-18 The Firey Darts of the adversary - Amor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18 Two by Two Door bell FBI Elders Greenie - This is a shot from the "field is Green" short. How great shall be your joy - Young elder Green meets the missionaries for the first time. Flash back scene from "The field is Green short. Tree Troubles One way To Every Creature - This picture really shows our two missionaries personalities Happy Birthday Elder Where two or three are gathered - This is a scene from the Field is Green short Preach my gospel - This is another flash back scene showing Elder Green saying goodbye to his parents as he flies off to start his 2 year mission. "White Christmas" Christmas in the mission field can be a unique and powerful experience as you teach about the Savior and his love for us Companionship study (Lehi's Dream) Biker Dude Preperation Day (P-Day) Enter in at the Gate - Original was done in 1991 while serving in the Quatemala Quetzaltenango mission. Zone Conference Welcome Home Elder Stand Ye in Holy Places From small and simple things shall great things come to pass Congratulations on your baptism Sister Missionaries - Set forth to serve Couple Missionaries - Set forth to Serve Missionary Magic - This was a very funny idea by my neice Brittney Hackett who also came up with the general layout. It's Super Elder MTC Dork Dot - Every new missionary entering the MTC receives a red dot (pink for girls) to show that it is their first day at the missionary training center. Seeds of faith Missionary savings bank Are we there yet Called to wear ties Elders and Einstein Forget yourself. Early to rise - From the scripture "Early to bed, early to rise" Good and healthy advise to us all. "The Worth of Souls is great in the sight of God" (Still being colored. Visiting the sick. (service) Visiting the sick (Service) The field is white. (Still being colored) Golden Street Animation Productions - 3 min reel Storyboard samples by Golden Street Animation Character Design samples by Golden Street Animation Productions Layout samples by Golden Street Animation Productions Golden Street Animation production crews around the world Official web site - Golden Street Animation Productions
