The Process, the Call, and the Visit

      Even though I have heard it said that anyone with a pulse is encouraged to serve a mission, the process of meeting all the requirements isn't as easy as a beating heart. First, you have to talk with your bishop so he can give you access to the portal where you fill out your information—and brief it is not. Lots of questions to answer and forms to fill out etc. Then begins the physicals, dentist trips, eye doctor, shots, blood tests, mammogram for me and stress test for Quinn. It seemed like everything took twice as long as we thought it would. In completing the application, I scanned all the medical forms and attached them to the document, but that was a mistake. Once you get the online application done, you are to take the medical forms with you to the bishop to hand in. We didn't realize this and neither did the bishop, so the stake was waiting to see the forms come through the office before scheduling an appointment with the stake president which they never did. After waiting two weeks and hearing nothing, Quinn called and we quickly got in to be interviewed, delivered the forms to the correct person who enters it all on computer, and our application was submitted within two days. It must have all been correct because we got our call 12 days later.

      We were notified by text that our call was ready to view online. We were delighted with our destination, but then I read down a little further and saw we wouldn't be reporting until December 30. That was a downer. We were so gung-ho to get started and really thought we would be gone by Thanksgiving—thus avoiding all the craziness that comes with the holidays. Our mission countdown said 90 days and it felt like forever. My solution was to go kill some of that time in St. George.

      Sometime in November we got a call from our mission president President Andrews. We had him on speaker phone and in the course of the conversation, he asked if we would be willing to replace the senior couple serving on the reservation and leaving in December. This is where the term 'pregnant pause' is applicable. There was a silence that just seemed to grow and grow as Quinn and I tried to communicate our shock silently with our eyes and facial expressions. Finally I said, “We will do whatever you want us to do.” He seemed happy to hear that. We also told him we planned to make a trip to Mesa to visit Quinn's mom and would like to swing by the mission office and meet him. Two days later we got a call from the senior couple on the reservation, Elder and Sister Payne. They conveyed their excitement for our coming to replace them and assured us they would have lots of information ready. We told them we were coming to Mesa and would like to come and see them in San Carlos and they immediately started making plans.

      November 18 we were on our way south from St. George. On our way to Cindy's house, we were very close to the mission office and decided to stop by and only gave the secretary a few minutes notice. Pres. Andrews made time to meet us and was positive and enthusiastic about our service on the reservation. We must have looked like we needed encouragement. Two days later we drove out to San Carlos. There is some beautiful scenery on the way to Globe: rock formations, green foliage, rivers, and cactus; however, San Carlos is less than lush.

      We had a good visit with the Paynes and they handed us a seven page document outlining our responsibilities, vital contacts, schedules, and miscellaneous information that would come in handy. They had gone to a lot of trouble to fix us a meal and invite others to meet us. They took us on a short drive to see where some of the members live, the buildings in the town, and a tour of the church. When we came in from touring the church with Elder Payne, the guests had arrived. We met the full time missionaries assigned there, the branch president, and two sisters (literally) from the ward. Bro. Payne called on one of the sisters to say a prayer and blessing on the food and she gave a lovely prayer—very heartfelt. We were driving all the way to St. George that day after visiting Sandra one last time, so as soon as we were done eating, we had to say our goodbyes and be one our way.  We had a pleasant visit and we appreciated the time the Paynes spent on our behalf. I can't say the visit made us more excited to get there, but at least I could envision the town, the home, and the people.

San Carlos in relation to Mesa.  It is about a 30 minute drive from Globe.