Jumping In

Elder and Sister Elkins, Sister and Brother Lord, Elder and Sister DeLaney

 Yesterday I was thinking. 
     You know how, when as a youth, you go to the swimming pool with your friends.  They all jump in and start having fun.  You stand there at the deep end, wanting to jump but knowing that the water will be cold and quite a shock at first.  As a younger person you would have waded in from the shallow end, but you now know that it isn't any easier than getting it over with all at once. 
     So you hold your breath and close your eyes and with a rush of adrenalin you jump.  It was just as you expected, a cold shock!  Success!  You did it!    In a few short moments the water feels good and you join your friends for fun and games.  It was worth it.
     Just as you are starting to have fun, you look around and see the lifeguards packing up to leave.  Do you still feel safe?  Will you survive without their guidance?  But you know how to swim and you aren't completely alone after all.  Isn't this why you took all those swimming lessons?  You take another deep breath and swim...


     Our lifeguards left this week.  Our trainers, mentors, and friends.  The missionary couple we are replacing completed their 18 months and left for home.  It was a bittersweet moment for us, seeing their joy and longing to see grandchildren, yet knowing that it's our turn to serve. 
     I have felt like we jumped into the deep end by embarking on this senior mission.  Yet, we do know that we aren't completely alone and we do know how to serve.  The water is getting more comfortable and we are loving everything that we learn. 
     We had no idea that we could love people so fast as we do these soldiers.  They are like our own sons.  We understand their fear.  We feel their longing for family.  We feel the anticipation of the unknown.  We swell with pride when they succeed and overcome.  They are the reason we are here.
It is worth it.