Early Returned Missionaries

Not sure how to help your returned missionary adjust to life post-mission? These ideas will help both of you.

Maybe you’re like me and found it bittersweet to send your child on a mission. Here are a few thoughts to bring peace during the pain of saying goodbye.

By shifting the focus of young single adult wards from finding a spouse to finding Jesus Christ, members can more fully enjoy life now.

Courses are taught by experts in their fields and range from how to improve your scripture study to overcoming doubts to talking to your kids about tough topics like pornography.

When Brigham Young University student Gabrielle Shiozawa submitted her papers to serve a mission in June 2020, she didn’t know whether or not she should serve but wanted to show God that she was willing. However, due to health concerns, she wasn’t able to go.

About a year ago, I remember learning in seminary about a man named David W. Patten. In 1838 the Lord called him on a mission, as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 114. The Lord asked him to settle his business and prepare many other things so that he would be ready to do so. Brother Patten was obedient to the call of the Lord—however, within the same year, he was killed in battle and was never able to serve a mission.

In 2015, I wrote about Logan Groll of Winchester, Virginia, who came home from his mission early—twice.

Four months after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL kicker Matt Gay has been featured in his fair share of viral videos from preseason games. No doubt Bucs fans are excited to see Gay in action during the upcoming season.

Nate Clyde lost 18 pounds in the Missionary Training Center.

"There were so many things that I was able to learn on my mission that helped me when I started going back to Church, and helped build my testimony,” Isaac Asiata said. “I will carry those things with me for the rest of my life.”

When I returned home early from the mission after two months of service, I was fatigued, ill, and discouraged. I didn’t have anyone to turn to, and I didn’t know what to do next with my life.

When I was younger, I remember hearing people say, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” I quickly found that was not the case in every circumstance. One of my childhood friends lived a 20-minute bike ride from my home, which seemed like a long time to me. As I watched the birds fly so speedily, I thought: wouldn’t it be quicker if I could make some wings and fly? I tested a hastily prepared set of cardboard wings on the ground. Thankfully, I did this before executing my ultimate plan to use them to jump from the roof. I quickly discovered I could not do anything I set my mind to, with personal flight via homemade wings being a prime example. The slower bike would have to suffice for my transportation needs.

When Cole experienced crippling anxiety on his mission that kept him from sleeping, he began to pray and search for answers. During this time, he began to realize, "Sometimes, it's okay to accept what God gives you and to be humble enough to learn what He is trying to teach you."

In 2002, my oldest son returned home from his mission after only five months. I was shocked, confused, and had no idea what to do—this is not something a parent expects or prepares for. While I was wrestling with my own feelings, I also felt great compassion and sorrow for my son, who was struggling. Over time, my son adjusted to post-mission life, was sealed to a wonderful woman, started a family, and moved to another state to pursue better employment. But then, in 2010, it happened again—my youngest son returned home after four months due to anxiety. He was deeply disappointed and did not want to be released. He worked hard to get back out into the mission field only to be released again when the anxiety returned. Feeling a deep sense of failure, he fell into inactivity and moved away, hoping to escape the shame he felt.

With another year coming to a close, it's time to reflect on the stories that influenced us and showed us the power of the gospel. And what better way to do that than by watching these uplifting stories of faith and encouragement? From overcoming the loss of loved ones to learning how to make the members of your ward feel a little more included, these videos are an excellent reminder of the love the Savior has for all of us and how we can better help each other this coming year.

Returned Missionary: Early to Home, Pt. 1 – Señor WritesThe following has been republished with permission from senorwrite.wordpress.com:

Misty Schumann served in the Alpine German-Speaking Mission for four months before her mission president suggested that she return home to seek further medical testing for what they now know is a hole in her heart.

"I felt like a failure." "I felt like I let down my friends, my family, my parents." "I didn't want to go to Church." Those are the feelings of many missionaries who return home from their missions early, and often that pain can be compounded by the questions or comments of others.