If you're not up on LDS missionary protocol, let me clue you in. Missionaries voluntarily leave their homes and families and serve 2 years for our church. Young men may go at age 19. This is something that is encouraged, but not required: it's done of their own free will. Young women may go at age 21, and serve for 18 months, instead of 2 years. They or their families pay the costs themselves -- the church does not pay for you to be there. You don't get a choice, preference or any say in the location of the mission where you serve, and there are missions all over the world. During the time that you are gone, you agree to follow the mission rules, which includes, among other things, the following: No TV viewing. Staying with your companion at all times. One hour per week to use a computer for emailing (to family and in some cases, to the mission president). These rules are in place in part to ensure the missionaries' safety, and in part to keep them focused on their mission, without distractions.
Twice a year, missionaries may call home. This happens on Mother's Day, and Christmas. Depending on the mission, some missionaries are also able to use today's technology, and Skype (video call) their families.
We've been thrilled to be able to Skype with Brandon for the last two phone calls. And actually, the way the calls work is, he gives us a number we can reach him at, and we call him -- rather than the other way around.
Seeing him, as well as hearing him, is such a huge treat! I loved how he was able to sing some of the songs the Emma knows with her.... including "Popcorn Popping". Three thousand miles away, and yet they were together, sharing a moment in the same room. This was truly priceless to me!
These few photos are from when we Skyped with him - and the initial phone call before the Skype. I didn't take photos the way I'd planned or should have done, because I was too busy enjoying the phone call. Note to self: photos would have been a REALLY good idea!!
(Grandpa and Grandma joined us for part of the conversation) We also talked with the Jamaican family whose house Brandon was at. It was difficult for us to understand the thick accent they speak with, but we did understand that they really enjoy Brandon a lot and think a lot of him. One young lady served a mission herself in Georgia, and she was easier for us to understand.Brandon is slated to return home in May. This hardly seems possible! The time has rushed by so quickly. We are so pleased that Brandon has been doing well in Jamaica. This is a never-to-be-forgotten time for him, and we know he's making great friends and great memories, too.
Please check his mission blog at www.huffakermission.blogspot.com. I try to keep his blog updated with his weekly email letter and photos.
We will have just a short time between his return from Jamaica and Cameron's planned departure for his own mission. (Cameron turns 19 in May.) It's hard to say goodbye, but it's going to be wonderful to welcome him back as he "returns with honor."
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