The rigors of the mission field

[_TrashcanMan79]

... due to the "higher bar" requirements now set ...

What is this, anyway? I see it mentioned a lot, but I have no idea what it entails.

[_antishock8]

I had always wanted to serve a mission, so it was never reeeeeally an issue for my family except for one time. It was about four months before I could drop my papers, and I mentioned that I was thinking about going to college instead of serving. It was more like I was musing out loud, and if I had to assign a percentage to my feelings I was 80/20 in favor of a mission. Regardless, my parents flipped out. I was shocked by their reactions. I was ashamed for them because they were ridiculous. So, I ended up serving a mission, and I feel like it was my choice, but I'll never forget the clear message I got from them: You will be a disappointment to us forever if you don't serve a mission.

What a shame so many kids feel that from their families.

That being said, I was verbally assaulted every day by Peruvians. I was physically assaulted twice in robbery attempts. The second time the robber had a small pocket knife and he attempted to use it on me when I resisted. I remember the struggle to this day as my Peruvian hand-knit carrying bag slid down to wrist and I was holding his wrist, supporting the weight of all the books and pamphlets, freaking out at the idea of losing my grip on him and catching a knife to the stomach or side. It was very scary... Luckily his grip on my right hand broke and it was on like Friday night at the hockey arena. I f***in' jacked that dude up until he dropped his knife, broke my grip, and ran away. I just thank god this wasn't a gang attack or had to fend off multiple attackers at once. I still remember the his blood on the sidewalk. It's funny the images that we're left with...

Couple that with sickness, culture shock, other incidents of theft, and politics... The mission was shocking in a lot of ways for this young man. We had someone post a warning by The Sendero Iluminoso saying, "Fura del Peru, Gringos." on a wall by our pension. Was it serious? I don't know. Had another one by the CPC... So I don't know...

Am I glad that served? I think so. The fluency in Spanish has served me extremely well since then. The awareness about life outside the US is invaluable to my political notions. So, overall it was a sum-total positive for me. I'm not going to lie, though. The mission left some negative emotional and psychological memories. However, I chalk that up to Life. Life is inherently fraught with challenges.

Now. Here's the question. Would I do it again if I had to do it over? Even with my mindset that I have these days I struggle with that question. It was such a great opportunity to be immersed for nearly two years in another culture. I took so much more with me than I left. I was there duing the '90 World Cup, and it was so awesome to be surrounded by a soccer culture. I loved being in a place that was different. I loved the sight-seeing, smells (vile as they mostly were), food, travel, and some of the contacts I made. So. Would I do it again? Probably. Sure things would be different. I would try to enjoy it more instead of stress out about the little stuff.

[_John Larsen]

... due to the "higher bar" requirements now set ...

What is this, anyway? I see it mentioned a lot, but I have no idea what it entails.

If you confess penetration, you cannot go.

[_John Larsen]

You also have to claim that you have quit spankin' it.

[_TrashcanMan79]

... due to the "higher bar" requirements now set ...

What is this, anyway? I see it mentioned a lot, but I have no idea what it entails.

If you confess penetration, you cannot go.

Wish this had been implemented when I was called to serve. Coulda saved me some time, money, and effort. What is the source for this, anyway? CHI or something?

[_The Nehor]

Funny, I saw over a dozen missionaries just in my Mission decide to just give it up and go home. How many Kamikazes did the same? How many without punishment?

I imagine the hesitant kamikaze pilots were dealt with harshly. What was the fate of these early missionary returnees?

Some faced a little bit of disappointment from themselves or family. Most went on to get married and unless someone tells stories in Church or I know them well I can't pick out who has and has not been on a Mission. Nor do I particularly care. If I remember correctly, the current Prophet of our Church never went on a Mission. I went and I'm glad I went.

[_Mercury]

Missionaries, explorers and pioneers of all sorts may have been safer if they stayed home.

Explorers and pioneers? Mormon missionaries are the equivalent of Fuller Brush men.

[_LifeOnaPlate]

Missionaries, explorers and pioneers of all sorts may have been safer if they stayed home.

Explorers and pioneers? Mormon missionaries are the equivalent of Fuller Brush men.

And of course, they also would be safer if they would stay home.

[_John Larsen]

... due to the "higher bar" requirements now set ...

What is this, anyway? I see it mentioned a lot, but I have no idea what it entails.

If you confess penetration, you cannot go.

Wish this had been implemented when I was called to serve. Coulda saved me some time, money, and effort. What is the source for this, anyway? CHI or something?

That is my summation of a circular letter that went around. I don't think I have a copy anymore. Remember the Church does not like to commit this sort of stuff to permanent record.

[_LifeOnaPlate]

That is my summation of a circular letter that went around. I don't think I have a copy anymore. Remember the Church does not like to commit this sort of stuff to permanent record.

I see several good reasons. Guidelines such as this are subject to change.