Elder and Sister Bayles

Today my Mom and Dad officially became missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I am so proud of them.  When the young missionaries go out it requires a great deal of sacrifice but as I have watched my parents prepare for this day I have realized that they sacrifice as much if not more.  They will be in the North Carolina, Charlotte mission.  They will serve for 18 months.  They leave behind 17 grandchildren who will grow and change while they are gone.  They will miss birthdays, baptisms, graduations, concerts and games.  They love all these things.  They also love the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are anxious and excited to be able to share our Heavenly Father's plan with his children in NC.  I am so thankful that they have made this choice.  I will miss them (they are stopping at my house on the way out so I haven't said my good-byes yet) but I am so grateful for the example that they are setting for my children.  Both sets of my grandparents served multiple missions.  It made my decision to serve so much easier.  It gave me a connection to them.  I had a missionary name tag of my granny's that I wore on the days I felt tired and discouraged.  It helped me remember that she had felt exactly as I was feeling.  I can hardly wait to hear the adventures that my parents will have.  They are going to a poverty stricken part of the country where most people are uneducated.  I can't think of a better place for two people who have spent their whole lives teaching others.  They are born missionaries.  They will do great.  I will miss them.  I am sure I will shed some tears when I say good-bye and periodically over the next 18 months but that is nothing a little chocolate can't fix.  I love you Mom and Dad.  You are my heroes.