E minus 9 days....

It is funny, for the past 2 years I have missed my son, Elder Matthew Helm, as he has served his mission in the Pocatello, Idaho mission.  At times I have missed him so much it has been as a ache inside that nothing would abate.  Only the knowledge that he is serving the Lord has soothed that ache. 

As his mission draws to a close, I marvel that it is finally here--that in 9 short days he will be home (for a bit).  I know that he has served with great honor and has blessed many lives.  As I listen to his brothers and sister pray for him daily, I know that his service has blessed their lives as well.  They have been shown that serving the Lord is a blessing, not a drudgery. 

Matthew's mission has been a difficult one.  In the area where he has served, the people either love the church or hate it--there are few who have never even heard of us.  The opinions are tough and outsiders are not trusted easily.  Yet through these challenges, and others he has continued to serve with not only honor (I expected this) but with great joy as well.  He is like a light that burns brightly not only for those here at home, but those who he comes in contact with.

I am proud to be a missionary mom!  I know that I have been strengthened greatly while he has been gone--our entire family has.  I know that the work he has been doing is important to our Heavenly Father.  I know that God lives and that His son Jesus Christ died for us--he loves us that much.  I know that he restored His Church here to the earth.  I know the scriptures guide us, comfort us, and sustain us each day.  As my son has delivered this message to those who he has come in contact with, I have found myself testifying of these truths almost daily--something I was too afraid to do before.  I am blessed to be a missionary mom, and even though my arms have ached for 2 years to hug him, it is a small sacrifice for the good he has done. 

That being said MATT COMES HOME IN 9 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!