May 1st
This has been an interesting week. So full of everything.

For those of you who don't have your son or daughter serving a mission, this is what it is like for me.

Its a constant roller-coaster of anxiety worry, tears, glee and overwhelming emotions that I can't even explain.

My daughter will be gone from me for 18 months. I can't breathe in her scent, hold her tight for a hug, kiss her gently, feel her forehead for a fever, and most especially hear her say "I love you mom" on a daily basis. Ok, you might be thinking, gee Anna, its not like she is dead! No its not. I have had people tell me, well think of it like college or her just moving away. Just NOT the same. Not at all.

Let me try and explain what I feel during the week. Monday is my daughter's "P" day. Which means she is free to get onto the computer, email all of us back home and update her blog-that is 1 hour per week. She will also write personal letters, which I did get one today! Do you have any clue how hard it is to just 'wait' for the email to get to you? I bet you do not. Let me tell you by the end of Monday I was a hot mess. It wasn't until I got the notification that it had arrived, that I relaxed. I read her email and turned into a puddle of tears. Yeah, I cried, well ok I sobbed. I could hear her sweet voice in my head while I was reading. All everything had come to a halt in my world. There was no thinking about anything else but that.

By the time Tuesday rolled around I had a 4 page letter out in the mail. Yes, 4 pages. I have to time it just right so that her mail gets to her, she can read it and I pray for a response to the questions I have asked. Yeah, that's my whole thought process with this mission she is on.

I also got a letter today, that is better than chocolate and maybe even better than coffee! Yeah, her opening line was Dear mom, I miss you so much! Yeah, I was in tears again. But she said she was fine, eating, safe and happy. This is what we want as a parent right? We want to hear they are fine (even though some evil part of us wants them to say we are so miserable we want back home right?). Yes its because she is a healthy independent young woman. I guess I have added to that. I feel pretty damn good about that!

In the mist of all the ups and downs on my 18 month ride, I found a group on Facebook called "Missionary Momma's" that I have joined. Its a support group for us moms who have a son or daughter out there knocking on doors everyday trying to serve God. They have welcomed me, loved on me, accepted me even though I am a non member of the group. They have even invited me to their retreat in July to meet them! I am totally beside myself with joy. And no, if you are wondering, I am not going to go to be converted! LOL I love my coffee too much!

So I am leaving you with this thought. If you have one of these young adults come to your door and ask to come in to share their believe with you, please don't be mean to them. They are out there everyday from 6 am to 9 pm every day just trying to get someone to love the lord. I know sometimes its an intrusion of your everyday life to open the door to them. But remember this, they are away from everyone that they love doing what they believe is right. You don't have to let them in, but you do have the choice to be kind to them! Please! This could be my daughter you are being hostile to. I have heard stories of kids being spit on, getting yelled at, things thrown at them.Some people want to spout out details of their own religion to them.  Is this the way to be Christ like? NO. Please try and be just a little kinder to everyone this week, so that mom's like myself can rest a little easier!

Anna