Such a fun surprise!

One of the things that happens to missionaries is that they lose all their inhibitions and will do things they would never do at home, especially in front of their peers.

Such a thing happened yesterday!

During choir practice one of them asked if we could sing, "God Save the Queen". Of course!!!! We thot it a spendid idea. So the Brits in the group came forward, (all 2 of them) and sang with us. Then the Scots wanted their turn so again 2 of them came forward and we listened because we don't know their anthem.
Then the Swede volunteered to stand and sing his anthem (solo with no accompaniment). We listened and so it went. Next the Romanian, then the Phillipino, then the German, and finally our little elder from Turkey stood -- he asked everyone to stand (mostly by motioning to us). He asked the elders to put on their suit coats and button them and stand tall. And then, like an Olympic athlete standing on the gold medal podium, he belted out his national anthem. We were stunned and filled with emotion. We have heard so little from him, because he speaks so little English, that it was like seeing him in another life. When he finished, all clapped, patted him on the back and his companion embraced him. It was one of those electrifying and bonding moments. And then those of us who know it stood and sang the Star Spangled Banner. Remember there are only 10 of them, but yesterday there could have been 100. It was their moment to shine and gave them a little taste of home. Honestly, they are so amazing.It did not matter that some could barely carry a tune and changed pitch with every line. It was the fervor with which they sang.......... It all ended with a group hug and many expressions of love for each other. Of course, later in the evening one of them had a homesick meltdown. That makes just about 8 for 10 -- some mild, some crippling. But they all recover quickly and move on.

President also gave them a little course in tieing their ties and spit shinning their shoes. Last night, after they were finished for the day, they went to their rooms and began shinning their shoes. They kept coming back to his office for inspection. They would do anything in the world he asked of them........let's hope it sticks!

I wonder why just months ago when they were home, some of them were giving their parents grief and kicking the bricks at every turn, and now they behave like little lambs, eager to be taught and trained. They are so childlike in their faith and humility and so giant like in their eagerness and desire. Hang in there moms and dads. You would be amazed at what that boy (or girl) of yours can do!

Let's face it, missions do as much for the missionary as for the people they teach. Nothing new, but I am reminded each day of the marvelous effect this experience has on these young people.
This is a blessing that will change their lives (and ours). I continually insert the names and faces of our grandchildren who have served and will yet serve. I am excited for them.

Missions are hard.
Missions are fun.
Missions are full of surpises.
Missions are the BEST!