How can Family and Friends help RM'S?

I know the majority of the people reading this blog may not come home early from a mission, but they will probably know someone who came home early.  You many be wondering how can I help a missionary who comes home early? The answer is LOVE, LOVE and more LOVE! We are going though a lot both emotional and physically, so the biggest and best thing you can do is LOVE us! Support us! Let us know we are wanted at home! Don't make comments like, "We don't want you here", Even when Joking! We want to feel your continuous and full support with us being home.We don't need to know you are stressed about us coming home, we just want to feel loved and needed at home!

(Source: LDS Church)
See President Thomas S. Monson April 2014
"Love—the Essence of the Gospel"

President Thomas S. Monson said in the April 2014 General Conference: "I would hope that we would strive always to be considerate and to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings and circumstances of those around us. Let us not demean or belittle. Rather, let us be compassionate and encouraging. We must be careful that we do not destroy another person’s confidence through careless words or actions." He continued on to say: "Love is expressed in many recognizable ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment. Other expressions may be more subtle, such as showing interest in another’s activities, teaching a principle with kindness and patience, visiting one who is ill or homebound. These words and actions and many others can communicate love."

Along with love we need support. Christina Jenkins, a sister who came home early; due to medial issues said:

 "Support the missionary. The Missionary isn't coming home because of something they did. Medical things aren't controllable and shouldn't be held against them." 

Sister Jenkins hit the jackpot! We didn't come home because of something we did. Getting sick is totally and completely out of our control.  We need to know you are content and happy to have us home. When you stress out about us being home, it stresses us about being home. You stressing about when/if, we return stresses us out. These things our out of our control. Don't pressure us about returning right away, most of the time we don't have any idea when we will be returning. As I was leaving the field I thought I would defiantly be back in the field in a Month or less, but the Lord had other things in mind.  Don't hold it against the missionary if they choose not to return. They will do what the Lord wants. The decision is between them and the Lord when they return and if they return. Now, don't get me wrong, if they can physically and mentally return, then RETURN! I'm not saying to not talk to them about returning, just use caution and don't over step your bounds.

As President Monson counseled us to show interest in peoples lives, you can do this by talking to them about their mission. Sister Jenkins also said:

 "Don't be afraid to talk about their missions with them. I loved being asked questions and being able to tell about my experiences. It was hard and sometimes sad, but I still loved to do it!"

 Great advice, get them talking about experiences they had. Ask specific questions about their missions. Ask them what they did to find people to teach, ask them about specific investigators or areas. (Asking them questions shows them you cared and payed attention to their emails) Ask them about companions. Be creative on your questions. If you served a mission talk about your mission as well. My Mom and Dad both served missions, it has been a positive experience comparing mission experiences. One night we shared pictures and memories, we talked about companions, we talked about struggles and happy moments. These little bonding moments we will all remember for the rest of our lives. Asking them specific questions about specific people and areas shows you cared while they were gone. This too, help us feel more at ease and know you truly care about us and our situations.

Missionaries spend a lot of time
serving and working. 

The transition from constantly working and being on a tight schedule to home life-and not doing anything is hard.  People tend to think that if you are home sick you need to be sick in bed and not leave the house at all.  That is UNTRUE! We need to get out of the house! Being cooped in the house constantly can get a little depressing and we WILL go stir crazy. Work to involve us in actives; but, be careful the missionary doesn't over do it if he or she is seriously ill. He or she will know what they can do. Talk to them. Plan fun family activities. We have typically been gone for awhile, we want to do something with the family, and not get left out! Let us have fun! It takes the stress out of coming home early! We are going though a lot emotionally and physically we need to do things to get our minds off what is going on. Plan fun creative activities to do TOGETHER! It can be as simple as a little road trip.  For instance, we went on a trip to Vernal, Utah for a Baptism. I drove to the baptism with my grandparents; but drove home with my parents and brothers. It was fun to spend time with both my grandparents and family. It wasn't too hard on me and I got to spend cherished time with my family. Another good activities is, I was also able host a "Game Night" part at my home with some friends from my mission. It was a opportunity to spend time with friends. Its a great way to get out without going out. Sometimes going out is too strenuous, but it's easy and fun to stay home and play games.

"Getting out without going out"
Game night with dear friends

The last thing you can do to help these missionaries out is to continue to pray for them. You've been praying

for them continuously for the last few months keep them coming!  They need these prayers more than ever! They need help that only Heaven can bless them with! Just because they are home doesn't mean you can stop praying for them!

Remember these dear missionaries! Keep them happy! I'm going to end this post with the quote which I started with from President Thomas S. Monson, because I think it is so important for people to remember to help these wonderful missionaries!

"I would hope that we would strive always to be considerate and to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings and circumstances of those around us. Let us not demean or belittle. Rather, let us be compassionate and encouraging. We must be careful that we do not destroy another person’s confidence through careless words or actions...May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way." -President Thomas S. Monson April 2014 General Conference  "Love—the Essence of the Gospel"

Special thanks to Christina Jenkins for the input and thoughts about returning home early. 

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