Letter From Mom

My Dearest Elder Allan,

As you read this letter you will be flying home from you mission in Germany. I cannot imagine the depth

of emotion you must be feeling as this chapter in your life comes to an end. For the past two years I

have known it would be challenging for you to say goodbye to Germany when the time came and now it

is here. This experience has shaped you into the strong, faithful and bold leader that God needs you to

be. I know that HE is smiling on you, so proud of what you have become while in His service. You are a

warrior of God’s army determined to do your part for Him.

As you sit on the plane, looking out the window and as Germany fades off into the distance, do so with a

sure knowledge that your mission is not over. This flight home will be the beginning of a lifetime of

dedicated service. It may look different than a name tag and a white shirt. It may feel different than

trying to talk to people while on the bus or train. It may feel awkward not speaking German all the time

and having to communicate in English. It may not be characterized by companionship study, zone

conferences, district councils or being an AP. But what YOU CHOOSE to do from this point can be a

testimony to you , God and to the world, that the change you experienced while sacrificing 2 years to

serve a mission was not temporary. Rather, your heart and your life will be forever turned to Him. You

are a light to the world that is suffering in darkness and despair.

Your mission should not end the minute you step off that plane. Give us hugs, (Lots of hugs especially to

me), Enjoy your Cafe Rio, get a good night of rest and then mentally suit back up. That badge does not

ever have to come off your chest. It can be etched upon your heart forever.

It is not time to go back to pulling all nighters playing video games or watching TV or videos. Its not time

to go back to your old playlist or relax your standards just a bit. Your work as a missionary is not over. In

fact, it is just beginning. The experiences you learned should shape the rest of your life and guide you in

the direction of representing the Savior in all that you do.

There is so much you can do. Become a virtual missionary. Make videos of you playing the piano and

saxophone, write songs, post on social media, find people who need help, share uplifting messages and

let your testimony be heard through the power of technology. Use the tools available to you not for

consumption but as a missionary and ministering tool.

Some missionaries come home from their missions thinking they deserve a nice long break. They figure

they have done more than enough service to God and that they deserve some time off. They worked

hard to become the best missionary they could while they served. But the Best Missionaries are not

those who go on a 2-year mission and then come home and rest. The Best Missionaries are those who

come home take what they learned and apply it to every aspect of their lives. The Best Missionaries are

they who have learned what it means to become a true disciple of Christ for their entire lives and not

only for 2 years in which they wear their badge. The longevity of one’s post mission service to others is

the ultimate measurement of how impactful and important their mission was to them. The next

generation is in your hands.

We owe the Lord more than 2 years. You are in the prime of your life. Give Him the prime of your life

and give Him the rest of your life. Be an “All In” lifelong missionary and disciple of Christ. Because if you zoom out and look out at life from a high level, you will see that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only

thing holding this world together. There is no hope without it.

I know it many seem like a lot of work to be missionary minded for the rest of your life. And that’s the

irony of it all. The more you commit to God the more HE continues to bless you. The happier you will be.

The more peace you will have in your life. For the last 2 years you have kept your mind and heart fixated

on Christ and eternal things. You have seen miracles, made new friends, developed new skills, and

stepped out of your comfort zone. You have lived in the service of others and have become

immortalized by those you serve. You have become selfless, and because of this you will never feel like

you are not living up to your potential because our greatest potential is to live a life that enhances the

lives of other people. That is true success. That is the heart of a missionary. And you my son have the

heart of a missionary.

As I reflect on 2 years ago when we dropped you off at the Richmond Airport, it seems like yesterday. As

we hugged goodbye, I did not want to let go. I knew from the moment you were born that you would

serve a mission and as I said goodbye to you, I felt happy that you had the opportunity to serve in

Germany but sad because I was going to miss you so much. As I watched you disappear through the

security line, I stood there hoping that you would arrive safely. We drove home from the airport in

silence, other than the sound of me sobbing. It was a bittersweet event.

As we drove home separation anxiety hit me and tears filled my eyes “What had we done?” I already

missed you immensely. The first several hours after we returned home from dropping you off crawled

like a prison sentence. Just two years, 24 months, 104 weeks, 730 days, 17,530 hours to go.

I remember I could not sleep, and I tracked your flight to Germany the whole way there. When I finally

received an email saying that you had arrived safely, I could finally fall asleep. I never realized how hard

it would be to let you go. But it wasn’t about me. It was about you and the man you would become as

you learned to devote your life to the service of God. As your mother there is not a single thing, I

wanted more for you than that.

Being a missionary mom was not easy, but I would not trade the experience that I have had while you

have served for anything in the world. It was profoundly fulfilling in ways I would never have understood

had I not experienced them for myself. Your emails and your weekly phone calls were something I look

forward to each week. And I know that you have so much more to share with us about your mission and

I am so looking forward to that.

Remember cling to the change that God has orchestrated within you while you have been in His service.

Lock it in the vault of your heart, far from the reach of the adversary. Use it as a springboard for the

future, where hope, love and joy await you as you continue to serve the Lord with all your heart, might,

mind and strength.

Thank you my sweet elder for serving your mission. My testimony has been strengthened beyond belief.

I cannot wait until your father and I can serve a mission someday. The past 2 years has been an

incredible experience for me just as it has been for you. I have seen you become a stalwart and faithful

man. I am incredibly grateful that you have had this experience. I have loved every minute of watching

you from afar as you learned to work hard and rely on your faith to carry you through. Although I missed you more than anything Peace and Joy replaced the ache in my heart as I watched you learn, grow,

experience miracles and touch the lives of others.

Matthew 25:21 He Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been

faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Well done, Landon, I am so grateful to be your momma! Thank you, Elder Allan, for being an AMAZING

SON and the BEST MISSIONARY! I’m so excited to have you home and to hear more about Your Best

Two Years!

I Love you always and forever,

Momma

xoxoxoxoxox