For those who do not know, I own an LDS Meme account on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok. (@armyofhelamemes). I asked my followers if they have waited for their partner on a mission before and what tips they have for those who might be waiting for their significant others today. They had so many tips and pieces of advice. I also asked my sister-in-law who waited for my brother on his mission and others in my life that I knew waited for their husbands on missions. I hope you can learn from their hardships and advice and help you on your journey.
These people are so strong and dedicated to their significant other and their love is remarkable. That being said if you are thinking about waiting for your significant other on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or already waiting you are in the right place!
That being said I must warn those who are about to start the long journey of waiting for their significant other. This journey is going to be very hard I cannot stress that enough. I have seen my closest friend and sister go through this pain and I would not wish this on anyone if it wasn’t meant to be. You should make sure you are not going into this naïve and know that this person is going to be your eternal companion. You should pray, fast and go to the temple before even considering waiting for your partner. Waiting for them is not only going to be hard on you but also on them, Make sure you are okay with also putting them through this pain. It is better to break up with them before they leave vs after they leave so make sure you are sure with your decision.
I do not want to be super discouraging because I know how hard it can be to wait so I won’t go too much into that but make sure you are SURE you and your partner want to wait. I should not be another hurdle you have to jump so proceed with caution.
That all being said, here is the advice they have to offer you:
Tips for waiting for an LDS Missionary for 2 years
1. Make sure you both have the same end goal in mind
If you aren’t planning on being together forever why would you go through all of this pain? Make sure you have talked about the future and know what you want from this relationship.
2. Create Goals for yourself to achieve before they get home
Sit down and create a list of Goals you want to achieve before they get home and work on them every day. This way you will continue growing and becoming a better version of yourself. When they get back they will be so impressed by the ways you have grown and can continue to learn about each other and help each other grow and love.
3. Remember they are going to be growing and changing so you should too
They are going to be very different when they get back so make sure you are accounting for them to change and in so many different ways. Since they will be changing make sure you are growing as well, spiritually, physically and mentally. When they get back it will be amazing to see how much you have both grown and become better people for each other.
4. Have them create you letters/ Playlists for different times in your life
Before my brother left on a mission he created CDs with songs on them for different occasions. One for when he left, one for when she was sad, one for when she achieved something but he wasn’t there, one for before he came back, etc. This made the whole 2 years more meaningful and still had surprises throughout. They could also write letters, like “open when you are feeling..”, “open when…” etc… You can also do this for them as well.
5. Join Facebook Groups with others waiting for their partner!
Having a community of others waiting for their missionary can be very motivating and also help you relate to others and talk about your feelings with others who relate to you. There are so many groups out there so make sure you look for more than one to see what you like the best!
6. Make a Count Down Together before they leave (Weekly not daily)
Make countdown blocks or calendars together so that it is more motivational throughout the years. Make them Weekly not daily it is a lot more motivational when you change the number and you see a bigger difference.
7. Grow your Testimony & Knowledge of the Gospel
They will be growing spiritually and learning a lot and you should be too. You want to make sure you are also knowledgeable about the gospel so you can continue to be on the same level and talk to each other about things you have learned
8. Use this time to build your skills and independence. (Become comfortable with being alone)
Time is so precious, do not waste it crying in your room for the next 2 years. Use it to grow skills and become a better person. That way when they come back you have put yourself and your future family in a much better spot. You have more skills you can use, a better resume, plus you can learn to be comfortable alone and independent. When they come home it will be great to see how far you guys have come since they left and practically get to date all over again and fall in love all over again.
9. Build healthy relationships with their family
You don’t just marry your partner you also will marry into their family. Use this time to make sure you are on good terms with them and if possible become good friends with their family.
10. Leave time for the Family to talk to them
DO NOT take all the email and phone call time. Their families will be so mad and that can strain your relationship with them and your spouse. Your boyfriend will want to talk to you but remind him that his family is also very important. Remember there is a Mother and Father who left their baby too. On the chance that you guys do not make it, that would be very sad for all parties involved for you to take most of the time with their son.
11. Use Voice chats as much as possible so you don’t forget their voice
Many people before weekly video chats were allowed would literally forget their partner’s voice. So they said using voice messages helped a lot. Plus voice chats can convey a lot more emotion and less confusion.
12. Use Google Photos to send videos to them ( Good luck Charly Style)
To send long videos back and forth Google photos can be a great option. If you make a vlog type video every week they can watch it through out the week when they miss you. If you have ever seen Good Luck Charly that is a perfect example!
13. Send handwritten letters and thoughtful packages
The more personalized the better. This is a great way to have thoughtful and meaningful memories while you are over a thousand miles away. Even if you are emailing and face timing make sure to send a letter or thoughtful package every once and a while.
14. Pray for them and to God Often
Keep in mind that they are experiencing so many things for the first time and getting along with people they normally would never talk to and doing things they don’t normally do. Pray for them to have strength, wisdom and to grow and learn as a man. They will also be praying more than they normally do so you should try to too!
15. Make a routine so you don’t waste time
Have a certain time you email them and give them time or talk to their families as well. Have a certain day of the week when you write them a letter or whatever you would like to add to the routine. This way you aren’t glued to your phone and he isn’t either and you are able to be productive and do things with your life.
16. Don’t become a distraction for your missionary
They are on a mission, let them be a missionary. Let these 2 years be worth it and let them focus and do the work they need to do and have the experiences they need to have. They will enjoy their mission more and when they get back they will be a lot better person and you get to see them change in all the best ways!
17. Be their biggest cheerleader
If they are having a rough time out there be the one cheering them on and helping them get through it. They will really appreciate it and so will their families and your future family as well.
18. Remember you are looking for your eternal companion don’t feel guilty if you find out they aren’t the one
At the end of the day, it is your life and you need to find what is best for you and your future family so if it is not your missionary that is okay. Do not feel guilty if things don’t end up working out. Breakups suck but marrying the wrong person also sucks, so choose your pain.
I hope these Tips help you!
These tips have helped many couples make it to the 2 year mark and I hope their wisdom can help you as well! Good luck waiting and hope things go smoothly for you! Feel free to follow my meme account and pinterest account for other content in the future!
Here are some quotes they also mentioned that helped them while waiting:
“I wish I could tell you tomorrow won’t be difficult and life will get easier soon, but you know as well as I do things may get harder. Don’t quit. Pray, cry, and work, then do it all again every day, until you look up and see you’ve covered more ground than you ever thought possible.” -Hank Smith
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