Early Perspective of the Family

I want to add something here strictly from the perspective of a missionary's family. I've always heard that the Lord blesses the missionary AND his/her family. Recently, I had a friend of mine (who's son just returned) that during the time his son was gone, their family received more blessings than at any other time in their lives.

Now I'm not advocating that we send our sons and daughters out into the field and turn our gaze to heaven to watch the blessings fall. Rather, I just want to add my witness that the Lord blesses us when we do what we should be doing. That's even more true when it requires a certain level of personal sacrifice. Our God is very, very good to us in spite of ourselves.

Even though it's been less than one month since Elder Layton entered the field, I have personally seen very specific things come to our family. In fact, I recognize three specific and somewhat personal blessings that I believe have come to us as a result of Elder Layton's missionary service.

The Temple

As part of his preparation to serve the Lord on a full time mission, Sean went through the temple in Portland, Oregon on May 10th, 2008. He was prepared and it was great. The temple is the place where certain covenants and blessings are made and received that are eternal and magnificent. So of course it was a great day.


What made it even better was that we had family and friends there to share this event. Grandma and Grandpa Chiechi, Grandma and Grandpa Layton, Priesthood leaders, including the President Rau and Bishop Gardemann, and several good friends and ward members all attended. Unfortunately Grandpa Chiechi became very ill the morning of the endowment and was forced to spend a good part of the day in the hotel room. But we knew of his full support and love for Sean.


The temple has been the highlight of his preparation, but other things have been going on as well. There are Visas and Passports to obtain, medical checkups and shots, clothing to buy and a host of things to do to get ready. Sean's been busy. We've been busy. But this is an exciting and unforgettable time for Sean and for all of our family and friends. We are deeply grateful for the support and love that have been offered. It is a rich time in our lives.

Sean has also been called and is serving as a Ward Missionary. It is perfect preparation for him.

In about one month, we'll be leaving to return Sean to Provo...to a place only about two blocks from where he has been living for the past year. It is completely surreal. Our hearts are full.