Couples missions--an alternative

[mUUser]

I always thought I'd serve a couples mission, but after spending the last couple yrs as a WML/Ward Missionary, my wife asked if I was still interested in serving, and I admitted to her that I've rethought the plan. There's just too many screwy thiings about the Church's missionary program.

Instead, I think I'll consider one of the cush opportunities such as the ones you previously mentioned -- teaching, farming, business etc.... I'm sure I'd be bored silly serving a temple mission, and teaching/proselyting is out of the question. And frankly, your BIL's idea isn't half bad.

[Katy Lied]

My uncle and aunt applied for and received a calling to be full time caretakers at an LDS Girl's camp, running the campgrounds, greeting the campers, staffing the sundries store, etc. This was their dream assignment.

One month later, they were called in and unceremoniously switched. Some other missionary couples fell through, and they now work in the Church Employment Center in an urban area.


By the way, I'd go to French speaking Congo in a New York minute. Sounds wonderful. The more remote the better. I once applied for a job in Novosibirsk.

[wuapinmon]

Moscow. (This is a fun guessing game!)

$3200

[wuapinmon]

Go to Ghana/Nigeria. The people there are unbelievable and the work is exploding.

Ghana = 2500
Nigeria = 1400-2500

[Surfah]

I don't think Gidget has any inkling to serve. I am done unless I were to be called as an MP somewhere. But seeing as that I am unemployed and poor I doubt that I ever will.

[kccougar]

My parents just left on Monday for 18 months in Capetown, South Africa. They had aquaintences serving in Jamaica who suggested their names to their MP and area authority as replacements. The area authority also happened to live in the same stake as my parents so everyone thought it was pretty much a done deal that they would go to Jamaica when they accepted a request to submit papers.

However, general conference came and the area authority was transferred. Plans for Jamaica were put on hold, but my parents submited papers anyway, knowing that they could end up going anywhere. South Africa was the result, and they are both very excited about it.

[BigPiney]

I'm going to check lds.org for branches on Corfu, Bora Bora and in Provence.

Having served in Provence I can point you in the direction of some of the nicer branches in the area when the time comes.

I am pretty sure that Arles or Nimes branches could use your help, but the Frejus Branch would also be a great place to help as well. They have a special place in my heart as they were my first Branch.

[ERCougar]

Having served in Provence I can point you in the direction of some of the nicer branches in the area when the time comes.

I am pretty sure that Arles or Nimes branches could use your help, but the Frejus Branch would also be a great place to help as well. They have a special place in my heart as they were my first Branch.

Have you noticed that the coolest posters on here all served French-speaking missions?

[Eddie]

My parents just left on Monday for 18 months in Capetown, South Africa. They had aquaintences serving in Jamaica who suggested their names to their MP and area authority as replacements. The area authority also happened to live in the same stake as my parents so everyone thought it was pretty much a done deal that they would go to Jamaica when they accepted a request to submit papers.

However, general conference came and the area authority was transferred. Plans for Jamaica were put on hold, but my parents submited papers anyway, knowing that they could end up going anywhere. South Africa was the result, and they are both very excited about it.

My in-laws submitted papers to go and were pretty excited. Well...my FIL was more excited than my MIL, but they were both somewhat excited and ready to go.

While they were waiting, my FIL would speculate about where they might be called. One day he said to my MIL "What if we get called to Africa!?!" - obviously excited about the prospect.

MIL responded with "I don't think our calling will be to Africa."

So FIL asks "why not?"

MIL answered with "They don't send single men to Africa, silly!"

He had to think about that for a minute or two.

They ended up in the Philipines.

[Solon]

Have you noticed that the coolest posters on here all served French-speaking missions?

I have noticed that.

[Shaka]

My parents just left on Monday for 18 months in Capetown, South Africa. They had aquaintences serving in Jamaica who suggested their names to their MP and area authority as replacements. The area authority also happened to live in the same stake as my parents so everyone thought it was pretty much a done deal that they would go to Jamaica when they accepted a request to submit papers.

However, general conference came and the area authority was transferred. Plans for Jamaica were put on hold, but my parents submited papers anyway, knowing that they could end up going anywhere. South Africa was the result, and they are both very excited about it.

They are going to absolutely love where they are going. Much better than Jamaica.

[Clark Addison]

Have you noticed that the coolest posters on here all served French-speaking missions?

I hate to point out your ignorance, ER, but actually, Cantonese is a dialect of Chinese, not French.

[FN Phat]

I don't think Gidget has any inkling to serve. I am done unless I were to be called as an MP somewhere. But seeing as that I am unemployed and poor I doubt that I ever will.

I am willing to bet a fair share that you will serve a mission again.

[marsupial]

Have you noticed that the coolest posters on here all served French-speaking missions?

Yes, or are married to someone who served in France.

[JohnnyLingo]

To echo the previous sentiments, couple missionaries can do whatever they want. A couple came into my mission, spent about a month there, decided they didn't like it much, and went to another nearby mission. The couple who stayed behind had a great time serving the Malagasy people. He spent all day building greenhouses at orphanages and clean water sources for schools. And at night they watched BBC news or sporting events their children sent them on VHS. Not a bad life.

My parents just left on Monday for 18 months in Capetown, South Africa.

That rocks. I love Cape Town.

MIL responded with "I don't think our calling will be to Africa."

So FIL asks "why not?"

MIL answered with "They don't send single men to Africa, silly!"

He had to think about that for a minute or two.

People get weird ideas sometimes.