I have shared the story about being set apart the first time as a missionary (you can review back in October/November of 2020). This time, it was a completely different experience--even though we were set apart by the same stake president--President Scott Nussbaum.
This time, just Jena, Gary and I were there with President Nussbaum. We spoke for a bit about our upcoming service and other things and then he proceeded to set Gary apart, then me, and then Jena. It was so awesome (due to the hard work of our bishop and the stake president) that Jena was able to be set apart with us as a Church service missionary at the same time rather than waiting until we reach Arkansas. That made a sweet experience even sweeter to hear the blessings she was promised for her service as a missionary. He specifically set her apart as a full time Church Service missionary which was such a powerful moment for me. Jena is giving her "full-time" to serve the Lord. She is leaving her friends and family and her life as well. It felt like her willingness to make these sacrifices was seen and acknowledged by a loving Heavenly Father and Jesus. It was just a small thing in the middle of a great spiritual experience but I loved it so much. From the time she was a pre-teen, Jena wanted to serve a full-time mission. It was disappointing for her to learn that she would stay at home to serve when she was 19. Now, she was a set apart full-time missionary going away from home to serve in Arkansas (of course, she was taking us with her, but she seems to be okay with that.)
As for my setting apart, it was and I am sure will prove to be "exactly" what I needed...and this time, it felt like a blessing for a missionary. What made it even more striking was that it was given by the same stake president--but the tone, the words, and the feeling was different in so many ways. Then afterwards, we talked a bit about the blessings and some of his thoughts and feelings. It was a perfect start to this next adventure!
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