TheSecondTimeAroundEngland

It has been nearly two weeks since we opened our mission call.  It wasn't really much different than opening a letter delivered by the post office.  We each received a text and an email on February 26 informing us that "Your mission call can now be viewed at missionary.lds.org."  That was cause to celebrate!  We were sorely tempted, but we both waited to open the portal until the family had all gathered. Andrew and Lia both viewed from Idaho and Utah respectively.  Brooke was out of reach in Greece.  It was evening and we were full of anticipation.  Up to that night, SK and I speculated endlessly about the possibilities.  Perhaps we would be called to a place where we had to carry our own water and then boil it.  Perhaps the mission call would be to a remote and humble village somewhere.  At first, we blanched at the prospects of serving in a place that would require a more primitive lifestyle.  But by the time came, we both knew ...

We really didn't expect to be going down this path again.  We have been very content in our home, our neighborhood, our ward, our new stake and in our church callings.  Life is enjoyable and predictable, relatively easy and comfortable.  We thought coasting into old age is not so bad. We came home from Denmark over three years ago, after what can only be described as a an incredible experience "beyond our wildest expectations."  Our nearly two-year mission was in a magical place, working with Young Single Adults that we adored and serving with individuals that we loved.  We came home completely happy, thinking that it had been grand.  We also pretty much thought now we had accomplished that great adventure on our bucket list, and we would move on to other things. Last year, my brother and his wife were called to preside in the England London Mission and requested that we consider serving with them for a time as senior missionaries.  We were tempora...