Why This Blog?
WHY THIS BLOG?
It all began on Tuesday morning January 11, 2011. I was in the Salt Lake City airport to catch a flight. While walking to my gate, I realized that the airport was literally filled with Mormon missionaries. They were everywhere! All of them had departed the Missionary Training Center that morning and were headed to their various mission assignments around the world. Many were on pay phones, making that last phone call home to Mom before leaving. As I walked past one phone, I noticed the name tag of a young man... Elder Wilson! A Facebook friend named Candy Wilson had just posted something on her page about her son Peter, who was leaving the MTC. I wondered if this could be the same young man. I boldly interrupted him asking, "Are you Candy Wilson's son?" He shook his head yes. "Is that her on the phone?" Again he shook his head yes. "Let me speak to her!" I didn't really give him time to say no. I took the phone and said, "Candy, this is Steve Sluder. I'm in the airport and just so happened to come across your son. I'll take a picture of him and send it to you!" With that, I took a picture of Elder Wilson talking to his mom with my cell phone camera. I was able to send the picture to her almost immediately via Facebook using my smart phone.
It was a spontaneous act, but the story doesn't end here. Elder Wilson was traveling with several other missionaries to serve in the Indianapolis, Indiana mission. I was traveling to Columbus, Ohio. We were ALL on the exact same flight!
During the flight, I got up from my seat and went to the rear of the plane where the missionaries were all sitting and talked to them a little bit about their mission. My parents are both natives of Indianapolis, so there is a soft spot in my heart for that part of the country (I also have a son serving in Montevideo, Uruguay). I took my real camera with me this time to get a better picture of Elder Wilson for his mom.
After taking his picture, it occurred to me that the other missionary moms might enjoy a picture of their sons as well. I offered and several of the missionaries took me up on it. They provided email addresses and I promised to email their Mom's a copy of the photo. When I got to my hotel room that evening, I copied the photos from my camera and emailed them to the addresses provided. I was not really prepared for the responses I received.
It was a spontaneous act, but the story doesn't end here. Elder Wilson was traveling with several other missionaries to serve in the Indianapolis, Indiana mission. I was traveling to Columbus, Ohio. We were ALL on the exact same flight!
During the flight, I got up from my seat and went to the rear of the plane where the missionaries were all sitting and talked to them a little bit about their mission. My parents are both natives of Indianapolis, so there is a soft spot in my heart for that part of the country (I also have a son serving in Montevideo, Uruguay). I took my real camera with me this time to get a better picture of Elder Wilson for his mom.
Elder Wilson on the flight to Indianapolis
After taking his picture, it occurred to me that the other missionary moms might enjoy a picture of their sons as well. I offered and several of the missionaries took me up on it. They provided email addresses and I promised to email their Mom's a copy of the photo. When I got to my hotel room that evening, I copied the photos from my camera and emailed them to the addresses provided. I was not really prepared for the responses I received.
"We want to thank you so much for sending us a picture of our son while he was on the plane. That was very nice of you to help us know how he is doing. Thanks again!"
"Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness! My wife is shedding happy tears as I write this."
"Words cannot express my sincere gratitude for the picture of Tylor you sent! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Tylor was supposed to call sometime today as he traveled from MTC to Indianapolis...I've had my cell phone in hand the entire day. Unfortunately, he never called, so I wasn't entirely sure he actually flew to Indianapolis today :) This picture means the world to our family! And we are so thrilled to see his smiling face!"
I'm creating this blog to encourage others to do what I have done. If you come across the missionaries, no matter where you are, take their picture and send a copy to their families. Once you get a reply from the family, send me the story and a copy of the photo. I will review it and publish it here on this blog. Send them here: missionarysightings@gmail.com.
"Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness! My wife is shedding happy tears as I write this."
"Words cannot express my sincere gratitude for the picture of Tylor you sent! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Tylor was supposed to call sometime today as he traveled from MTC to Indianapolis...I've had my cell phone in hand the entire day. Unfortunately, he never called, so I wasn't entirely sure he actually flew to Indianapolis today :) This picture means the world to our family! And we are so thrilled to see his smiling face!"
I'm creating this blog to encourage others to do what I have done. If you come across the missionaries, no matter where you are, take their picture and send a copy to their families. Once you get a reply from the family, send me the story and a copy of the photo. I will review it and publish it here on this blog. Send them here: missionarysightings@gmail.com.
My first official post is the BEST!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Missionaries in Lansing Michigan
Nine new Elders in the Lansing Michigan airport
On August 10, 2011 I was in the Lansing Michigan airport waiting for my flight to Detroit. When my plane arrived at the gate, I was pleasantly surprised when a dozen or so new missionaries walked off the plane. Of course, I couldn't resist talking to them! They had left the MTC that morning and were reporting to Lansing to begin their missions. There is a very special spirit with new missionaries. One of the Elders walked up to a woman waiting for her plane, introduced himself and gave her a pass along card... it was great! They were all obviously excited to finally be in their mission. I offered to take a picture and send it home via email. Nine of the Elders took me up on the offer. Isn't this a great picture? Here are some of the responses I received.
Thank you... you made me the Happiest Mother On Earth tonight! May the Lord bless you and your family.
Thank you! What a wonderful gesture!! My family and I appreciate knowing that out in the world, in far away Lansing Michigan, there happened to be a complete stranger that saw with eyes of kindness and compassion for the HAPPY/SAD family that had to say goodbye to thier beautiful son for 2 years. Our Son is the 2nd one from the left, Jeff Coon from Las Vegas Nevada. Gratefully, Joan
Thank you ever so much. Our family received so much comfort from this photo. Our son is the tall, dark handsome one in the back. Carol
Thank you so much. Your simple act of kindness has been a great boon to our family. This picture is priceless! Blessings to you. Blair
Thank you, thank you! This means the world to me! Amy
Pretty great, huh? What are you waiting for? Take a picture of the missionaries and send it home!
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