This cute boy has been on his mission in Sonora, Mexico for 14 months. We absolutely LOVE getting his email updates and even better, the (almost weekly) phone calls. He has been serving in the city of Orebegon for 6 months and has most recently had the opportunity to train a new missionary, Elder Castro (pictured here).

Two weeks ago he mentioned in his letter than he and his companion had had their bikes stolen, by cholos (gang members). Gratefully, for my mama heart he recorded a video sharing—as only Trey can—this frightening experience. And oh how I miss my Trey and his expressive ways. He is my child, that like me, uses his hands when he talks and I just plain miss having him around. I think because he recounts this story in this way, with a great deal of humor, I was spared the concern that I might have otherwise felt. I definitely want this video archived, so I’m sharing it here …

Another awesome story that Trey has shared recently is of the family pictured here. The father, a former cholo chose to change his life in the midst of a very challenging time. When his (at the time) girlfriend got an infection that ultimately took both her legs at the knee and all of her fingers, he could have abandoned her to this awful fate but instead he turned to God. He married her and they now have a beautiful family. He is now a devoted husband and father and always eager to help the missionaries share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Trey sent this photo with these words: “This is such a good family too! I am going to miss them a ton when I leave. This brother used to be such a cholo (gangster), but now he is one of the most active members in the ward. A testament to the power of repentance. … I want to testify of the absolute love that the Lord has for each and every one of us. When we feel sad, scared, stressed, or disappointed, we can turn to Him, and He will help us. I am learning to really LOVE the Lord! “

Encouraging your child to serve a mission and then letting them go is not an easy thing to do—and I do miss Trey, everyday—but watching them (him) change and grow as they love others and serve The Lord is 100% worth it. I’m so grateful for my experiences as a missionary, years ago in Germany. These experiences have stayed with me and strengthened me and I am even more grateful that my boys have now had similar experiences.

What a blessing!