For eighteen months or two years, thousands of 18 – 26 young men and women leave their homes voluntarily and at their own expense, to serve a mission in far off lands for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Later today, we will receive another five, who will serve in Belgium and the Netherlands for a season, namely: Kiera Wadsworth, Grace Warner, Brigitta Broadbent, Pedro Jalo and Ian Schwab.

Each of them will serve thousands of miles from home.

It is viewed as an exciting adventure, with an instant network of friends to help them adjust to their home away from home.

It is in their homes that they will have learned the values by which will guide their lives.

I know too that homes are places where life’s greatest lessons are learned and taught.

Yet now, they will be learning, living and working in a completely different cultural environment from their experience of home life so far.

Overcoming the language barrier can also make it difficult at times.

It is the daunting reality of missionary life.

Each of them arrives with their luggage, containing only a few physical possessions.

They are however, armed with a deep-rooted desire, faith, and hope as they individually embark upon their period of missionary service.

Theirs is a mission of love and service.

Empathising, both Monic and I are constantly trying to put ourselves back in their shoes.

It’s 30+ years since we both served respectively, far from home.

As Mission leaders and mentors, we have many roles, including to provide a bit of a pick-me-up when things are challenging.

Frequently, we help missionaries to see the big picture and how they’re making progress.

For missionaries, knowing that someone cares about their personal well-being and believes in them can help them deal with the umpteenth “rainy” day on their mission.

And then, before they know it, like a few in the picture below, their time is over.

Its transfer day today.

It means much change throughout the mission to accommodate those arriving and departing.

With a heart filled with love, we bid farewell to our dear friends who are returning home in the next few days Julia Hyer, Nefi Regalado, Harrison Wright and Rafe Baldwin.

Mission accomplished, as they return home with honour.

What has been your experience living thousands of miles away from home?