An Epic Journey
by Bridget Rees

Missionary. The impression that comes to mind when you think of the word is probably one of a young, energetic, just-out-of-high-school young man. And while the young elders in the field certainly outnumber the sister or couple missionaries, they’re not the only ones wearing a black name badge on their chests.

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George and Pam Hoge, ages 65 and 55, respectively, have recently joined the Church’s missionary effort. They’re a pretty typical couple. They work hard, love their kids, serve in the Church, and try to do what’s right. But because we as members hear about serving a mission so often, we may sometimes forget how remarkable their decision to serve in this way is. They’re not nineteen (or twenty-one, for that matter) anymore, and as George and Pam demonstrate, the decision they’ve just made to leave their family and serve a mission for two years is anything but typical.

Perhaps reading about their journey as they prepare to serve will inspire you or your loved ones to strap on some work boots (or dress shoes in this case), say goodbye despite the sadness, and get out and serve.

Let us introduce you to George and Pam Hoge. Both grew up in little towns in Idaho—George in Blackfoot and Pam in Inkom, the combined populations of which probably wouldn’t be enough to fill a freshman Biology 101 class at BYU. George’s family was inactive as he was growing up, but because of some terrific leaders, he was called to serve a mission at nineteen to Copenhagen, Denmark, and he accepted the call. After serving for two and a half years in Denmark, George returned home, married, started working as an insurance salesman, and raised four boys. In 1984 his sweet wife unexpectedly passed away as they were just about to become empty nesters—his youngest son was a junior in high school at the time, and the other three boys had moved on with their own careers and families.

 

At eighteen years old, Pam married her high school sweetheart and together they had three girls and a boy. Her husband passed away at age 34 of cancer and she was left with a high school diploma, a mortgage, four kids ranging in ages from four to sixteen, and a lot of difficult decisions to make. Then she met George and though neither one thought they’d found a match a first, their friendship and respect for one another soon turned to love and they were married in 1987. Pam and her family moved from American Falls, Idaho, to Pocatello, Idaho, George began the child-rearing process all over again, and together the two families tried their best at working out the kinks of a blended family.

 

Finally Shai, the youngest, went off to school and then got married, and the prospect of going on a mission, something they’d always discussed, became a viable option. Apart from two vacations in Mexico, Pam had never been out of the U.S., and George’s passport had only been stamped once more than hers, to England, since his mission in 1960. Nonetheless, they decided to tell Church headquarters that they would go wherever in the world they might be called, and signed up to serve a two-year mission.

This is their personal record of their thoughts, feelings, and struggles and they began this exciting and scary journey to serve the Lord as “more experienced” full-time missionaries.

 

Feb. 3, 2006

We have our first interview with our new bishop who we don’t really know that well yet because we’ve just moved from Idaho Falls to Island Park.

 

These last couple of weeks we have been going to doctor and dentist appointments to get all checked out and to get shots. Not fun so far. Mostly, though, we’re trying to spend lots of time with family.

 

Some of our kids came for Christmas here at the cabin. I couldn’t help but think it would be one of the last times we’d be able to get everyone together before we leave. I start to get emotional when I think about leaving them, but I realize the Lord will watch and take care of them.

 

We are really anxious to find out where we will be going.

 

Feb 3

We are excited to go—it will be good to find out where we’re going. I would like to go overseas, but wherever we are called it will be great. I’m looking forward to serving with my sweetheart. No matter where we go it will be fun with Pam.  

Feb. 8, 2006

 

Today I’m baking bread—I will miss doing that (at least the way I’m used to—in the comfort of my own kitchen). I’m also making baby blankets. Bridget [my middle daughter] is having a little girl. I’m so happy for them.

 

Feb 8

I thought I’d like to give a little history about our going on a mission. In November 2004 we were called into Bishop Powell’s office—he called Pam to be the Relief Society president. We told him of our plan that to go on a mission in June ’06 and he said that was fine.  In August of ’05 we started to get nervous about our home selling in time. Many homes in the area had been for sale for two to three years and still not sold. We went and spoke with our new bishop, Bishop Woodland, (who had been in for about five months) about our concern. We have no children or family in Idaho Falls to watch over it and we didn’t want to leave it vacant or rent it out, so we told him we wanted to put it up for sale right away. Bishop Woodland said he could understand. He was kind and said he’d like to keep Pam in her calling as long as he could. That was Sunday; on Tuesday we called a realtor and we completed the papers to sell the house. We showed it to people on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and then again on Monday from a lady who had seen it on Thursday and wanted to look at it again, and she decided to buy! I knew then that the Lord was helping us go.  

Feb. 20

Some of the kids and grandkids are here: Bobbi, Addie, Aubree, Autumn, Bridget, Ryan, Shai, and Adam. It has been a fun weekend. We’ve played a lot of games and eaten constantly. I cry when I think of not being with them for two years. Little Autumn will be almost in school. These kids are my life along with George. Thank goodness I’ll have him.

 

It is such a strange thing for me to wonder where you will be in the whole world in a few months.

 

March 24

 

Well, yesterday was an exciting day. We have been waiting for over a month, but now we know: We’re going to Denmark. I feel good about it. I think George is really happy—he’s never been back. It will be great. I hope we can be a part in bringing some people to know of the gospel.

 

We don’t leave until July 3, so we have over three months. We will start taking language lessons over the phone.

 

March 24

We got our call yesterday and we are going to Denmark. I’m really happy about it—I’ve always wanted to go back to my first mission and have never had the opportunity to do so. So, I feel really blessed to have this opportunity now. Pam is happy too.  We had an appointment in Idaho Falls and while we were gone I called the postmaster in Island Park to see if our call had come. I called too early for her to know, so I called again about 45 minutes later and she said “You’ve got it.” I told her to hold it and I would run up and get it.  I went to get it while Pam was finishing up in Idaho Falls and she told me not to open it without her. So I opened another piece of mail and waved it at her as I drove up. I told her she would love where we were going. She said, “You didn’t open it” as I handed her the actual envelope. She looked at it and said, “I knew you wouldn’t open it.”  We took a couple of photos of us holding our call and then Pam opened it. She saw immediately “Copenhagen Denmark Mission”. We were both somewhat surprised but very happy. We quickly called the kids and went to the temple. We enter the MTC on July 3.  

April 9

Our language study guides came yesterday and we hope to start tomorrow. I hope I can do it. I know it will take a lot of hard work but I really want to be able to express myself and my testimony. I’ve been reading in the Book of Mormon today about Ammon and it makes me really excited to go and serve.

 

Yesterday Tanner [my grandson] was baptized. He was so cute—what a good boy. I’m blessed with such a wonderful family. Every time I’m around them I know the time is short, but I also know we must go. The Lord has given me so much, how could I not?

 

April 9

Our Danish materials have arrived so we can get started on the tutoring program from the MTC this week. I have a lot to relearn! 

April 18

We have been with family in Pocatello for three days. Bobbi [my daughter] cooked dinner on Easter. I was crying again today, but it was because I felt such love for them. They are such good kids and they try so hard to do what’s right. I know each one of them have very different challenges that I wish I could fix, but I can’t. But, I know that going on a mission will bring them blessings. Heavenly Father can take care of them better than I can.

 

We still haven’t started Danish lessons yet—they’re having a hard time finding a tutor. Hopefully this week. We are working on our own, though—it’s hard!

 

May 7

What a busy but great week. On April 29 little Lily was born—Lilian Pamela Rees. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces with lots of dark hair. She is beautiful. We now have sixteen grandchildren.

 

We have also bought a house in Pocatello, which we weren’t originally planning to do before going. We were a little nervous about the climbing home prices, so we decided to do it early. Tory [my son] will live there until they move into their own home and then Shai and Adam [my youngest daughter and son-in-law] will move in and live there until we get home.

 

We will start our Danish lessons on Wednesday. It will be good to get help. George helps me, but after 45 years of not keeping up with it, he needs help too. He will pick up on it fast though. Time is going fast—less than two months now.

 

May 7

Bridget called last Saturday, April 29, at 6:30 a.m. and said her water broke in the night and she was at the hospital. So, we headed to Salt Lake. The baby was born at 1:15 p.m. and things went well for both Bridget and the baby (Lilian Pamela Rees). She’s a real cutie.  We were so concerned about not having our money invested in a house, because they are going up much faster than interest is, so we decided to buy one in Pocatello. If we decide we don’t like it when we get home we’ll just sell it and build one we like.  

May 18

We have started the language lessons over the phone. I couldn’t sleep last night. I woke up and everything I thought of I was thinking of how to say in Danish. We have been studying three to four hours a day—I’m not getting anything else done. Our teacher makes me sing and pray in Danish and sometimes it just really touches my heart because they are songs I love and I get emotional knowing we will have that wonderful spirit wherever we go.

 

Our teacher’s name is Andrew Christensen. He’s very nice, but it’s really hard so, to be honest, I dread it a little bit when he calls. His mom is from Denmark and he spent his first eight years there. He just got home from his own mission there—we are lucky to have him. Maybe we will meet some of his family when we get there.

 

May 24

We have been studying most of the morning. It gets harder every day. This weekend is Memorial Day weekend and some of the kids are coming up.

 

Tory and Danielle are moving. Bridget just had Lily. Kirk is going back to school. Adam is going to California for an internship. Life is constantly changing. I hope we can touch peoples’ lives in Denmark so they can know that even though life changes, you have a constant person you can always count on to be with you. I know I will need Him the next two years—probably more than I ever have.

 

May 29

Our class went pretty well today. For the next class I’ve got to be able to give Andrew the Joseph Smith First Vision story. Boy, are there some big words in it. I hope and pray they will come back to me.  

June 9

This week has been busy as usual. Lots of studying—it’s so hard! We spent the week in Pocatello helping Tory get settled into the house and then we went to Utah to see Bridget, Ryan, and Lily. Little Lily is smiling now. We went to the MTC while we were there and had a lesson with Andrew. It helped to talk and hear him in person. Then we got to go meet nine missionaries going to Denmark. One sister was all alone because her companion is coming later. She had only been there two days and was feeling a little overwhelmed. She was really nice. I know we will be close. Her name is Sister Hansen from San Diego. It made me think that even if I can’t communicate with the Danish people, I can help out an elder or sister.

 

June 11

I had a bridge come loose and had to go to a specialist to get a root canal done, then I’ve got to go in on the 12^th to get a new bridge. Just what we need now right before we go. The root canal will cost $988. I should have been a dentist.  

June 13

It is really sinking in. I called Mom and Dad today and Mom’s health is not good. She has been really sick. It seems like Satan points out lots of reasons to not go—but all I can do is go forward because I know it’s right.

June 20

Last week we were so busy.  I worked on a farewell talk.  I didn’t like it so I worked on another one.  In the long run I combined them both.  Then we studied our Danish a lot and then worked on cleaning the house and cooking for the weekend.  Our house was full of family, and it was great.  They got here Saturday evening and we got to bed late. Then we got everyone up early in the morning to get ready for Church. They all made it on time, which was pretty much a miracle. It is a very emotional event to speak in church and look out in the audience and see those you love so much—especially when you won't be seeing them for two years. As a mother you want to strengthen them and let them feel of your testimony. 

Today I have been kinda blue.  I think everything is sinking in. I am very excited about serving a mission.  I know when you serve with all your heart that you are the one that is blessed, but these little babies are going to grow so much.  I will miss so many things.  My children are so good to me.  I will miss the closeness we have had for so many years.  Yet I know that a mission will only bring us closer, and there is nothing better I can do for my family than this.  I just have to forget myself and go to work.  I know in my mind that this is right but my heart is kind of sad.  I am sure in two years I will know it was all worth it.

George and I decided to drive through Yellowstone today.  We saw Old Faithful, lots of bison, moose, elk, and people from all over the world.  This country is so beautiful.  It seems like I am looking at everything differently—the sky, the flowers, the trees, and especially the mountains.  I love the mountains.  I guess it is because it will be a long time before I see country like this again.

June 20

This past week has been something else.  We spoke in church Sunday and prepared our talks for that all week.  I think it went well for both of us, anyway I feel good about it.  The kids came up this weekend. It will be the last time we will all be at the cabin until we get back from our mission. It was great to have them all here. We had a lunch here after and had gobs of food. It was good to have everyone together and to be able to just visit with one another. 

July 3

Bridget and Ryan (and Lily) brought us to the MTC today. We had a lot of emotions going on as we left their sight and walked down the hall to the orientation room. Saying goodbye is very hard for me, but at the same time I was nervous and excited for what was to come.

Right now it is 8:30 and I have a lot to read in Preach My Gospel for our assignment for tomorrow so I’d better get busy. It is hard to leave a big chunk of your heart and go, but I know the Lord will fill it with other things for a couple of years. Well, not really. The family will stay there, in my heart. I think it will just get bigger to allow for everything and everyone else we’re about to experience and meet.

July 3

We are here at the MTC now and we have had a busy day with orientation. There are 89 couples in the MTC with us, going all over the world. We’re really excited to go.

All the couples introduced themselves and said where they were going, and we had a class on health and exercise. Some good info. The food is good, too.  

Tonight we had about 30 pages to read in Preach my Gospel for tomorrow. I have a feeling we’re going to be very busy. Let the adventure begin!

Barry and Jackie Flitton, Layton, Utah 

Served in the Canada Vancouver Mission 2004–2005. 

On the bulletin board of our church building you’ll find a picture of a senior couple opening their mission call while surrounded by their grandchildren with the caption, “If you love them, leave them.” Why would leaving our grandchildren show our love for them? Well, we were looking at it through temporal eyes, not spiritual eyes. 

So we followed the spirit and submitted our missionary application. We received our call and it was exciting to have our family around us as we opened it. The call was to the Canada Vancouver Mission and we were to leave July 2004.  As we were driving out of our neighborhood to go to the MTC, along the street were our children and grandchildren, each one holding a letter spelling out, “We love you Grandma & Grandpa.” We knew that we had the support of our family. Leaving wasn’t easy but the Lord blesses you when you are in His service.  

Once we were in the mission field and settled in our new temporary home, we found that the rules of the mission differed from the young elders and sisters. We were able to talk to our children and grandchildren on occasion. They were even able to visit us when they could. We were able to do things with the other senior missionaries on preparation day that helped us develop new friends.  

We constantly felt the spirit of the Lord and know that our children and grandchildren enjoyed this experience also. We received so many blessings as a result of the mission we served and our family was blessed also. We would advise any senior couple who may have a multitude of reasons not to go on a mission, to look past those reasons and look through spiritual eyes to benefit from service to the Lord. 

 

Elder Max T. and Sister Glenda R. Excell, Shoshone, Idaho

Currently serving in the Ohio Columbus Mission for eighteen months. 

What’s a typical day like for you as missionaries in your mission?

We leave our apartment about 7:00 a.m. and don’t usually return until 7:00 p.m.; often it is 8:00 or 9:00. We work with mission vehicles which involves some travel; we work in the mission office with referrals; we teach a class at the Institute at Ohio State University; we work with a YSA ward; we help with zone conferences, district meetings, transfers, arrivals, and any other assignments we are given. Days are long and varied, and never boring!

 

What about being a missionary has most surprised you?

The long days and long hours. The great learning that comes from our work with the Young Single Adults both in our ward and in our classes at the Institute. They are so strong and good. Also, the great love and support of our friends at home, even those not members of our church. We expected support from our family and it has been great, but it has been a pleasant surprise to have such love and prayers from our friends, especially the nonmembers.

 

What lesson learned (or reinforced) in your mission has been the most impressionable?

That there is a place and a work to do for everyone in God’s kingdom. Whatever your talents, abilities, limitations, needs, preferences, there is a way you can serve. We feel blessed by the opportunities to learn and grow through devotionals and the sharing of spiritual insights with fellow missionaries and our president and his wife. 

Willis and Beverly Waite, West Valley, Utah

Served in the France Paris Mission; as temple workers in the Swiss Temple; as president of the France Paris Mission; in the Ivory Coast, West Africa; and as proselytizing missionaries in Belgium.  

What have you learned from serving as a couple?

Couples can get into areas where single elders or sisters cannot. There are different areas in which one can serve. The Lord uses your talents in a variety of ways.

 

What were some of the challenges?

On one mission, it was a year leave and it was hard to leave Grandma because we couldn’t take care of her.

On the mission after that, Grandma passed away. The challenge is that you have the put the Lord first, no matter what you do, and He will help provide. Financially, it’s an expensive experience. I could have bought a couple Cadillacs for what I paid to go on missions, but the blessings are more important.

 

What advice do you have for couples?

If they’re in good health, go. They should not consider the monetary factor. You can’t purchase the wonderful experience it brings—it’s overwhelming. You can also serve locally. Incidentally, one of the marvelous things that’s taking place is the inner-city mission in Salt Lake City. There are about 300 missionary couples serving there.

 

Danny and Linda Camilleri, Brantford, Ontario, Canada

Served in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission from 2005–2006.    

What happened when you first arrived in the mission field that surprised you?   

I think it surprised us that we needed to get to know each other all over again because we had separate jobs and were not used to being together all the time. We prayed a lot and worked at our relationship. 

How did your relationship with your children and grandchildren change?

I believe that we were closer in some ways because they felt part of something wonderful, and they also needed to rely on one another more than when we were home. 

What was different and difficult about the location you served in? 

We thought it was quite strange to have gates and bars on all the places and buildings. Seeing the sad situations of poverty was very hard to deal with. They are not happy with their lot in life and many are working hard to learn to uplift each other and individual needs. 

What was the biggest challenge of returning from your mission?

The adjustment of coming home again is so hard. We miss the ones we loved and cared for so much on our mission. It is definitely a trial to leave the spirit of love behind and know that we will not likely return.

LDS Living Magazine

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