Coffey Reunion 2016

The Coffey reunion was well under way as Bopi and Nana (Grandpa and Grandma) entered the reunion headquarters.  The outdoor humidity followed us through the door as we wondered how 36 people were going to manage for the next three days.  The challenges for our nine children and their families, who live all across the country, to get together on this rare occasion were only offset by the hope that somehow it would be well worth it. We missed one out of nine, but the rest converged together and the festivities began.

Water slide bounce house - Texan style! - It's huge!!

 Lake Travis fun.

Sharing Disney-inspired talents with charades.

Who am I?

Twins!

These lovable, funny and crazy children of ours have started something wonderful - grandchildren! There are 19 of them now - with two to arrive soon.

Our Nineteen grandchildren! The numbers are their birth order.

Water balloon fight.

Little cousins getting to know other little cousins. 

 Trampoline fun!

Beating the heat.

Bopi demonstrating his talent.

Siblings living across the country from each other eating Texan donuts, enjoying a movie night, and huddling in late night conversations. 

Little girl cousins feeling the movements of our daughter-in-law's soon-to-be-born baby - getting to know their new cousin!

Planting a family reunion tree …on canvas.. 

Bopi on baby duty, and loving it!

 Moms, Dads, Kids and Grandkids. We love our family and are so grateful for the sacrifice they all made to come to the reunion. They're an awesome bunch! As we wait for our next mission to begin, it has been a joy to see all our children and grandchildren!  Families are the best!

So You’re Thinking About Serving a Mission?

When we first started out to get ready for our first mission, we had so many questions!  Unanswered questions about little things became unsettling concerns until they were resolved.  For example: What kind of shoes should I bring? Can we buy things we are used to buying? Will they have hot water or will I be taking cold showers for two years? Do they have air conditioning? Will I ever see chocolate chips again?  Ha!

For us at least, these “little” questions felt pretty big.  Yes, even the chocolate chip question!

So we started this blog – a blog to help people who are thinking about serving an LDS senior mission – to take the journey with us as we discover the answers many are wanting to know. 

Here are some of the questions that burn in people's hearts...

Can we communicate home easily? Absolutely - modern communication methods are in vogue....

Flickr.com - Courtesy of Wonderlane

Flickr.com - Courtesy of Richard Vignola

Can I get my own medicine for my needs?   Yes, but “medicine” is relative…

Chinese Medicine Shop - Flickr.com - Courtesy of Charlyn Wee

Can I drink the water? Yes, if you seriously want to... 

Flickr.com -  Courtesy of Clive Reld

Can I eat “regular” food?  Yes, but “regular” is also relative…

Octopus Pizza - Hong Kong

Will my house be fine while I am gone? Wait - you have an actual house????

Emergency Housing in Nepal with 5 families living inside.

Can I get money out?  Yes!  Worldwide. They always want your money.

Flickr.com - Courtesy of Jessica Paterson

Seriously though, the thing to remember is this.  Whether you serve a domestic or international mission, tens of thousands of seniors have gone on missions.  If they can do it, you probably can too. Everyone has had these same questions and resolved them in various ways. Here are some tips that may help as you prepare for a mission:

• The Church puts senior missionaries in safe, clean, modern housing.  All of the senior housing we visited in Asian countries were of very high standard and were comfortable for each couple.
• You will usually be replacing another couple who has already been there. They and your mission president are your #1 source for specific answers to your particular mission. Once you receive your call, you will be given contact information of who you can email to get detailed information.
• Other senior missionaries who have gone before you have already found all the stores, markets, shops, ATM's, and transportation tid-bits.  You probably won't have to re-invent the wheel. 
• There are phone numbers you can call about insurance, medical and mission-type questions. If you have questions about senior missions, you can call 1-800-453-3860 (ext.2-6741), or email: seniormissionaryservices@ldschurch.org.
• You are welcome to email us anytime too!  We'd love to hear from you and answer any mission-related questions that we can.  You can email us at: coffey58@gmail.com.
• If you have questions about different types of missions that are available, check out THIS LINK.  It has email links to senior missionaries whose mission it is to answer your questions. Operators are standing by!  

Ultimately, when we walk in the footsteps of the Savior, we put our trust and faith in Him. Serving a mission is a true act of faith. When we feel the call of the Savior moving us to serve a mission, may we have the courage and faith to, like Peter and Andrew, drop all and follow Him. The rest of the journey will be priceless.

Best wishes on your exciting mission.

Elder and Sister Coffey

The Lord's Timing is Always Right

We firmly believe that the Lord has His timing for everything.   And His timing is always right. There are no coincidences.

Last fall Greg and I were still in Hong Kong serving as Asia Area Welfare Specialists.  We anticipated coming home from that mission, being in the US for about 6 months, and then going out again on another mission.  In preparation for our new mission, we began the missionary application process, which included a medical physical.  The extremely thorough Chinese doctors found a couple of possible medical concerns, and recommended having a repeat test done 6 months later.  

Because of this recommendation, our missionary application was put on hold. We were so disappointed because we wanted to receive our call and assignment quickly so we could know where we would be going. But we had to be patient in the Lord's timing.

President Lewis and Sister Mary Hassell

It was shortly after that, on March 1st, 2016, that the Vietnam Mission was officially created. Elder Lewis Hassell, then serving with his wife as a senior missionary in Vietnam, was called to be the new mission president.  Greg and I had the opportunity of working with President Hassell on several humanitarian projects and other special events from our office in Hong Kong. We were thrilled to hear of the new mission creation.

Click HERE to read about the creation of the new Vietnam Hanoi Mission.

Before that time, the possibility of us serving in Vietnam as member leadership support (MLS) missionaries did not exist.  The position had not been created.  Now, with the inauguration of the new mission, and the newly announced official church recognition in Vietnam, the opportunity for us to serve there was opened up.

Had our mission application been sent in when we had originally planned last fall, we would not have been assigned to Vietnam. We believe the whole delay for the medical re-check (which showed perfect health) was part of a divine plan to enable us to serve in Vietnam.

One of our dear friends serving in the Asia Area Office with us sent us this email when she heard of our new assignment:

Hi Coffeys,

Everyone here is very excited for your new mission call.  It was announced in devotional  meeting today, and caused quite a stir.  You will be perfect.

Knowing how much you love Vietnam, I can’t help but see the hand of the Lord in the timing of your call.  Had you been able to submit your papers when you first tried, I don’t think the Vietnam couple MLS complement would have been in the system.  Who says calls don’t come from the Lord?!

Best wishes for the new assignment!

I love Elder Bednar's reminder to us that the Lord is in charge of the details of our lives:

“I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. ….Faithfulness, obedience and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings…"
― David A. Bednar

I'm especially excited about this assignment since I lived in Vietnam when I was a little girl. I lived in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) from 1968-1972.  My dad worked for a civil engineering company.  Some of my greatest memories was of our school at the Phoenix Study Group.

Here is a picture of my school class photo taken in Saigon, Vietnam in 1970. I am third from the left. The woman next to me is our teacher.  There were only five of us in the class! I'd send more pictures of me in Vietnam when I was little, but they are packed away in our storage unit.  Maybe later this summer I can pull some out and post them before we leave for Vietnam.

1 of 3

 

 

It's Here!!!!

Our mission call arrived today!  It has been 3 weeks since our application was submitted to Salt Lake City.  I dreamed last night that I opened our mission call. We checked the mailbox earlier today only to find it empty. But several hours later we decided to check it one more time just in case the mail was very late today – and behold – there it was!  Our call!

We saved it for several more agonizing hours until we could gather as many of our children as possible via skype and phone.  

Then the big moment came – the opening!  We each get our own personalized letter.  Here’s how it goes:

Elder (or Sister) Coffey,

“You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the Vietnam Hanoi Mission.  Your primary assignment is to labor as a member and leader support missionary. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.”

So awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on August 29.

We are so excited!!  I lived in Saigon, Vietnam when I was a little girl, from 1968 till 1972.  I have wonderful memories of those years. We are so excited to return!

CLICK HERE to see a video of us opening our call.  

Our Second Mission Application - for the Second Time

Our first full-time mission experience forever changed us.  We are no longer the same as we were.  Others might see us as the same, and maybe we behave the same and look the same, but inside we are forever changed.  It is something we can’t fully describe, but it was delicious.  It was sweet. It was exquisite. The experience taught us about new vistas and heightened views. And we long to serve again.

In a previous blog post, we described having to wait six months to have a repeat medical test before we could submit our papers for our second full-time mission. That test is now complete and it confirms that we are perfectly healthy and able to serve in any capacity with no restrictions.

So today we submitted our mission papers, again, to request serving a full-time mission.  And now the 4-6 week wait begins before we find out where the Lord will have us serve this time.  We are happy to serve anywhere and do anything.
 

"Congratulations! Your missionary recommendation forms have been submitted...."

One of the changes we experienced from our first mission came about by watching others live fully consecrated lives. These incredible men and women had learned to put aside their own wills and humbly submit to the will of the Lord in all things.  We watched their lives unfold as they discovered that when you “seek … first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all … things (are) added unto you.”  (Matthew 6:33)

I had not particularly wanted to serve an office mission, but having done so, and having been so completely changed by the experience, I am eternally grateful to the Lord for allowing us that most precious opportunity.

Going on a mission is not about us.  It’s not about what we want to do.  Some may be concerned about serving a mission because they don’t want to serve in an office, or don’t want to go overseas, or don’t want to stay in the United States, or don’t want to be where it is cold, or where it is hot, or where it is crowded, or where it is hard.  Or they don’t want to do a temple mission or don’t want to do a family history mission, or only want to do a temple mission, etc.

As hard as the Brethren try to be accommodating to senior couples requests, a mission call is not about us.  It is not for us.  It is about learning that very doctrine of consecration and putting words and promises into lives and action. It is for the Lord and the call is from the Lord.

Yes, our service may look to some simply like free labor for the Church. Or, when seen through the perspective of covenants and promises, the service that missionaries provide can unfold into pure discipleship and unwavering dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ, who never once asked what was in it for Him.

We are so excited for our call we can hardly stand it.  While we are happy to serve anywhere, we requested Asia, and to serve as Member Leadership Support missionaries (MLS). So, once again - where do YOU think we'll be called?

Courtesy of flickr.com/Travis

Missions Between Missions

Not all mission calls begin with “You are hereby called to serve as a missionary…” Some calls for those in their senior years, beckoned by the Holy Ghost, lead them to care for elderly parents, disabled family members needing particular assistance, or loved ones going through serious medical challenges.  Wherever their call takes them, it is sweetened by the power of the Spirit, knowing that they are serving as the Lord’s hands and feet in the care of loved ones or those in need. Before we started that "mission", we were blessed to be able to visit a number of our children and grandchildren.

The Oklahoma crew.

The Oklahoma crew.

The New York crew.

The New York crew.

Since coming home from our mission to the Asia Area office, some 7 weeks ago, we have been privileged to travel around to see many of our children and grandchildren scattered throughout the US.  We have a family reunion planned later in the summer and hope to have all 9 of our children and their families with us. We’ve held grandbabies, played games, gone on hikes, decorated Easter eggs, helped with homework, made Chinese paper fish lanterns, painted nails and much more as we’ve enjoyed spending time with so many members of our family.  Can’t wait to see the rest of them soon! We are looking forward to our reunion in June!

The Colorado crew.

The Idaho crew.

The Oregon crew.

Currently, we are helping Greg’s mom get her house in Oregon ready for sale in order to help her move later this summer.  We’ve been busy painting, trimming, fixing, organizing, packing, hauling, dumping, cleaning, and spending time with her. We especially enjoy being in the temple with her and going on walks together. 

It’s our mission between missions. And we are grateful for the opportunity.

Senior Missionary Opportunity

Are you thinking about serving a senior mission? Here is a heart-felt plea from our good friends, Paul and Karen Sullivan. President Sullivan is serving as the Mission President in the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission. Previous to this mission, they were serving in the Asia Area office where we first met them. Here is their message:

Dear Family & Friends,

We are writing, asking for your help. Our mission is in need of Senior Couples. We are in desperate need for an 'Office Couple' starting the end of July. Senior couples have so much to offer: life experiences, church experience, knowledge, love and testimony. By serving a mission you could strengthen a branch, help develop future priesthood leaders, teach young adults and set an example of a happily married couple. 

You could teach the power of music in primary, how to teach without reading the manual verbatim, the beauty of self reliance and the power of freedom from addiction. The church is only 24 years young in Ukraine. A great foundation is being laid and strong, powerful examples of faithful members are needed. If you could pass the word to your friends, family, and acquaintances we would greatly appreciate it.

Our mission, Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission, does not have the charm of Europe, the ease and abundance of the U.S., the sophistry of Hong Kong. But we do have 54 amazing young men and young women who are dedicating 18 months to 2 years of their life who light up the room and will steal your heart. We have wonderful members who need to know how to build a strong righteous family. We need to build Priesthood leaders who know how to righteously lead. Young adults and youth are coming into the church without the support of family who need mentors. We have primaries with few children who need someone they can count on to be there each Sunday. We need those who are willing to hug, show compassion, offer smiles, speak a few Russian words and have an abundance of love to share.

It's not a cake walk. It takes faith to go into the unknown, a sense of adventure, computer literacy, a sense of humor and positive attitude and good health. As you do, we can promise you an abundance of blessings will flow of a deeper commitment to the Savior, of stronger love in your marriage, untold blessings to your children and grandchildren from your powerful examples and an amazing satisfaction from making a difference.

The timing may not be right for you at this time, but we would greatly appreciate it if you would ponder on those friends or family who may consider this opportunity. Feel free to forward this letter to them or give them our email address if they would like to discuss further or have any questions. 
(their email is: kcsullivan13@gmail.com)

With love and appreciation,
Paul & Karen Sullivan

President and Sister Sullivan with their missionaries.