You’re not ancient (I hope) since I graduated in ‘90 as well! And don’t feel silly asking questions about the LDS religion. Most people don’t know much about it.

LDS missions are completely voluntary. They do encourage young men to go, but they can’t go until they are 19. Young women can’t go until they are 21. And if there was a situation where the child was needed at home, our church would probably discourage them from the mission because family is such a central part of our religion.

Also, there are lots of opportunities for local missions and missions where the child can live at home specifically designed for kids with anxiety disorders or certain disabilities where they really can’t serve away from home, but want to serve in some way.

It is so fun to watch kids go off on a mission shy and a little unsure of themselves and see them come home so much more confident and full of conviction and knowledge. Missions seem to give them such an opportunity to learn about life while staying out of trouble and serving their church and the community they serve in.

Thanks for emailing Shari!

Teresa

BTW, I hope this doesn’t sound ignorant (*blush*), but does an LDS teen HAVE to leave on a 2-year mission once he/she graduates, or is it just strongly encouraged? I was thinking, what if your family consisted just of you, Tanner and Samuel, and Tanner needed to attend college locally and live at home to help w/ Samuel? Or — what if a teen was extremely introverted or had some type of anxiety disorder and couldn’t bear being away from his/her family for 2 years? Just curious how this stuff works. Thanks! And congrats again to Tanner and your whole family!!

Hugs from Shari in San Jose

Happy Birthday Theresa!