Going Home - Along with 26,000 Other Missionaries From Around the World

Saying goodbye to Louisville, Kentucky! 

Because of Covid 19, tens of thousands of missionaries were sent home from their national and international assignments in the Spring of 2020 as countries began closing their borders and states went into lock down. For example, about 26,000 missionaries were moved to their home countries by June 2020. 

Upon returning home, missionaries from the U.S. and Canada were given options to:

• Be temporarily released and then return to their original or a new temporary assignment when conditions allowed.
• Return to service within 12 to 18 months with a new end date.
• Be permanently released if they had a limited amount of time remaining on their service. 

The total number of full-time missionaries worldwide dropped from nearly 68,000 in early February 2020 to about 42,000 by late April 2020 due to these adjustments and early releases. 

It's my turn... I'm Going Home!!

My homecoming was in a quieter fashion than the usual airport gathering. Because of restricted Covid 19 rules, my parents were the only ones that could go to the airport to pick me up. They met me in the parking lot with the usual "welcome home" sign. 

Well done, Andrew! So proud of you and the service you rendered. 

I met up with my siblings at home. It was great to see them again.         

My stake president didn't have any mission reunion talks at church for the three missionaries that returned when I did. We weren't allowed to gather as a congregation. My family was doing "at home" church. Coming home to so much uncertainty and not having a plan for my future was extremely difficult. It was not only hard for all the missionaries, but everyone going through the day to day of Covid lockdowns. 

I did have a few people come by the house and welcome me home. Neighbors and a few family members which meant a lot to me. 

 

The Coon family in the ward brought over a Covid 19 survival bag equipped with toilet paper, treats, and cold medicine just in case!! Little did any of know how much toilet paper would be a hot commodity during the pandemic. 

Well done, Elder Greenlaw! We are happy to have you home safe and sound. 

Last thoughts before being released. Even though I was only able to serve a 14 mo mission, I feel like I gave it everything I had. Serving in Louisville had its challenges. I tried to do my very best, and I know I am a better person because of it.