I feel like I’m part of a club these days – The Missionary Mom Club.

I love the other moms in the Tahiti Papeete Mission Parent Private Facebook Group – and how we tracked flights together, answer each other’s questions, and share photos and snippets of info. I love the wisdom that some of these women have – having had other missionaries serve – or just somehow in the know of all things! (Of course there are dads in the group too but moms seem to be more active, lol). There is a strong sisterhood there – we are able to know how we each feel having our child so far away for so long.

But I also feel like my own beautiful friends (and family:)) are part of this club too! The ones who also tracked Zach’s flight, who read up on blogs they find about Tahiti, who follow the Mission President’s Facebook page, who zoom in and analyze photos to makes sure that Zach looks happy (and has his thumbs up!) I just love how they are able to share the joy and excitement – (and the anxiety and the heartache!!) with me. Thank you to them all, from the bottom of my heart – only 22 months to go!! LOL.

Then there is a whole other group of people that I am learning to love – the complete strangers who meet my son and then think about sending me a message and a picture! While Zach was in the MTC, I received a text message from someone who had met him and wanted to let me know. I was so excited to receive it:

Then this morning I woke up to this beautiful email:

Hi sister Davidson,
Elder Fiore and Elder Mantsounga-Kombo serve in our little ward presenting an average attendance of 80 people during sacrement meetings. The Ruatama ward was created 2 years ago. Elder Fiore and Elder Mantsounga-Kombo came for dinner tonight. We spent a very good time together.
As a new missionary in the mission field, Elder FIORE speaks French very well. He is humble and spiritual.They are both in good health and fine.Please find attached to this mail some pictures taken tonight.
Have a good sabbath.
(They signed their name )

I am calling these messages “Tender Mercy” Messages. Because that is what they are to me…It is so wonderful to know that complete strangers are looking out and taking care of my son.

I have started to take pictures of missionaries I meet and sending them to their mamas. I know what it’s like to receive that tender mercy and I want to be a part of that! So if you have a missionary come to your door – you can politely decline their message – but why not be a part of the Missionary Mom club and take their picture and ask for their Mama’s email address or number to message and send a “Tender Mercy” Message!

These pictures were also included with the email from the beautiful family in Tahiti.

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