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| Julia L. Koerner FamilySearch Missionary 2012-2013 |
Having spent the past 30 years raising 9 children as a busy mother and caregiver of a special needs son, I have not been involved in active genealogy research since my young adult years when I thought family history was 'fun'. Everything changed when I began my FamilySearch Missionary training in October of this year and I was thrown into the current world of genealogy research; family history documentation and temple ordinance records submission.
Although I had several weeks in December that my internet access was blocked due to severe storms and wind, I have stayed focused on missionary work by 1) studying the printed Kowledge Documents and numerous training sheets; 2) organizing my own pedigree information and 3) reading spiritual talks by General Authorities on temple work and making and keeping sacred temple covenants.
The most incredible blessing came this month after the fruits of my labors when I was able to give my 8 married children the Christmas gift of a 12 generation maternal fan chart & pedigree report that I had prepared using information I had learned how to access in my missionary training course. This one disc per son/daughter was one of the most meaningful and rewarding gifts I have ever given to my children. Grown - with children of their own - they received from Mother this year a genealogy disc and a card with this message: "Dearest Ones, I prepared this disc with 12 Maternal Generations of information in honor of those who carefully guarded our family hearth in preparation for YOUR turn on earth. Love Always, Mother."
As I fell asleep this past Monday night - Christmas Eve - I was burning with a fire to be the best FamilySearch missionary I could be at this age and stage of my life - to share this intense happiness and joy with others. I now feel personally vested in my missionary work and grateful for the outstanding training I received in October/November of this year.
What amazing trainers we had! I love being of service in the Kingdom of God. I love being FamilySearch Missionary!
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