Return Missionary Next Chapters

Chloe Evans - Teaching to Service Mission: Why Leaving Her Assigned Mission Unexpectedly Was God's Perfect Plan for Chloe's Next Chapters

In this heartfelt episode, former missionary Chloe Evans shares her journey of faith, resilience, and rediscovering purpose after health challenges during her mission, and future reassignment to a Service Missionary. Her story is a powerful testament to trusting divine guidance and finding joy in every chapter of life, especially after service. Listeners will be inspired to embrace their next chapters with hope, humility, and joy. Key Topics * Chloe’s early life and frequent moves across Hawaii, England, Washington, and Utah — how adaptability prepared her for a mission. * The importance of attitude and perspective in handling change and adversity. * Chloe’s spontaneous decision to serve a mission after a divine prompting. * The development of her health issues in Arizona and her journey through diagnosis and recovery. * Transitioning from a mission to new service and educational pursuits after returning home. * How her faith helped her navigate health crises, transfers, and the emotional transition out of her mission. * Lessons in joy, service, and finding purpose beyond the mission. * Practical advice for missionaries facing health struggles, fear of early exit, and post-mission challenges. * Embracing the next chapter with love for life, faith, and ongoing service. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and Chloe’s diverse background that prepared her for change 02:30 - The lessons learned from frequent moves and embracing flexibility 03:50 - Maintaining long-term friendships despite geographical shifts 05:14 - Chloe’s initial thoughts on serving a mission and divine prompts to serve 06:10 - How her health challenges began in Arizona and the impact on her mission 08:00 - The process of diagnosis, hospital visits, and her determination to stay engaged 11:53 - Transitioning from a mission with health issues and the support she received 12:23 - Overcoming stereotypes and biases about transferring and health setbacks 13:48 - Living in a small household during renovation and adapting to new living situations 16:14 - The variety of service opportunities in Hawaii and choosing to serve with joy 18:24 - Chloe’s positive attitude and finding joy in service even in challenging circumstances 19:18 - The emotional and spiritual transition after mission end — from tears to acceptance 20:18 - Reflections on the first days after removing her mission tag and starting a new life chapter 21:35 - The importance of support systems and prayer in navigating transitions 22:32 - How her mission influenced her current path in public health and disability care 23:01 - Her educational pursuits and commitment to serving individuals with disabilities 26:23 - Practical advice for missionaries struggling with health, fears, and transition 28:20 - Cherishing the present and moving forward with faith, joy, and purpose

Mikayla Yuen - Teaching to Service Mission -- How Listening to Heavenly Guidance Led to a Mission Reimagined—And a New Path Forward

In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Mikayla Yuen, a missionary who faced delays, health challenges, and difficult decisions — and who found hope and purpose in her next mission chapter as a Service Missionary. Her vulnerability and faith offer inspiration for others navigating similar transitions, emphasizing that God's love and purpose extend beyond the mission field. Key Topics: * The impact of mental health concerns on mission planning and calling * How prayer and spiritual confirmation guided her decision to return home * Navigating feelings of failure and societal stigma around leaving a mission early * The emergence of service missions as a meaningful alternative * Balancing family responsibilities with spiritual growth during transition * The significance of temple experiences and divine guidance in making tough choices * How sharing talents, like hula, symbolizes gratitude and cultural identity * Studying psychology in relation to personal growth and helping others * Encouraging hope and resilience for missionaries who return early or face health challenges * The importance of self-worth and Heavenly Father's love, regardless of mission duration Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The journey from mission delay to hope 00:15 - Mikayla’s experience with mental health concerns before her mission 00:39 - Spiritual reassurance through prayer and divine confirmation 01:36 - Deciding to serve and her call to Riverside, California 02:34 - Discovering San Bernardino and the unique landscape 04:07 - Feelings of anxiety and physical sickness during her mission 04:28 - Conversations with family and the importance of open communication 05:38 - Recognizing patterns of illness and mental health struggles 06:26 - The role of prayer and priesthood blessings in coping 07:22 - Divine experiences in the temple and receiving confirmation 08:12 - Talking with mission leaders and the decision to go home 09:29 - The significance of temple insights in her decision 10:15 - Her feelings about leaving and the divine reassurance received 12:00 - Concerns about stigma and societal perceptions 13:21 - Transitioning back home and what that felt like 14:27 - Examples of service missionaries and their impact 15:20 - The power of shared service and leadership in her next chapter 16:45 - Overcoming fears of stigma and embracing her story 19:20 - The "best of both worlds": a hybrid of service and family 20:32 - Sharing culture through hula and expressions of gratitude 23:27 - Reflecting on her mission experience and its sacredness 24:50 - The value of facing challenges and the sacredness of hard things 27:27 - Advice for missionaries who feel they've failed 28:24 - The importance of covenants and trusting God's plan 29:01 - Mikayla’s testimony of Jesus Christ and His love

Janey Nielsen - Early Mission Return and The Power of Small Kindnesses: How Charity and Community Helped Janey Heal

In this inspiring episode, Janey Nielsen shares her story of mission life, personal struggles, and resilience. Her journey from a shortened mission to battling cancer illustrates how life's unexpected chapters can be sources of profound growth and connection. This episode offers vulnerability, hope, and practical advice for anyone facing their own next chapters. Key Topics * Janey's initial doubts and the courage to serve a mission despite uncertainties * The emotional challenges and mental health struggles during her missionary service * Lessons on hope, perseverance, and the importance of mental health support in demanding circumstances * The pivotal decision to leave her mission early and the journey of coming to peace with that * How coming home early affected her view of success, failure, and worth * The healing power of community, counseling, and personal reinvention after setbacks * The role of faith, hope, and charity through life’s trials, including her battle with cancer * Practical advice for supporting others through hardship, emphasizing reach-out and empathy * Reflection on how hardship can deepen our connection with others and with Christ * Encouragement for returning missionaries and others navigating difficult next chapters to keep moving forward Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Janey Nielsen’s story and upcoming insights 00:29 - Janie’s initial thoughts about serving a mission and her decision-making process 01:12 - Her experience in the Oklahoma City Mission and the mental health challenges faced 02:53 - Overwhelm, perfectionism, and feelings of despair during her mission 04:26 - The moment she decided she couldn’t continue and her early departure 06:01 - The importance of hope and how it reshaped her perspective on trials 07:23 - Coming home early and how it shaped her understanding of success and failure 08:42 - The loneliness and support systems after returning home 09:59 - How her mission experience influenced her future marriage 11:33 - Her battle with cancer at age 37 and embracing hope amid uncertainty 12:34 - Supporting friends and loved ones going through hard times 14:46 - The significance of charity and service during her illness 15:47 - The healing journey through work, therapy, and faith 16:13 - How her early mission experience blessed her marriage 16:43 - Living with cancer and genetic risks: lessons in resilience 21:33 - Advice for helping others through trauma and hardship 22:21 - The power of reaching out and simple acts of kindness 24:52 - The importance of charity and bearing others’ burdens 27:42 - How community and connection lift us in times of need 29:32 - Final words of encouragement for missionaries and anyone facing difficult next chapters 30:52 - Closing advice to keep moving forward and trusting in Christ

Eduardo Zanatta - The Unexpected Power of Being a ‘Second-Class Citizen’ in Your Own Life and the Power of a Book.

In this episode, we delve into Eduardo Zanatta's journey from a quiet, love-filled childhood in Brazil to becoming a devoted disciple of Christ and a business leader. His story is a powerful testament to divine redirection, persistence, and the transformative power of faith and relationships. Eduardo shares his vulnerabilities candidly, offering valuable lessons for others navigating their post-mission life and seeking purpose beyond perceived limitations. Main Topics Covered: * The spiritual awakening triggered by Covey's principles and the search for faith in a foreign land * Divine providence in opportunities and life’s divine coincidences * Overcoming feelings of inadequacy as a second-class citizen due to language and cultural barriers * The importance of perseverance, hard work, and surrounding oneself with upliftment * Insights on trusting Heavenly Father’s timing and divine delays * The impactful relationship with Stephen Covey and lessons learned from mentoring * Practical advice for missionaries and young adults feeling inadequate or uncertain * The power of small daily commitments and connecting with the Spirit Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Eduardo Zanatta’s story of divine redirection 02:20 - How Covey’s principles and faith met in Eduardo’s family journey 06:30 - The pivotal moment: discovering the Plan of Salvation and divine purpose 09:00 - Meeting Stephen Covey: From autograph to eternal friendship 12:10 - Miraculous encounters with Covey and their impact on Eduardo’s life 16:20 - Lessons from divine coincidences and divine timing 20:35 - Overcoming cultural and language barriers in Utah and in life 23:38 - Facing setbacks: family financial struggles and personal doubts 26:27 - The importance of perseverance, keeping the main thing the main thing 30:01 - An inspiring story of divine intervention through a stranger in New Jersey 33:51 - Post-mission lessons: setbacks in academic and professional paths 36:45 - The remarkable story of finding an internship at Goldman Sachs in New York 40:29 - Lessons from Joseph of Egypt: Staying close to God and divine elevation 43:19 - Heritage and identity: embracing a multicultural background 44:14 - Practical advice for those feeling inadequate or second class 48:13 - Nurturing relationships, mentorship, and paying it forward 52:29 - Building faith and patience in the early chapters of a journey 55:10 - Trusting divine mosaics: life as a collection of divine pieces 57:25 - Final words: staying connected to the Spirit amidst life’s chaos 58:48 - Parting counsel for missionaries and members feeling insufficient or insignificant 61:14 - Concluding thoughts: Take one step today with faith in divine guidance

Remington Bassett - From Grief and Loss to Purpose: Finding Light After Life’s Darkest Valleys

In this episode, we explore the vulnerable and inspiring story of Remington Riggs Bassett, a former missionary whose journey of grief, recovery, and purpose offers hope to others navigating their post-mission life. His candid reflections on loss, mental health, career pivots, and finding meaning post-mission serve as a beacon for return missionaries feeling lost or overwhelmed. Key Topics * The impact of sports injuries and early life challenges on identity * The process of serving a mission and how growth can come from relationships * Navigating grief after the loss of a child and emotional isolation * The importance of community, support, and seeking help in healing * Transitioning careers: from energy analysis to mental health counseling * The power of vulnerability, honesty, and embracing pain as part of growth * Practical advice for return missionaries feeling purposeless or fearful * The significance of gratitude and daily routines in mental health recovery * The role of faith, resilience, and intentional self-care in moving forward Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Embracing vulnerability in post-mission life 00:25 - How sports injuries shifted your outlook on life 01:48 - Did you always want to serve a mission? 02:43 - Summarizing a fulfilling and challenging mission 03:27 - Returning home and adapting to family changes in London 04:39 - Growing up moving frequently and how it prepared you for change 06:24 - Losing Piper: Processing grief and feeling isolated 07:46 - Supporting Megan after loss and the importance of emotional connection 08:48 - Finding purpose in mental health work and career transition 12:28 - Navigating low points and addiction recovery 14:37 - Returning to school and how pain led to new passions 16:57 - Advice for return missionaries in dark places 17:58 - Practical steps: Gratitude, self-care, and building purpose 18:13 - Overcoming the fear of the unknown through faith and gratitude 20:14 - Closing thoughts: Embracing the valleys and peaks of life Resources & Links * Therapist & Counselor Resources [https://www.apa.org/] * Mental Health Support & Tips [https://www.nami.org/]