Living a whole, fun, happy life is hard when the person you love is so far away. Things can make it easier. One of them is knowing they are serving the Lord, but having this knowledge doesn't fix everything. It isn't easy to always keep this mind set when you miss them so much, and so many people are down on you for "waiting". My missionary is serving in the Chile, Concepcion mission. He has been gone for 13 months! And let's just say, it is going much faster than expected.
One thing I have learned through this experience is not to expect anything. Don't expect for it to be easy just because your feelings are so strong. It doesn't matter. You will miss him, and you will be sad. There is no denying those feelings, but your friends, family, and Heavenly Father can help you through all of this.
I have dated since he has been gone, but I always let the people I date know that my whole heart can't be in the relationship. Jeffrey still has a portion of it, and there is no getting it back until he comes home. There are things I wish Jeffrey could be here for, but in the end I always know that he is exactly where he needs to be. I have seen him grow exponentially as he teaches the gospel to the families in Chile. I just hope that I can grow along with him, and be good enough when he comes home. However, this isn't the easiest job. Missionaries have all day to focus on the gospel and to build their testimony. On the contrary, we all have to worry about school, work, paying the bills, keeping up with our friends, church callings, and we can't forget those ever important tv shows!
Progressing spiritually has been something I have been struggling with, but if you just rely on the Lord and continually ask for his strength, you will be blessed.
