Sketchbook: Returned missionary

When the transfers don't come and exchanges don't work, there's always a third option.

I was lucky in that I got along well with most of my companions. But there were a couple of times when transfers couldn't come soon enough!

When moved upon

I'm really trying hard not to say that this was inspired by one of my old missionary companions, but I'm not being very successful with that.
 

Ready for some debugging

It happened more than once that I loved an area better than I liked my companion. And I really liked most of my companions!
 

Sketchbook: Something new

The first draft of this had a new bishop, but they don't come with warranties. 

 

That he may become clean

After this experience, his companion was all washed up.
 

Comp training

It's quite possible that I had a companion like that, but I'm not going to name names.

Luckily it was a short transfer.

 

Talking it out

Elder Gillies was the best for companion inventory. We'd choose a good location where we could talk and contact people at the same time. We had some productive sessions — and met some great people!
 

Pull yourself together

I had a companion or two like that. Well, maybe not quite like that, but…
 

Return of the companion

Yes, it's May the Fourth. 

I've got a bunch of Star Wars ties. Some are even suitable for wearing to church! My favorite is either the lightsaber tie (shaped like, well, a lightsaber) or a Yoda tie. It's got a tiny pattern of little Yoda heads

We had a deacon in our ward who had a Darth Maul tie. It was a little unnerving to see a Sith with a sacrament tray!

Have a safe and enjoyable Star Wars Day. And may the force be with you!
 

Sketchbook: Winning isn't everything

But there's a chance still in the Best Supporting Companion. A supportive companion can make all the difference; the converse is also true. 

On a side note, are newspaper vending machines still a thing? I can't think of the last time I saw one. How do missionaries get the headlines?
 

Kindred spirits

I used to have terrific fights with my brother when I was a kid. I've got several scars that are still visible as a result of some of those altercations. We didn't get called to the same mission, but we were in neighboring missions and overlapped by a couple of months. Nowadays we get along great — and he hasn't given me a new scar in a long time!
 

Sounds of silence

I think I’ve mentioned Elder McCormick before. He was outstanding at sound effects, too. 

Another story I don’t share in sacrament meeting. 

 

Sketchbook: Cutting it close

When one of my sons returned home from his mission, he asked if he could do a special family night — to teach his little brothers the correct way to shave!

This could also be seen as a commentary on how young the new missionaries seem to be, even if they are mature spiritually!

 

Sketchbook: Please, not the salt of the earth

Some companions are a little more fired up than others.
 

Sketchbook: You were my brother!

I was reading a Baby Blues collection the other day, and I noticed that Hammie, the little brother, reminded me an awful lot of some of my missionary companions. Sometimes it seems that they're like little brothers!
 

Comp time

Worries

I've felt that way before...

It's spiritual growth that's causing it!

I have to be honest: this gag was inspired by Mormon Cartoonist Arie Van De Graaff. Not because of his hair, but because of one of his recent cartoons. And no, he doesn't wear a toupee!

Frosty relationships

There's a reason why companions are supposed to stick together...

Heaven on wheels

Another reason why many missionaries prefer mass transit or mission vehicles.