Jeffrey introduced me to an interesting phenomenon: the LDS Mission Call. Mormons have the option to go on a 24-month mission, but where in the world they are assigned is almost random—the 20-somethings are sent a letter giving their assignment. Opening this letter is a pretty big deal, so friends and family are gathered either in person, via phone, or video chat. Now, it seems that videos of mission calls are posted on YouTube as a simple way of sharing the moment with relatives who couldn’t be there… and the rest of the world. So, without further adieu, I give you thousands of mission calls.
While I disagree with pretty much everything they represent, the videos are pretty fascinating to watch. It’s almost voyeuristic to watch some of them… Listening to a family’s elation when a loved one gets to go to a far-off land, or the thick disappointment known to everybody in the room when “Peoria, Illinois” is read out.
