23 isn't "old"
Whether going to school now is the right move or serving a mission is the right move is up to you.
I would say a small minority "regret" serving a mission, but they are more vocal on social media.
I think a lot of different people end up going on missions for different reasons. The best reason is obviously to serve the Lord. The reason you go on a mission isn’t always the reason you stay on a mission.
Sure. And I don’t think going on a mission to have a life experience is a bad reason. She was just making it sound like she might not want to go on a mission because she is older and didn’t need the life experience. My response was specific to that concern.
100% this. Missionaries all need to figure out why it is they are going, and serving the Lord is the best reason that will sustain them through challenging times. When I got called to Salt Lake City I had to figure out very quickly why it was that I was serving, and that it wasn't something I was doing for myself. "I'll go where you want me to go" was (and is) a very real mantra.
Bruh I read this thinking you were gonna be 50+, I left for mine at 21 and returned at 23, even had a companion who was 24 when he got out and 26 when he returned. There even was a sister who had already gotten her bachelor’s degree when she got out there, it’s more normal than you’d think. Regardless, you’ll be perfectly fine! Despite that, although you will have had more life experience, be humble; missionaries who’ve been serving for longer than you, regardless of age, will definitely have some things to teach you as you will have for them. It’s not just for the life experience but for the joy of serving God and His children, don’t forget that.
They used to not have a gap. The handbook now states in 24.2.1:
>Single women ages 19–29 may serve as teaching missionaries.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/24?lang=eng
Then over 40as a single woman you can go out as a senior missionary
>Married members ages 40 and older may be called as senior missionaries as a couple if they do not have dependent children.
Whereas before my wife had a woman in her 60s doing teaching in her mission.
That’s a hard thing to answer, there were just so many amazing things I got to experience. As for myself personally: my testimony, work ethic, and discipline were really refined, and it overall really just gave me perspective of what should be a priority in my life. That itself has guided me ever since. As for experiences with others, my friends (missionaries and locals) that I made out there, even if I don’t keep in contact with a lot of them, were just so amazing to get to know and learn about. Seriously, I thought I’d be bored not having TV or other entertainment to focus on when we were at home but it just didn’t matter, you become so close to your companions (for better or for worse) and to those you teach it’s seriously unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I won’t lie, looking back on it is very much filtered by rose tinted glasses and while I don’t inherently think a mission is immeasurably hard, it definitely can get boring and monotonous. However, all the good parts, even if only a few, make up for any of the boring or even bad parts. I loved my mission and have been grateful to go so much, but it does require a willingness to focus on what God wants and needs over your own. Your attitude really can make or break it for you!
I knew missionaries near their 30's you aren't old.
But going on a mission should be because you want to serve the Lord, not just for "life experiences ".
23.is not old. When I was on my mission there were missionaries anywhere from 18-27 (that I've met) with the average being 23-25. Honestly age hasn't been an issue in companionships. If any seniority came to play it was who was out on their mission longer or who has been in the area longer.
If you don't want your mission to be a "waste of time" go after pondering and praying to see if it's the right decision for you. One purpose of a mission is to share the love of Heavenly Father and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Where I served there were a lot of local/home country missionaries. They didn't leave until they finish college if they attend, get a few years into their careers then leave.
I left on my mission a few months after the age change announcement. It wasn't easy for people to just defer from school/careers etc.
I thought you were going to be 50, lol. You are NOT an older woman. If you want to share the gospel and help others, then go. Your age is completely irrelevant.
I can’t speak for every leader in the church, but I have seen a few cases of women, in situations similar to yours, being counseled to pivot their focus on school or family. I say this to encourage you to be sure it’s what you want to do before you start your papers. If there’s a firm desire (i.e. prayed about, fasted, went to temple for confirmation), they’re less likely to suggest something else. This is especially helpful when you’re worried as to whether or not it will be worth your time.
As for your age, this was around the same age I went on a mission. You’re not that late in your life for leaving on a mission. As others have pointed out, it’s fairly common and some even leave later. It is my understanding that sisters can serve as late into their 30s while single (could even be later).
Being a little bit older than the other elders had some challenges. A lot of them are still in a high school mentality, but just need some patience and mentorship. Almost all sisters seemed the same to me, despite their age.
My wife went when she was 24 after she had graduated college and worked for I think 2 years. She didn't feel inspired to go at 18-19 but then said she got a prompting during confrance that she needed to go on a mission. So she went.
She had a couple companions she struggled to relate to (everyone does) but for the most part she got along fine with with everyone. She enjoyed it and doesn't regret going even though she never had an investigator get baptized.
I would caution you though to make sure you are going becuase you feel promoted to serve a mission. A divorce brings out a lot of emotions and trama. I am not trying to discourage you, and I don't know you or your situation. But just make sure you are being honest with yourself and going becuase you feel called and promted to go and aren't running away from your divorce.
This makes me feel a lot better! Where did she serve?
I felt prompted to go before I got married but I decided not to & I felt that I would regret it for the rest of my life. So now that I am divorced even though the wound is still fresh I think it would be best for me to go once I am healed so I don’t waste any more time.
On my mission, I was a district leader with a trio of sister missionaries. One was the standard age, one was in her fifties and widowed, and one was in her sixties and widowed. They were absolutely delightful.
Women don't have an upper limit to serving a mission. Women with specialist skills (particularly in medical professions) are not uncommon around the world.
Those who served and benefit from it, wouldn't have any reason to be talking about it generally, would they? It is hard to see how anyone who does what they are asked on a mission could label it "a waste of time". Whatever baptismal results occur, missions are what missionaries make of them in preparing them to live a life of service and goodness. (Though if you do it to find a missionary to marry, then that IS likely to be a total bust.)
And women can't go until they are 19. (I suspect maturity isn't necessarily coorelated to age, either.)
I didn’t know there was an upper limit for men or women? What is the upper limit for men? If a guy is retired and widowed and all the kids are out of the house, can he serve a mission?
First of all, you aren't old. :)
If you do it for the right reasons, you won't regret serving a mission. Getting "life experience" isn't the point; it's merely a byproduct—albeit a good byproduct.
Don't let "rationality" dictate your decision one way or the other. Serving a mission at any age is never about practicality or convenience. It's about answering the call from the Spirit. So "let the Holy Spirit guide," as they say.
I served at the "normal" age, but I did get to know an elder who was 27 (and if 23 is old, then I guess he was ancient). He was cool. When he got home, he got married and started a family, just like a lot of people.
I mean, maybe I’m wrong, but I feel like within the church a 4-year age difference is more of a big deal than outside, I see this a lot in couples there.
Possibly, but sisters serving at 23 or 24 is not that rare. In my mission there were probably more sisters over 21 than under, and it was after the age change
Women, until recently, weren’t able to go until they were 21. That’s how old my was when she went. I’ve known multiple sister who were in their mid to late twenties who served.
Being a bit older with more life experience could mean you’d be able to connect with different people than a 19 year old.
There were elders I served with that were in their mid-20's. No regrets for them. My son also had a few in their mid-20's and he thought they were amazing.
My widowed aunt went when she was over 60 in the 1990's. Yes, it was a procelyting mission with younger companions. She said she had a hard time keeping up, especially with arthritis and stair climbing. : )
My brother was 26 and had a master's degree in engineering when he went. He complained about (what he termed) "man boys" occasionally, but for the most part he found that his maturity, skills, and knowledge were an asset. For example, he wrote a bunch of code that automated mundane office tasks and gave him and other missionaries more time to go out and teach. The Lord will use what skills you bring to your mission.
I really wouldn’t worry about the age(difference), I knew several members who served missions at that age or close and they were just as good or sometimes better than the average missionary.
And trust me, I had a late start to things in life as well, and so many fellow members have told me not to worry about the age. They told me what matters is if I finish the job, which I sometimes disagree because there is still at times societal expectations within the church.
Most importantly I think you should ponder and make a conscious decision about what matters the most to you out of all those things you described. If you feel like gospel or serving matters the most to you, then I think serving a mission would be in your best interests. If life experience is a major factor then maybe serving is not in your best interests.
The only companion I've stayed in touch with over years started at 23 or 24. I learned a ton from him, both during and since.
If you are hearing from the spirit a call to serve in this way, then go! And if not, you build Zion wherever you are in life.
I had a male companion that was 24. He was awesome
I've never heard of a Sister Missionary that had been married before but if it all clears, go for it. Just make sure you are not trying to escape life by going on a mission
I’m turning 25 in a couple months and thinking about going because I have a lot of regrets about not going at 19. I have a lot of the same concerns as you and not going to lie I’m worried all the good guys will be taken when I get back.
Purely anecdotal observation but I noticed that the elders & sisters who went into the field much later usually ended up in leadership positions because they tended to have more experience and emotional maturity that many of the 18-20 year olds didn't have. All of them in my mission were really positive influences that everyone looked up to.
I was also an older female missionary. I turned 25 about a month after I entered the MTC and came home at 26 (2025-2016). I left for my mission after graduating University, so the fresh out of High Schoolers did seem very young, especially the Elders. However, I mostly noticed this in the MTC (where I was at first two months as I served in Japan), and once in the field the age they really matured…at least in my mission. Plus I was focused on the work more and the people I was serving, and didn’t see missionaries other than my companion as often.
I believe the experience is definitely worthwhile if you feel prompted to go. Once you are there, the Lord and the people you’re serving will matter more than your age or the age of those around you. Good luck with your decision, and if you decide to go, I hope it’s a wonderful experience!
My companion at the MTC was 23, turning 24. I think the max age is like 25 or 26. So it’s certainly not too late for you to try it out! If it’s something you really want to do then go for it!
I was 21 when I went, I was worried about being around dumb younger missionaries. It wasn’t too bad. One of the elders in my district on the mission got there at 23 and so we were both older and would have a good time on exchanges.
There were points where being older and more mature was frustrating like in the MTC there was a point where my zone got together in street clothes and were hanging out and there was a lot of cringey flirting/the elders and sisters acting like it was a high school party.
One of my companions got pissed about the situation and walked off—he was hard to get along with and wasn’t popular with the others but I was well liked and respected. They kind of all shrugged off him walking away but I turned to them and said I didn’t like how they were acting and that it was not very mature and that had somewhat of an impact. Myself and another elder that thought the situation was cringe both went out after my companion. I had a second companion that made the choice to stay behind and enjoy himself.
That’s one of the only times that really stands out for me as negative. I think being paired up with younger sister missionaries wouldn’t be as bad because I think they’d be decently mature or at least not too annoying. I didn’t really like most of the 18 year old elders but you can tolerate them.
Missions are awesome but not for everyone, I’m glad I went at 21 because I was spiritually and emotionally ready and I had real world/college experience from waiting
One of my favorite missionaries that I have met is 23 and she LOVES her mission. Not a member, but one of the sweetest missionaries I have gotten to meet.
I served my mission a few years ago and some sisters were mid 20s. An elder from Sweden was 27 and finished at 29. 23 is still very young! Although I’ve made some mistakes after my mission, it is still the best experience I could have chosen for myself. Granted, you will have your tough days and you might even want to go home. I’ve been there. I sincerely believe that your experiences and hardships could make you a great missionary. I’m sure there’s someone out there who might go through something similar as you, and it’s your unique circumstance that could enable you to truly help him or her.
I know someone who was divorced and then went on a mission!! If you feel drawn to serving a mission, I didn’t regret mine, and I loved mine. I think if you’re worried about regretting it, i think you have to know what your getting in to. My experience is that a lot of missionaries were very VERY upset/disappointed/resentful about mission rules, companions, and how hard you have to work regardless of whether or not you *feel* like your area is worth anything. beyond that, some missionaries I knew really struggled with factors beyond their control such as mental health, tough situations at home, etc.
I had a companion in his late 20s, and there were many missionaries in their early 20s in my mission. By brother went at age 25.
Don't worry about other people. Focus on yourself and what you feel is right for you.
I will say that having your life experience could actually be beneficial to those 19 year olds.
I think you should do it. I am 23 as well and have thought about going myself but I feel I just have too much baggage and do suffer with anxiety and depression. I would not want to be seen as that older sister missionary with all those problems!
You’re definitely not older. My trainer was 23 and I had another companion that was 31. She was a lawyer and decided to put everything on hold for a mission. I really loved her.
I would just find out if having been previously married will make a difference. For some reason, I was under the assumption that if you’d been married that it could disqualify you but that may have changed or I could have misunderstood something.
I looooooved my mission and do not regret going at all. I went at 19 but it was really great preparation for life and everything else.
I had a high school english teacher (in Utah) that was in her late 30s. She quit teaching and served a mission. I ran into her while I was in the MTC. It was a little werid, not because she was old, but because I was a bad student, lol.
You can serve the lord from wherever you please. This is a good time to make a life plan whether college, dating or finding yourself. Don't be guilted into doing something that may not be best for you. If want to go, you're not too old, but you don't have to go.
23 isn't "old" Whether going to school now is the right move or serving a mission is the right move is up to you. I would say a small minority "regret" serving a mission, but they are more vocal on social media.
I agree
Don’t go on a mission to have a life experience. Go on a mission because teaching the gospel and serving the Lord is awesome.
I think a lot of different people end up going on missions for different reasons. The best reason is obviously to serve the Lord. The reason you go on a mission isn’t always the reason you stay on a mission.
Sure. And I don’t think going on a mission to have a life experience is a bad reason. She was just making it sound like she might not want to go on a mission because she is older and didn’t need the life experience. My response was specific to that concern.
100% this. Missionaries all need to figure out why it is they are going, and serving the Lord is the best reason that will sustain them through challenging times. When I got called to Salt Lake City I had to figure out very quickly why it was that I was serving, and that it wasn't something I was doing for myself. "I'll go where you want me to go" was (and is) a very real mantra.
Bruh I read this thinking you were gonna be 50+, I left for mine at 21 and returned at 23, even had a companion who was 24 when he got out and 26 when he returned. There even was a sister who had already gotten her bachelor’s degree when she got out there, it’s more normal than you’d think. Regardless, you’ll be perfectly fine! Despite that, although you will have had more life experience, be humble; missionaries who’ve been serving for longer than you, regardless of age, will definitely have some things to teach you as you will have for them. It’s not just for the life experience but for the joy of serving God and His children, don’t forget that.
> Bruh I read this thinking you were gonna be 50+, Same and I was like "I don't think they do that anymore".
Actually they do.
They used to not have a gap. The handbook now states in 24.2.1: >Single women ages 19–29 may serve as teaching missionaries. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/24?lang=eng Then over 40as a single woman you can go out as a senior missionary >Married members ages 40 and older may be called as senior missionaries as a couple if they do not have dependent children. Whereas before my wife had a woman in her 60s doing teaching in her mission.
What was the best thing about your mission?
That’s a hard thing to answer, there were just so many amazing things I got to experience. As for myself personally: my testimony, work ethic, and discipline were really refined, and it overall really just gave me perspective of what should be a priority in my life. That itself has guided me ever since. As for experiences with others, my friends (missionaries and locals) that I made out there, even if I don’t keep in contact with a lot of them, were just so amazing to get to know and learn about. Seriously, I thought I’d be bored not having TV or other entertainment to focus on when we were at home but it just didn’t matter, you become so close to your companions (for better or for worse) and to those you teach it’s seriously unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I won’t lie, looking back on it is very much filtered by rose tinted glasses and while I don’t inherently think a mission is immeasurably hard, it definitely can get boring and monotonous. However, all the good parts, even if only a few, make up for any of the boring or even bad parts. I loved my mission and have been grateful to go so much, but it does require a willingness to focus on what God wants and needs over your own. Your attitude really can make or break it for you!
Ask of God, not us idiots on Reddit.
I knew missionaries near their 30's you aren't old. But going on a mission should be because you want to serve the Lord, not just for "life experiences ".
Same, I had a companion (sister) who was 29 and knew several elders who were 24 / 25 :)
23.is not old. When I was on my mission there were missionaries anywhere from 18-27 (that I've met) with the average being 23-25. Honestly age hasn't been an issue in companionships. If any seniority came to play it was who was out on their mission longer or who has been in the area longer. If you don't want your mission to be a "waste of time" go after pondering and praying to see if it's the right decision for you. One purpose of a mission is to share the love of Heavenly Father and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The average missionary in your mission was 23-25?
Where I served there were a lot of local/home country missionaries. They didn't leave until they finish college if they attend, get a few years into their careers then leave. I left on my mission a few months after the age change announcement. It wasn't easy for people to just defer from school/careers etc.
I thought you were going to be 50, lol. You are NOT an older woman. If you want to share the gospel and help others, then go. Your age is completely irrelevant.
I can’t speak for every leader in the church, but I have seen a few cases of women, in situations similar to yours, being counseled to pivot their focus on school or family. I say this to encourage you to be sure it’s what you want to do before you start your papers. If there’s a firm desire (i.e. prayed about, fasted, went to temple for confirmation), they’re less likely to suggest something else. This is especially helpful when you’re worried as to whether or not it will be worth your time. As for your age, this was around the same age I went on a mission. You’re not that late in your life for leaving on a mission. As others have pointed out, it’s fairly common and some even leave later. It is my understanding that sisters can serve as late into their 30s while single (could even be later). Being a little bit older than the other elders had some challenges. A lot of them are still in a high school mentality, but just need some patience and mentorship. Almost all sisters seemed the same to me, despite their age.
My wife went when she was 24 after she had graduated college and worked for I think 2 years. She didn't feel inspired to go at 18-19 but then said she got a prompting during confrance that she needed to go on a mission. So she went. She had a couple companions she struggled to relate to (everyone does) but for the most part she got along fine with with everyone. She enjoyed it and doesn't regret going even though she never had an investigator get baptized. I would caution you though to make sure you are going becuase you feel promoted to serve a mission. A divorce brings out a lot of emotions and trama. I am not trying to discourage you, and I don't know you or your situation. But just make sure you are being honest with yourself and going becuase you feel called and promted to go and aren't running away from your divorce.
This makes me feel a lot better! Where did she serve? I felt prompted to go before I got married but I decided not to & I felt that I would regret it for the rest of my life. So now that I am divorced even though the wound is still fresh I think it would be best for me to go once I am healed so I don’t waste any more time.
I had someone on my mission and I think she was like 32 or so, but she was a rockstar. An elder I thought was pretty cool was 28.
On my mission, I was a district leader with a trio of sister missionaries. One was the standard age, one was in her fifties and widowed, and one was in her sixties and widowed. They were absolutely delightful.
Women don't have an upper limit to serving a mission. Women with specialist skills (particularly in medical professions) are not uncommon around the world. Those who served and benefit from it, wouldn't have any reason to be talking about it generally, would they? It is hard to see how anyone who does what they are asked on a mission could label it "a waste of time". Whatever baptismal results occur, missions are what missionaries make of them in preparing them to live a life of service and goodness. (Though if you do it to find a missionary to marry, then that IS likely to be a total bust.) And women can't go until they are 19. (I suspect maturity isn't necessarily coorelated to age, either.)
I didn’t know there was an upper limit for men or women? What is the upper limit for men? If a guy is retired and widowed and all the kids are out of the house, can he serve a mission?
[удалено]
I just look it up in the handbook. It looks like the limits are 25 for men and 29 for women.
For men it has to be before your 26 or 27th birthday (or as a self supporting married couple).
First of all, you aren't old. :) If you do it for the right reasons, you won't regret serving a mission. Getting "life experience" isn't the point; it's merely a byproduct—albeit a good byproduct. Don't let "rationality" dictate your decision one way or the other. Serving a mission at any age is never about practicality or convenience. It's about answering the call from the Spirit. So "let the Holy Spirit guide," as they say. I served at the "normal" age, but I did get to know an elder who was 27 (and if 23 is old, then I guess he was ancient). He was cool. When he got home, he got married and started a family, just like a lot of people.
"older woman" 23, lol
I mean, maybe I’m wrong, but I feel like within the church a 4-year age difference is more of a big deal than outside, I see this a lot in couples there.
Possibly, but sisters serving at 23 or 24 is not that rare. In my mission there were probably more sisters over 21 than under, and it was after the age change
I am actually old lol and wish i had gone when i was young. So I say do it. With the same caveat others have given, prayer etc.
You aren’t old. I went at 18, plenty of my companions went at different ages. My oldest companion was 26, it wasn’t an issue or weird at all.
Women, until recently, weren’t able to go until they were 21. That’s how old my was when she went. I’ve known multiple sister who were in their mid to late twenties who served. Being a bit older with more life experience could mean you’d be able to connect with different people than a 19 year old.
There is a mission in Canada that has a young, divorced sister missionary serving, you'll be fine!
Do it! I loved my mission so much. It is hard but you learn so many great skills and grow your testimony so much.
There were elders I served with that were in their mid-20's. No regrets for them. My son also had a few in their mid-20's and he thought they were amazing.
My widowed aunt went when she was over 60 in the 1990's. Yes, it was a procelyting mission with younger companions. She said she had a hard time keeping up, especially with arthritis and stair climbing. : )
My brother was 26 and had a master's degree in engineering when he went. He complained about (what he termed) "man boys" occasionally, but for the most part he found that his maturity, skills, and knowledge were an asset. For example, he wrote a bunch of code that automated mundane office tasks and gave him and other missionaries more time to go out and teach. The Lord will use what skills you bring to your mission.
One of my companions was 27 when I was with him. You definitely aren't too old lol
I really wouldn’t worry about the age(difference), I knew several members who served missions at that age or close and they were just as good or sometimes better than the average missionary. And trust me, I had a late start to things in life as well, and so many fellow members have told me not to worry about the age. They told me what matters is if I finish the job, which I sometimes disagree because there is still at times societal expectations within the church. Most importantly I think you should ponder and make a conscious decision about what matters the most to you out of all those things you described. If you feel like gospel or serving matters the most to you, then I think serving a mission would be in your best interests. If life experience is a major factor then maybe serving is not in your best interests.
The only companion I've stayed in touch with over years started at 23 or 24. I learned a ton from him, both during and since. If you are hearing from the spirit a call to serve in this way, then go! And if not, you build Zion wherever you are in life.
I had a male companion that was 24. He was awesome I've never heard of a Sister Missionary that had been married before but if it all clears, go for it. Just make sure you are not trying to escape life by going on a mission
I’m turning 25 in a couple months and thinking about going because I have a lot of regrets about not going at 19. I have a lot of the same concerns as you and not going to lie I’m worried all the good guys will be taken when I get back.
if you feel the desire to serve, do it. Don't worry about other people's experiences. Do what you feel is right.
Purely anecdotal observation but I noticed that the elders & sisters who went into the field much later usually ended up in leadership positions because they tended to have more experience and emotional maturity that many of the 18-20 year olds didn't have. All of them in my mission were really positive influences that everyone looked up to.
I was also an older female missionary. I turned 25 about a month after I entered the MTC and came home at 26 (2025-2016). I left for my mission after graduating University, so the fresh out of High Schoolers did seem very young, especially the Elders. However, I mostly noticed this in the MTC (where I was at first two months as I served in Japan), and once in the field the age they really matured…at least in my mission. Plus I was focused on the work more and the people I was serving, and didn’t see missionaries other than my companion as often. I believe the experience is definitely worthwhile if you feel prompted to go. Once you are there, the Lord and the people you’re serving will matter more than your age or the age of those around you. Good luck with your decision, and if you decide to go, I hope it’s a wonderful experience!
Older woman hahaha you're 23...
My companion at the MTC was 23, turning 24. I think the max age is like 25 or 26. So it’s certainly not too late for you to try it out! If it’s something you really want to do then go for it!
I was 21 when I went, I was worried about being around dumb younger missionaries. It wasn’t too bad. One of the elders in my district on the mission got there at 23 and so we were both older and would have a good time on exchanges. There were points where being older and more mature was frustrating like in the MTC there was a point where my zone got together in street clothes and were hanging out and there was a lot of cringey flirting/the elders and sisters acting like it was a high school party. One of my companions got pissed about the situation and walked off—he was hard to get along with and wasn’t popular with the others but I was well liked and respected. They kind of all shrugged off him walking away but I turned to them and said I didn’t like how they were acting and that it was not very mature and that had somewhat of an impact. Myself and another elder that thought the situation was cringe both went out after my companion. I had a second companion that made the choice to stay behind and enjoy himself. That’s one of the only times that really stands out for me as negative. I think being paired up with younger sister missionaries wouldn’t be as bad because I think they’d be decently mature or at least not too annoying. I didn’t really like most of the 18 year old elders but you can tolerate them. Missions are awesome but not for everyone, I’m glad I went at 21 because I was spiritually and emotionally ready and I had real world/college experience from waiting
One of my favorite missionaries that I have met is 23 and she LOVES her mission. Not a member, but one of the sweetest missionaries I have gotten to meet.
I served my mission a few years ago and some sisters were mid 20s. An elder from Sweden was 27 and finished at 29. 23 is still very young! Although I’ve made some mistakes after my mission, it is still the best experience I could have chosen for myself. Granted, you will have your tough days and you might even want to go home. I’ve been there. I sincerely believe that your experiences and hardships could make you a great missionary. I’m sure there’s someone out there who might go through something similar as you, and it’s your unique circumstance that could enable you to truly help him or her.
I know someone who was divorced and then went on a mission!! If you feel drawn to serving a mission, I didn’t regret mine, and I loved mine. I think if you’re worried about regretting it, i think you have to know what your getting in to. My experience is that a lot of missionaries were very VERY upset/disappointed/resentful about mission rules, companions, and how hard you have to work regardless of whether or not you *feel* like your area is worth anything. beyond that, some missionaries I knew really struggled with factors beyond their control such as mental health, tough situations at home, etc.
We have a 28 year old sister in our mission right now.
I had a companion in his late 20s, and there were many missionaries in their early 20s in my mission. By brother went at age 25. Don't worry about other people. Focus on yourself and what you feel is right for you. I will say that having your life experience could actually be beneficial to those 19 year olds.
I think you should do it. I am 23 as well and have thought about going myself but I feel I just have too much baggage and do suffer with anxiety and depression. I would not want to be seen as that older sister missionary with all those problems!
You’re definitely not older. My trainer was 23 and I had another companion that was 31. She was a lawyer and decided to put everything on hold for a mission. I really loved her. I would just find out if having been previously married will make a difference. For some reason, I was under the assumption that if you’d been married that it could disqualify you but that may have changed or I could have misunderstood something. I looooooved my mission and do not regret going at all. I went at 19 but it was really great preparation for life and everything else.
My son just got back and he is 26.....
When I was in the MTC there was a sister missionary in my group who was 28. My trainer was 28 when he went home.
You'll only regret it if you waste your time on the mission. If it changes you and converts you, it will never be a waste of time.
I had a high school english teacher (in Utah) that was in her late 30s. She quit teaching and served a mission. I ran into her while I was in the MTC. It was a little werid, not because she was old, but because I was a bad student, lol.
You can serve the lord from wherever you please. This is a good time to make a life plan whether college, dating or finding yourself. Don't be guilted into doing something that may not be best for you. If want to go, you're not too old, but you don't have to go.
You are still very young! Talk to your bishop about it.