Worth of Soles

It's very probably that a variation of today's gag has been done by a dozen cartoonists a dozen different ways. (Like this one, for example.)

'Tis the season of missionary farewells. This is also a good time to remind you of my collection of nearly 500 missionary comic strips available on Amazon. If you're looking for a unique gift for that special Elder or Sister in your life, consider purchasing a copy of Mission Daze for him or her. And if you email me right after you make your purchase, I'll be sure to personalize the book to the person you're gifting it to.

Introducing Elder Meyer

After what seemed like an eternity, Elder Van Dyke finally gets a new companion: Elder Meyer. Of all Elder Van Dyke's companions, Elder Meyer is likely the most normal. While I like this character a lot, I soon realized that a normal companion for Elder Van Dyke presents a challenge in that the characters don't play off each other the way Elder Van Dyke and one of his more off-centered companions do. As a result, this is the companion where Elder Van Dyke's actual missionary work is most emphasized.

Enjoy!

Empty Nesters

Only on Pioneer Trek can you create and break up a family of ten in a matter of a week. I've been a pioneer trek pa twice* and if saying good bye to your real children is as easy as your trek children, the transition to empty nesters is going to be a breeze!

*As a cartoonist, never say no to a church calling--every calling is good for at least one quality gag.

ALONE!

The few moments during a mission between companions when you are utterly alone can be terrifying!

Cheat Codes

For those of you not familiar with the term, "cheat codes" are the collection of instructions spelling out what a gamer must do to overcome obstacles and navigate mazes in order to complete a video game. Some gamers reject cheat codes out of hand and would rather figure out everything on their own, but the majority of folks playing video games, I suspect, have no problem searching out a cheat code from time to time.

Of course, in real life the stakes are infinitely higher and the path infinitely harder to find on one's own. That's why everyone should be drawing on life's cheat codes.*

*The scriptures. I'm talking about the scriptures.

Final Goodbyes

Elder Van Dyke exaggerates. It's three weeks.

Ministering Angels

Here's a list of changes to church programs since January 2009 (the month I started this blog):

Discontinuation of enrichment, change in missionary ages, discontinuation of Varsity and Venture Scouts, combination of high priest groups and elder's quorums, discontinuation of home and visiting teaching, creation of ministering assignments for Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood as well as Relief Society and Young Women, discontinuation of all scout activities including (sniff) the pinewood derby.

Did I miss any? For each of those programs I've drawn at least one gag. This has made my back category full of out of date references. Maybe I'll have to start clearancing those particular comics at half off.

Last Train

President Hinkley spoke to us missionaries while I was in the MTC. He said that we'd shed more tears leaving the mission field than we did saying good-bye at the beginning of our missions. Wouldn't you know it? He was right.