Mission Paradox

My mission was all of this and more. 

And while it might not be the best two years of my life anymore (I'd take any two-year period of my marriage over it), it definitely was the best two years for my life.

Awkward RM

I remember a couple of days after returning home from my mission going out with some friends to a dance and nearly hyperventilating when a girl offered me a stick of gum (in my missionary-mind, I was sure this was prelude to her asking me for a kiss). Good times.

First Date, First Discussion, What's the Difference?

Poor formerly Elder Van Dyke. Those first couple of days back from a mission can be rough. Just three more of these missionary comic strips, my long-suffering audience.*

*Just joking, I doubt I even have an audience at this point.

The Mission Curse Redux

Just a month ago I wrote what I thought at the time was my final word on the "Mission Curse" running gag found in my Mission Daze strip. I forgot that I had one more. Legions, it seems, are hard to kill.

Wasn't General Conference wonderful? If you want to review everything that was covered, check out my friend Kevin Beckstrom's conference notes (Saturday AM, Saturday PM, Sunday AM, and Sunday PM). Nobody should be allowed to have this much fun in a Church meeting.

Popular Culture Shock

I've been there.

A Loose Cannon

I clearly have watched too many 1980s cop shows.

Off the Airplane

This type of situation was much more likely in the days before weekly video chats with missionaries. Good news, though, with just a handful of these strips left, this might be the last outdated one I'll ever publish on the website.*

*Unless there's some crazy announcement at General Conference next month.**

**Speaking of General Conference, the Ward Cartoonist General Conference Activity Packet is coming to this space Thursday.

Homecoming

If you'll allow me to get personal, later today our only daughter returns from an 18-month mission to the Philippines. Having experienced my own mission and two of my children's mission, I can definitely say that it is harder sending your children out than going out on your own. 

To celebrate my daughter's safe return, I'm publishing not one, but two gags today! (Don't worry, I made sure they are only each half as funny as a typical joke.)

Coming or Going

This might be the most sentimental gag I've ever drawn. I can't help it. We picked up my son at the airport last night! This morning after his flight got delayed, he slept at an airport, and the airline lost his luggage. (But at least he's home!)