So I'll be leaving the forum for two years starting May 2nd.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Don't watch The Book of Mormon... before during or after, if you really are going to be a missionary....

Let's just say it pokes way too much fun at the LDS church, Africa, and a bunch of other things.

If you've already seen it, don't believe anything (Not that I've ever been a missionary for anything or anyone ever...)

IIRC Zioneer's already seen it, and even if he hadn't he seems like the kind of person who'd be cool with it.

[Zioneer]

Don't watch The Book of Mormon... before during or after, if you really are going to be a missionary....

Let's just say it pokes way too much fun at the LDS church, Africa, and a bunch of other things.

If you've already seen it, don't believe anything (Not that I've ever been a missionary for anything or anyone ever...)

IIRC Zioneer's already seen it, and even if he hadn't he seems like the kind of person who'd be cool with it.

Actually, I haven't seen it, and beyond rolling my eyes at the people who want to "stick it to the Mormons" by watching it, I have no problem with it. From the few songs I've heard from it, it doesn't seem that malicious, just a bit South Park-y, which is hard to take offense to.

Thank you for the well-wishes, everyone! I'll still be here for a while, but it's nice to feel missed. I'll try and provide as helpful a look at Utah politics as I can while I'm still here.

Now that I'm preparing to go, it's interesting to see the capitalistic culture that's developed in Utah based on missionaries; the local suit store ("Men's Warehouse" and such) gives missionaries a discount because they're guaranteed a large purchase, most Utah-based colleges save you a spot while you go on your mission because they know you'll be back (while other colleges are freaking out about missionaries starting a year younger because they relied on missionaries giving them a years worth of tuition), that sort of thing.

At the same time though, if you can't afford the rent for the mission home (which most missionaries save up for ahead of time), the Church will pay for you (and often for your education after your mission). So it's a rather communitarian or even socialistic system.

As for political updates; sorry. I'll basically be a monk in a suit, which means that I won't know any more than you. I'll tell you about the state Democratic convention before I go though.

[Lurker]

What country are you going to, Zioneer?

[Antonio the Sixth]

It's pretty sad to see you go, you were a great poster (especially since two years from now you'll probably have forgotten this place entirely ), but if that's what you want, best luck to you!

[Torie]

Good luck Zioneer. My impression is that these tours of duty do change the lives of those who participate, and for the better. It should be a fascinating experience for you in any event.

On a side note, your relationship with your Church is interesting, and I suspect rather unusual. You question certain aspects, while obviously remaining dedicated to it. But that is personal to you.

Take care. We have not communicated that much together, but I always have enjoyed our exchanges, and will miss you. Best.

Steve

[Zioneer]

What country are you going to, Zioneer?

The untamed and wild country of Salt Lake City.

[Hifly]

There's a LDS church next to my house in Central London where I sometimes go for music practice and there's always hot LDS missionary girls there. Are you telling me they don't have mobile phones or facebook?

[Zioneer]

There's a LDS church next to my house in Central London where I sometimes go for music practice and there's always hot LDS missionary girls there. Are you telling me they don't have mobile phones or facebook?

Nope, they don't. Or at least they shouldn't. I don't know the rules for female missionaries though, and they could be ward missionaries, which are different from normal preaching missionaries and service missionaries like me (or at least what I'll be doing).

[Zioneer]

Since I am leaving on my mission in two days, I just wanted to let y'all know that it's been fun being here, and I hope that when I come back, the forum will still be around.

[windjammer]

Good luck Zioneer! Your analysis of Utah will be missed

[RedSLC]

Good luck, man. Enjoy your trip, and hopefully, it will mean something to you.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Will you experiment with caffeine while there?

[Cassius]

Good luck to you. Whilst I'm not a Mormon, this seems to be an extremely thorough undertaking on your part, and I deeply respect you for (hopefully) being able to make sacrifices that a lot of us (including myslef) would find hard to go through with.

[ElectionsGuy]

Have a good trip, we'll miss you!

[TDAS04]

I wish you the very best.  You'll certainly be missed.

[Flake]

Zioneer, I wish you the best of luck on your trip. I hope you do well

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Bye, man.  We may hardly agree on anything, but I wish you the best of luck on your mission.

[Badger]

Good luck!

[Miles]

Good luck Zioneer! Your analysis of Utah will be missed

[BaconBacon96]

Goodbye and Good luck!