Leaving Bulgaria Bell

[jaimejmscott]

Maybe I'm lame, but I am trying to remember a bunch of traditions from the mission and I ran across the bell I was given the day I left Bulgaria.  Does anyone remember what the significance is of the bell they put around our necks?

[Blindspot]

It is symbolic of the bells they put on sheep - to remind you that you are one of their fold and to return to it someday.

I still have mine

[Brinton]

I remember my last Sunday in the Kraso Selo branch (which is part of the Center branch now) all the members gave me flowers and cookies to take home with me.  At the end of the meeting all the sisters and kids circled me and one by one kissed me and hugged me.

I remember Pres Deremenjiev putting my bell on my neck and the members all singing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again", I've been home for 12 years now, and I still cannot make it thru that hymn with out tears!

[Rick Parker]

I have and treasure the bell I received (also from President Dermenjiev).  The story he told me at the time is a little different than that outlined above. 

There are some of the sheep in any given flock who have proved themselves more obedient than others.  The shepherd, knowing that he can rely on them to be swift to respond, and on the right path, places a bell around their necks.  The reason is that the other sheep (even those who don't see or follow the shepherd) may hear the bells of the obedient sheep and still move in the right direction.

My understanding of the lesson of the bells is that we need to continue to strive in obedience to all the Lord's commandments, even though we've been released from being full-time missionaries, because we do have an impact on others around us.