We’ve been thinking a lot about how our youthful dreams sometimes clash with the reality of growing up. In Two Years of Eternity, Scott R. Hoyt opens up about his mission experience in a way that feels like a conversation with an old friend. He takes us along his journey—from the early days of unchallenged faith to the bittersweet moments of doubt and the turning point that changed everything. This memoir isn’t just about the highs and lows of missionary work; it’s about learning from every misstep, growing through challenges, and finding the strength to follow a calling that is bigger than yourself.
“I arrived at the bishop’s office determined to hold to my initial decision, but before he could even broach the subject, I heard myself saying, without any apparently conscious effort, ‘I will go on a mission.'”
– an excerpt from the book
The book kicks off by recalling those early days when the idea of a mission was as natural as breathing. Growing up, the expectation to serve felt inevitable, almost like a rite of passage. Hoyt writes about how his faith was so unquestioning in his youth that the idea of leaving home for two years seemed almost like a fairytale adventure. That innocence is something we can all remember—even if our journeys took unexpected turns.
As the memoir unfolds, it reveals the internal struggle that many of us face when our youthful dreams collide with the pressures of everyday life. There are moments when the lure of fun and rebellion seems too tempting to ignore, and the path to a higher calling appears distant. Hoyt’s candid narrative reminds us that it’s normal to question and even resist the call, but that sometimes, deep down, we already know what we truly need to do.
A turning point emerges when the weight of expectation and the clarity of purpose converge unexpectedly. That moment when the decision comes almost without conscious thought is the heart of the book. It’s a reminder that change isn’t always a slow, deliberate process; it can strike suddenly, leaving you both surprised and determined to follow through.
The memoir doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated parts of life. It shows us that committing isn’t about having everything perfectly in place but about finding the courage to take a leap of faith despite uncertainty. Hoyt’s story is filled with lessons about perseverance, the value of a supportive community, and the realization that sometimes, the hardest decisions lead to the greatest personal growth.
What makes “Two Years of Eternity” truly engaging is its raw honesty. Hoyt shares his missteps and moments of doubt with a playful, self-aware tone. He reminds us that we’re all a work in progress and that even when life takes an unexpected detour, there’s beauty in the journey. His reflections resonate because they are both personal and universal, inviting you to reflect on your path with a sense of humor and hope.
If you’re looking for a memoir that mixes heartfelt introspection with the real-life adventures of missionary work, “Two Years of Eternity” offers a compelling look at what it means to answer a calling. It reminds us that while the road may be rocky, the journey itself is worth every step.
“Two Years of Eternity” by Scott R. Hoyt is now available for purchase at the Kravitz and Sons Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
Two Years of Eternity: One Missionary’s Experience
In TWO YEARS OF ETERNITY: One Missionary’s Experience, Scott R. Hoyt recounts the two-year mission he experienced in Peru from 1972 to 1974. The author’s writing makes for insightful, entertaining and spiritually moving reading as Hoyt describes the transition from normal teen life in Southern California to becoming a Mormon missionary on the streets of Peru. Hoyt’s story interweaves a fascinating tapestry of spiritual, emotional, traumatic and uplifting experiences, while at the same time conveying the unvarnished reality of everyday mission life. Throughout the book, Hoyt offers readers anecdotes that convey helpful insights for those considering whether to go on…