This  poem came from a Missionary Mom who was inspired by her Return Missionary's worn shoes.  Here is what she said:

"Hi Friends,
Last Thursday My Missionary came home from serving 2 years in the Indy, Indiana Mission. As I told my mom I don't think I EVER felt more JOY and Happiness in all of my LIFE! It was like a movie and I shant forget that moment ever. I remember hugging him and crying and not wanting to let go until he said " MOM, I have other people to hug!" I screamed for joy when I first saw him (which isn't really a place that a person wants to scream in). We were right next to people going through security and I'm sure there were a few scared and shocked faces especially Airport Security. I can assure you that you will feel the same joy that I did. At his family open house I used his worn old missionary shoes as a display and an awesome picture that he took of him and his companion walking away from the camera on some railroad tracks only seeing their backs and their books. It worked perfectly with this poem."

A Missionary’s Shoes
By Jennie  Fugate-Peterson

Broken in and worn
Scraped and scratched
The bottom of the soles
should be patched.

They’ve walked all their miles
Some rain and some snow
In fields and on roads
with a companion in tow.

They’ve peddled up hills 
They’ve pushed and they’ve pulled
They’ve run from a dog.
(or so I’ve been told)

Yes, a Missionary’s shoes
are not glamour or glitz.
There is no fashion statement
in this 2 year blitz.

They are there to work
And are guided to find
And help those around
to give peace of mind.

Would you be willing
To walk in these shoes
Giving 2 years of service
to share the Lord’s news?

With each scuff marked
And every crease made
The thin leather shoelaces
and the colors that fade…

Is a testament of a Missionary
Obedient to show
That wherever the Lord takes him
He’s willing to go.