July 1, 2013
Dear Family and Friends:
This past week has definitely been different for us. We are just so excited to be here and finally begin our mission. I will try to let you know our activities since we got here. You need to remember we only have internet access while we are at the office so that is the only time we can communicate.
The Williams, Jerry and Janice, picked us up at the airport, took us to our flat (apartment) where we unpacked, took showers and then we came to the office to meet Mark Kelly our director. We met him in SL a few months ago, but he wanted to show us our office and where we will be working. Janice and I then walked across the street to a mall to do a little grocery shopping and Dix and Jerry went back to the flat to meet a man to put a new stove top in, and then they picked us up. It was interesting to try and shop, we hadn’t had sleep for a very long time, and all the food are in different sizes. I just picked up what I thought we would need for a few days. We are going to have to go again soon. We came to the office on Friday and unpacked the camera etc. and got it set up. We were missing a few things so they were ordered. Thursday night we ate dinner with the Williams and another missionary couple that live in our building. We went to bed at 7:30, woke up about 3 for an hour and went back to sleep until 5. They tell us it will take a couple of weeks to get used to the time difference. Friday night we stayed up until 8, and by last night it was 9.
We have to be at the office at 8:30 until 4 each day. We have about a 20 minute drive. Jerry took Dix on a driving lesson Sat morning and said he did well. For those who wonder why he needs lessons, they drive on the wrong side of the street and the steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car. Instead of looking to the left when turning, you look to the right. He drove to the office today for practice because we have to be here at 7 in the morning to talk to Salt Lake. It will be 3 in the afternoon there. It will take some getting used to but we will conquer this new thing also.
We are getting the equipment set up to begin our work. Everything was in a box so Dix had to set it all up. We will talk to the Church in the morning via Skype and they will get the program going. Hopefully we will be able to start this week but it depends on if the parts that were ordered come in.
It has been raining for a couple of weeks so everything is very green and pretty. The sun has been shining today. The temperature gets to about 60 in the day and 40 at night and we like that for the middle of the winter.
Yesterday we went to Church about an hour away down by Sydney and we were able to see the ocean. We are going back another day when it is clear. The ward we went to was very friendly and we enjoyed it. Next week we will go to another ward as the Williams teach Family History.
Saturday we went to a huge flea market, about 5 acres. Along one wall was about 10 different growers with their produce. Fruits and Vegetables, just beautiful. The biggest heads of cabbage we have ever seen about the size of a soccer ball. We plan to go back and get some. Dad got a Crocodile Dundee hat. I will have to take a picture for you.
Kaylee and Megan Happy Birthday today for us, tomorrow for you. Your cards are in the mail.
Think of all the recipes you use dry ranch dressing, dry onion soup mix and all those. They do not have them down here. I am going to have to do some adapting. Our flat has 2 crock pots so I am set that way. We need to find a blender. Janice and I are going to a second hand store Sat morning as we need spoons and bowls.
We are driving a Toyota Corolla with 2000 miles on it. It even smells new when you get in it.
We will keep you updated as often as we can. Know we Love All Of You and Miss you very much. You are all in our prayers daily.
Dix and Ruth