Monday, July 27, 2009 (Our first Day at the Mission Office)
We spent all morning and part of the afternoon, until 1:00pm, being trained by Elder and Sister Larson in the office computer systems. Wow, there is a lot to do in a mission office. It literally takes 4 people working at computers all day each day to get the work done. And that is on a quiet day, unfortunately today wasn’t very quiet. Last week was transfers and Elders were still coming into the office for materials, information and reimbursements. Add on top of that a broken water pipe plus two green Senior Missionaries to train and not a lot got done. But we will tackle the office again tomorrow and continue our training.
After lunch at the Larson’s apartment (only 3 doors away from the office) we were off apartment hunting. First we when to an apartment building 3 blocks away from the office. The Larson’s had already talked to the landlord and our appointment was for 2:00pm. Well, that was all the hunting we needed to do, we loved it. It is fully furnished, including beds, furniture, dishes and silverware! It is in a very good & safe neighborhood; with AC and even a washing machine (washing machines are almost never available). Of all the apartments the Larson’s had lined up for us to see, this one was the cheapest so there was no need to see any more. We hope to sign the contract within a few days.
That was fast! Since we didn’t have to see any other apartments we were able to go to the bank and exchange our “greenbacks” for Dominican pesos. Next we went to the Santo Domingo Temple and walked the grounds. The temple is closed for its summer cleaning and will reopen in a week and a half. It is a beautiful temple and the grounds are beautiful. We hope to be able to attend the temple often during our mission. It is about 5 miles from the mission office and our apartment.
Next we took a drive to the coastline of Dominican Republic. We took a walk by the shoreline. There is no beach in Santo Domingo. The cliffs are all lava rock in several layers. It was beautiful.
Later in the afternoon we worked at the office until the usual closing time of 6:00pm. Next we were off to the Mission President’s residence where we are staying in the guest bedroom. Brother Larson gave me a tour and explained that the residence is the same one that has been in use since mission was opened over 25 years ago. In addition to the President’s quarters there are very large dormitories upstairs that can accommodate 16 missionaries. Also, there are two very large bedrooms with private baths. We are in one of them. These two rooms are the guest quarters for visiting church officials. Brother Larson pointed out that these rooms have been dedicated for the use and protection of apostles and prophets! It is a little overwhelming to think that we are sleeping in the same bed used by those brethren.
Tonight we had FHE with just the President, his wife, Pam & I. It was a very spiritual moment as we told conversion stories to each other. First President and Sister Almonte told the story of the miraculous way they found the church 20 years ago. I got to translate for Pam. That was fun. Next Pam told the story of her mother’s conversion along with her brother & sister. I got to translate for Pres. & Sis. Almonte.
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