Monday, 6 October 2009

We left Cameron, Missouri, this morning and set out for Far West or Adam-ondi-Ahman. Not very good pioneers, us two. We could not find either place. The road atlas we had listed a Mormon Shrine. We tried to find it. On the map it was sitting in a river with no roads leading to it. Maybe that is why we could not find it. We drove off road on little country roads for a while but eventually gave it all up and came on into Independence. We were actually here in July, not knowing that this would be our mission, so the way looked slightly familiar.

Walked into the mission office to open arms and handshakes. It felt very welcoming. All of the senior office workers were there and a few Elders who had just finished meeting with the president. They were very kind and sort of like, oh, goody, some more grandmas and grandpas to love us.

Elder Williams escorted us to our first apartment. It is a cute little red brick house. Absolutely nothing in the living room. The dining area has a glass topped table that we were told was an heirloom, so be careful with the glass, and a large desk. The bedroom has a bed and small closet. The kitchen has what normal kitchens do and the bathroom is sort of part of the kitchen. I wondered if it was an afterthought. You enter from the kitchen to a very small space. But the most exciting part was the trains. We are on a dead end (the last house) with a very narrow street (two cars cannot fit together on the street), and you must pull over to let a car pass. Good thing that it is not a real busy street. But the trains are right on the other side of the street. Yes. No houses over there. It is the train tracks. And the crossing in just down the way a bit and so, you guessed it, the whistle begins about right at our house.

I have always loved train whistles so it is not a big deal. They told us we would be used to it in a week, but I think we are doing OK after only a day. It does wake you up at night but I like the sound. I cannot believe how often the trains go by. Today we saw the Amtrak headed out West. It was a very short train. It is fun.