Getting Settled

Finnish Friend in Farmington

Last week we forgot to mention one of our mini-adventures on the way to Alabama.  After staying the night in Farmington, New Mexico it was 14 degrees outside when we woke the next morning.  As we were eating breakfast at the motel a man came in to ask if someone could help jump start his car and we obliged.  As we talked we found out that he and his girl friend were from Finland and were driving from Mexico to Canada and then possibly to Alaska. We also learned that this isn't their first rodeo.

The Jeep they are driving has literally been all over the world with them. It was shipped from Finland to North America and will be shipped home when their trip is complete. They have driven it across the United States and into Alaska on one of their previous trips. They have also driven from the southern tip of South America all the way to the north. They have been all over Europe, Australia and the Middle East.  The Jeep is shipped around any place where driving is not possible.

Apparently, owning their own businesses with the ability to work while on the road makes their world travel possible.  And to think, one little jump start was able to get them on their way again.

Welcome to our humble abode.

Having landed in Fultondale, Alabama, we are now settled into our apartment here.  It is spacious and comfortable. With the cool temperatures lately, about the only thing missing is a fireplace to take the chill off at night and in the morning. Yes, we know. It won't be long and cool temperatures will be but a distant memory and a fireplace will be the last thing on our mind.

The countryside is very green here with lots of trees. This is the view looking out our back door.

We are getting to know the area and are finding our way around. We even discovered a local park with really nice walking and biking trails.

The trail follows a small stream which has quite a bit of water in it right now. We'll see if it's used in the summer as a place to cool off.

This will be good place to go when we need to stretch our legs.

To cap off a good week, we had the opportunity to attend this amazing event as Tuscaloosa is only an hour away.

First Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa

Notice the first two dates.

Church's New Pipe Organ

Organ Console with Dr Elliot's Music

The organ console is situated in the back of the church and most of those in attendance sat with their backs to the organist. They were able to watch him play on a big screen set up in the front, but we managed a seat right next to the console - close enough to help turn pages (not that he needed our help). We felt so fortunate to be able to witness that closely his ability on the organ. It was amazing!

This was the second week of this transfer period that our missionaries were able to attend the temple. There have been two districts in attendance each day from Tuesday to Friday which means that about two thirds of the mission have now gone. The remainder of the mission will have an opportunity to go this week. We hope to have a full report in next week's blog.