First Week in Moscow

We arrived in Moscow to a heat wave. Because this is Moscow they have very little air conditioning anywhere. We are glad that our apt. has lots of cold air but we are not in it a lot. The office is air conditioned. We have been training all week and trying to learn how to shop and ride the bus and subway(metro).
On Thursday it was a record high of 103 since records have been kept. We went to the American Embassy to obtain our second passport for use when we leave the country. That was a two bus ride and two metro rides later with no air conditioning and then a 30 minute walk after that. It seems we walk, walk, and walk.
Today we went to Church for the first time. We left at 9:30 to get to our 11am Church and arrived 2 bus rides later. Again no air on the bus or at Church. We hope all you folks in happy valley appreciate your 5 minute drive in your air conditioned car to an air conditioned church building. Church was difficult, we could not understand anything that was said. From time to time the young Elders would tell what was going on.(got to love those Elders, they are our life line). We met a few of the saints and the children. They are eager to great us and try to help us feel at home, but we think it will take a few weeks, but we will settle in and adjust. A few of the Saints speak good english and were very nice to talk and visit with.
One of our trials is that they do not serve ice in any drinks. They just drink them warm. We love cold drinks so we are learning the word ice and asking for it, and then they only bring you a little and because it is so hot, it melts instantly.
We miss America and have learned more than ever to appreciate our great country.
Marcia is homesick but will get over it and Gene is enthusiastic and ready to go..
love you all....Gronnings in Moscow..Gene and Marcia