We're Here!

Dear Family,
We can't believe it's been almost a week since we arrived in Jerusalem. It has gone by so quickly! It has been an amazing week filled with hours spent with the couple we replaced - Joanie & Larry Lee from Salt Lake City. They are in their early 70's and believe me they are a remarkable couple. They have done a wonderful job here at the center and the students and staff love them....they will be a hard act to follow.
Our first responsibility was to learn about the building itself. We are the official keepers of the master key to the building ---I know, that's a scary thought considering how I was always looking for my keys! We have access to all the rooms in the building but our main area of responsibility is the apartments the students and volunteer couples live in. For the students we have linen exchange and room inspection weekly and then maintenance repair request for couples and students. We all maintain our own rooms -Shelly where are you when I need you? Yes kids, Dad is going to learn what makes a clean toilet (maybe even how to do it), soap dish, shower, wastebasket, sinks, bed...etc....you get the point?! We actually have the authority to take away free time from the students if they don't keep their rooms clean....not a bad idea parents! Then we are basically here for the students just to be their friends, unlock doors when they are locked out, etc. Now as far as Professors apts and senior couples we just place orders for repairs. We also keep an inventory of all the couples apts and get replacements of items needed as they wear out or just need to be replaced - like some of the apts need new refrigerators, dishes, etc. The building is over 20 years old and is in remarkable condition because of the care it has been given over the years. We work closely with the housekeeping staff and also the Chefs as another major responsibility is the food. We are expected to be at every meal....sitting at the first table in the cafeteria to greet the students, to check on appropriate dress and also to make sure quality and quantity of food meets the standards the Center expects for the students. We also work closely with the director of students services here to place orders for sack lunches for all the field trips for all who go - Professors, students, bus drivers, etc. Another area we are asked to help with is hosting which means - every Sunday night a wonderful concert is given at the center where artist from all over Israel come and preform for a capacity crowd.....(last week over 100 people were turned away - and a fight started out in the parking lot!) in the beautiful 300 seat auditorium which has floor to ceiling windows which over look the city of Jerusalem - just breath taking!! So we take tickets, help answer questions about the center , etc. Then on occasion we might be asked to actually give tours of the building and grounds which are offered daily here. It is amazing how many people come to the center out of curiosity because they see this beautiful building on the hill.....hummm...a light on the Hill....
Now, I haven't even mentioned about Dad's responsibility as the Doctor. That is 24/7 too and then you know that Dad was called as the Branch President and I was called as the District R.S. Pres - Dad is well acquainted with his calling but I'm not too sure what mine entails....I do know that I will visit the other 2 branches in Israel -one in Tel Aviv and the other is in Galilee to check on the Sisters there.
Have I mentioned the stairs? We are on the 3rd floor of an 8 story building. We have walked those stairs many times each day...we should beable to get into shape! We have loved getting acquainted with the senior couples. We have had several dinners with them this week, they have taken us shopping and are helping us to learn our way around Jerusalem. The last morning Larry & Joanie were here he wanted to walk to the Garden Tomb and then to the Old City. That is no small walk as Jerusalem is very hilly and it's quite warm here. We were gone for about 5 hours walking the whole time but what an experience. We first went to the Garden Tomb...what a sweet feeling was there...then on to the old City (you could spend weeks and not see it all). Well, I hope I haven't bored you all too much. I could keep writing but it's late and my brain has turned off. We miss you all so much but know this is where we are to be and that this work is important here at the JC (Jerusalem Center). We feel so blessed to be here...but we have confidence that while we are away you will be watched over.
We LOVE you all!
Dad & Mom