First Day in Moscow

The flights were long and we flew into morning to arrive in Moscow at 9:53 a.m. (which was 8:53 p.m.  Wednesday local time).  We got through immigration and customs with no problem and our driver was waiting for us, iPad in hand, that just read "HAMP" in big letters.  He was nice, but did not speak any English, so we didn't talk much. We are getting good use out of "speciba" (Thank you) so far. He showed us on his GPS where we were and how to get to the Kremlin and to MakDak (McDonalds).

The apartment is great and we are all moved in.  My global phone's SIM card does not work here as promised (but that is another story), so we do not have the connection we thought. We called Elder Hamp to let him know and to give him the local number for the apartment.   He told us he would call back after his lunch and meeting before he went off to the mission home for his final night.

The view from the balcony on to Trevskaya St 

Greg, Owen and I went to MakDak's and had the 'Burger a la Russ' with 'frees' and soda.  The burger was yummy: bacon cheeseburger with a savory sauce and great hearty, rustic bun. Elder Hamp then called and said that he could meet us at the apartment for a minute before he went on to the mission home.

What joy to see him!  We met him on the street in front of our apartment building.  I saw him, ran to him and hugged him, cried and laughed.  So good to put my arms around him.  He was with Elder B, his MTC companion and who he has gone with on every visa trip.  I was so excited to meet him!

Our family reunited - for the moment

Elder B, Dad and Elder Hamp

Then in a flash, they were off.

Elders B and Hamp off to the Metro and their last trip to the Mission Home

Tomorrow he comes after he goes with the mission president to take his group of missionaries, the ones he came out with, to the airport.  Then President S will bring him here to us.

Sweet dreams....going on 26 hours up (minus the 3 hrs of sleep Greg promises me I got on the plane).  Time to sleep.  Barrett will be here by noon.