He who Writes by the Moon (moonlit_shadows) wrote, @ 2003-07-17 15:15:00

MwM Pt 3 1st Draft
Wednesday morning came way too fast. I reported to the Missionary Training Center at 2 p.m. Honestly I do not remember much from that day. I woke up fairly late, and then went over to the chapel where the stake president set me apart and off I went to the MTC with my parents and siblings. Connor was waiting for me at the door. He worked in the MTC, he had no problem getting in. And by him were standing my grandparents. They were the last people I expected to show up at the MTC! I kissed Oma and Opa, we sat down and someone was speaking and then a segment from the ever so cheesy missionary video "Called to Serve" was shown. I remember sitting in awe, eyes fixed on the screen and the words "this is not like a real mission" were echoing in my brain. It couldn't be real. I was a full-time missionary now. I was no longer known as Ezra. Soon I'd get my name tag. Soon I'd have a companion. Soon my family will be gone. Soon I will be serving.

The time to say good bye came all too soon. Families left one way, missionaries the other. My bright orange dork dot, that I received upon arrival was telling everyone I was new. The "old" missionaries were helpful and smiling and I looked up at them in awe-second time feeling that way in less than 40 minutes-but then my reason took over. After all some of them had been there only a week. They knew more than I did but yet they knew nothing compared to those out on the field. My feeling of inferiority soon passed as I went through immunization checks, received my missionary bag, my nametag, a key to my room and an orientation lecture. There was a little card with my companion's name and room number as well as branch and district information. So 12-M, room 206, companion is Elder Fielding, Brigham Joseph. District 33 B. "Ah, neat, pioneer stock!" I thought.
It was not hard to find my building. Two elders and a threesome of sister missionaries helped me with my luggage. We dragged everything up to the second floor, I thanked them and off they went. It was easy to find my room-6 names were on the door written across small maps of the missions we were going to. I was relieved to see that Fielding was going to Anaheim as well. Our three roommates were going to California as well-California Carlsbad. As I entered the room I realized that my roommates were not there yet. I actually realized that my mission was starting…. Without a companion. I suddenly felt very lonely.

thursday_next 2003-07-17 15:14 (link)

"Oma and Opa" - this is perfectly understandable from the context, but I'm just wondering out of curiosity if it is a specifically Mormon thing or just regional American. I'm definitely enjoying this, and am keen to know what happens to Ezra. It does seem strange, though, that his girlfriend never seems to cross his mind at this critical point in his life. He is obviously very close to his family, but you'd think she'd come into the equation too somewhere! If this is not an oversight - and I suspect it may not be - then you may need to be just a hint less subtle about it and put in some reference to her from one of the other characters. Ezra's reaction at that point would be very telling. (Reply to this) (Thread)

ceadsearc 2003-07-18 07:20 (link)

Oma and Opa will be explained soon. It isn't Mormon, it is German. I have purposefully not given Ezra's full name yet as his heritage will play an important part in the unfolding of the events. The girlfriend issue will come up soon, as well. But thanks for reminding me, because I was going to talk about that much later. I guess I can just have the conversation go that direction.... (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: thursday_next 2003-07-18 07:24 (link)
	Ah, interesting! In that case I shall just sit and wait to see what happens next. :-) (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	incredulous 2003-07-18 15:26 (link)
	i am curious. Oma and opa is the equivalent to grandma and grandpa. correct? where do these terms originate? ireland? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: moonlit_shadows 2003-07-19 07:17 (link)
	Hmm.... German? Yiddish? Dutch? Once I get around posting the next part of the story it will be explained. :-) (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	thespian15 2003-07-22 02:39 (link)
	You are a great story teller, Derek. I look forward, as always, to the next chapter. (Reply to this) (Thread)