Posted by Tom Mathias on September 11, 19100 at 13:51:14:
In Reply to: Re: new mission call posted by Sean Trewartha on September 11, 19100 at 09:16:51:
Elder Perkins,
I would strike that comment about thermal underwear. I never needed any while I was there (89-91). It never gets below 0. The idea about the trenchcoat was a good one, though. I would get one with a good lining, and dark fabric. I had a light one and it looked dirty the first day I wore it.
As far a rubber overshoes, I used them in the winter both years. You will also want a warm hat and mittens (or gloves) for winter.
Expect to sweat a lot in the Summer. It doesn't get as hot as Arizona, but the humidity REALLY makes a difference (not so much for me as for AZ and UT missionaries).
Also expect to see the inside of a lot of homes where you have no success teaching. Learn how to jetison dead weight early on. There are a lot of good people in Virginia and many of them love to have you in their home, but not for the message you bring.
Finally, if you are ever in Tappahannock, Chesapeake, Richmond, or Buckingham say hi from Elder Mathias.
Tom Mathias
Minneapolis, MN
(Ok, from AZ you may want thermal underwear in the winter)