Free resources about the Washington Kennewick Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Video interviews with returned missionaries
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: Washington LDS Missions.
Kennewick Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Kennewick Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Washington Kennewick Mission
8202 W. Quinault Ave. #D
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone Number: 1-509-734-5443
Mission President: President Doneal L White
Washington Kennewick Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Kennewick Mission (LDS). Coming soon..
Videos with Kennewick RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Kennewick Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
Videos about Washington
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Washington. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Washington, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
Kennewick Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Kennewick Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Kennewick Mission Groups
Here are Washington Kennewick Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni who served in the Washington Kennewick Mission.
- The Washington Kennewick Mission Group (424 members)
- Kennewick Mission (President Greer) Group (134 members)
- Washington Kennewick Mission Alumni Group (83 members)
- Kennewick Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group (37 members)
- Presidents Connors, Munday and Belnap Group (7 members)
Kennewick Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Washington Kennewick Mission!
Shirt designs include Kennewick Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Kennewick missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Kennewick Mission gifts
Kennewick Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Kennewick Mission.
- 2016-2019, Doneal L. White
- 2013-2016, Boyd S. Ware
- 2010-2013, Leonard D. Greer
- 2007-2010, Paul M. Belnap
- 2007-2009, Christopher B. Munday
- 2004-2007, Roger C. Connors
- 2002-2004, Keith A. Anderson
Washington LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 282,356
- Missions: 7
- Temples: 3
- Congregations: 549
- Family History Centers: 79
Helpful Articles about Washington
Kennewick Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Kennewick RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.
When did you serve?
- 2004-2006 (Mykle)
- 2009-2011 (Rebecca)
- 2013-2015 (Craig)
- 2008-2010 (John)
- 2008-2009 (Christina)
- 2014-2015 (Diantha)
- 2014-2016 (Sadie)
- 2003-2005 (Travis)
- 2014-2015 (Jayne)
What cities/areas did you serve in?
- Richland, Kennewick, Yakima, and several in Vancouver. (Rebecca)
- Richland, Hermiston, Walla Walla, Yakima, Naches, Wenatchee, Moses Lake. (Craig)
- Yakima, Sunnyside, Pasco, Vancouver, and Toppenish. (John)
- Ellensburg, Vancouver (Clark and Mcloughlen wards) Kennewick (Edison Ward and YSA Branch), Richland, Battle Ground. (Christina)
- Naches, Wala Walla, and Pasco. (Diantha)
- Pasco, Yakima, Richland, Kennewick. (Sadie)
- Pasco. (Jayne)
What were some favorite foods?
- Apple crisp (Mykle)
- Cactus, butterflies. (Rebecca)
- Fruit- apples, cherries, watermelon. (Craig)
- Enchiladas verdes, tacos from the trucks, and carne con chile verde. (John)
- Oh! The apples! I didn’t know that I was eating sub-par apples, but I miss them every day! (Pink Ladies were my favorites.) (Christina)
- They eat normal American food’s in Washington. A few times I had this salad that had half of a pear, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, raspberries and a few other …interesting… things too. I had it in a few different areas. It tends to grow on a person. (Diantha)
- Pizza, potatoes, spudnuts, salad, apples, peaches, the home grown produce and other agricultural products. (Sadie)
- Chili Mac and marshmallow matey’s. (Travis)
- The apples in Washington are amazing! Actually all of the fresh produce is amazing and its everywhere. (Jayne)
What was a funny experience?
- An elder sprayed silly string into my hair. I continued the act by spraying some into my mtc companion’s hair. (Rebecca)
- I had a blast while on my mission. We worked hard and got a lot done, but we had fun while doing it. I laughed a lot while in Washington, but can’t think of a specific funny story. (John)
- So there was one day that we were told to stay in because of freezing rain. My companion and I were going stir-crazy, so we decided to go and scrape driveways for people. We walked over to our High Priest group leader’s home…or so we thought. We were about half way through shoveling off the walk, when this complete stranger comes out of the house and tells us he has a snow blower and we should stop…We were a little taken off guard, but we offered to continue. (Serving one and all right?) He declined and told us to remove ourselves from his property… It was the High Priest Group Leader’s next door neighbor. Awkward, but silly. (Christina)
- One day when my companion and I were tracting and not having much luck, we decided to walk past this horse that was in a person’s small front yard. We fed it some grass that was near by. Then I had a great idea to take a picture reading the Book of Mormon with him. It was a pretty great picture. I then printed the picture next preparation day and sent it to President, with the scripture Mark 16:15 “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” President liked it so much he put it on his refrigerator. I would send him a few every now and again with other animals too (pig, dog, cat, lizard…) When transfers came around a new sister said “Hey are you the sister that is on President’s fridge?” Yup! (Diantha)
- My companion and I were tracting a street and the first door we knock on the man answers and we both said “Hello!” in the same cheery high tone and he just slammed the door in our face. We weren’t even upset because it was funny how so in sync we were. (Sadie)
- The apartment we were in had brown carpets. When we moved out of our apartment, we got the carpets cleaned. …we had white carpet. (Travis)
What was a crazy experience?
- Confronting a drunk neighbor if a member. The drunk fellow’s wife was afraid, and had taken shelter in the member’s home. The member, Aaron, called us at 9:45-10 PM and asked us to help him. He knew that he could stop his friend (the neighbor), but he wanted to be able to stop him without hurting him. We got there expecting trouble, but it was calm. We talked. The neighbor calmed down, and went to bed. As I understand, they were still friends after this, but we didn’t interact with Aaron’s friend anymore. (Mykle)
- Tracking at the edge of our area in Yakima – we were halfway up a hill and a member told us we’d see a gun if we continued. (Rebecca)
- One night while in avenues of Yakima, we heard many gun shots while out walking. Later that night, we found out that some of our investigators were innocently involved. In Sunnyside, I saw a driveby shooting. Luckily, no one was shot. (John)
- As a missionary, sometimes it is easy to let your emotions about sharing the gospel with all the world lead you into some scary experiences. My companion and I met a man who, though in humble circumstances, seemed eager for us to return and share the gospel with him. We were, of course, ecstatic to have such an enthusiastic investigator. When next we took a member with us to his home, he welcomed us in with open arms. We taught him about the restoration, but immediately after we bore our testimonies, he started quizzing my companion about her marital status and what she did with her day. My companion gently explained that she was unmarried, but that she was dedicating her life to the Lord for the duration of her mission. Instantly the atmosphere changed, and he became angry and a darkness filled his face. I suddenly felt very unsafe in his home, and feared that he would do something…unseemly. My companion, our member, and I all looked at one another and fled the scene. I was very thankful that we had followed the mission rules and that we had another member with us. I think it really made the difference in keeping us safe. (Christina)
- Dogs. Little ponies. Geese. All of these animals like to bite. (Diantha)
- There were some sketchy apartment complexes in my last area and the police were always around because of drugs and other problems. And apparently one night while we had been in the area, a girl was shot and killed and we know we had to have been there because we were all the time, but we didn’t even find out until like two weeks later. The Lord really protects His missionaries. (Sadie)
- Had a guy tell me I was of the devil and put a pitchfork to my neck. Then said “I’m going to leave you alone because you have the spirit of Elijah” (Travis)
What was a spiritual experience?
- Once when I was on my mission I was very sick, I decided to go to the stake priesthood meeting anyway. While sitting on the stand, I witnessed a room full of priesthood holders and by the end of the meeting my sickness was gone for at least the rest of the day. I believe I was blessed by my obedience in going to the meeting and I believe I was blessed by simply being in the presence of so many worthy priesthood holders. (Mykle)
- We were having a Family Home Evening with a family and the Spirit was so strong. It told me that what we were teaching them was right. (Rebecca)
- Participating in an interview with a member of the mission presidency and a penitent investigator. (Craig)
- My companion and I were blessed to find Manuel Pimentel. He was completely prepared by the Lord to humbly accept the Gospel. (John)
- I had many experiences, of course, but one of my favorites was a time that I was able to witness a family receive their endowments in preparation for their sealing. Every word of the endowment stood out to me, and when we entered the Celestial room, there was such a feeling of welcome and rejoicing. It was not silent but filled with reverent but excited chatter and I thought, “This is what it will be like entering the Celestial Kingdom.” (Christina)
- One time my companion and I were walking home from an appointment and it was almost 9:00. All of a sudden out of no where come these 2 HUGE black dogs running towards us barking and growling at us. My companion was so calm and kept me in line. During this time, I said the hardest prayer (in my head) I think I have ever prayed especially in a situation like that. After I said “amen” the dogs just shut up and walked away. I knew God was watching over us. Another experience that was amazing was that of a convert. In my first area, we were looking through the Area book looking for someone to visit. We found an old media referral (when I say old I mean YEARS) and decided to contact him. Turns out the guy moved but we were able to talk to another guy and we had our first lesson with him. Since this was my first area, I was so afraid I was going to say something wrong. He pretty much knew the whole lesson even though no one had ever taught him before. He ended up being a Golden Investigator and everyone at church loved him. Over a year and a half went by from his baptism and he was able to be endowed. I was unable to make it to his endowment, but he was able to come to my wedding sealing the same day as his endowment! Every one in the temple knew about the story of his conversion and word got out that he was going to make it for the session. I was beyond happy, crying with tears to see the progress he had made. Then after not being a missionary any more, we were able to hug. The spirit was so strong and the gospel had changed his life forever. (Diantha)
- Just being led by the Lord to those whom He has prepared and who are ready to hear about the restored gospel. Time and time again, I saw how He literally guided us to those who were ready. The promptings of the Spirit are so real and following even the littlest of promptings like stopping to talk to someone or turning this way down a street or walking across the street instead of the side you’re on, bring about such incredible miracles. Talk with everyone! (Sadie)
- I think something so great about being a missionary is that spiritual experiences are everywhere. One day my companion and I were knocking doors and this man answered who said that he usually tells anyone who comes to his door that he is not interested, especially when it comes to religion. He looked at us standing on his front porch smiling and told us that he felt like he needed to listen to us because he had never seen so much light in anyones eyes. As missionaries you sometimes don’t realize how influential you can be in the lives of those around you. My companion and I didn’t feel like we were anything special but we did and still do have a deep love for our Savior and the gospel of Jesus Christ, the light of Christ becomes a part of you, sometimes without you recognizing it. (Jayne)
What are some interesting facts about the Kennewick Mission?
- Hops field are everywhere in Yakima! And there are wine fields in the tri-cities. And on the west side of the mission (by Vancouver) there’s multnomah falls. (Rebecca)
- It’s the best mission around! (John)
- It is really windy in the Tri-cities. They have the most AMAZING fruit. The soil is really good to grow there because of the volcanic ash of Mount St. Helen. Also the Tri Cities has a large LDS population but yet there is still a lot of missionary opportunities around. (Diantha)
- It was recently split to the Washington Yakima Mission and the Washington Kennewick Mission. Most of the mission is in Oregon. The work is hastening!!! Lots of agriculture. Hanford, the nuclear company that made the bomb that fell on Hiroshima, is just outside of Richland. The Washington Kennewick Mission is so awesome!!! (Sadie)
- Kennewick is part of the tri-cities area, including Pasco, Kennewick and Richland. Although it may sound like the cities are big and fancy, they aren’t all that big and fancy. There are a ton of orchards and a lot of farmland and its not as wet as most people think when thinking about Washington. (Jayne)
What was the weather like?
- Most people think of Washington as being very wet and rainy, but three quarters of the state is a desert, and that’s where Kennewick is. I served 9 months in Pasco, next to Kennewick, and those summers were hot and dry. (Mykle)
- On the east side, just like Utah. Dry and hot. On the west side, you never saw the sun for all the clouds. (Rebecca)
- Hardly rains at all. Mild snow in the winter. (Craig)
- Weather was great. I’m from Utah and it was very similar to home, most of the time. Summers are hot, but great for working the streets. (John)
- It depends on the side of the state, of course. When I stepped off the airplane in Pasco I thought, “Wow, this is exactly like Utah.” It’s VERY windy there though. The most wind I’ve ever felt. There was a sister that had her skirt caught by the wind and was lifted off of her bicycle and deposited in the road side ditch. So I recommend skirts that are stout enough to not blow over your head on the east side of the state. Winter is icy and snowy. The members in Kennewick bought us boots because we were out there tracting in ballet flats. Poor choice for us. Slippery shoes will not do, you will spend more time on the ground than walking. Summer gets in the low 100’s so have some lighter options as well. The West side of the state is, guess what, rainy. An umbrella is a must… well actually, we just got accustomed to being a little bit damp all the time, so umbrella at your discretion. The humidity is slight, but it is there. It can be quite hot and then quite cold. I was only there in the summer though, so I can’t tell you what winter is like. (Christina)
- It is dry, hot, cold, windy, does high elevation count? (Diantha)
- Very windy, not much snow in the winters but still cold, very hot in the summers. Mild humidity because of agriculture. (Sadie)
- Rainy in the winter hot in the summer. (Travis)
- The weather is hot and dry in the summer and cold in the winter. (Jayne)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- It honestly felt a lot like home in weather and landscape, which was nice because it was familiar. I don’t have any particular affection for a particular group of people there– individuals yes, but nothing that is a clearly defined group in my head. (Mykle)
- How much they love the missionaries. They go out of their way for you. (Rebecca)
- The people there are amazing. They are very humble and God-fearing. Many of my closest friends were made and still live in Washington. (John)
- It was a pretty familiar culture to me, so I got along really well with the people particularly in the east of the state. And The Dalls and west are so lush and beautiful. I LOVE rain, I LOVE waterfalls, I LOVE Washington. (Christina)
- I love how much the members love missionaries. They will help you and even give you fruit during harvest season. (Diantha)
- Such kind people! There are so many who are ready and who are being prepared! The Lord will lead you right to them! I miss Washington so much. It is such a beautiful place and there are incredible people there. Lots of members! It’s almost like a mini Utah with how many members there are. It’s so awesome! (Sadie)
- I love Washington so much. I love that the people are open and friendly. I served Spanish speaking so I was able to interact with a whole other culture and the people were so warm and inviting. They treated us like family and for the most part were open to hearing about Christ. The Kennewick area is full of people of all different varieties. I met people from all over the world. Heavenly Father truly places people in specific areas for a reason. As you serve the people in your mission you will come to recognize and feel that you have a connection with them, that Heavenly Father needs you there. As I came to love those I served, my love for Christ grew as well! (Jayne)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- The winters are bitter cold, but dry. I would say that 3/4 length under shirts and underwear are great in winter. (Mykle)
- Waterproof bag, if you can find one. Galoshes. (Rebecca)
- See above in the weather… be ready for anything. The nice thing is that it’s still state side, so there’s always a Wal-mart or Safeway close so you can get things if you need them, though with the tight missionary budget, packages from home are great. Also about halfway through my mission, I had my mom send me some new clothes and shoes. Mine were pretty hammered. Things I loved list: My split slips, they saved much chaffing. My colored pencils. Knee highs instead of nylons. My winter boots. Shoes with arch support. No-show socks because your shoes WILL stink. (but you don’t have to look like a dork with ballet flats) I had my mom send me my seminary scriptures about 4 months in, I was glad I had a fresh set because it was important for me to learn on my own with my new scriptures, but when teaching people about the scriptures I needed all the support I could get. STICKERS…it was fun for me to decorate envelopes for my friends I wasn’t e-mailing. It just added a little personality. (This will probably be a mission culture thing and you’ll go to the LDS store and grab them on Preparation day, so don’t pack them) STICKY NOTES of various shapes and colors. We leave and endless supply of notes on people’s doors. (Probably also a culture thing.) (Christina)
- Sisters- find pencil skirts so they don’t blow up in the wind. Umbrellas can be used for more than just rain, it can be for snow too. A first aid kit is nice to have in the car just in case you get bit by a dog… it’s not common but you never know when it will come in handy. (Diantha)
- An umbrella isn’t really necessary. I only used mine once. It hardly rains. And lots of umbrellas get left in apartments. Fleece-lined tights and awesome boots for the winter so you don’t get cold, especially if you’re walking. (Sadie)
- If you are a sister, fleece lined tights will be your best friend in the winter. In most areas you have a Wal-mart so you don’t need to worry if you forget something because you can easily get most things. (Jayne)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- I learned the value and power of avoiding debate and using common ground to build connections with people. I was blessed with an understanding that bearing testimony is a powerful agent of change. I learned how much I must rely on the Lord to be consistent at so many things. (Mykle)
- Too many to count. (Rebecca)
- Everything good that is in my life (wife, daughter, education, job, vehicles, everything) has been a result of serving a mission. (John)
- The biggest blessing I received was a sure knowledge and relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. No, No. I’m concerned you didn’t understand me. My testimony of Jesus Christ and of the Restoration of His Gospel upon the earth to the Prophet Joseph Smith are the most impactful, meaningful, and life changing things that have EVER happened to me. My whole life and perspective have changed from going on a mission. I was on spiritual warp speed. My life would not and could not be the same without it. (Christina)
- Too many blessings to count. While I was on my mission, my sister was on hers and my brother left for his. There would have been no way for my parents to have 3 missionaries out but some how it all worked. (Diantha)
- Too many to count. I know my family was blessed so much and I continue to see how I’ve grown from serving the Lord and what gifts He has blessed me with. My mission has given me tools that I need now that I’m home. Talking to people and being more outgoing and pushing myself are definitely a few. (Sadie)
- I met my wife. Always marry a returned missionary. (Travis)
- This is probably one of my most favorite questions. The blessings of serving a mission are found in everything that I do. My mission opened my eyes to Christ and His influence and Atonement. The scriptures come alive for me as I study them. The sabbath is a delight. I am more aware of those around me. One of the biggest blessings is realizing that there is no way I can do anything without Christ, relying on him helps when school, work or the daily trials become too much. (Jayne)
What are some skills you gained?
- Talking to anyone about anything. Bringing up difficult subjects. (Mykle)
- Spanish, planning, hard work, communication with others, leadership, and teaching. (John)
- Aside from the testimony I gained, I learned how to listen. I learned to listen to my Heavenly Father and I learned to listen to other people. I was an interrupter, but now I’ve learned to be still and hear what others have to say. I also learned how to be tolerant. Never have I ever been told so often that I was wrong, and known so perfectly that I was right. Arguing doesn’t matter, and there comes a point when you have to say. Well I know it’s true, and I respect your opinion that it’s not. I learned to be exactly obedient. There are rules for a reason and you are blessed for keeping the rules. As it says in the Word of Wisdom, there is never a commandment that is merely temporal, all things are spiritual. (Christina)
- A member once told me when she was on her mission her and her companion would always say “If you act enthusiastic, you’ll be enthusiastic!” and boy did she say it with enthusiasm. (Diantha)
- Better at being able to strike up a conversation with anyone, serving more readily, pushing myself, being more patient and loving, understanding the gospel better. (Sadie)
- Dealing with hostile folks. (Travis)
- The mission helped so much with study habits and talking with people. (Jayne)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- How to avoid debates, and understanding that Socratic method doesn’t lead people to the Gospel in 99% of cases. (Mykle)
- God makes us for all of our shortcomings if we will just try. (John)
- I wish I had had more scriptures and references memorized. You have to have something in your head for the Spirit to work with. You’ll thank me later. I was super glad that I had the first vision memorized. I used it almost daily. I wish that I had been more brave and bold. Seriously, people saying no or being angry with you is no big deal. You just have to brush it off and move on to the next person. Social discomfort has no place on a mission. Yes, be sensitive to others feelings, and promptings, but focus on what others need not what makes you uncomfortable. I was in pretty good shape when I got to the mission, but I had really bad leg cramps from walking all day… it was just a different muscle group than I was used to using. walk as much as you can and stretch stretch stretch. In other news, I love icy hot. (Christina)
- Relax. One day you will master all the lessons, but also know to follow the Spirit. Always wear a smile on your face. (Diantha)
- Not be so hard on myself. Apply the Atonement more and just know that the Savior is always there and loves me and trust that everything will all work out. (Sadie)
- Don’t have a girlfriend when you leave. (Travis)
- At the beginning of my mission I wish I would have first of all not worried so much about learning Spanish. I focused so much on that trial that I stressed myself out and didn’t enjoy every moment I could have. The mission is a joyful thing, it is so hard don’t get me wrong but more than anything it should fill your whole soul with joy. (Jayne)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries called to Kennewick?
- Learn that bearing your testimony can’t be fake– you must avoid bearing witness of things in ways that are emotionally dishonest, and that it is most powerful when you reveal your insecurities (but don’t confuse that with discussing your past sins). Preaching the Gospel is not like selling a product.
- Enjoy every moment. It will be difficult and seem like it’s going to last forever, but it goes so fast and is some of the best years of life. (John)
- When I was first called I thought, “Kenne-where?” I was disappointed to not be going somewhere more exotic. In fact, my brother made a comment to me about how close it was in a mocking tone, but do you know what? It was the best place for me to be. One of my Assistants to President once asked me, “How much of the mission would you say is for the missionary?” At this point, I knew I was getting more out of the mission than anyone else, so I said, “80%”. He said, “100%. The Lord could do this on his own. He allows us to be a part of this work in this area.” Just know that you have been sent to your mission not arbitrarily but because the Lord knows you, he knows the people, and he wants you all back. This is part of his plan. This is the best way for you to learn the things you need to know to return to live with Him. Just listen to what he wants you to do. (Christina)
- Don’t forget the Atonement. Rely on it as much as you can. Always keep a prayer in your heart. (Diantha)
- You are going to love this mission so much!!! You will be so blessed and see such incredible miracles as you allow the Lord to guide you. This is truly His great and marvelous work and nothing like you’ve ever experienced before. Serving a mission is one of the greatest choices you will ever make! Enjoy every minute and remember all the tender mercies of the Lord and how He is guiding you to those who are ready. :). (Sadie)
- Going on a mission is the best decision that you could ever make. It was for me. I don’t know that I really understood the gospel before I left on my mission, I knew what it was, I had a testimony of it, I loved it, but it wasn’t as real for me as it is now after serving a mission. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I can honestly say that I loved every day of my mission; not because of anything I did or was doing, but because every day we saw Christ working miracles in the lives of those we were serving. It is an amazing thing when your eyes are opened to the light of Christ and you can see it everywhere. My best advice would be to allow Christ to be the reason, He has to be the reason. (Jayne)
What was a funny language mistake?
- I was English speaking but in Washington they do have a few words that are a hoot! For example they say “a couple three”…they will say this when referring to anything like “oh he just lives a couple three houses down the road.” Does that mean three houses or six…? still don’t know to this day. Also some people do say Wa’R’shington. Where the R comes from no one knows. (Diantha)
- One time we were teaching a lady named Blanca and I kept calling her Blanco (white) over and over again in the lesson and her and my companion were laughing their heads off. (Jayne)
Dallin (Washington Kennewick Mission)
–Paraphrased from Dallin’s mission interview–
Mission Info
I don’t know a ton about the Church history. There is a small town that was part of my huge first area. I think an LDS member came up and settled the town. His name was Moroni or Helaman or something. We found his grave site. The boundaries went to the tricities. We went up to Ellensburg. It was down to Pendleton, so there was a large chunk that went down into Oregon. We continued on the Washington side up to Longview. Since then, they have split essentially that whole area in half. The Vancouver, Washington mission took some of our areas. The Kennewick mission took in part of the Spokane mission. In Tricities there is a temple. There isn’t one within the boundaries at least with the new boundaries. Our mission president let us go to the Portland temple, which was nice. I think we went every other transfer. On the east side, it’s really well known. The high school has a seminary building. I think it was about 10 percent LDS in the Tricities area. On the west side, it wasn’t nearly as much. I don’t know what the weekly attendance in the wards was. There area I served in had a lot of people in the backwoods who had to come long distances to get to church. People know about the church. There are some who are antagonistic. Not everyone really understands us though. There is one ward in Stevenson, Washington.
Richland, WA
I lived in a downtown area. It was only about two square miles. We walked a lot. We later got a car though. There isn’t a whole lot of crime. Stay with your companion though. It’s pretty dry. It’s a lot like Utah. It was kind of more arid. The winters there don’t get a whole lot of snow though. It does get hotter in the summertime. Compared to Utah, the cold was no big deal. Not a lot of precipitation. I was in the downtown area, and the part I was in was really right next to the Columbia river. There is a trail along the river which is really nice. The people there are a lot more conservative. There were a lot of Mitt Romney supporters while the election was going on. There is a nuclear power plant and nuclear research place there. That’s where the Manhattan Project originated. The government built a lot of cookie cutter houses around there. If you didn’t know the streets very well, you would get lost pretty easily because the houses all looked so similar. That whole area had a lot of scientists and engineers.