The University of Florida's student newspaper, the Independent Florida
Alligator, is publishing a four-part series looking into the lives of
missionaries serving in the Gainesville area of the Florida Jacksonville Mission. Part three:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Every day at 6:30 a.m., a small, compact clock-radio breaks the stillness of Mormon missionaries James Tate and Marques Schroeder's two-bedroom apartment, announcing the arrival of a new day. Rolling out of his inflated mattress, the groggy Tate takes four to five steps toward the door to the hallway. Schroeder follows.Flipping the lights, they trudge toward the living room, which has basic furniture that clashes with the white table filled with portraits of Jesus, scripture and a cluster of hand-scribbled notes.As they mount the staircase and cautiously thump down the hallway, they briefly confer on who should take the first shower, which falls to Tate. After rinsing off the sweat and build-up from the prior day's work, he dries off and makes his way to the walk-in closet located in his room.With a slight turn to the right and a flick of the light switch, Tate's wardrobe options reveal themselves to him. The parade of white shirts and dark slacks do little for innovation but serve as a daily reminder of the simple lifestyle he must lead.