July 17, 2016

This shortened workweek began with rainfall and concluded with blistering heat.  There were more days of mowing than we had available, but all worked hard to accomplish all that we could.  Nearly all lawns were mowed at least once (some twice) before we left for a two-night trip to Nauvoo.  Two couples remained on the property for security purposes, and to keep the public areas clean and welcoming.

Thursday morning the balance of the missionaries travelled through the state of Missouri and arrived at Carthage, Illinois at around 11:30 a.m.  We thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and tour.  This was the third time we have had the opportunity of feeling the spirit of that special place and of rehearsing the events that occurred there.  While standing below the window through which the Prophet Joseph had fallen and upon contemplating the sealing of his testimony through the martyrdom, we thought of how the persecutors must had suspected a fatal blow had been made to the movement his calling had begun.

Top window where Joseph fell to his death

 But as during a previous visit fallen oak leaves were intermingled with acorns, suggesting that the although the parent plant had died yet the seed had been sown.  We felt our testimony of the Prophet of the Restoration strengthened and our resolve to follow those who succeeded him in presiding over the Lord’s kingdom on the Earth renewed.

A visit to Old Nauvoo is always impressive.  We joined thousands (it seemed) of others in enjoying the sights and activities of Nauvoo the Beautiful, the City of Joseph.  There were hundreds of missionaries (both the young and agile and the more mature and slower moving).  All were so busy touching other lives with their talents and testimonies.  We attended three performances that moved us to tears and lifted us in laughter and amazement.  The obvious organization needed to keep all running so smoothly was equally impressive.  

We attended both pageants provided.  They collectively taught of the restoration and populating of Nauvoo, and of the establishment of the Church in Great Briton and the immigration of thousands to America.  The message was powerfully conveyed through inspired script, stirring music and dancing.  All was done to a massive scale, by individuals and families gathered from throughout the world.

Nauvoo Pageant

We walked by the home of Joseph Smith and to the monuments marking his grave and those of his wife Emma, his brother Hyrum and his parents and other family members.  All are in a beautiful tranquil setting on the bank of the Mississippi River. 

Joseph and Emma's Home

We elected to take the southern route home, via Hannibal, Missouri.  We stopped by Mark Twain’s boyhood home and some went through the motion of whitewashing the famed wooden fence.  Names and places reminded of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer and their youthful escapades.

Steam Boat on the Mississippi

Sister Day painting the Fence

 From Then we headed northwest toward Jameson.  Adrian had mentioned an interesting stop that his family had enjoyed while here recently which we likewise viewed.  Automobiles of an earlier era were parked at a filling station, complete with the inviting sign of gas for about 15% of what we now pay. 

Day's welcoming the travelers from California

Can you believe 31.9?

Guarding the Cemetery

Taxi driver with a Skelton in front and Ma and Pa in the back seat

Gas Station Attendant

 Inside the cars (lined up for service) were mannequins that appeared so life-like.  Even behind the counter stood an attendant who was dressed the part of the station operator.  Adrian mentioned a car waiting in line for a fill-up, unaware that the scene was staged.   Unfortunately, we (too) had to pay today’s prices at another station but it was interesting to recall days and experiences familiar from years earlier. 

We were glad to be home and to have a couple of hours to prepare for Elder and Sister Christensen’s arrival.  They joined us for dinner Saturday evening.  We immensely enjoy each of their visits.  They (with some of their family members) will be here for the next few days.  And so, along with meetings with them, we will be back to the normal routine to which we have become accustomed.  We have a little catching up to do, coupled with continuing major work to repair storm damage to drainage areas.  The large equipment that we have rented for that purpose is to arrive tomorrow.   

Two additional highlights of the coming week will be visits from Brother and Sister Brook Hales (Executive Secretary to the First Presidency) and Elder and Sister Neil L. Andersen (of the Quorum of the Twelve).  We have been asked to help give them a tour of the property.

Please have a good week, and remember our love and appreciation.