June 11, 2015 - Thursday

We have received several inches of rain over the last few days.  There has been high temperatures and lots of humidity and wearing a suit everyday is getting a little hot!  We have had a record number of visitors come to Carthage and, as I understand, in Nauvoo as well.  It has been fun to help make these guests feel the special Spirit of the Historic Carthage Jail.  

Mom and I were up early even though I did not get to bed before midnight last night.  I could not retire before I knew that Josie and Tom had arrived home safely.  I got that confirmation around 11:30pm and sleep then came pretty fast.  

We had our morning devotional and prayers together and we were ready to start the day.  We took a nice long walk this morning before the humidity built up.  Then we got ourselves ready to meet the scheduled tour group of 56 guests at the Visitor's Center for their 9:00am arrival...  They were right on time and the tour went very well.  Our next group of 55 arrived at 10:00am and that tour also went well.  By noon today we had topped over 300 guests!  The summer season is in full swing!

The Nauvoo Brass Band came this afternoon for a special tour and we were able to have them take their own tour without other groups along.  I had the privilege of taking them and I absolutely love working with the young single adults!

Then we had the Sunset play but due to a torrential downpour, we had the outdoor play indoors.  Mom and I actually liked being indoors much better because we sounded so much better in a controlled environment.  We had a great show.  Our drive into Nauvoo was under very angry skies that let loose a drenching rain.  At many points along our route, the windshield wipers could not keep up with the rain fall.  However, by the time we arrived in Nauvoo, the rain was sharply reduced and we were able to walk into the Nauvoo Visitor's Center under dry skies....

We are so grateful for the watchful eye that Heavenly Father has over us as we travel an average of around 500 miles each week in commuting back and forth from Carthage to Nauvoo.  It gives us lots of time to rehearse parts and practice songs, but it takes its toll on time, travel and expenses.  We continue to be most thankful for the privilege of being here and serving in this mission.