October 15, 2015 - Thursday in Nauvoo

It was about this time in October, 2014, when Helen and I read this from President Hinckley's book, "Stand a Little Taller".  We were really struggling with justifying that we could financially afford to serve a full time mission.  We had not yet submitted our wills to Heavenly Father's will, so you may understand the struggle we were facing!

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things'

Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy

God in righteousness, even that of a 

broken heart and a contrite spirit".

- Doctrine and Covenants 59:7-8

President Hinckley elaborated; "Before you make a decision against a mission, count your blessings, my dear friend.  Think of all the great and marvelous blessings you have.  Are they not all gifts from a generous Heavenly Father?  Out of a spirit of appreciation and gratitude, and a sense of duty, you ought to make whatever adjustment is necessary to give a little of your time, consecrating your strength, your means, your talents to the work of sharing with others the gospel, which is the source of so much of the good you have".

Right there is the reason we pressed forward.  And, because of the love and support, and encouragement, and support, (did I mention support), of our entire family and many friends, and the hard work of those running the deli, and shopping at the deli, we are here a year later full of gratitude for the privilege we have of being in Nauvoo serving this mission.  {especially after hearing that Laoag is in line for a hit from the typhoon and up to 50 inches of rain}....So, THANK YOU!

My day started real early at 6:00am this morning.  I helped prepare breakfast for our facilities management group of about 40 people.  There are about 6 or 7 full time paid employees and the rest full time missionaries who serve in the FM department.  They work hard to keep the facilities in the best shape possible and this was a good way for me to help thank them for their service.

Then, I had a meeting at 8:00am with our Public Relations committee concerning the missionary Thanksgiving dinner that mom and I are in charge of.  We laid out the plans to reach out to the Bishops and Branch Presidents in the Nauvoo Stake to help them in their missionary work.  The purpose of the dinner is to have each ward or branch identify less active families, new convert families, and families investigating the Church. And, under the direction of the local leaders, have the ecclesiastical units bring them to Nauvoo and enjoy a day of wagon rides, Nauvoo movies and site visits along with a full Thanksgiving dinner.  The Public Relations members will work with the wards and branches and come up with a list of people who commit to attend by November 7th.  The activity will then take place November 21st.  Here we go!

Our site assignment today was at the Visitors Center.  We had the 1:00pm to 6:00pm shift.  We were also asked to be the site leaders today by the presidency.  The current site leaders have been in this position for most of their mission.  They leave in December and wanted to get out into other sites before they leave.  

We are meeting so many people from all over the world while we serve here.  Mom and I marvel at all the wonderful people we meet at these different sites both members and non members alike.  Such precious people searching for more truth and good in their lives!

And, of course, our morning walk was short because of the meetings this morning, but how about these pictures?

The tree across the street from our apartment

Amazing clouds this morning over the temple

And more amazing clouds!

We have had a great day, but what a long day!  I think I might join my in going to bed early tonight!  Thank you for checking in with us tonight and for your part in making our mission possible!