November 23, 2015 - Monday in Nauvoo

Today was the first day of a change in our P-day.  They moved it to Monday, and we are making the adjustment.  We were up early for our morning devotional and prayers.  By 6:00am we were ready for our walk around the old Nauvoo city and enjoyed a beautiful almost Spring-like morning.  The moon was nearly full and made a nice light around the walking path.

It has been such a great blessing for us to have these beautiful mornings to stay in the best shape possible.  We certainly aren't able to do the workouts we did 10 years ago, but we are both very grateful that we can still do something that helps us strengthen our bodies.  It usually takes me about 30 minutes after our one hour walk to get in all the stretching, in my little routine, and the time is well spent for me.  I feel bad for those who have more limitations on what they can do with various assorted problems with knees, backs, feet and other ailments that keep them from enjoying a more physical life style.

Take a look at this precious picture;

The Missionary bulletin board as seen from the kitchen!

We drove to Sam's Club in Quincy this morning to pick up our "Christmas package".  Our precious family took this picture during our grandson Jackson's baptism, and put it on canvas and sent it to us.  What an absolute treasure!  It wasn't hard to pick the most "looked at" spot in our little cottage!  We are always checking the site assignment and the Rendezvous Play assignment sheets we post here.  There is no better place to put this precious picture and marvel at how everyone looks so good!

The moon was full tonight as we walked down to the Cultural Hall for our Rendezvous Play.  Mom and I had a few small parts tonight as we played to a packed audience.  Seems like Thanksgiving break is in full swing, and, we also noted, that all the new temple missionaries have arrived for their 6 month to 12 month missions.  

On Thanksgiving Day, and on Christmas Day, our Emma Hale cast will be performing the Rendezvous Play and both nights, mom and I have the lead parts.  So, what else would two senior missionaries do on two of the most wonderful holidays to be together with family?  We are looking forward to both of these holidays with our mission family.  The experience will be unique for us, but we will be able to share it with some of the most amazing people in the world.  

When I think of 2 Nephi 2:25, "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy," I usually have connected that to being with family.  I still do, but what is so wonderful is that we get to serve here in Nauvoo with 60 or so other couples, this winter, who are all temple recommend holders, have a desire to be together forever with their families, and have taken 12, 18 and 23 months away from their precious families to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in the Illinois, Nauvoo Mission, with us!....

Do you think we are in good hands?  I think we are!  And, as time goes by, our reunion with our family will be that much more precious and much anticipated!  We love you!  Thank you for that beautiful picture!!