February 29, 2016 - Monday and Leap Year in Nauvoo

We have enjoyed another P-day here in Nauvoo.  The morning air was so clean and fresh as we took our walk after our morning devotional and prayers.  The temperatures reached into the mid 60's this afternoon!    Spring weather became very promising today!  However, snow is in the forecast for Wednesday!  Go figure...

Mom became very excited, today, when she found the perfect baby blanket material.  There is a fabric store in Keokuk that she has been wanting to check out for some time now.  They are usually closed on Mondays, our P-day, but they were opened today for a special sale.  She not only found her perfect material, but she got it on sale!  Here are the pictures I took this afternoon after we go back home;

The beginning of Levi's blanket!

The beginning of Faith's blanket!

The beginning of Macie's blanket!

Notice that smile?  Yes, she is ready to go to work and make these special blankets for her last three grandchildren.  By the way, we are anxious to meet them!!  Mom and I both had the opportunity to invite the store owner and one of her associates to come to Nauvoo.  Hopefully they will take us up on the offer!

I finished up making the knitted hats for all the grandchildren and had this yarn left over.  I did not want to throw it away so I had to come up with something pretty creative and extremely rare!  Take a look at my raw materials and then read on to find out what I am about to make;

What to do with extra yarn?

This will be the most unique and rare hat in the world.  No one has ever seen this remarkable collection of yarn that will be assembled by a master hatter craftsman....(me)... this is the very beginning of something bigger than life...  Grandpa is going to knit the first ever, "John Hinkle", hat!!  There has never been another one ever created by mankind, (and probably never even considered!), so keep checking this blog for the finished product!

And then we closed out our day with our first Sunset practice.  That's right, it is time to begin the rehearsals for that outdoor play that the senior missionaries perform in with the Young Performing Missionaries.  The Sunset directors are really focused in on this production and we are excited to see it come together.  It should be even better than last year!

February 28, 2016 - Sunday in Nauvoo

Today was my half birthday!  How fun is that?  We woke up to some heavy winds, but the temperatures were holding in the high 40's.  However, we decided not to walk to the Church today because of the windy conditions.  

We had a busy Sabbath Day that began with our morning devotional and our prayers.  We are reading the Book of Mormon together each morning and discussing some insights as we read.  This is probably one of the most enjoyable activities that we participate in, together, each morning.  Mom has some wonderful insights as she studies and reads, and I am grateful to have her share these with me, and I enjoy sharing mine with her.

Our meetings for Sunday begin in the Stake Center, and mom and I like to arrive early and enjoy the prelude music.  It brings back wonderful memories of listening to Brother Kenny and his music!  Today was the Fast and Testimony meeting, and those missionaries who were attending their last Fast meeting were invited to share their testimonies.  

As the speakers were sharing their testimonies, one sister gave this thought; "instead of crying because it is over, (this could be the ending of any wonderful event we have had), rejoice because you have had the experience"!  That is such a great way to look at life's tender mercies!

After our meetings, mom and I went home to break our fast.  We then drove to the Ramsey's home for lunch.  We had a wonderful dinner of roast and potatoes and salad.  I wanted to keep eating!  However, I weighed in this morning, dressed in my suit, to the lowest weight I have been at over the last 15 years.  I have just 10 more pounds to go and I will be right where I want to be!

Also, today, we attended a baptism of a man in the Keokuk Branch.  We met him and his wife a few months ago in one of the gift stores in Nauvoo.  We shared some things with them about the Church, after finding out that the wife was a member, but her husband, Bill, was not.  She said that she didn't want to go back to Church until he was ready to be baptized.  They had been married over 25 years during this "waiting" time!  

We invited them to the Visitors Center to learn more about the Plan of Salvation.  It was suggested that they come on our next day of serving there.  Well, they could not wait, and we are not sure what we said that motivated them to go right down to the Visitors Center......except the prompting of the Spirit!  We did not see them again for two months.  Then, when I went to Rendezvous last Monday, they were there and his wife, Jane, remembered me and let me know he was getting baptized.  

She invited mom and I to come to this wonderful event today at 1:00pm.  When we got there, we saw no less than 12 other senior missionaries, and several young missionaries, along with a loving branch of members, there to support him.  Talk about the Gospel in action!!  There were so many contact folks there to help Bill along the path to the tree of Life, and, ultimately, to partake of that sweet fruit of baptism!

Bill on the left and a faithful Branch member on the right!

This was a wonderful part of our day!  Bill looked so much better today, as he took that first step into the waters of baptism, and beginning his journey in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He will have a great support team from this branch!

Mom and I concluded our day at Zone Conference.  It started at 7:00pm tonight with the slide show production.  This night marks the end of the Heslop's as the photographers, and marks the beginning of our time in this responsibility.   This should be an interesting experience..... They had done an amazing job!

In addition to the slide show, the conference was on teaching the Gospel.  Mom had a small part in the presentation by sharing part of her experiences while investigating the Church.  She shared a marvelous testimony while sharing some insights to her conversion.  I think it is important for people who have grown up in the Church, and with multiple generations of members, to see and hear about how adult converts view the religious teachings in the world today.  There is a lot of confusion in the world, and knowing how people came to the truth of the Gospel, can really help us in our missionary efforts.

February 27, 2016 - Saturday in Nauvoo

How does temperatures in the mid 60's sound?  Unbelievable, but we had a gorgeous day today.  As we left the house for our morning walk, we had high 20's and absolutely no wind.  By the end of the afternoon, it was in the mid 60's, and that gave us a chance to take another short walk.  Since it is Fast Sunday tomorrow, due to the Nauvoo Stake Conference next weekend, we shortened our afternoon walk.  

We were scheduled in the Visitors Center for the early shift today.  We drove to the assignment so that we could take advantage of getting to the temple for the 2:00pm temple session.  We had around 40 guests come in this morning at the Visitors Center.  With the beautiful day, we had some families come out to the Historic Nauvoo sites and we were excited!  The first two wagon rides were nearly full!  There were several non members in the different groups, so we were grateful for their efforts to be there as well.

Grand-children's finished bricks!

The bricks just got finished in the fire process yesterday!

After our temple session we walked over to the Brick-yard.  We were hoping the bricks, for the grand children, were able to make the last firing process, and they did!  They turned out really good.  Everyone has their own brick because their names are on them!!   Yea!

And a little information about our temple session.  On the fourth Saturday, the Nauvoo Temple has a Spanish session at 2:00pm.  So mom and I attended the Spanish session, with about 20 sisters and 5 brothers.  Three of the five brothers wore headsets, to hear the session in English, and maybe six or seven sisters had the head sets as well.  What an interesting session!  We probably won't do that again but it was such a unique experiences for sure!

February 26, 2016 - Friday in Nauvoo

Working in the sites, and particularly at the Riser Boot Shop in the slow months, makes for a very long day!  We had no visitors there during the 7 hour shift.  I took a few walks around the area even though the temperature was in the brisk high 30's!  I served with Elder Davenport and mom was over at the Tin Shop for the same shift.  However, she got one tour today.  Bring on the summer crowds!

Mom and I had mixed feelings about leaving the Visitors Center responsibilities.  Mom was elated and all I could think about was the longer hours at the different sites.  Here is a telling picture or two;

I'm handing off the keys to the Ramsey's

The Ramsey's are trying to give the keys back to mom!

We had a great opportunity to serve in both Visitors Centers as the site leaders over the last year.  Now, the time has come for us to learn some new things.  Mom will begin serving next week as a wagon narrator.  She was initially told she would not start for several weeks, but, surprise!  She was on the schedule for next week.  She is looking forward to the new experience there, and with the photography assignment.

I will be back in the different sites four days each week.  That will be interesting.  My only responsibility will be shared with mom and the photography.  We are still waiting for the training to begin.  It was definitely not scheduled for next week for us to begin the transition.  

From my site assignment at the Riser Boot Shop, I did a little exploring around the building.  It got so boring inside that I went out to see if I could flag someone down to take a tour!  Not finding any cars driving by I spied a great tree fort tree!   Take a look;

Possible tree fort opportunity?

The trees here in Nauvoo are very similar to the trees in Carthage.  They draw water from a very high water table.  That means that since they have such a ready supply of water, they soak it up quickly.  This leads to faster growth, but with some problems.  You see, the trees can drink as much water as they want at any time.  That means they don't grow slow enough to take in other nutrients.  The slower growth, combined with plenty of water and nutrients would lead to a more solid fiber growth in the tree.

Taking in too much of one good thing in your life does not give you the balance you need.  These trees grow so fast that they are hollow inside.  The trees probably have an 8" to 12" diameter hollow core.  The trees, then, are very week, and cannot hold the same amount of weight, or opposition, that  a tree could get where the struggle to get water is greater, (like Wisconsin, where the Saints had to go for their lumber needs).  

For us, that means that we can also take in too much of any one thing, and neglect the balance needed to grow strong, Spiritually.  Too much Scripture reading, or too much temple attendance, or too much pondering and praying, all at the expense of not developing a balance in our lives, will limit us in gaining our full potential.  

Scripture reading needs to be coupled with Scripture study, pondering and application.  Temple attendance needs to be coupled with family history work and developing extended family relationships to gather this valuable information.  And pondering and praying without action in getting up and doing the Lord's work, will leave us missing some wonderful service opportunities.

It is all about balance in our lives.  That is what mom and I now have ahead of us as we begin the last eight months of our mission here in Nauvoo.  We have learned so much and we are grateful for those experiences we have shared together!  Serving in the Carthage Visitors Center, and then in the Nauvoo Visitors Center, and now in the sites, and the photography area, will surely round out this wonderful mission opportunity.

February 25, 2016 - Thursday in Nauvoo

We had a cold and windy start to our morning walk this morning!  After our morning devotional and prayers, we hit the trail at 6:00am and bundled up nice and warm and cozy for our walk.  The air was fresh and crisp and we enjoyed the time together.

After breakfast we drove to the Visitors Center for our early shift.  We worked from 8:45am until 1:00pm.  I was able to make a reservation at the Nauvoo Temple for our precious family visit here in March.  Our oldest grandchild, Cambry, is eligible  to enter the temple for baptisms, and she and her dad and mom will be in for a very special experience! 

There were three visitors this morning and they ended up coming to the Rendezvous Play tonight.  Mom and I enjoyed a quiet afternoon at home as we napped and then prepared for our play tonight.  

My performance was a little rough tonight!  We drove down to the Cultural Hall to help a couple in their debut tonight.  That, ultimately, affected my focus on the Editors part.  I completely blanked out at two intervals.  Even after going over my entire part twice today!  Here are some shots of me helping this couple;

George and Agatha scene

Sister Saline (Agatha) is the play director..

This is their debut tonight...

After my helpful suggestions and this rehearsal time, I've decided I need to focus on my own part!  The audience had about 50 in attendance with only 3 of them not Nauvoo Missionaries.  Elder Hansen was sitting on the second row and helped me both times get back on track!  It was a humbling two moments!

Our moving day has been moved back a week.  It looks like we will be changing houses on March 7th.  There has been a full remodel on this house we are moving in to, and the house sounds like it will be really nice when they get it all completed.  We would rather wait the extra time and make sure we have everything in place for our relocation.

February 24, 2016 - Wednesday in Nauvoo

Mom and I were released as the site leaders for the Visitors Center at the training meeting this morning.  No one was called to take our place, which was a little strange, but we were then called as the assistant mission photographers.  Needless to say, mom was so excited to be released from the Visitors Center.  I liked working there, and keeping the calendar, but learning the photography end of the mission should be interesting.  

The new mission president wants to simplify the monthly DVD production, that is called "The Pickle Barrel",  by shortening the 30 minute production, and using only birthday, new arrival and departure photos and photos of specific mission sponsored events.  After talking with the outgoing photographers, they indicated that there will be many who will complain if they don't see their picture every month in this video production.  Some feel it is a historical keepsake, but they may now be in for a rude awakening!  Fun times ahead!  My comment to those suffering from non monthly appearances in the Pickle Barrel?..... Talk to the presidency!

We got to the training meeting at the Visitors Center when I got a call from the schedulers.  They wanted to change my assignment from a 9:45am to 5:00pm assignment at the Tin Shop, to a 9:00am to 1:00pm assignment at the Visitors Center due to an illness....  Who am I so say no to that change??  I did have to go back home and change into my suit.  However, since we walked over this morning, the mission president handed me the keys to his car to go home and change rather than have to walk back.  Thus opened this very special picture opportunity;

Happy boy driving the Presidents car AND parking in the Presidents' spot!

Hey, how many times can this happen?  Little Bobby driving the executive car and pulling up into the executive parking space!  That sign right behind this handsome guy in this photo says, "Mission President Parking Only".  Kind of reminds me about that very special day that I was given Marty's Lexus, and Rick Drilings Blackberry cell phone.  Ahhhh memories!

Mom was serving at the Lyon Drug Store for the 9:45am to 5:00pm shift, so I came home and tried to get most of our chores done before she got off.  I was home by 1:30pm and that gave me the time I needed.  When she got home we were able to get ready quickly, and went to the 6:00pm temple session.  Guess who served as the witness couple, again?  We sure enjoy our temple sessions and serving here in the mission.  Now we will turn the page for some more interesting assignments and experiences.  Hold on tight for some great posts in the coming days and weeks!!

I got to see photos from the 1880's of Nauvoo.  B H Roberts,  Church Historian, took the pictures.  What was interesting to me was the building that housed the Nauvoo Expositor that Joseph's antagonists used to force him to Carthage and his ultimate murder.  I've been wondering where that building was located, and we found out, today, that it was up on the bluffs in Nauvoo, and not down in the flats.  When you come to Nauvoo this summer, we will certainly go by this area of town, even though the building is now long gone.  We have a good idea of the location!  This history is still so very fascinating to me!

February 23, 2016 - Tuesday in Nauvoo

The Rendezvous Play will be held every night this week so that the cast members will get some practice during these slow weeks.  That was the decision made yesterday, and communicated today.  I wanted to go tonight with mom, but mom was tired, so I hesitantly,went by myself.  The Hansen's, who worked with us in Carthage, had a debut tonight and I wanted to support them.  The play had about 60 missionaries there, and maybe 10 visitors from the surrounding communities.

Sister Hansen is setting the record straight!

Elder Hansen is trying to make his case

The emotion that the Hansen's put into this Vignette of "Thomas and Elizabeth", was so refreshing.  They played this part completely different than what I have seen before.  There are some couples that play this Vignette very well, and the Hansen's definitely fall into that category!

I am so glad that I went.  About a month ago, mom and I were in one of the stores here in Nauvoo when we met a part member family.  We had our name badges on as we walked into the store.  The sales lady was trying to tell them about the Mormon's, and it was pretty obvious that she was not one herself.  So when we walked in, she said, "well, these people can tell you about the Mormon Church".  How fun was that?  

We discovered that the husband was not a member and his wife was a very less active member who did not want to go to Church without him.  She had been waiting to go back to Church for over 20 years.  He asked us some questions about the Church and the Temple that we were happy to answer.  We then invited them to come to the Visitors Center the next day to see some films and learn more about the Restored Gospel.  We felt pretty good about the invitation and looked forward to seeing them the next day.

Well, he did not want to wait until the next day, and he and his wife went directly to the Visitors Center, and watched some films, and talked to the missionaries on duty.  They agreed to take the missionary discussions and he is going to be baptized this Sunday in the Keokuk Branch.  They had been looking for us to invite us to the baptism, but they did not know where to find us....  Was it just a nice coincidence that they were there at the play tonight???  And I went without mom???  I was not too excited to go without her, but I am so glad that I did....  We will attend Bill's baptism this Sunday!

Our morning started off earlier than usual.  I went to bed earlier last night, so I was up and going at 5:00am.  We were out the door, after our morning devotional and prayers, and on our morning walk by 5:40am.  It was a little cooler with temperatures in the high 20's, but there was no wind.  It was a beautiful morning as these pictures can attest;

Sunrise coming at about 6:55am!

The fields were coming alive with the light!

Isn't it amazing that as the light begins to slowly fill the sky around us, the promise of a new and fresh day is so overwhelming!  That is how the light of the Gospel can help us to rejoice greatly!  That light can fill us with the joys of being alive and actively engaged in such a good cause!

We worked at the Visitors Center for the morning shift.  When we arrived at 8:45am, they men were fast at work trying to fix a leak in the ceiling.  Our Facilities Management group sometimes has a hard time getting all the projects lined up in order.  Sometimes they start a project without all the materials they need and it gets a little frustrating when missionaries, who own large companies, come here to serve, and know that things could go a little smoother than they do....  With that, check out this picture and my caption;

How many missionaries does it take.....?

I snapped this picture with this thought;  How many missionaries does it take to fix a leak in the ceiling?  The obvious answer is three.  One to operate the wrench to tighten the value that is leaking in the ceiling.  One to watch the wonderful and exciting event to unfold.  And one to go get donuts to celebrate the success....

Life in the mission field in Nauvoo is fun.  There is rarely a dull moment!  We have enjoyed getting to know so many very talented missionaries who are here serving faithfully.  There are so many reasons why they should have stayed home, and not sacrificed their time away from loved ones, but they are here and they are serving, and they are all grateful for the blessings of serving a senior mission together.  You can count on mom and me to be one of those very, very grateful senior couples who have been called to serve here in Nauvoo.  

February 22, 2016 - Monday in Nauvoo

Today we began our activities for our P-day with our morning prayers and our devotional.  We were both up a little earlier than usual to get this day off, from the site assignments, started.  Mom is always up at least an hour before me, but I wanted to get going just a little before 5:00am.  And we started our walk at about 5:55am this morning.  The temperatures were in the high 20's, so the chill was definitely in the air.

The Cultural Hall is still being worked on as the project went over by one day.  They have been working on it for over a week, now.  That meant that there was no Rendezvous Play again tonight.  So during the walk this morning, I reviewed the Editors part to make sure I was fresh and familiar with the words.  That play has been such a wonderful way to share the Gospel here in Nauvoo.  I use so many of those lines to explain the conditions and the feelings of the Saints who lived here during the Nauvoo years.

We took our drive to Keokuk for our groceries this morning after breakfast, and after we talked with Bob.  We sure look forward to our P-days where we can usually talk to each of the kids.  We are cutting way back on the grocery supplies in anticipation of our move from this house in the next week or so.  We haven't been given a day to move yet, but we have been told it will be around the 1st of March.  This should be our last move before our release in November.

Before we had our lunch, we packaged up all the knitted hats remaining for the birthdays, and mailed them off in family groups.  The kids should be able to use them now instead of waiting for them later on in the year.  It also got us started on getting our house in order to move!

After lunch we took another walk around Nauvoo.  The temperatures were in the low 40's and the wind was non existent.   The squirrels were out collecting nuts, and we saw a few geese and ducks along the Mississippi River.  We never did see any of the eagles flying this afternoon, like we saw along the drive to Keokuk.  I was hoping to take some pictures!

We finished off our day by reading three conference talks that will be discussed on Sunday in our Sunday school class.  It has been a fun and relaxing day.  And, as the day progressed, we got to talk with all of our children!  Now, all this makes for a great day!

February 21, 2016 - Sunday in Nauvoo

Today began in our usual way to prepare for the days activities.  We had our morning devotional and prayers, and we discussed the events we were anticipating today.  Mom came across the Scriptures in Philippians pertaining to "thinking".  We have been "ponderizing" various Scriptures since our last General Conference.  This has been a wonderful exercise of repetitious learning, as Elder David A. Bednar would say.  We study one Scripture each week, and then pick out another one to ponder for the following week.  

Well, the following verses were chosen, by us, to ponderize this week.  So often, we worry about things that we spend too much time worrying about!  This Scripture from Philippians 4:8 was our choice to ponder.  And as we were reading over the verse #8, the others became equally significant.  

In verse #6 the footnote adds this insight to the first word "Be"; "Don't be unduly concerned about anything".  While we all have worries and concerns, the main point here is that we worry too much, and we do not let the Lord help us carry the burden of this worry.  

Verse #7 and #9 talks about the 'peace of God'.  Verse #10 talks about 'rejoicing greatly'..... does that sound familiar??  Look at the Christmas video, "A Savior is Born", and see where the phrase 'rejoice greatly' is repeated!  Verse #11 talks about being content.  Verse #12 talks about being 'abased', which means to be humble.  And being humble helps us to be both 'full' and 'hungry'!  And the last verse #13 lets us know we can do anything with Christ.  

 

Philippians 4:6-13

 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your    requests be made known unto God.

 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The day was cooler than  yesterday.  We were able and very anxious to walk this morning to our Church meetings.  In fact, we were fulfilling an assignment to be the greeters, this morning, for the Sacrament meeting.  We were in our places by 7:15am and we enjoyed saying good morning to the missionaries as they arrived.  

On our way to the Church I caught some of our friends frolicking in the field ahead of us.  They even put on a 'jumping' show as they ran across the road!  Here is the family as they appeared this morning;

Checking out the two missionaries walking along "their" roadway

After our meetings, and our assignment at the Visitors Center until 2:00pm, we walked back home and enjoyed a very quiet afternoon together.  We had our favorite Sunday meal of breakfast for dinner.  Then we both took a nap.  We also got to talk with one of our precious daughters.

We capped off our evening by listening to Elder Bednar's BYU-Idaho devotional from January 26, 2016, about "Repetitive Learning".  We were both touched by this presentation, in our mission training meeting a few weeks ago, and the review was excellent.  It has been a wonderful Sabbath day!

February 20, 2016 - Saturday in Nauvoo

It was an absolutely gorgeous day in Nauvoo, today.  The morning air was fresh and very still on our walk at 6:00am.  The mornings are getting lighter at an earlier time and the promise of Spring is right around the corner!  The temperatures finally hit, and leveled off, in the mid 60's this afternoon.  That meant another walk after our temple session!

Our morning prayers and devotional were completed by 5:45am this morning.  After the walk, we got ready for our site assignment at the Visitors Center that began at 8:45am.  We had a full wagon ride by the first scheduled wagon time this morning of 10:00am!  That hasn't happened in quite some time!  Here is a picture of that wagon, and note the beauty of the morning;

A full wagon on a beautiful spring-like morning

I had to take that picture as a reminder that winter may be coming to a close.  We had several non members come in this morning and I was able to hand out 4 copies of the Book of Mormon along with my contact information.  The history of Nauvoo is a significant factor in visitors coming here, but once they are here, they want to know about the beliefs of the Mormons.  

Having the extra time in the Visitors Center to testify and share information has been such a blessing for mom and me.  It is especially rewarding to engage the children, who come with their parents into the Visitors Center.  We like to show them some interactive kiosk's,  and a variety of short videos.  The parents always seem to appreciate the attention we give their children.

After our shift ended at 1:15pm, mom and I attended the 2:00pm temple session.  The session had 13 patrons and two were receiving their own endowments.  Then, after the session, we came home to finished some chores around the house.  Those chores took just a few minutes and then we walked over to the Brick-yard to "hack" the grand children's bricks.  Those bricks are looking really good!

We could not resist the beautiful weather so we took and extra walk around Nauvoo.  We went down Parley Street, (the Exodus trail of 1846), and around the Community of Christ area and then back home.  It was good to settle in, and stay home tonight, as we prepared for the Holy Sabbath day tomorrow.  We even got to talk with our daughter for a few minutes.  We love our precious family!  

February 19, 2016 - Friday in Nauvoo

Our one year anniversary serving here in the Nauvoo mission!  What an experience this past year has been, as you may know, from reading the blog posts.  It has been a life changing experience for mom and me.  The time we have had learning about ourselves, our relationship, our church history and the relationships with other senior missionaries and young performing missionaries has been priceless!

Today we each served in different sites.  I walked mom over to her site at the Heber C. Kimball home and I worked at the Seventies Hall.  Mom was fortunate to have two visitors and I had zero!  I did get the last grandchild knitted hat done though!  And Elder Cluff and I had a great discussion time together.  For those who know about Harvey Cluff, from the rescuers of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies, he is a descendant of Harvey Cluff.  I enjoyed our day together in our discussions and conversations.

Today we had sunshine!  Lot's of wind, but sunny and somewhat warmer, with temperatures in the high 50's.  We enjoyed our early morning walk and exercise.  And I was grateful for the wonderful workout that I had as we got ready for our day of missionary service.  Here are some pictures I shot this morning:

I caught this eagle flying overhead - that was quite an effort to look up and shoot!

Another "look up" and not get dizzy shot - geese having flight simulation training

Here is the dad of a missionary currently serving in the Marshall Islands

I had to take this father's picture and send it to Mike Poston.  He and his wife are heading to that mission in the Marshall Islands in May 2016.  He was wanting to take a picture in front of the Brigham Young home this morning as I was walking to my assignment.  Isn't it so fun to see the connecting experiences we have with folks from all over the world!

And those flying fowls in the air.... Here I am, a 65 year old, trying to look up, focus the camera, zoom in on the shot, and click the picture, without getting dizzy and stumbling off in the grass and falling in the gully's....  How is it that we get soooooo dizzy, at this age, looking up, without either laying on the ground or hugging some stationary object?? 

Oh well, the shots weren't too bad....  We did make it home safe and sound and enjoyed a quiet evening here at home.  Thank you for checking in with us tonight!  Leave me a comment!  We love you!

February 18, 2016 - Thursday in Nauvoo

Today was mom's first day in training as a wagon narrator.  She worked on three wagon rides and got the exposure to what the narrator does.  I had the morning shift at the Visitors Center so we were able to see each other for a few minutes after each training ride.  The wind was chilly even though the temperatures were in the mid 40's.  It seemed a lot warmer than we have had the last few weeks, but the wind chill takes a toll on us!  I can't believe I did not go out and catch a picture of her first day of training!!!

We were up early today and looking forward to the days activities.  We are moving ahead with testing the field to see if we can sell the deli back in Idaho Falls.  Jared and Tom have a conference call with the President and CEO of Gandolfo's tomorrow.  We have been hoping and praying that he will be helpful in this effort.  Jared and Tommy have been so faithful in working the deli and Ali has been such a blessing to assume the 'under appreciated' efforts in keeping the books!  Mom and I are so very grateful to those efforts that have sustained us as full time missionaries.

It was pretty strange not working with mom in the Visitors Center today.  She is excited about being a wagon Narrator and the opportunity to be outdoors this summer.  She will probably work the wagon Narrator's assignment one or two days each month.  I am still not sure what duties we will ultimately have as the mission photographers.  It may be a very limited role of just making sure everyone has a picture in the monthly DVD presentation.  I spoke with the new mission president this morning and he is relying very heavily on his counselors for feedback...  It appears to me that any other feedback is not as anxiously sought after, so we will see what we will be doing. 

Then tonight, we ventured out to go to dinner with about 50 other senior missionaries.  The Rendezvous Play was cancelled this week due to the refinishing of the Cultural Hall flooring.  That gave us a rare opportunity to go out in larger crowds for dinner.  However, even though this restaurant had advanced notice of 50+ coming for dinner, they only had 1 waitress.  Apparently when the missionaries have done this before, not everyone, who said they would come, actually came.  Well tonight, they all came!  Here is what it looked like;

Our table and about 30 others in the background tables.

The food started arriving 75 minutes after we got there!

Our food arrived a little bit later.........

We had wonderful company, but it was hard to eat so late at night and to wait so long to be served.  Probably one of the last times we will venture out for a dinner party like this!  We love fixing our own dinners at home and controlling the time we eat!  Mom was ready for bed immediately upon arriving home at 8:30pm.  

I am getting close to being ready myself after I finish my blogging!  I love putting together this blog and letting our wonderful families and friends know about these adventures!  I do think that the Celestial Kingdom will be populated with wonderful family members who love being together and sharing precious memories!

February 17, 2016 - Wednesday in Nauvoo

Another Wednesday mission training meeting today!  We were both up and going early this morning.  Mom continues to arise at 4:00am and get a jump start on her day.  I was up at 5:00am, and this was after we had a late night last night with the Visitors Center focus group meeting...

The mission training meeting centered around the Visitors Centers as our new president is adjusting the influence of our focus here.  He has opened up the General Handbook, and the Visitors Center, and Historic sites guidelines, and is teaching us the correct principles.  It has been a refreshing course correction.

Our assignments, today, took mom to the John Taylor home and I served in the Brickyard.  I was grateful for this quiet day and the opportunity to work at the Brickyard.  I spent the first part of the morning making bricks for the grandchildren.  All 20 of the bricks have been personalized!  Here is an action shot or two;

The "Grandpa" Brick-maker!

Putting the finishing touches on some very special bricks!

The goal for the mission is to have about 20,000 bricks for the summer crowds.  Part of the special visitors to Nauvoo this summer will be two of our families, and two families from last year!  We are so grateful for the extra efforts that our family members, and our friends, make to come and see us!!  And they will have the finest bricks available with their names on them!

I gave one tour of the brick-yard today.  It was for two temple missionaries.  They were both speaking in Church on Sunday on repentance. The brick making process gave me some ideas for their talks.  When the brick maker would prepare the clay, he would make sure the straw and grass and pebbles were removed from the pug mixture.  Any foreign object like that would cause the bricks to crack in the drying and firing process.  That extra effort to purge these foreign objects gave the final bricks that perfect finish.  It was a sweet presentation.  I also felt impressed to let them know that I had a testimony that since Joseph Smith was and is a Prophet of God who holds the keys of this last dispensation, that he personally approves all missionaries coming to Nauvoo, including those working in the temple.

In addition to our work today, we got word that we will be moving into our new house around March 1st.  The housing coordinator came by the Brickyard to let me know that it is a new rental added to their housing list.  It has 2 bedrooms and an office, (for the photo equipment), one bathroom and a good size living-room and kitchen, and a garage!.  Perfect for our summer family guests to come and stay with us.  We are so anxious to see family members that we have not seen for over a year!  

Today marked the one year anniversary of mom and I leaving the MTC and stopping by Amy's house for lunch on the way to Nauvoo.  Friday will be our one year anniversary of being here in "The City Beautiful".  The last half of our mission here promises to be busy and very exciting!

February 16, 2016 - Tuesday in Nauvoo

We just got home from a late meeting with a focus group at the Visitors Center.  The new mission president wanted to discuss the experiences at the Carthage Visitors Center and the Nauvoo Visitors Center.  He gathered together a few missionaries who had served at either site, and mom and I along with Elder and Sister Hansen attended both focus groups.  We had some interesting discussions!  It was entertaining and hopefully will lend some help to the new leaders on some challenges coming this summer.

The morning was so inviting!  We were both up early for our morning devotional and prayers.  And then we left the house for our walk.  It was in the high 20's and no wind so the conditions were excellent for our walk.  We go home a few minutes before 7:00am and got ready for our shift at the Visitors Center.  We even got to walk to our assignment!

Our guests were few, but we had fun with the ones that came in this morning.  As we were opening up this morning we got to talk with our son, Bob.  We look forward to our calls from our precious children and grandchildren!  It makes our day!  We are grateful for the time we have had in both Visitors Centers and now we are looking forward to our new assignments.  We will see if our new assignment will be made official tomorrow.

I had the chance to make cookies this afternoon.  I wanted to do something for the meeting tonight and cookies seem to be my only option.  It was interesting to see that not everyone had one so we brought some home and will share them tomorrow at the sites we are assigned.  Here are a couple of pictures I shot this afternoon;

Hot and fresh from the oven!

But I missed sharing that first spoonful of cookie dough with mom!

These pictures show the down side to a treat fast.  Mom stays as far away from the temptation as possible because of our treat fast.  And I cannot taste them to make sure they are perfect!  Where are my grand-kids when I need them????  The family reunion at the conclusion of our mission here will be sweet in so many ways!

February 15, 2016 - Monday in Nauvoo

We had a nice layer of snow on the car this morning.  However, the temperature was in the high 20's so we were excited to take our walk and get in our workout on this P-day.  After our morning devotional and prayers we started on our way around the walking path.  The trails were a little slippery in a few spots, but what a great morning walk!

After the preparations, to get ready for the day, were completed this morning, we headed to Keokuk for our weekly shopping trip.  We got things done and we were back in Nauvoo for the 11:00am temple session.  There were two young people receiving their endowments this morning.  

One was a single sister celebrating her one year anniversary in the Church on this very day.  Her temple district is Kansas City, but since it was closed for cleaning, she came all the way to Nauvoo to receive her endowment.  She had the strongest feeling that she needed to recieve that endowment on the anniversary of her confirmation.  She wasn't any older than 20, so it was even more incredible that she was able to have the temple experience without marriage or a mission call.

The other was a young man with some developmental issues.  He was so excited to be in the temple and it was a sweet Spirit that prevailed for both these special members! We always enjoy our temple sessions!  

We got home a little after 1:00pm and had our lunch together.  I then took the dirty car to our facilities management area where they have a car wash bay for the missionaries.  Even though there is snow on the ground, I had to get that road salt and film off Moroni!  He looks so good tonight!

Mom and I had our family home evening together this evening.  We did a service project cleaning the message boards along the Trail of Hope and we got home ready to cuddle in for the evening.  It has been a great day for us!

February 14, 2016 - Sunday in Nauvoo

Valentines Day in Nauvoo!  Mom and I spent a quiet morning sharing Valentine greetings and reading our Scriptures together.  Today we woke up to about 4 inches of very fine powder snow.  The temperatures were up in the high 20's and not much wind.  We left for our meetings at a little past 7:00am.  It is always a fun treat to get to the Church early and enjoy the mission choir's practices.  Such a special feeling to not be rushed!

We attended the other meetings down at the Visitor's Center after the Sacrament meeting.  We normally leave the Sacrament meeting after the last speaker to get down to the building, and get it opened.  Every missionary has the opportunity to teach a Priesthood or Relief Society or a Sunday School lesson.  The meetings all went very well and we headed home at 11:00am with another six inches of snow on the ground!  

It ended up being a great day to be at home.  We were warm and cozy and got some things done around the house with reading, and knitting hats, and listening to wonderful music.  We got to talk to some of our family, and I heard from my former Bishop, and friend, Earle McEwen.  I have enjoyed our association over the years and particularly the opportunity to serve with him.  He shared with me a letter from some impressions he had in the Boise Temple last month and he gave me permission to share it here on the blog;

"Yesterday I was serving in the temple and had just finished doing a sealing session with Karen.  I had a few minutes before my next assignment so I went to sit in the celestial room and pray and meditate.  While admiring the beautiful surroundings of the room I noticed high on the ceiling there was decorative molding that to my mind looked like picture frames but without a picture in them.  There is similar decorative molding on the large lower sections of the wall but because those panels are so big you do not feel like you are looking at an empty picture frame.

I love temple symbolism and look for meaning and purpose in every aspect of the temple.  As I thought about the empty picture frames I got this warm feeling that God has already created a place for our family picture in his celestial living room.  He loves us so much and can’t wait to have our picture there and more importantly to have us all there.

Perhaps my thoughts headed in that direction because of something I had read earlier in the week in this amazing book I am reading called Planted.  On page 76 the author calls the “sealing of the family of God” one of the most glorious doctrinal and ritual innovations of the restoration.  That phrase “sealing of the family of God” struck me as odd.  When I have always thought about the sealing ordinance I have thought first about being sealed to the love of my life forever and about having our children automatically sealed to us.  I never stopped to think that when someone is sealed they become a permanent part of the family of God.  When we do family history and temple work we are not just putting our family back together as it should be but we are putting Heavenly Father’s larger family back together.  This makes Him very happy.  

Truly the most important work we do is within the walls of our own homes.  And so it is with Heavenly Father.  The most important work he does is with the walls of his home - the temple".

I loved his thoughts and insights that he tenderly shared with his precious family.  I have to echo those thoughts!  We are all dedicated to working on our "family portrait", but to consider being part of this wonderful 'extended' family of our Heavenly Father, makes the precious feelings we have for cherished friends so much more meaningful and desirable!  I am grateful that these friendships will be continued as we progress beyond the veil!

Mom and I enjoyed our evening together.  She helped me complete the 19th knitted hat!  This one was for Emma, and mom kept the yarn from getting knotted up as I continued to knit.  Working together we were able to complete Emma's hat in just under 4 hours!  The average time has been about 6 hours, so it was fun to work together!  

You will hear us speak about this mission in terms of how it has helped our marriage progress towards Celestial.  I am amazed, and so grateful for what we have learned here together.  Not just the wonderful Gospel principles that we love and learn about and then teach to the visitors, but the critical and precious Celestial relationship principles that will be with us forever.  We were never told that serving a mission together would be easy, but we have been promised that if we give 100% to our mission, and sharing the Gospel, it will all be worth it!  I believe that we are finding this to be true!

February 13, 2016 - Saturday in Nauvoo

It was icy cold this morning so the walk around our 3.5 mile Nauvoo trail was out.  Mom and I both worked out here at home this morning.  We had our morning devotional and prayers, our individual workouts, and then we each got ready for our day.  We left for the Visitors Center at 8:30am for our opening shift.  And we did not walk this morning, to our site assignment, because of the extreme cold temperatures that registered in the pre teens.

We did have a few visitors come into the center this morning.  All of them were here just for the day.  We were able to show several small groups, the movie, "Remembering Nauvoo".  But there were no wagon rides until 2:00pm.  And we could not talk anyone into staying for the Rendezvous Play, so that play got canceled for tonight.  The only activity left for tonight was the Valentines party for the senior missionaries.  That started at 8:00pm so that eliminated these two "night owls"....  

Our shift ended at 1:15pm this afternoon and we made the 2:00pm temple session.   It was a very small session but we enjoyed the time in the temple.  We got home at just a little past 4:00pm, and we were in for the night.

These two single sisters, pictured below, are companions on their missions here in Nauvoo.  The sister on the left, Sister Joines, received a box of chocolate dipped strawberries for Sherrie's Berries.  Her companion, Sister Hardy, was ready to share the treats with her.  But mom and I were steadfast and immovable on our treat fast.  Not until we are debt free will we have treats!  Sometimes, like today, that can be a little challenging to refuse!  However, mom's biggest temptation comes when I bake some cookies here and then can't give her the ceremonial first spoonful, (or two), of cookie dough!  

A box of "Sherrie's berries"

We will be strong until we are completely out of debt.  It seems attainable some of the time, and so far out of reach at other times.  However, mom and I both agreed in the temple this afternoon, that we are getting closer!  This will be our year!!  Yea!!

February 12, 2016 - Friday in Nauvoo

Mom and I were back on the walking trail this morning.  The snow was about 3 inches of very fine powder and the air was very still.  The temperature was in the mid 20's so the conditions were very nice for our walk.  We left the house about 6:00am and got home a few minutes past 7:00am.  What a great feeling to get that fresh air and exercise this morning!

Fresh powder on our walk, and ready for our tracks!

We had our morning devotional and prayers to begin our day.  We have begun reading the Book of Mormon, again, and we are having some great discussions on our readings.  I have enjoyed discussing our perspectives on the Scriptures on a regular basis.  It adds so much to our Gospel understanding and learning.

Friday's have been one of the days away from the Visitors center.  Today mom worked at the Brigham Young Home and I worked at the Browning Gun Shop.  There is the replica of the cabin behind the Browning Gun Shop that the original Bird family used while they built the brick building that became the Browning Gun Shop.  The fireplace has a gas flame, and I fired it up this morning to take the extreme chill out of the air.  It looks inviting doesn't it?

Nice fire!

I was fortunate to get this rare photo of a handsome Nauvoo Missionary!

We had 5 visitors come to the Browning Gun Shop, and mom had 4 visitors to the Brigham Young Home.  As we understand, 5 of these visitors are going to Rendezvous tonight, so I am sure those cast members are excited!!!....  On the other hand, mom and I headed home, and, we spent a very warm and quiet evening together.  

I have completed 2 more hats today!  I got Isaac's hat and Levi's hat done!  I am now working on Mia's hat and Emma's hat!  This has been so much fun for Grandpa to knit these hats for these precious children!  We love our family!

February 11, 2016 - Thursday in Nauvoo

Finally!  We were able to resume our walking this morning!  The temperatures were in the low 20's but there was no wind and no snow.  The sidewalks and the roadways were lightly dusted with snow, but there was no ice to speak of.  It was wonderful!  We were able to get back to our little home at 7:15am, after a 70 minute walk, and begin our preparations for the day.  Take a look at this picture;

The morning walk!

Our shift assignment was at the Visitors Center for the afternoon shift.  We had a relaxing morning as we did some cleaning and worked around the house.  We had the mission electrician come in and fixed a fan in the bathroom and repaired two lamps that were shorting out.  It was a pretty exciting morning!

Mom and I spoke with the mission president this afternoon, along with one of his counselors, and received a new assignment that begins in March.  We have been asked to be the mission photographers and will serve for about six months.  This responsibility entails taking the pictures throughout the month, and then putting together a CD slide show at the end of each month for the missionaries.  We are very excited to learn something totally new to us.  We will have to move out of our little cottage into a bigger place that will accommodate the development photo lab.  This will be a whole new experience for us!  And we will have more room for visitors in our new home!

The Rendezvous Play had seven members of the audience tonight.  I am always happy to do this show.  It has a very special significance to me.  It tells the story of Nauvoo in the 1840's, and is a wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel in the theater setting.  The show went well for us and mom and I had the big parts of Editor and Relief Society President.

I am grateful for the many new experiences we have been given here in Nauvoo.  These experiences of serving at both Visitors Centers, and now being the mission photographers, is really a privilege of a lifetime.  We are so excited to continue the learning cycle that we have been exposed to in this mission!