March 13, 2016 - Sunday in Nauvoo

We had a remarkable Sabbath Day today.  Our morning began with our devotional and prayers.  And with the clocks "springing" ahead for daylight savings, we traveled to the Stake Center with a little more darkness than last week!  We still arrived 30 minutes early, and enjoyed the wonderful prelude music.  There are two couples who had their last Sunday meetings as senior missionaries here in Nauvoo.  They will be leaving this week after serving for 18 months.

Mom and I were both involved with the Priesthood and Relief Society meetings today.  We were asked to participate with comments on the Prophet Joseph Smith.  I have discovered a great love for Joseph and his life and teachings.  The time in Carthage was priceless to mom, and to me, as we studied and testified and taught these precious principles of the Restored Gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  And we continue to learn here in Nauvoo every day.  What a blessing it has been to be here, and became so much better acquainted with the 1840's Saints, their struggles and challenges, as well as their resolve to follow a prophet. And we have been especially blessed with the opportunity to learn about the Prophet Joseph Smith!

Tonight we had a brief district meeting with the other two senior couples in our district.  This week we will welcome 14 new couples into the mission.  This is the first wave of missionaries coming to replenish and strengthen the group of missionaries here serving their last six months.  By the end of May we will add a total of 75 new missionaries to a base of about 105 senior missionaries.  And in April we will add another 24 young single sister missionaries.  And in May the approximately 40 young performing missionaries will arrive.  The average age of the Nauvoo missionaries will drop by 30 years!

Needless to say we are gearing up for the busy summer months.  Right now the Spring breaks have started a fresh flow of visitors to Nauvoo.  Mom and I served at the John Taylor home today and had over 30 visitors. It was a good day for us and we are grateful to be here as part of this growing mission!