May 28, 2016 - Saturday in Nauvoo

We had some pretty good, rumbling, sound effects this morning as the rain and the thunder hit Nauvoo.  The air was fresh, but the fields and trek paths were too wet to allow the handcart site to open today.  We had to cancel four scheduled treks because of the slippery and muddy trails.  Mom and I got to the Handcart Station at 7:00am and talked with the scheduled trekkers, who did not get my text message, on the cancellations.  We then went to the Family Living Center to help out until our shift was over.

The residue of some terrific thunderheads

We were up at our usual time this morning.  The rain had already stopped and the walk would have been wonderful, but after our morning devotional and prayers, we had to report to the Handcart site to let any early arrivals know about the bad trail conditions.  One thing that is good about the rains here is that the trails dry out within a day.  We don't do the treks on Sundays, but we encouraged one family to reschedule for Monday morning.

Mission President Hall

Working at the Family Living Center is a lot of busy work.  I built the fire to bake the bread, this morning, and mom made the bread dough.  I then gave several tours and presentations at the rope making, and the barrel making, (Coopering), and the pottery making stations.  I even gave a tour to the mission president's wife's brother and sister in law.  I encouraged the president to sit down at the loom for this photo opt above.  We made some fun of him  by saying we finally caught him doing some work!  He is starting to lighten up!

Then we closed out the day as the opening cast for the "Sunset by the Mississippi" show.  We had a near perfect evening, with cool cloud cover, and minimal humidity.  What was even better was the audience.  They were so fired up!  It was so much fun to watch the Young Performing Missionaries come alive!  And the senior numbers received some outstanding support for the audience!

The Children's parade at Sunset - The Lasher kids get to be involved!

The stands almost filled up.  This was about 15 minutes before showtime

The Nauvoo Brass Band - they are awesome!

The stage show was great tonight.  Make sure that the Sathre's and the Brown's let the Lasher's know about the kids parade and the Audition!  Tell them all about e-g-g-s!  The skit is even better this year!  There are two returning YPM's this year, Elder Solomon, and Sister Hatch.  Elder Salomon's sister played Marie last year with Jimmy and me!  And Sister Hatch plays 1st clarinet in the band.  And the drummer is absolutely awesome!!  On the part of the show where the band plays "When the Saints go Marching In", his drum solo is way above the top.  The Lasher's will have to tell you all about it when they get back home!

We have had a great day today.  We have enjoyed the day of missionary service and have put the finishing touches on our talks for tomorrow.  Thank you for your prayers and for your love and support in our behalf!