June 1, 2016 - Wednesday in Nauvoo

Our day began with our morning devotional and prayers.  The morning was cool and we had a few clouds overhead.  We had our weekly training meeting at 7:30am, this morning, so our morning walk was set aside.  Mom had the assignment to work at the FM site and helped with mulching the gardens around the Scovil Bakery.  I worked with Elder Heslop at the Handcart Station.  We had two families sign up today for treks. 

The morning training meeting was a meeting to help the senior missionaries adopt a better attitude of support for the new mission president.  The missionary department sent out its highest ranking non general authority executive to encourage all the senior missionaries to sustain the new president.  We knew our new mission president was making some major changes in the mission, but with Mark Lusvardi's "visit", it is apparent that the, 'obedience challenged', senior missionaries are struggling...  Brother Mark Lusvardi was here last year, about this time, and he gave the same talk, but this year he prefaced his remarks with sustaining the new mission president.  I had no idea there was any other choice, especially for seasoned members of the Church working in a Zion society.

I took a few pictures of the activities of my day;

The grove of trees sheltering the 3 mile trek with an amazing cloud trail

A view of the spire on the temple from the two mile trek

A family trek - pulling together!  The end of the three miler!

The Lasher's Children have arrived at Granny and Grandpa's!

Our site assignments ended at 1:00pm this afternoon.  I quickly headed home to shower and change clothes so that we could run to Keokuk for some final supplies.  Mom was already home and waiting for me.  She was done earlier and had already showered and changed into our missionary clothing. 

The Lasher family finally arrived at 7:30pm Nauvoo time!  Yea!  We were so happy to see and hug everyone.  Then Grandpa got serious about roughing up some grand-kids.  We are so excited and grateful for their safe arrival and for the time will will get to spend with them!!

And, I also had a sweet experience with my grandson Zac.  He is turning twelve on June 13th and he had his Priesthood interview with the Bishop tonight.  However, before his scheduled interview he wanted to talk with me about what to expect from the interview.  He wanted to know what questions the Bishop would ask from my experience. 

This was one of the sweetest and wonderfully special opportunities afforded this Grandpa!  He talked for about 10 minutes and we seemed to be able to address many of his concerns.  I am looking forward to hearing how the interview went!  Congratulations Zac for being a worthy and well prepared young man to receive the Aaronic Priesthood and be ordained to the office of a Deacon!  Granny and Grandpa could not be any more proud of you, and we love you sooooo much!