June 27, 2016 - Monday in Nauvoo

Mom and I enjoyed another preparation day in a variety of ways.  We first had our morning devotional and prayers.  Then we took our morning walk in very comfortable temperatures of the low 70's.  We got home by 6:15am and got ready for the 8:00am temple session, and then our weekly shopping trip to Keokuk.  Does this routine sound familiar?  It makes for a great morning for mom and me!  Along with some phone time to talk to our precious children!  Our morning walk yielded some nice pictures;

The sunrise feather coloring the clouds over the temple

A view of the sunrise from Water Street

A fine cool mist in the fields of the roaming deer

The morning breaks over the Nauvoo Temple

When we got home from Keokuk, we did our weekly housekeeping chores.  Mom did the laundry, and some house cleaning, and I did some vacuuming.  We worked together and got ready for our afternoon with the Skinner's.  We went out for lunch at the El Camino restaurant in Hamilton, and then went to Carthage for the 172nd commemoration of the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.  

Being back in Carthage for this commemoration brought back some wonderful memories of our time in Carthage last year.  The experiences we had with the thousands of people we got to meet and serve last year has been the hallmark of our mission.  And spending the afternoon with our friends, Elder and Sister Skinner was wonderful.  The crowd at Carthage numbered around 1,000.  Here is a picture of the event just before it began;

Carthage June 27, 2016

It was standing room only after the approximately 400 chairs filled up.  We did get seats in the shade and we were able to park the car in the shade, with an easy escape route from the crowds.  The program was OK, but the events that took place here on June 27, 1844, have forever changed the lives of millions of people....  Not only the lives of all who have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also all those who have tried to tear the Restored Gospel down.  

It is not so much what was said here today, as it is for what was accomplished on that day of Martyrdom, back in 1844. This significant event has opened the floodgates of opportunity for the world to see the Gospel as it has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  In addition, we are so thankful to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! 

Mom and I are both in agreement that the time and money and sacrifices that we have spent to serve this mission, have been life changing for us and for every member of our family.  We are so very grateful for this privilege of serving there in Carthage, and now serving here in Nauvoo.

The Gudnason Family - Nauvoo June 2016

Hi!

We just returned home to Iceland last night with sweet memories from Nauvoo. Thank you for making our tour special!  Ronald Gudnason

Mom and I met this family from Iceland two weeks ago.  They were such a joy to meet and talk to!  They have returned to their home in Iceland and sent us this sweet note.  I sent them an invitation to join the blog and we hope they do!  What a privilege it is to help bring this world closer together through the Gospel of Jesus Christ!