AND AWAY WE GO........

Elder/Sister Gibson, Elder/Sister Lindeberg, Samuel Smith, Elder/Sister Hughes

     Our last two days at the MTC were directed to our role as Visitors Centers or Sites Missionaries. They apparently didn't get the memo I was going to FM.  :).  We went to the Salt Lake Temple North Visitors Center where, after some confusion (seems to happen a lot to us) we were taken on a brief but impressive presentation directed by the Sister Missionaries.  When we finally caught up to the group they left to do what we had done and we received a brief presentation on our role.  The afternoon  and morning of the next day were spent in instruction and role playing.

By now our engines were revved up to maximum RPM's and we were ready to get on the road.  Our instructor indicated that the morning session would end early and the afternoon session would start late and that if anyone wanted to get "on the road" it would be fine.  Enough said!!!!  After a quick picture with Samuel Smith, the Restored Church's first missionary,  and our Nauvoo Group (minus the Sims,who unfortunately had to deal with the unexpected death of  Sister Sim's sister), We hit the road.

     The journey to Nauvoo began the longest road trip ever  for either one of us.  We left out the part about having Willie Nelson serenade us with "On the Road Again" as a prayer seemed more appropriate.  We occasionally broke out in singing the songs we had been practicing for the Rendezvous performance we would soon be a part of.  Looking over the bleak expanse of Wyoming we plowed on to Rawlins where we spent the night.  The next morning we hit the road and finally crossed over into Nebraska where the scenery changed from desolation to corn fields and flat prairie roads. We spent Thursday Night in Lincoln, NEB.  Friday, with the goal in reach we "plowed" on into Iowa and headed SE to Nauvoo.  We crossed the toll bridge ($2.00) at Ft. Madison, IA into Illinois in mid-afternoon.  Fifteen minutes later we were in Nauvoo in awe.  We had made it!!!  We were here!!!

     We checked into the old Nauvoo House which was now christened the Hotel Nauvoo  and stayed in room #7 which was slightly larger than our small bedroom in the apartment. At least it had a bathroom in the room.  After enjoying the great buffet (don't miss this...because there is no better place to eat in Nauvoo) we took off to see the temple grounds.  Sister Cook, the mission secretary, to us to be at the temple for a beautiful sunset.  Not wanting to pass this arrival moment we were there as the sun slowly began to set across the Mississippi.

The Gibson's arrive in Nauvoo

       We were honored to be here.  It was a long awaited dream and we felt relieved to be here.  Putting my skills with a selfie-stick to use we immortalized the moment.  The highlight of the evening was just beginning to unfold as the sun dipped lower.  We were very touched as it created a powerful backdrop for the statue of Joseph and Hyrum that depicted the beginning of their journey to Carthage where they would ultimately be martyred.  Consider the power and moment as this statue of Joseph and Hyrum depart Nauvoo in the sunset of their lives and how powerful their legacy has been upon those who have felt their strength and testimony.

          Friday we arose and began exploring the city and it's venues prior to our 11:15 meeting with President and Sister Hall.  As we walked around we could feel a very special feeling.  The reality of being here was settling in and we were in awe that this had really happened.  It is the beginning of a new chapter for us.  We started out as a young couple and for three years it was just us.  It was new and exciting.  Forty-nine years later we again, in a small sense, are alone and on our own.  It is interesting and powerful how we now feel and how much we need to rely on each other for spiritual and emotional strength.  We have a whole new feeling, outlook, and excitement about our adventure here.  One thing is for certain....we are here and we are going to enjoy every possible moment of it as we face new opportunities and experiences together.
     Our meeting with President and Sister Hall brought additional insight to the sacredness and divine guidance that has brought us here.  As expected I was called to serve in the FM (facilities management) and Marilyn was called to work on the sites.  Since this was General Conference weekend President Hall indicated that our training would begin in earnest on Monday with a full
day of training.  We then headed out to our assigned apartment and unpacking, organizing, and shopping to prepare for the coming days.
     We were assigned to "The Village Inn #5" which is on the "Bluff over looking the flats of Nauvoo".  It is a beautiful setting on a hill that is surrounded by so much greenery it is impossible to describe.  To the east is the Nauvoo State Park which is maintained by the state and has numerous camping facilities.  Deer and wildlife are abundant and we see them almost daily.  The birds on the river never cease to amaze us as to the number and species we can see.  The early saints worked hard to indeed make this a beautiful city and special place.  Their spirit remains and is felt!!!