Sometimes Things Happen......

                         .....We Don't Understand

     There isn't a picture to go with this. The last image I have of Sister Harriett Crandall is her sitting in a rocking chair at the John Taylor Home.  Sister Gibson and I were stopping by to get a tour of the home as we were to be serving there the following Sunday.  She gave us a half-hearted smile; not the gracious one we were used to.  She had been ill for several weeks and most thought it was the result of the "Nauvoo Crud" that had affected most of us at some point.  Several trips to the doctor had done nothing to help.  Sister Cluff gave us the tour and we wished Sister Crandall well as we left.

     A week or so later she was found collapsed on her bedroom floor by her companion and emergency services were called.  Ultimately she was transported to Quincy where she was diagnosed with a sub-dural hematoma.  She remained there but it was soon clear this was a serious situation and even though many prayers  and visits by missionaries were offered in her behalf she did not improve.

Two weeks ago she was transferred to Iowa City so she could be close to her daughter who lived there and it was discovered there that she had brain cancer.  Chemo-therapy was administered as a treatment.  She did not tolerate it well and she passed away two days later. 

     Sunday a memorial service was held in place of Priesthood/Relief Society and was attended by her

children who spoke about their mother.  She will be buried in Cedar City along side her husband.

     God bless you, Sister Crandall.....we will remember you!!

The Trail of Hope Gets a Cleaning...

                                 .....As I Ponder!!

     We received the assignment, once again, to clean the Trail of Hope markers that lead down Parley Street to the Mississippi.  It was a fortuitous circumstance that made my assignment and easy one as the night before we had a driving thunderstorm that passed by and lit up the night sky and drenched Nauvoo.  Mother Nature did my job.

     Still wanting to make sure nothing had been missed by Mother, I walked Parley Street, inspected, and read each of the signs.  By my count there are thirty of these markers which are diary excerpts taken from those who live it.  It is sobering to know the commitment and faith that those early Saints possessed.  Those who pressed on in spite of the discouraging and difficult circumstances that were forced upon them were indeed worthy of a place of glory in the heavenly realms. 

    The "Great Plan" we accepted in our pre-mortal lives was most certainly a factor in determining the time and place we were assigned to mortality.  Those who came during the restoration years must have been unique and special as their testimonies were founded and grounded in the midst of some very trying and difficult times.  Their challenges were different that ours....but they were "their" challenges and those who were obedient and endured are remembered for their faithfulness and dedication in the midst of some very trying times.

     I hope we can do likewise!!

How Many Missionaries.....

        .....Can You Stack in The Schenck House??

     During my teenage years there became a unique form of competition between groups to see how many people could be stuffed into a phone booth, Volkswagen, bathtub, or similar.  Here in Nauvoo it has been decided to resurrect that form of fun and frivolity.  This week's record was nine.....4 Elders trying to finish sheet rock and window installation, FM Heating, and 4 Elders painting and prepping.  That doesn't even include all the tools that have never been put out of the way or the myriads of ladders and scaffolding that are required.  Never mind the chaos or confusion just find a job you want to do and plow  on. 

     In one swoop I was able not only get a dirty shirt from tearing out the last remaining window from the old home but also proudly bump into wet sheetrock mud and paint within seconds.  Not to worry....all can be repaired and redone.....after all it is Nauvoo. Every job is a rush!!  Everyone one seems to accept it as "par for the course". 

     Tipping over buckets of water happens regularly but we can drain the water through a vacated vent hole in the floor.  We have been fortunate......one elder has fallen twice from ladders and scaffolding and survived with only bumps, bruises and a cut.  Whew!!!

   Sister Gibson was Sick and Tired......

       .....but not for Riser Boot or

                   President Nelson and Elder Soares

   While we are expecting a visit from the Texas Gibsons next week we got another unexpected visit from Nauvoo Crud.  Sister Gibson endured it well and refused to give in......that meant serving in the Riser Boot Shop on Sunday afternoon.    She did find time to take a needed nap and rest up.

     A week ago it was announced that President Russell M. Nelson would coming to Nauvoo to hold a fireside with all the temple missionaries, ordinance workers and all Illinois Nauvoo Missionaries.  So the week was filled with anticipation.  It was announced that the doors would open at 4:30 at the Stake House with the missionaries having preferential seating until 5:00.  At that time others would be allowed to fill the remaining seats.  While we were thrilled to be able to hear President Nelson and Illses Soares of the Seventy it did not seem to thrilling to sit in anticipation.  So we went at 5:50 sat in the back of the hall and watched on the big screen and heard the same words that everyone else did....so my question is:  Is the Spirit stronger at the front of the chapel or weaker because of the lengthy and tiring wait?
     He delivered a very interesting message on the Savior and highlighted Handel's Messiah and the inspiration that went into it as well as several back drop stories the were very interesting including one about the female soloist who performed it at the opening night.  He scripturally chronicled all the verses in order of their appearance in the bible (not the way they were presented in the Messiah). 
     We also got to view a preview of the Easter message that the church will be presenting starting soon.  All in all it was a great experience.......even from the back!!!!