The Week Ends on a High.....
                     .....and Drops to A Low

    

    

     I have written in the past about how special the six single missionary sisters are to us.  They light up our lives and feel their presence when we are near them.  A couple of weeks ago Sister Wright, with her sweet Texas drawl, told me she had been called to do the entertainment at the Christmas Dinner.  "That's exciting" I said.(knowing full well it was leading to something)

"Anything I can do to help?".  "Of course" she exclaimed.  (I had taken the bait willingly and was now hooked).  "I would like you to read a little story".  That was fine and good until........"It's called Silent Night....it's a World War I story that Walter Cronkite narrated for one of the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Specials"  I knew what it was....it had always moved me as I watched it.  There was an inherent trap here.....do it well and be known as Elder Cronkite for a time or don't do it for fear of disappointing  one of my favorite people.  I chose the former.

     As we discussed the presentation I was reminded of one of my all time favorite experiences when the youth in our ward presented a very, very, special number in a Sacrament meeting.  The interlude number on the program was one of our young ladies playing I Know That My Redeemer Lives.  After captivating the congregation with the first verse and starting into the second we were all stunned when a young Priest, in the rear, stood and started singing a solo, moments later a Laurel stood a distance off and joined him.  They were bearing their testimonies of Christ through song.  One by one the youth of our ward joined their voices in and soon they were all singing....by the fourth verse  the entire congregation was added.  It was so powerful.       The story I was to read is a true story during the early part of World War I that has enemies facing off against each other in battle, separated by 60 yards of barbed wire and  frozen corpses  just days before Christmas.  Their story ends with them playing, praying, and burying their dead together and on Christmas night joining a lonely voice that blossoms into a choir singing Silent Night.  

    

    

     There is no shortage of  talented people here and so it was easy to organize in a short time with no practice (it's the Rendezvous way....will it ever die?  I hope not).  The stage was set with an overstuffed chair from the foyer, a table, and lamp...(needed that and my glasses to see the story).

     Sister Wright played background music as I read the story.  Sister Gibson and the rest of those at our table directly in front of me managed to keep the  silence but could hardly contain themselves as a mouse ran back and forth in front of them...  as I read.  Fortunately, I didn't notice.   As I reached the end of the story and allowed a pause.... the silence was broken by Elder Bramwell as he stood up and began singing Silent Night...soon followed by Elder Butt...then Elder Finlinson and others.  It took a little coaxing to get the audience to stand and join singing that special carol.  It had set the tone as we prepared to depart.  It was a very special moment for me....and yes I am known Cronkite (for a short time, I hope).  

      


     President Hall then took the microphone, for which we all presumed was closing remarks. The pleasantries of gifts for the missionaries from the Temple missionaries and Elder Daines, Bee Boxes, he announced that Elder and Sister Pollock were on their way home.  They had only been here a few weeks.  Their son had died.  It was a suicide.  A returned missionary that was now burdened by alcoholism.  I cannot even comprehend nor feel the depths they have found themselves thrust into.

I have worked with him for a short time and we are both so quiet (yes I am) and we have never delved into our families or past very much.  I hope I can find some way when he returns to comfort him...or maybe we will just work along quietly as he endures the healing process.

       

Twas the Week Before Christmas....
            ....So Much was Stirring.....
                         ...Remember the  Mouse?!

   

    In our other world, the week before Christmas has always been a week full of chaos...the unplanned, the unexpected, the remembrance of things forgotten, and of course, all those things we have put off.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised but it's been pretty much the same here.  It started Monday with an unplanned District Leaders meeting where we discussed ways we could find people to teach.  Now that's a conundrum....at least for most of our mission.  We are certainly committed to seeking out and  finding  those who are ready to hear the message of the restored gospel.  The  practicality of teaching in our mission is but a far off hope.  Our mission is that of a Visitors Center.  We are designed to refer those interested to full time missionaries where these people live.
     That is, unless you are  blessed to be able to serve outbound in the various branches of the Nauvoo Stake.  While we do not have the opportunity, those in our district do.  We are blessed to be called as district leaders with our FM missionaries who are called outbound.  As we listen to their experiences and the way they are able to be a part of others  lives we are touched and exhilarated.  What seemed to them initially as a banishment to outer darkness  has now turned into a beautiful Nauvoo sunrise as they influence those in their branches.  Archibald's drove to Missouri last Saturday night just to share a home evening with two young girls who are living with their aging great aunts.  Corder's are continually  in contact with Terri, a middle aged non-member, who is away from her children, and often suffers from depression.  The Schmitt's, who serve in Ft. Madison are actively involved in that branch and were supporting the branch in  serving  a dinner to those in need  at St. Johns Evangelist Church on Wednesday.  But the rest of the  story:
      The End of the Month Meal  is a non-denominational meal that is provided  on a rotating basis by the different church's in Ft. Madison.  During the holidays it is held almost nightly.  Along with the meal there are tables full of donated items for those who need them.     We were invited by (actually told...as she rarely asks)  Sister Lindeburg to help the Ft. Madison Branch with that dinner.  They had volunteered to help and even though they no longer serve as outbound missionaries.  Their continued support for those Ft. Madison saints is amazing.  They continue to be a force  to support and influence their lives.  The branch provided  food for what was expected to be around 70-80 guests.  We took Sister Gibson's world renowned Frog Eye salad and other missionaries who were invited brought their favorites.  In the end there were some ninety people in attendance.  Right in the middle of it were the Lindeburgs.   Their example of serving and commitment is amazing.  We are blessed to call them friends.
     We Learn About Nauvoo....
           ....from  a Community of Christ Apostle
    

 

     Wednesday, before the dinner in Ft. Madison, Elder and Sister Corder had made arrangements with Lach McKay, of the Community of Christ , to take us on a "special tour" of their sites.  We had looked forward to it for a few weeks.  Along with the Brigham Young District, our newest missionaries, the Pollocks and  the Hall's2 and one of the service missionaries, Elder Kelson and his parents who were visiting here attended.   So What makes this a special tour?  Lach McKay is an apostle in the Community of Christ.  He is also the resident historian and in charge of the sites that the Community of Christ  still has.  While there was nothing earth shattering revealed we did get some information that we haven't heard about the early days of the church in Nauvoo.  The tour was much the same as we had experienced during our other visits but with a little more detail into the trials that Joseph Smith was subjected to while he was here.
    The picture is at the gravesites of Joseph, Hyrum, and Emma Smith.  In the background you can see the reconstruction of the Red Brick Store that played such a prominent role in early church history.  What Apostle McKay said was interesting......what he didn't say was much more so.  Never mentioned were the first vision, the Book of Mormon, restoration of the priesthood, all of the Prophet's revelations or even  a personal testimony.  Their seems to me to be a loss of identity.  It reminds me of a tree without roots....
   The Cowboy Poet from Eden...
          ...Ropes in the Temple Missionaries
    

     While we were walking down Hyde Street on Sunday (taking a break from sitting while serving in the Lucy Mack Smith home), a temple missionary couple we have become acquainted with, stopped and asked us if we wanted to go to their social on Thursday Evening...sure why not....what's one more social.  Actually, this social featured Elder Spencer who is from Eden, Utah.  During our first meeting he wanted to make sure I knew he was the" best teamster in Nauvoo".  Problem was he wasn't even called to be one and it is questionable he ever will be one.  But then again, who knows.  What I do know now that he is a "Cowboy Poet Extraordinaire"
     As he explained it, he looked at his journal one day and found it quite boring.  So he took to telling some of the most interesting stories in his "cowboy life" and put them into poetry that can only be told the way a humble cowboy would tell them.  He said he had to omit some of the words as they were a little "indelicate" for the temple missionaries.  We were all rewarded with a rare talent....that wasn't overstated!

It's Friday by Golly...
     ......It's Time for more Folly!!
    

     One of fun things that we are really enjoying is the service missionaries.  Sister Gibson and I have had the opportunity to work with several of them.  Elder Kelson is one of the more pensive ones and is often quiet.  He has, however, found the joy of Sister Gibson's chocolate and treat jar.  So he is often  found passing through.  His parents and sister paid him a visit this week and suggested that they have a little open house for the service missionaries.  He thought that was a great idea and then asked if the FM missionaries he has become acquainted with could join in also.  Elder Kelson made a cute little personalized  plaque he gave to us
    Open House denotes open the door, say hello, smile, grab a treat at the table...and split.  My bad...this was a full blown party with "guess who you are" games, dinner, a huge table of deserts, and unwrap the gift with multi-layer wrapping while wearing a Santa hat and baking mittens all the while someone is trying to stop you by trying to roll doubles.  As you can see...Sister Gibson is pretty good with the mittens on (or the person ahead of her had it opened (almost) when she threw doubles and collected the bounty.  Then we took M & M's and depending on what color you got to tell your favorite Christmas memory, song, gift, or whatever.  That was followed by Christmas Pictionary.
Three hours later  we beat a hasty exit.....Ok it was a great time and a lot of fun. But........
I have my Bah....Humbug image to protect!!

Pictures That Hide a Thousand Words....

  .....or the Week of Work Without Review
           ...or Mention that we Started SheetRock

The Not so Unexpected Arrives.......
                                    ......Unexpectedly!!

     This is a touchy subject that must be approached with the utmost tact and caution.  Too much enthusiasm and someone....somewhere....sometime will read it and say "Well!!...it doesn't sound like they enjoyed it very much".  On the other hand  if we downplay our excitement and jubilation someone....somewhere....sometime will read it and say "Well!!...it doesn't sound like they enjoyed it very much".  So let's cut to chase....make the big announcement........

President Hall sent us a letter (actually it was stuffed in our mission mailbox with very little pomp or ceremony)and was  from the mission secretary.  The message was quick and to the point:.....It's time to plan on going home....

like in 

               92 Days...    

        LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!


     The reality of returning to the real world does conjure up some interesting thoughts....For me it will be "What will I do?"  I have never really been retired....now that's an odd word.....does it mean doing nothing but "fun stuff"?  Loafing around all day?(That's not going to happen) Or do I go back and find another job using my keen intellect(who's kidding who?), sharp mind (like the push side of a thumbtack), and strong physical body(when I flex a bicep it is bigger on the bottom than the top..where the muscle is supposed to be)  So that thought is pretty doubtful.   How about another mission? (Wife is not keen on that one) Highly Improbable.  What ever it is I probably haven't done it before...or maybe I have...I'll just have to relearn it.....every day I do it.
     Sister Gibson, on the other hand, gets tears in her eyes whenever the word "home" is mentioned.  She has always been a home body and loves her life as a grandmother.  It will be a return to the world where she is most comfortable and happy.  It will be a chance for her to hug those grandkids and be a part of their lives again(and so it will also be for me).  Face time is an over-rated reality that doesn't replace the warm hugs and smiles....but it is the best we've got to work with. 
      She is the  light in my life here and has done so many  amazing things.  I cannot thank her enough for "pushing the button" and allowing us to come to this unique place.  It will be forever in our memories.
     We have made many friends here....some we will leave....most have left us (we have their memories but they are now busy with their lives)  So here's the plan:
     We are going to continue to work as we have in the past.  Do the best we can...for as long as we can and then........
      When it's time to leave, and it's coming soon....we will shed a tear,  and move on.

It's Christmas Time....We Know it...... but.....  
    

     It looks like Christmas....but it sure doesn't feel like it.  Streets and houses are decorated...there's even Christmas music. We even have a small, humble, and gloriously decorated Christmas Tree filled with ornaments that have been sent to us by Mindy and also ones we have made to remind us of our family.    Still doesn't feel like it. 
     This will be our second Christmas here.  Like most other things I really can't even remember much about our first one.  I really don't have to.  We will probably be doing the same thing we did last year.....an open house visit with President and Sister Hall and about a third of the missionaries We used to do it by casts in Rendezvous but then gone on those days.  Then on the Twenty Third we will have the mission dinner for all the missionaries.  The Twenty Fourth will be special(?).  At least our  teaching assignment was postponed (we couldn't swing cancelled) until sometime in January.  We will have Sacrament Meeting and then spend four hours serving in the Lucy Mack Home.  Wow.....it sure sounds exciting.

A Christmas Without Trees.......

                               .......Unthinkable!

  

    


     While the grandkids are back home expanding their knowledge and experience on how to bake our traditional Christmas Tree offering for friends and family we carry on here.  Doggedly we press on.  It's a little less that optimal as we only have one oven and it is always a highly questionable activity trying to bake something and finding the necessary stuff to do it.  The good news is we have....even found a cinnamon/sugar shaker.  We couldn't find one last year but good ol' Amazon came to our rescue this year.  So we are now off and running!
     We jumped in Saturday and popped out ten for the Brigham Young District and our MTC group.  The big trick is getting them delivered....so much to do....so little time....and to think someone is concerned we don't have anything to do.  We got four Saturday night and followed up with six on Sunday.  That's it for this year.....
     Merry Christmas to all....and to all a good night!!

   

The Maxwell.......We're Still Tear'n it up

      ....and Even Starting to Put it

             ......Back Together!

      The window wells are dug....they are here....and someday we will get them put in.  Then we can get on with getting the permanent underground power installed to the house so we can finish the soffit on the back side of the house.....My worst fear(nightmare) was we would be working outside in January.  Well that has now become a reality.  Ben the electrician leaves next week and won't be able to get it connected until after the first of the year.  That's known as a Nauvoo Snafu!  We will get the garage and patio poured next week do to the hard work of Elder Jensen.  He has done a masterful job in laying it out and getting it ready for cement.   Question of the day why drain in a residential garage?  Really?  Who knows why....Ok Marcus does, but for everyone else it's a mystery of the ages why there has to be a drain in a residential missionary type house.....let alone a covered cement patio on the back.  Ok...mine is not to question  or even reason why....I'm just a soldier in Pickett's cavalry...we charge on... do and cry.

     Enough of that.  We have pretty much finished the framing on the basement and the electrical is almost finished on the upstairs.  Once the plumbing is done up there we can move forward and start reworking the floors, sheetrock, and numerous patches in the walls.  Now that will be progress. Elder Pollock is a great and humble guy to work with.  

     Outside things were going well until  the porch was being removed and that loosened two sections of brick fascia that will now have to be mostly replaced.  Seems Elder Corder suggested early on in the restoration process that all this brick should be removed and replaced anyway.  A Nauvoo miracle and he got his wish...sort of.  Now he just needs to tear off the old, clean it up, and re-use it.  I don't think that was exactly what he had in mind with his suggestion.

Odds.....at the End
 

"Without Rendezvous....there will be nothing to do"  They screamed and cried.  All the while I'm fit to be tied
       Without even trying we had a District Meeting, an impromptu dinner with the MTC group, Square Dancing and a trip to Land and Records to research folks we could walk for on the Exodus Walk in February....
  Life in Nauvoo can seem like a Zoo....Believe me folks..... there's plenty to do!!
     



    

    




They said it couldn't be done....no sir...no one in years has done it.  So Elder Coleman took the Dr. Getwells Bar and Grill challenge to heart and waist  and in twenty minutes woofed down  1 1/2 pound burger, 1/2 pound of pulled pork, fries, and a drink....all for the sake of a free lunch.  There is no up side to this but the accomplishment of the feat.
     At least he didn't have to eat again for twenty four hours.  You have to admire youthful exuberance...I know I do.










    

     The alarm systems are disabled on the sites at 7:00 a.m. every day or so that's what Sisters Gibson, Schmitt, and the new FM recruit, Jennifer were told as they were hoping to get a early start. They entered a Sarah Granger at 7:19  and shortly thereafter the sirens blared.  Deafened by the noise Sister Gibson made a quick "What do I do" phone call to the FM director, Jordan.  "Sit tight....the ambulance, fire department, and police will be there soon....I will meet you at the jail to get you released".  It was a good story until he laughed.  Soon the siren stopped
and Ben came by to reset it. Turns out even the FM
director can't keep it all straight.....not even his face!

Rendezvous is Gone.....
   The Social Life Goes On..and On...and On!

     

    The demise of Rendezvous brought on a new hysteria.  The cry went out...."What are we going to do? We will be lonely and desolate....We will not see each other any more.....Our cast is our family and we will never see them again"  It isn't everyone....it's just the loud voices crying in the wilderness of their despair.  I never envisioned our experiences on a mission as a social experience.  I had hoped to be able to serve in building things in FM and I knew I would sing and dance.  I even expected to have some great spiritual experiences and an occasional opportunity to share the joy I have received from the gospel with members and non members.  Never....Ever....did I think about parties and social events.  We are not lonely here.  We do have friends and neighbors.  They are for the most part the hundred or so missionaries that serve during the winter.    We see them all around Nauvoo, in church, shopping, and on the sites and in FM.  We love each other for the most part. Again I speak as an observer....not a complainer.......I'm just not that lonely.  I have work enough to do 'ere the sun goes down.

     There is hope on the horizon for those disconsolate souls.  It was announced in our mission training meeting this week that there will be a Zone or Mission social weekly and districts are to have at least one a week (that doesn't include a twice a month district training meeting and a once a month dinner reporting meeting).  The one thing I really enjoy is getting together with our MTC group once or twice a month for dinner.  Let the good times roll.........

     I know....I know....I appear to be a lone wolf howling at a full moon....but believe me when I say I there are others who feel the same way.....we just have to find them!! (that's an old Rendezvous line)

He Who Was a Plumber......

      .....Is Once again a Plumber

     It was a sad day last week when Elder Jones left.  It was a happy day this week when Elder Archibald was told that he would once again be a plumber and take over Elder Jones spot working with Darrell, our FM plumber.  It didn't do much for his venue, however.  He just changed hats and worked in the same place.  He went from a hammer to a jackhammer in one day as they removed a huge hunk of floor from the Maxwell house to expose the existing lines.  They have now run the new lines to accommodate the additional bathroom that will be added....Good Luck Elder Archibald I will miss you....

He is a Rancher and a Teacher....
 ....Now he is Learning to be a Carpenter!!

     Elder and Sister Pollock arrived this week.  They were called to serve in FM as a couple for a year. Things didn't get off well for them as Richard, the head grounds keeper, who was conducting prayer meeting  welcomed them as the Pole Locks (people from Poland).  It didn't get much better for them. They had been of the opinion that they would serve in   the grounds department.  Not much goes on in grounds during the winter so they were temporarily assigned to other areas that could use some help.  Sister Pollock became a painter and Elder Pollock replaced Elder Archibald and is working with me.  The hope is that they will go into the grounds department when spring arrives.  Speaking of the grounds department....the last of the temporary employees will be laid off the end of next week.

     The Pollocks are from Tropic, Utah, a very small town on the edge of Bryce Canyon,  where the ranched and he taught 6th grade.  They seem to be quieter than most but they are willing to do whatever is necessary.  I am sure we will do well together. 

Windows, Walls, and Chaos.....

    ...The Maxwell House Rolls On

 It started Monday Morning when Keokuk Contractors arrived and began cutting out the egress windows in the basement.    By Wednesday we had reached utter chaos. We were putting the windows in, starting to frame the walls, the existing duct work and furnace were being torn out, the plumbers were cutting the floor and jackhammering away, Elder Pollock looked like a deer standing on the highway stunned and bewildered as to which way to go.  The electricians started to work on the upstairs modifications and the heavy equipment operators tore our the garage floor on Thursday.  Ear protection became mandatory but  on already hearing impaired  people it makes for some great communication.....or lack thereof.   Friday we were told we needed to remove the Live Nativity from the Visitors Center and set up at the Stake House for the Nauvoo Wards Christmas celebration.  What we found at the Stake Center was the most amazing decorations I have ever seen for a ward function.

    The  wards started back in October preparing for the Christmas Dinner.  Now it doesn't hurt to have Brett Allen, the "Wizard of Nauvoo", when it comes to house lighting, work all through Thursday night to put in the lights using the FM scissor lift.  The snowflakes, however, were earned.
Whenever a person reported a good deed performed for them they honored that person by making a snowflake for them that would be hung at the dinner.  As you can see there were a lot of good deeds.

A Rug with a Bug....
     .....A Feather in no Bonnet ...or inkwell for that matter!

  

     The title is going to need a little explanation....but first a big hurrah that  Sister Gibson actually provided a couple of pictures that help explain her life in Nauvoo.  So..... there is no "bug in the rug" but there are a couple of loose ends that could have tripped some of the sisters or guests in the Pendleton Log Home.  Send over the conservation sisters.  Why not....after all they have had practice with hammer and nail tacking down the sticky papers to make  sure the trapped mice don't escape their fate and head for a hidden recluse to soon die and stink.

      One of the last performances in Rendezvous raised a question by a Native American visitor(like about 5% NA) as to why we were using the highly honored eagle feather in the ink well on the desk.  For thirty five years no one has said a word.....the last week   Rendezvous says good bye it's an issue?  Hard to believe someone couldn't explain the show was over and it would be gone.....so this week Sister Gibson removed it and put in never, never land where it will be kept and no one will ever see it.  Go Figure!!  Chalk one up for being politically correct.  That's one down and a bazillion to go.

     

     Sister Lindeburg, for all of her nuances and quirks, is probably one of the most focused and dedicated missionaries we have here.  Rather than spend time bemoaning all of the things that weren't mentioned before we got in their van and headed to Qunicy,  I'd like to focus on one......yes...only one!

    First thing out of her mouth (not hello...how are you....are you ready) was "we're going to a nursing home in Carthage"  We weren't even going to Carthage.  My first hope was she was signing on to live there....Nope, she had Elder Lindeburg fabricate a small Christmas Tree and as part of the 25 Days of Christmas Campaign and she was going to give it one of the residents.  That went by the wayside when we couldn't find the one in Carthage so it was off to Quincy.  It took two stops to ask where the one was in Quincy and get directions.  Elder Lindeburg and hung out at the T-Mobile store while he bought a new phone and the sisters headed to the nursing home.  Should have now it wouldn't be a quick trip....Ninety minutes later they are back with a story and a picture.  They finally found the home, a resident without a tree, and a laugh for the ages.  Albert Beck, has to be close to ninety and he was glad to have the tree...and someone to talk to.  He had been a professor, wrote thirty books, and fought in the Korean War.  Sister Lindeburg handed him the tree, a pass along card, and asked if she could have a picture with him.  "Sure" he said...."but.....I want my picture taken with the other lady...the one you introduced as Marilyn Monroe"  So here's the picture and the story.....and I am sticking by it.  Sister Lindeburg's jaw was not injured when it flapped open so hard.

     

     When President Hughes comes to visit alone anymore we have   come to realize it is not a good thing.  In fact, he has now taken to sneaking up behind us so we can't see him coming.  With his sneak attack on Sister Gibson Monday, he delivered a Golden Opportunity that was received  with a giant thud.  Teaching Relief Society on the 24th was not the way we planned to spend Christmas Eve.  Even though I had texted him to not bother with me I soon became the proud recipient of the Golden Opportunity.       We appear to be in the rainy season of our mission because when it rains (opportunities) it pours down more responsibility (stress).

     We had the last laugh, sorta, however, when the 1st Presidency announced only Sacrament Meeting would be held on the 24th.  We spent Sunday trying to convince President Hughes that the opportunity was a one time shot and we were now off the radar.  Doubt that worked...but we tried!!

It's a Sad Day.......
       ........But We Go On

     Here in Nauvoo we have become believers that many of our daily occurrences we commonly have here are taken has coincidence but  are really something more than that.  Monday we took a trip to Burlington and got  double barged.  That means we were stuck on the Ft. Madison Bridge while waiting for two barges to pass through the opened gates.  Normally we obey the signs and stay in the car. So in spite of all the printed warnings I stepped outside.  "What are you doing out of your car" came the call from an all to familiar voice.  Turning to the sound I saw Elder Jones approaching me.  He was the car behind us.

     He was a looking a little down but the smile was still there.  It had been five days since his heart attack and remarkable story.  As we talked it couldn't keep it to himself any longer.  He and his wife had met with President Hall and they all agreed that his mission and service were remarkable but it was time for them to go home.  Sister Gibson gave him one of her big hugs.  The following day he and Sister Jones came to our prayer meeting where he was presented his FM flag of service and appreciation.  His testimony was strong and powerful.....yet humble and sincere.  They left Wednesday....sadly without the Sarah Granger cast being able to sing Farewell Nauvoo with him for one last time.  Sister Hipple, our director,  was too busy to forward my e-mail to her telling her of Elder and Sister Jones hastened departure and my wish to her to forward it to all cast members so they could attend the ceremony and sing to him.  She was, however,  able to send it the following day after they Jones' had left.....I have no idea what she was thinking when she did it.  They were gone...it was distressing to many they had missed it.

     The week passed....it felt like a cloudy, bleak day.  We knew the Jones' were still with us.....We just couldn't see them or feel the warmth of their sunshine.

                                 Farewell Jones'......We Love You and will Miss You!!

               I will leave you to ponder a while on the  graphic.....no I have not taking to drinking....but it certainly felt like a  possibility....though I have never had a drink.....but there were many who knew what I meant as I uttered it in mild frustration.  So let's get on with it......

      The Drama Ends........
        .....as Rendezvous Finally Fades
                                        .........to a Memory!!

     It has been several weeks now since it was announced that Rendezvous had been cancelled after some thirty five years.  I have been honored to play a role in this as  the editor....the narrator who weaves the background stories together for the vignettes. As I performed I developed a passion to tell the story in such a way that the audience would feel the spirit of the Saints who lived here.  I felt the story and hoped I could portray it to others in such a way that they too would feel it.   The sky was clear and a brilliant blue.  When clouds came they were white and billowy.  They were beautiful and impressive.

     Sometime ago I began to feel more clouds in the sky.  The sun was often obscured and the temperatures cooled.  I still had love for the Sarah Granger cast but my feelings about Rendezvous were darkening.  I was confused and mystified at the way Sister Hipple, our director functioned. I found her eighth grade school teacher behavior to be a thing of my past that I never wanted to revisit again.  Willingly........I had to.

      So when the "end" announcement came I did not find myself feeling a loss....but rather a gain.  I suddenly started to feel that there was more of a purpose to the mission than Rendezvous or the grand social structure that it had created.  There was something better for us as missionaries and it was coming our way.  Whether we embrace it....that is the question that will have to be answered by each of us as individuals.

     As we marched closer to the ending it seemed like many of the women were in hysteria as the show would be ending.  Parties sprung up with tables full of food for seemingly no reason.  Birthday celebrations were held for some who weren't born until mid-December.  Pep talks by Sister Hipple and Sister Finlinson were better, and far less inspiring, than any I had ever given to a bunch of nine year old Gremlin football players.  They talked of a new show......really?  Didn't hear that from anyone.  Sister Hipple, who had long and laboriously drilled into us the need to "stay to the script" because it was an inspired church document, gave the hostess' new lines to learn for the final show.  That was enough for me.  I hit "reply all" (the Sarah Granger cast) to that: "Once again Sister Hipple, we are in our debt.  Thank you for your remarkable suggestions for new lines for the hostess'.  I think we all have things we want to say.  Unfortunately they are not in keeping with the "spirit of exactness" you have drilled into our hearts and minds over the months you have led us.  What the heck.  I have some other great ideas that I would love to do also....and I am sure there are others  who feel the same way....let's go find them?" (This is probably not funny to the reader...it contains many of the Rendezvous lines)

      To that she responded:  "Stick to the script with exactness and Honor"  So we did.

We attended every performance last week to support our fellow cast members.  I would guess there were only ten non-missionaries in the audience for the final performances

     And so with a wkimper and a whine we say "Farewell Rendezvous"  Bring on what's next.......

as long as it isn't another party!!

    Christmas Caroling in Carthage.........

          .....We Answer the Call of the Pole

    

     Thursday night after the final performance of Rendezvous we loaded up with Elder Hughes. (Since Sister Hughes was singing in the Messiah and the Catholic Church and it was dress rehearsal night),  and went to do the annual caroling around the square.  Been there.....done that again but it was fun to find the light pole we took a memorable picture at.

     Carthage is fun.....the Picture is the BEST!!!

We Finally Sing the Song and ....
        .....Light Up the Tree.....

     When we were called to Chair the Nauvoo Community Christmas Tree Lighting and Walk we felt overwhelmed....we had far more questions than direction but with the help of last years compilation of activities and the Nielsen1's who were in charge of all the Visitor Center activities and the Wadsworth's who over saw site activities things soon took shape and rolled forward. It soon became clear we have amazing people here.   They were knowledgeable yet humble.  They were willing to do their assignments willingly and while wanting to do them well there was not those who felt it was about them but rather about the community and the mission.

     We started this activity with a group meeting and gave them our all important preface statement:

 Organize, Execute, and Evaluate the 2017 Christmas Walk that involves all missionaries in the Nauvoo Mission in a way that every activity is in harmony with proclaiming the Savior's birth so all will feel of the Spirt of God's love for us as we come together as a community to celebrate.

     Friday was "Showtime" and with the  of Rendezvous  closing performances during the week, Carthage Caroling, and the dress rehearsal for the community Messiah all on the night before we awoke Friday morning with "wonderment"....I wonder how this is going to go and what, if anything we missed.  There were a couple of "minor" details that had to be worked out....and quickly.

     The FM employee in charge of the seating was new(yet experienced), and even though we explained his role in providing the 400 chairs from the Pageant Building as well as taking them down after the ceremony it seemed to have passed over his head.  Secondly, the upright piano in the theater had been remove and replace with a grand one.  It was impractical to move so an electronic keyboard was brought it.  Once we hammered out a solution for power to it, since all the lights would be off and we didn't know if that meant power to the keyboard and light during the tree lighting song.  FM scrambled to get them up....not a problem....we scramble well here...it's like a Chinese fire drill.

     President Hall welcomed the almost filled to capacity Visitors Center and Elder Gordon stepped in and gave an opening prayer since the Catholic Father was stuck in a traffic jam (I didn't know that even happened here) in Quincy.  The Warsaw High School Jazz Band and Chorus were great. Rick McGregor, our FM friend and Pastor of the Community of Christ Parish gave a great talk about community and the season......barely mentioned Christ, his birth, or his message, however.

    It was now time for the tree lighting ceremony....the lights darkened.....the anticipation mounted (really?)  The song began and by the mid-point we were all over the place with lights flashing and the song being mumbled.....fortunately we all came together for the last line...."Light up the Tree"....it was lit and we were done!!!

    The rest of the evening was spent with Elder Hall and our six service missionaries picking up the 400 chairs, stacking them, carting them, putting them on two trailers (because our "Twinkie Truck Van" had been used earlier and locked up).  The Elder with the key didn't respond to numerous phone calls until we were on our way back after we had unloaded them and put them back in the Pageant Building.

     Such was the event....at least when we got back to the Family Living Center there were still treats and glowing reports of how smooth everything went and the success of the event.  We did it right....we had great people and they did what they were asked. Hopefully we met the expectations of our preface statement.

Big Jobs....Big Toys.....Big Boys

                                ......and Big Noise

   

     Work at the Maxwell house is just that.......it's work.  As the week went on we continued with the siding and soffit only to be interrupted by a need to frame in the bathroom so the plumber, Darrell, and our HVAC guy Jason could see what needed to go where and begin to plan for the assault on the house.  We finally got word that Keokuk Contractors would be here Monday to start cutting the foundation for the egress windows in the basement.  That's out of my league so the big boys with the big toys were called in to start digging the place up to provide for space to work at cutting. ....Well there goes the neighborhood and it's quite tranquility.  We were planning on cutting the concrete floor in the basement when the concrete cutter wouldn't work on propane and we decided to wait until it could.  The last time the plumbers used it in a basement it was only a Nauvoo miracle that presented a catastrophe.  It did work well on the garage floor as Marcus had wanted us to replace it...why?  It's now a race against the weather with winter on the horizon......can snow be far behind?

      It's the 4th....
     I'm sorry to see Rendezvous go.....it was a great vehicle for me to share the Nauvoo story...then again....I still have my perceived sanity.  The chaos and Sister Hipple were mind boggling to me.  They are gone now  and I am relieved.  Six out of Seven nights last week we started at 5:00 a.m. and ended around 9:00 p.m.  We ain't kids anymore.....well maybe in some ways!!
       The Nauvoo Community Christmas Tree Lighting and Walk had their glitches but it was an amazing experience for Sister Gibson and myself to be such an integral part of it.  Good people make for a good event.....and we were blessed with the best.
   And So....in the End....I Didn't Need the Fifth