A Trip to the Woodshed.....
                  .....With 2 Weeks to Go....Really?

     Monday was a very bad day for me.  I was called to the President's office along with Jordan.

There were a few pleasantries before he got to the crux of the matter.  It seems  my post from February 4th (Week 71) had made it to the designer who was in charge of the remodeling of the President's home.  She is a personal acquaintance of President Lusvardi as he has worked with her and the firm she represents on many church projects.  It was easily apparent he was not happy and
was very upset,  but calmly and quietly,  he read the post back. I was immediately saddened that I had caused him grief and apologized immediately.  He is a media person and has seen how these things can be mis-perceived and blown out of proportion. I have a special love for President Lusvardi so in respect for his wishes I felt it best I take down "The Blog" and make it private.  Since this was really about the designers "feelings" I suggested, light heartedly, that he tell her he had me shut down the blog and he was sending me home next week"  He didn't find that particularly humorous but did suggest I re-write it to put the cosmos in order.  I chose to take it down.  What I said was not meant to be malicious but it was what I felt.
     On the other hand I am totally mystified as to his observations that day regarding the remodeling of the Mission President's home and what he told me were his gravest concerns.  The post, near as I can tell, is less than complimentary to designer's in general and the fact that I sometimes question their decisions.  Granted they have their place.    Then it got a little weird.  He then explained that he wasn't the one in charge of the remodel and I shouldn't be associating his name with the decisions made on the project.  He felt as though I had inferred "he" was building the "Presidential Palace" and it was for him....He wanted to make sure I understood that this was for the mission president (I think I already understood that) and for his numerous hosting opportunities.  The word "Palace" struck a sour note.    Sad truth is that it was named such  simply because it sounded phonetically pleasing....It is far from a palace...but it is a nice home and it is large for hosting church authorities and visitors.  I can't even see where in the post that was written two weeks after he arrived,  mentioned his name or suggested his involvement.  I know he isn't the one calling the shots...and he has had little input.  It was designed in Salt Lake and most decisions were made before he was even in Nauvoo.
   

     So I wasn't exactly happy with the decisions the designer had made with the outlet in the floor.  Sometimes those "designer" things turn out to be a "can of worms" because no one can see what's underneath and sometimes...only sometimes....it can turn out to be a disaster.  Sometimes, as I  question  designer choices,not just in this project, I realize I am not on the same page.    In Nauvoo I have always been willing to do what was asked.  Maybe it was after I did some questioning or grumbling but I always did it to the best of my ability.  I didn't know that I had to be happy about it.  Same can be said for the messy, difficult job of stripping down the poorly installed wall paper.  It got done and we had plenty of Advil to cover our pain.  In retrospect the best idea yet is wear a "smiley face" mask.  In my case I usually wear my emotions well...which sometimes is not a good thing.
     Moving on there was  never in contention in our meeting although I may have rolled my eyes a couple of times.  Jordan, for the most part listened, and added I had done a great job in my assignments. He just sat there and listened for the most part.   It was a less than happy meeting but there was never, never any contention.  In the end, President Lusvardi offered a very sincere and sweet prayer, I asked his forgiveness again, and he then apologized that sometimes designers are a little edgy and quirky but explained they have a job to do to and we should be a little more sensitive.
      That's my diatribe....I'm moving on.

*No Missionaries or Presidents were offended, hurt, or had bad feelings during or after  the course of this meeting.  It's the way it's supposed to be.  I am sorry I hurt the designers feelings...that wasn't my intent...it was just my opinion.
             
Last Days Test our Endurance....
           ....... As we Rush to the Finish Line
     One day....not any particular day, I woke up and realized that the end was really near  and there are two thousand two hundred and two items on a check list that must be cleaned before you can officially leave. Not to mention the packing.   The task starts slowly, one item at a time.  Time shortens, the pace quickens and anxiety kicks in.  It is a little more  with Sister Gibson as she has been doing some of the follow up work to re-clean apartments.  She knows what is expected....and we are going to do it.
    

     Simultaneous to the cleaning is the pre-packing...or should I say the keep or destroy part of the operation.   Some things are obvious and go quickly.  Trying to figure out how to clean out the food adds to the adventure.  We don't want to run out of food before we run out of time.  We keep planning meals and soon we find ourselves on the invited end of dinners and lunches.  Soon we start giving our food to anyone and every one who we can find to pawn it off on.  The countdown continues and the clock ticks on.
     Sister Gibson baked all the extra goodies we had hanging around and took them to FM.  Most likely the majority will be eaten by the service elders.
    

    

     Saturday is dedicated to the completion, for the most part, of the project.  Figuring we are on track we took a little time to look for some art at the Bedard Studio.  We wanted to match the "Brothers Keeper" piece that was given to us by the Corder's.  We found three other pieces and discovered a fourth which we hope to add as soon as the piece is completed.  I learned a lot about importance of detail in an artist's life as I looked at the piece, which I thought was perfect, and he explained the he was still weeks away as he needed to research the details on how 1840's pies were made and looked.  It's amazing how we miss the details that make things clearer and more interesting and yet many don't even see it.



It's Revealed.....
  ...The New "Visitor's Center Guide"
    ....and a Clearer Look at the Future of Nauvoo

     I don't think it will be anytime soon but sooner or later President Lusvardi will have a mission training where there won't be a revelation as  the "New Old Nauvoo" continues to be revealed.  We now know the makeup of the missionaries coming is going to be different as their will be far fewer Senior Missionaries and a whole bunch of Young Single Sisters coming in.  The make-up in FM is changing with couples being called and the focus will be on the sites...their upkeep and beautification.
     Today President Lusvardi revealed the new Nauvoo Missionary Site guide.  It will probably be distributed to the missionaries in the coming weeks and they will learn what their message will be.  It will all be revealed soon as the "busy" season is fast approaching.  Not that I would want to change anything but working in the sites has been a blessing for Sister Gibson and myself and we have had some wonderful experiences.
    

     Previously we had talked to the President and President Hughes (the same guy who told us we would probably not have to talk) and they had reassured us that there would be no sentimental send off at the mission training meeting. 
Sister Gibson and I had felt it was time for the grand hoopla when missionaries leave to end and we would gladly go quietly and lead the way.  We had placed ourselves at the top of the auditorium to be inconspicuous.     I wouldn't way they lied.....just blindsided us with a change of mind, when they asked us and the Lindeburg's to come to the front.  With a little, actually a lot, of coaxing) we, along with the Lindeburg's made our way to the  front of assembled missionaries as President Lusvardi moved adroitly to the piano and together we sang "God be With You 'til We Meet Again"....that isn't exactly true either.  I sang best I could  and most every one else  cried.  We were all touched in our hearts and soon we found ourselves saying good-bye to many of our friends who e were our fellow missionaries.  We leave them with heavy hearts knowing  full well we may not see them again.  But "Forever, Forever, we will always look back and remember...Nauvoo" and it's dedicated missionaries.  Rendezvous may be dead but it's lines and memories will never be forgotten.
 
We Continue to Grow....
    Supported by Everyone's Dinner-a-Thon
      It started Sunday....well, actually, it started two week's before.  It finally sunk home to a lot of people that we were really  going home.  In spite of President Lusvardi's hints and suggestions we were determined to return to those we loved and left to serve the Lord for the last eighteen months.  Our fellow missionaries had never let us forget as they continually reminded us our "numbered" days.
    

     We have been, like most MTC groups, very close and tight.  At our meal a couple of weeks earlier I had suggested that we plan "the last supper" and the date of March 9th was selected. Then things started to get planned.   Brother and Sister Williams had a motive when they invited us to dinner last Sunday.  They wanted to hear the Vincenzo De Francesco story, as they had not heard it.  It was her uncle, Elder Semedini that had first contacted me about the Italian Mission and his visit's led to my letter donation and subsequent notoriety.  They invited the Lloyd's and Johnson1's and had a fantastic meal and I was able to talk about the letter and we then watched "How Rare a Possession....I Will Not Burn the Book" video.
      We were not able to attend the MTC "unofficial" dinner on Sunday due to our commitment to the William's.  Sister Hughes had sent out a dinner invitation that Saturday for anyone who wanted to come to dinner to let her know.  I think she wanted to welcome the Dayne's back who had been gone for a week attending to a family crisis.  Not to worry though.  They scheduled another meal for Monday which we were able to get to.
     Tuesday we wanted to get together with the Brigham Young District and include the Jensen's.
We traveled to The Big Muddy in Burlington.  They are a unique and special group and Sister Gibson have felt privileged to be able to work with them and share our Spirt of Nauvoo.  We are all so diverse and share so many differences and yet we have that bond that brings us together.  The food wasn't' all that great...but we sure had a good time.
     After Five nights of dinner we took a break from the ribaldry on Wednesday and had soup....alone..in the quiet of our own home.

    


     Thursday was dinner with the 6(joyful) sisters.  The dinner was prepared by Sisters Wright and Shumway and they invited us along the Sisters McNiel, Shumway, Murch, and Muldanado.  The dinner was a little spicy but when they suckered us into their little card game again I was stunned I had let myself fall into the trap.  Of course Sister Shumway blitzed us all but it was such a good time I was glad to take the beating.  At least this time I didn't end up dead last.....just tied for next to last with Sister Gibson.
     

    


     Friday we went to Carthage with the MTC group for the "last supper"  It turned out to be a delightful evening as we dined with Prime Rib, Catfish, and of course, Sister Gibson had chicken strips.  We topped it off with a visit to the Carthage Dairy Queen.







The Bucket List is Complete.....
        Patience is the Key

      

     It came down to the wire....actually, I knew it would, since we were "Golden Ticket'd" for the 11th.  We were given the topic of patience which turned out to take a lot of time to prepare...because I didn't have any patience with what I was writing and I over thought it to the point that I had enough for three talks which included a talk from Joseph B. Wirthlin, the story of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail and Far West, the patience of Vincenzo De Francesco waiting 41 years for baptism, a cute story about a kindergarten teacher trying to put boots on little Johnny. Then you can throw in 3 teaching  examples of "how to cook....a grilled cheese sandwich, a marshmallow, and a hotdog.   The cute kindergarten story and Vincenzo took pretty much the whole time....who knew?
    Sister Gibson on the other hand leaned toward a talk by Elder Uchtdorf, read it more times than imaginable and was set to go.....until the Sister who spoke ahead of her used some of the same information.  No reason to panic in Nauvoo.  As Sister Gibson explained her plight to the congregation she was calm and serene.  The way she explained it; most of the Nauvoo missionaries couldn't remember what they had for breakfast so she was pretty confident that they wouldn't remember what they heard ten minutes ago.

A Face Full of Jordan...
                      Turns Him Red as a Beet

     Our FM director, Jordan had a birthday on Saturday.   He thought he'd pull a fast and schedule a trip to the auction to look at some horses on Friday thinking that by Monday everyone would have forgotten.  Sister Hall2 would not let that moment past and with Lee the two of them conjured up a surprise that Jordan wasn't ready for.  Our little FM mascot, the who had last made a appearance on Valentine's was brought back and a cutout of Jordan's face was placed on it.  That got his attention right away as he walked in and made a couple of snide comments before he turned around at the podium.  Little did he know that every missionary had the same face and as he turned around to begin the meeting he was met by a cast of "Jordan's"  It took  A moment for him to gain his composure and even longer for his red face to turn pink before returned to normal.  It wasn't over as he still had to endure the usual dressing in comic garb and coke bottle glasses as the group sang Happy Birthday. 

The Last Tile....The Last Project..
                                     ...and a New Indian
    

     It's the last full week of work here in Nauvoo.  It's like other weeks in most ways and a lot different in others. It's been tile, tile, and more tile as we keep our efforts focused on completing the tile on the "palace"  The "mansion", and the "Economou" are now out of my scope of influence as Jordan has asked me to concentrate on completing the tile.  On Friday we set the last tile in   The laundry room and started grouting. 
     Since September, when Elder Van Horn left, I have been the only elder officially assigned to Carpentry and I have been assisted by other Elder's, who have other specific assignments, on a temporary basis.
Elder Archibald (a plumber), Elder Pollock(assigned to grounds), and Elder Corder (a world class brick layer) worked with me for various lengths of time.    Together we have worked on the ongoing projects bouncing from one to another as necessary.  Recently, we have received six new couples. The elders have been assigned to the mechanic's shop, cabinet shop, painting, and gardening but none to carpentry.  That finally changed when Elder Warner arrived and on Thursday he was assigned to be a carpenter. He spent his first two days working with the FM lead carpenter, Marty.  They are working in the basement apartment.   As Elder Corder and I finished working on the  tile and starting the grouting process he would occasionally appear with the "new elder....deer in the headlights look".  It would have been nice to have spent some time with him to get him up to speed as to our tools, operations, and such.  He is the answer to the oft asked question, "Who can replace you, your expertise, and leadership".  Nauvoo and Elder Warner will do just without me.....I'm heading home next week.

All Good Things Come to an End..
       .....and Lead to New Beginnings

     We had decided a month or so earlier that we would work our last day and not use our allotted pack day.  President Lusvardi had long ago granted our request to leave at the first of the week rather than the end so we would have time to do our pre-planned touring of Historic Church sites and be able to be in Texas to spend time with our grandchildren (and children) in Texas.  I would like to say we awoke with a renewed vigor to enthusiastically dive into our assignments.  Truth is we were both pretty well done physically and emotionally.  We were tired, sore, achy, and just plain ready to go except there was so much still to do before we could pack and leave....but we really did want to work one last time with our fellow missionaries.

     Over the weekend the stress had built....the panic grown.....as we operated at  fever pitch  to pack boxes, clean a place to put them, re-clean where we have already cleaned.  I started pre-packing the truck...will it all fit?  We really didn't buy that much so it should be a piece of cake.....turns out it is the whole cake as everything is carefully packed in an appropriate place.  It then becomes obvious...it's time to re-pack and reorganize.  It doesn't work any better the second...or third time.  So we pack the best we can and then we start to cram the rest wherever it will fit.  We just are so glad to be leaving we will figure it out later....or not.

     Sister Gibson and the rest of the conservation crew worked on final spot cleaning of an incoming missionary couple, the Schmitt's.  It was her last hurrah with the sisters and I am sure they all had a great time.  At the end of the day it was the beginning of the end as she went to work cleaning and re-cleaning, packing and re-packing.  It was going to be perfect.

    

     Elder Corder and I finished the last of the grouting in the presidents house (not the Presidential Palace) and then took Elder Warner on a tour of the jobs we were in the middle of that he would probably end up finishing.  Surely these projects couldn't be like the Sarah Granger windows.  Nope....they are still not done...but they are started for the umpteenth time.  These are the very same windows that were the number one job when I arrived here and had been already put off for six months and needed to be done immediately.  Two years of anticipation may actually come to fruition....or not.

    

     I really think by then Elder Corder and I realized we would be parting and so I opted in on his invitation to lunch.....in Montrose.  He needed to buy meat and I hadn't been to Montrose since our Mike Foley tour.  We had a great time and eventually made it back in time to end the day finding me an old Nauvoo brick or two to take home for a remembrance.

    Farewell Elder Corder....I will miss you.  You were one of the very best parts of our mission.  God be with you always.

     

So Long.....Farewell....
                Aufwiedersehen.......Good Bye!!

   

     We had made it.  Our mission was complete.  The truck was packed to the max and fully gassed.  All that was left one more final farewell ceremony before we hit the road.   So in full blown missionary attire we presented ourselves at the FM prayer meeting to receive the coveted(?) flag and have an opportunity to share our thoughts with the group.  Sister Gibson shed farewell tears as she expressed her love for those sisters she worked with and all the missionaries she served with.  Long remembered by Rick McGregor (our dear friend from the Community of Christ) and Elder Corder will be those early morning punches she delivered to their arms to make sure they knew "she loved them?".  

     I, on the other hand, had nothing but a smile as I couldn't shed a tear, even if I tried.  I had made many new friends, shared all types of experiences, and served to the best of my ability giving it everything I was asked to do......but now it was time to go home to my family and move on to other experiences.  I am sure we will be missed for a short time but then the cycle will continue and those who replace us will serve admirably and well and then we will become a distant memory.  By November we will be totally forgotten as the last of the missionaries we know will return home.  We may even see them again at some sort of reunion.  We do hope we see our favorite service missionary, Elder Coleman.  He has been a rock to the other service missionaries as well as a great example for those of us who have been able to work with him and watch him perform his duties.  

     The FM employees, even though they have a perception that there is a never ending line of missionaries flowing on the conveyor belt of service to Nauvoo, will go on,  seemingly unchanged in their work ethics.  It is doubtful they have been or will be changed in their attitude's toward those who serve.  Sadly, even though they  realize the vast amount of knowledge and experience that comes with the missionaries they see little need to change.  As Marty once told me "Elder, when you leave I will soon forget you because there will be others to take your place".  To that I say; "I will remember you and all of the other FM employee's.  It was a unique opportunity to serve with you".

The Long Road Home Begins at

           Winter Quarters and Kanesville!!

    

    

     When we used to take family vacations it became a tradition to play Willie Nelson's version of "On the Road Again".  I couldn't get it to play on the fancy Chevrolet sound system but as soon as the pleasantries of leaving FM were over we hit the road.  We headed northwest 500 miles to Winter Quarters.  It was here that my 3rd Great Grandfather Joseph Stallings wife, Margaret Shefflin, died in the winter of 1849.  I hadn't been able to discover much about it, other than the story so I thought I might be able to get some added insight.  

         We arrived in late afternoon and we were greeted by the Director, Elder Russell.  It seems wearing missionary attire and a badge gets you a little special attention.  In fact, I might add, too much attention.  Although there were other missionaries available, Elder Russell gave us a personal tour of the center.  So what that really means is that  he was a fountain of Winter Quarters knowledge and he wanted to make sure we got to immerse ourselves under or in it for as long as it took to give it all to us or wear us out.  The latter prevailed and two hours plus we broke the spell with a change of subject.  It reminded us of the days of Elder Mortensen and the Brick Yard tour in Nauvoo.

 

   

Hoping to move on to my main reason of the visit and inquiring about Margaret Shefflin I inquired about how one goes about it.  "Well", he said, "The sister who does that is not here today... but I can give you and e-mail address"  Someday, I'll find the card again.  I mumbled as Marilyn and I left and we explored the outside for a time.  Looking at the monuments and a few of the graves that were still somewhat visible.  It was well worth the trouble as we did learn a lot about the early Saints and their trials and successes in Winter Quarters.
     Sometimes the Lord grants us a tender mercy or two.  Later that night I was playing around on the computer and the thought crossed my mind to look at Joseph Stallings since I was following his trail.  To my great amazement I noticed a picture had been submitted of Margaret.  There is still little known about her but at least we have a picture to remember her.

      The following day found us starting in Kanesville where Brigham Young was called and selected as the  second President of the Church.  Kanesville, or Council Bluffs, as it is now known was   named for Thomas Kane, who, although a non-Mormon was a great friend to the Saints.  He negotiated a treaty with the Potowonamie Indians who had been pushed their by the Federal Government years before.  His efforts led to a large community that was able to prepare others to go west.
     We had an extra hour to tour the grounds since we arrived at nine but the center didn't open until 10:00.  Even though it was a total re-construction, the Kanesville Tabernacle  was an impressive reminder to what good men can do as it was built in just 2 1/2 weeks in order to provide the Saints with a meeting house.  The attached picture is "photshopped" as I wanted to show a little of the site plus the statue of the newly called presidency of Brigham Young, Willard Richards, and Parley P. Pratt.
   

     

It's All About Patience....
         ....With the  Patients
       ...Because Sometimes it's a Crazy Place

     I guess it's been one of those weeks when it's full of surprises that catch me off guard   If it were a baseball game we have made it to the ninth inning.  We have hit it out of the park and we are rounding third heading home in a glorious victory trot.  The closer we get the louder the crown roars.  Then, for no particular reason, the third baseman  loses focus and stretches his leg in my path and I become a cloud a swirling dust.  No big deal....just an annoyance.  So I drag myself up, dust myself off, rub my butt-hurt and get moving toward home.  He meant no harm....just wasn't really thinking.  It is, a reminder to me, that sometimes we don't realize the consequences of a simple, well meaning decision or action.  

     For some odd reason patience seems to be on my mind these days.    Nauvoo is a reminder of the strength of patience as those early Saints were tried in much the same way Job was. The had nothing, gained seemingly everything, and then were forced to give it up and start over again.   They made it across the plains with patience and fortitude.  We will do the same.
     So as we seemingly are pressed to go home I have decided to compile a few thoughts and preparing to leave Nauvoo.

You know you are a Nauvoo Missionary about to go home if:      
The normal "how are you doing" (even though most don't want to know) is replaced by:
                  "Hey short-timer, how many more days do you have left....we will miss you"
         You have more dinner invitations that days left.
         You create a bucket list
         You don't take a P-Day because it's more important to clean than rest or travel.

         If your clothes have holes or are covered in paint, glue, or grease and you don't mind.  You
                 know that soon you will be able to wear what you want, where you want, when you want.

         You can't wait to take the  boxes full of Rendezvous and Site Clothes to the Nauvoo DI

         You realize you haven't bought enough memorabilia but don't have time to shop for it.

                                                                      or

         You have found  memorabilia  tucked under the bed or in the closet and can't
                                           remember even buying it.

         Your grocery shopping is more of a discussion of what you don't need and how are we going
              to get rid of the food we have.

         People tell you they will miss you so much....even though they can't remember your name.
         You send a text to the Bishop asking when you are speaking in Sacrament Meeting after
                    your return.  He can't remember who you are and doesn't answer for a week
          It is more important to clean the apartment that anything else
          Elder Corder can't refer to you has his District Leader
          You want to make sure everyone else knows what's going on because you feel no one
                    else does.
           It's time to make the blog private....apparently there are those who get offended and my
                                   sarcastic humor in things I don't or do understand all that well.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished....
                      As the Barn Gets Finished?

     I just needed one good day and we could finish the barn....just one.  The weather report look promising although we have turned from constant cold and a frozen river to varying temperatures and precipitation.  Tuesday was that day...finally.  Trouble is our plan wasn't someone elses......It's the Nauvoo way.  While sitting in the "Leads" FM meeting on Monday it was announced that Elder Nelson was going to travel with Elder Pettit to Iowa City to pick up some lumber...it seemed no one knew exactly why the only explanation was he wanted someone to ride shotgun...since the extra help wasn't really needed. 
     No big deal.  We not until the next day, anyway.  Tuesday brought the promised weather, Elder Nelson was enlisted and away we went.   Elder Nelson didn't arrive as expected so we
plowed on thinking he was coming.  Turns out he wasn't.  Lon, our FM carpentry shop geru, reassigned him to  the "mansion" to do finish work he was supposed to have done Monday.  Really?  You just never know sometimes.  I have labored under  the apparent illusion that I was scheduling the carpentry on the houses, simply by default, if for no other reason.  I became aware of the situation when  and I received a text from Marcus wondering why I am not checking with "my supervisor"(who is Jordon on this particular project.)   I called him a indicated that we needed Elder Nelson as it was a safety issue requiring a third hand....."I'll get on it", he said.....by 11:00 Elder Nelson hadn't arrived.
     Fortunately (or unfortunately), Elder Slater, the head teamster, saw our need and jumped in to lend a very much needed helping hand.  He had seen the need and came to our rescue.  Without his help we would have never got it done.  Together with Elder Corder we completed the project.  Unfortunately it came  at a cost for Elder Slater as his back went "South" the next day and he could barely move and only crawl. Fortunately,  with a blessing and a trip to the Nauvoo Clinic  and several hours later he was standing at President Lusvardi's Media Social leading the singing.  It is a special place with extraordinary blessings provided to those who serve.
       

    


    

We dropped by the barn on Thursday as Raymond was over shoeing the horses.  He thought the structure was a little flimsy.....hardly.  Elder Butt chimed in that it would really be nice if someone could line the inside with plywood.  It was then  thought that we might even consider air-conditioning and a heater.  So is the Barn really done or is that a figment of my imagination?
     Raymond, the Ferrier for the mission, who was the primary instigator of the barn lean-to addition gave me permission to take his picture and the Lehi (the horse) wanted equal exposure....as if his big backside wasn't enough.  What a whiner......it's the view the teamsters are most familiar with.

Dancing on the Cultural Hall Floor...
     Our Special Memory....With Friends

     When Elder Finlinson suckered us into doing the Quadrille a few months ago I had no idea that it would ultimately lead to a dance on the Cultural Hall floor.  Once hatched in November the idea grew into a passion.  Probably because I really didn't think it would be possible.   Patiently we talked and thought about it and finally the reality became apparent....it was an idea who time had come.
   Over the weeks of our dancing we had usually averaged about 16-20 people.  As Rendezvous died out we thought we would get more people involved....we didn't.  Our first concern was that it would even be permissible.  That was quickly answered with a resounding yes....but no food or drink was allowed on the floor.  Elder Finlinson and I decided on March 2 and we announced it to all in t February.  Our numbers had started to diminish since there wasn't much to do in Nauvoo in the evening except Monday night (Family Home Evening), Tuesday Night was Tatting, molding clay houses, and hopscotch(not really), Wednesday Night was Family History Night, Thursday was the weekly sociable.  Since the Temple was only open for evening sessions on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday folks had to make a choice and it wasn't usually the Quadrille on Friday night.  Still we plowed along.
     We figured all we needed was 10 or 12 to pull it off, told everyone who wanted to come to bring some finger food for the Green Room and let's dance.  The 10 or 12 we hoped for blossomed into over sixty.....and away we went. Elder Orme playing familiar upbeat tunes on his accordion, Sister Nielsen2 lining people up in front of the window that viewed the temple to take their picture,  and cell phones galore taking pictures....except mine.  I was too busy having fun dancing.  (No I was abducted by an alien and a clone put in my place)   It was a fantastic night with those who could doing the quadrille, those who couldn't trying, and Elder Finlinson winging it as he went trying to teach.  All in all we were having a great time.  Intermittently we danced waltz's, the Bunny Hop, and a wild Hokey Pokey.
     We concluded with talking and commiserating about the evening and what brought us together and then cleaned the place up, went home, and crashed.  It was a long day and bed look really good at nine o'clock....of coursed we didn't see it until much later.

     

     Who is Faster Than A Speeding Bullet,
        Not Near as Powerful as a Locomotive,
          Can Turn Chaos into Semi-Organization,
              And Still Have Enough Energy for 
                       Breakfast in Fort Madison?
    

     The answer to that is the Brigham Young District. As an intricate part of the Pettit Zone of the Illinois Nauvoo Mission we swarmed into the stake center like bee's in a snowstorm, scrambling to find implements of cleaning to hurriedly fulfill a cleaning assignment that has more people assigned(at least 30) than tasks to complete. Even though our district doesn't use this building since they are outbound, they show up willingly and on time. All this is done in some sort of record time (usually 30-40 minutes) since some things are cleaned multiple times....not because of a sloppy job.....but to keep looking busy  until others start leaving.  With that said, I say;  "They came, they cleaned, and they departed. "  We will be back next week doing the same thing.

*Disclaimer:  There were no missionaries overworked in the fury of this assignment.  (Although most                                                        needed a nap to recover.)

    

     While everyone else retired to their homes the Brigham Young District made a quick clothes change and headed to Ft. Madison for breakfast at the Fort Colony Restaurant which had previously been approved for good eating by myself and Elder Corder on Wednesday.  One of the blessings of during this time in our lives has been this district.  We are one in spirit and purpose and we have a unique time together as we are able to share their stories about missionary work. I mean "real" missionary work where they have an opportunity on their outbound assignments to actually involve themselves in their wards and branches and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.  They are not only the match lighters, like our site missionaries, they are the fuel that can take a small flame and help turn it into a roaring fire.  Of course the spirit is the true converter and we should never lose sight of that but these "seasoned" missionaries are special  in our lives for their service.   They are making a difference in lives on a weekly basis.
     Someone once told Sister Hall2 when she first arrived and was announced as a new FM missionary; "Oh, a groundskeeper.  You are not part of the Country Club"  Whether in jest or actuality she was hurt.  I think with time that feeling is passing.  To that thoughtless sister I have an observation and comment taught us in our ward at home by a loving bishop; We are not a "Country Club" for Saints.  We are a hospital for sinners"  Enough said there.

    If there is one thing that is not  to look forward to or doing, it  is the required cleaning of the apartment.  I would just as soon leave the $150 deposit and have someone else clean it.  That thought is out the window because if the missionaries don't clean it then the other missionaries do.  There is a two page cleaning list to check off.  A pre-inspection is mandatory and   you have to pull the refer, stove, and washer and dryer out to prove you have cleaned behind them. It's almost a "Gestapo" like fear that you can build up. I personally think the treasure trove of memorabilia that one loses there should be left as some sort of time capsule that can be discovered in future years.   I have torn out cabinets and such here over the months I have found papers and such that date back into the early 1900's and maybe beyond.
     The days following the pre-inspection are filled with the mundane takes of the check list. Items on that list include cleaning of the drapes, blinds, cabinets (inside and out), and they insist you clean the toilets...really?  In the end the stress is alleviated by the work and you have done and exhausted yourself.  So bring it on.....let the cleaning and packing begin.  It's pretty safe to admit it now....we are in countdown mode.
   

Here's Some Nonsense.....

      .... One Man's View  of Reality

     All of that leads us to the Nielsen1's, who moved into the Pageant Directors house as the new tenants.  Elder Nielsen, in his big gruff Swat Team voice has always insisted that his former apartment will be militarily cleaned and ready for inspection when he moves,  In fact he made it known that "he" expected a large, gihugious Big Gulp when it passed the first time.
     It did and Sister Gibson and her cohort, Sister Schmidt, presented him with "his" due reward.
     He was proud as punch and stood tall at the award ceremony as the complimentary photo was taken......until his wife entered the room and inquired as the presentation.  Sister Gibson explained that it was because Elder Nielsen1 had done such a good job cleaning.  The fan was on and it wasn't pretty what hit it.  Soon the reward was re-allocated to Sister Nielsen1 who, in spite of Elder Nielsen1's objections had done all the work that he had so willingly taken credit for.  Elder Nielsen1 will be paying for that guffaw for a long time.

Here's More Nonsense...
              We're Getting a Little Giddy

   
       

     Sister Gibson was given the opportunity to do the prayer thought this week.  When no one was looking she slipped up to the podium and scratched out her name and put Lee Noe's name in it's spot.  Marcus, who had shown up in a suit for two days, explaining he was the body dresser for a funeral of one of the local members (information that we really didn't need to know), conducted and announced to a surprised Lee that he had the thought.  The prank was soon discovered and Sister Gibson took to the podium.  She used her standard line explaining she had listened to the prompting from the Spirit and the Spirit said she didn't have give the thought and Lee was the one to do it.    Lee took it in good spirits and made sure he was remembered....like who could forget him?
 

     While stopping by to check with Sister Corder, our mission secretary, to find out why I was giving the prayer thought again, so soon, and get the topic, I per chanced on an opportunity to startle (scare) her.  She was engrossed in a project with Jordan.  Unfortunately he had seen me pass by the window but Jordan didn't.  So when I leaped and screamed she sat stoic and paid little attention.  Unfortunately Jordon wasn't so lucky and was visibly shaken.  She told me I should be ashamed of myself and that I had best talk about repentance.  I checked in with Sister Gibson and as I was returning I noticed not much had changed.  I took a second shot at being "the great scarer" and it was worth the prayer thought to see her, and of course Jordon, scream and jump.  Surprise was mine...saith Elder Gibson.