A Nauvoo Baptism......

       

     It was a wonderful whirlwind week as Brian and Stephanie arrived with Elle, Liam, Mazi, and Brian's parents' Vince and Carol Ann and our grandson Jaustin.  They arrived here on Wednesday afternoon with screams of joy and hugs of love  from Grandma and soon they found their way down to  the Schenck house to check on Grandpa's work and give him the hugs and love treatment.  It was great!!  After hanging out at the apartment we made our way down to Keokuk and the Baymont Inn, got them checked in, and went to dinner at Pizza Hut and then it was back to Nauvoo for "Sunset" practice.  That night they learned about bed bugs......

     Thursday brought them back where they did some of the sites and The Carriage and Wagon Rides.

That turned out to be a not so fun event for Liam as he was extremely allergic to the horses and his eyes swelled up like lemons.  Fortunately the swelling soon subsided.....although we never did get to do the Oxen Ride.....After we completed our assignments we caught up with them and visited the "fun" sites.  They got their Nauvoo Bricks at the Bickyard, made their rope at the Family Living Center, were presented prairie diamond rings at the Blacksmith Shop.  After lunch/dinner at the Nauvoo Bakery everyone waited with great anticipation for the Rendezvous performance.  Grandpa was the Editor and Grandma the Relief Society President and it appears that everyone really enjoyed the performance.....maybe even astounded by it?  Jaustin reminded me of an earlier role I played in primary as "Brother Friendly".   (I'd hadn't given much thought to that lately....I'm glad.... it's a good memory for him, and I hope,  others).

     Friday was Liam's big day as he was baptized in the Nauvoo Stake house....Since all the good stories of baptism in the Mississippi include breaking the ice to perform the ceremony....and this wasn't possible..... it was decided to hold it in the confines of a chapel instead.  It was a good choice as Liam had figured out the river was dirty and cold when he was throwing rocks in it earlier.  It was a wonderful time with Brian performing the baptism and confirmation.  Our good friends, the Lindeburg's came and Sister Lindeburg gave Liam a Nauvoo Star and helped with the program. 

     Saturday brought the Nauvoo City Easter Egg Hunt at the fire station.  Everyone had a good time as Elle, Liam, and Mazi filled their buckets with plastic eggs loaded with candy and free ice cream cones at the Nauvoo Bakery.  After that we headed for Carthage for a visit.  In spite of the tragedy that occurred there one can always find a special spirit at the sacred site.  Elle was really touched and I am sure will have a vivid memory of her visit there.  After lunch we headed over to the Community of Christ property that borders Old Nauvoo and has the Smith family farmhouse, Mansion House, and the Red Brick Store.  While it is historically important and interesting is does not seem to have a warm and fuzzy feeling to it.  The guide, while knowledgeable and informative, seemed to lack a testimony or conviction of Joseph Smith as a prophet and would rather spend time explaining about his young son that reluctantly became the leader of the breakoff reorganized church many years later after the Saints had migrated to Salt Lake,  In fact, The Book of Mormon and the First Vision were hardly even mentioned.  We wrapped up the site visits with Lucy Mack Smith and Brigham Young homes before we had to rush off to Sunset practice.

     Easter Sunday the Webb's and Jaustin joined us for church before saying their good-byes and heading back to Chicago.  It was a great time.....wore us out.....but it was a great time.

                  ...and Easter Celebration

 The Carthage Spirit.......

                     ......Is There for All to Receive
    
     We have been to Carthage several times and there is always a special spirit.  This trip not only touched our lives but also others who were with us on the tour.  Included in our tour was a couple who you would least likely suspect the Spirit to visit.....who knew?  I assumed by their dress that they were "bikers".  The message on the woman's shirt was hard and contained an obscenity.  Hopefully, I prayed, the grandchildren wouldn't understand or even bother to read.  Through out the tour they were quiet and very respectful and seemed to be interested.  As we sat in the martyrdom room at the end of the tour the guide left us to ponder what had been explained and the tragedy that had occurred there.  Elle, my granddaughter, was moved to tears and obviously upset and touched.  And then it happened.....The woman quietly said "I came here today because my first husband's name was Joseph Smith.  I don't know what I expected but it wasn't this.  I feel something I have never felt.  My life has been a mess for a long time.  Now, all of a sudden, I feel a peaceful feeling of comfort.  I never expected or have felt this".  She then turned to here male counter part and said: "Do you feel it?" and he was quick to acknowledge the warm and peaceful feeling.    Brother Waite, our fellow missionary and tour guide, was quick to explain what she was feeling and offered her a Book of Mormon with the promise that she could find the truth to life and our purpose here.  She readily accepted.
      And there is the great truth.  There are people who are ready to listen to the message of the Restored Gospel.  We just have to be in the right place.....at the right time.....and have the Spirit bear truth through us to those people.  It is the message of our Savior that will bring us the peace and salvation that we seek.   
     The picture of Elle, Liam, and Mazi is through the hole left in the door by the ball that took the life of Hyrum Smith.


Easter......

           .....Brings the MTC Group Together
     Even though we get together once a month for a dinner it was special that we could all spend it together at the end of a busy Easter Sunday.  We had a great meal at the Lindeburg's followed by time together to talk over how thing are going for all of us.  It is special and amazing that we all come from different backgrounds and yet have such a great time with each other and grow from the experience.  Good Friends are Priceless!!

Sometimes We Just Have a Good Time....

     The weather on Easter was phenomenal.  The weeks before had started to warm up the temperatures but by Sunday it was and exceptional day and we pretty much got spring fever.  That being said we were assigned to the Dr. Calvin Pendalton Home and School.  Since it was Easter and the weather so fine it appears that most of the students (visitors) got spring fever and played hooky.  That left us with no one to teach so we took to the camera to give us a memory of the day.  Sister Gibson rang the bell and Elder Gibson gave his best "cool" impression at the sign post. While we kept our sight in view we went for a walk and talked with the other site missionaries.   What can I say.......It was spring fever!!

Ramblin' On.......

      Rather than wait until the weekend and pull together pictures and fill in the stories I thought I would take a different approach and reflect on some things.  Probably the most significant was conference as it is always full of instruction and perspective.  It was poignant and thought provoking to watch President Monson give guidance to the church though his body is obviously tiring.  Those few words packed power and inspiration and wise counsel.  At our mission training on Wednesday we listened as the mission leadership gave their impressions of the messages and how they benefitted them.  We were all counseled to go into conference seeking answers to questions we personally might have.  It was an interesting introspection of where I am and where I am going.  President Tryfal who was released as a counselor said of all the things he had learned recently it was most important to note that repentance is a daily process...examining where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow.  For some reason I reflected on one of my most difficult callings as a ward mission leader.

Rather than dwell on that I then moved on to one of my very most rewarding and cherished memories.....eleven year old scouts....The Armadillo's.  The pin I still wear gives me ample opportunity to tell the inquirer of the great times and love I have for those boys.  I do miss those boys dropping by for visits and talking of their lives and interests!   

     As noted last week we had the Great Prairie Burn (Smolder).  The small turn out resulted in plenty of hotdogs, kettle corn, and chips being left over.  So for the first days of this week FM was treated to free lunch....hotdogs...kettle corn....and chips to the point that even the young service elders have had enough.....and that's saying a lot as they are always willing and able to eat anything left over.
     Another of the perks of being in Nauvoo is the frequent visits of General Authorities who bring their families here.  This week is was Tad Callister, General President of the Sunday School.  He brought a large contingent of family with him and was also gracious enough to speak to the missionaries....site and temple.  He spoke of the significance of the ordinances of the temple and it was a very spiritual and rewarding meeting. 
     We are looking forward to next week when Stephanie and her family, along with Jaustin, arrive for a visit.  It will be so much fun to see them, get hugs, and be with them for a while. 
Cleaning the Cultural Hall.......

                       .........Quilts and All
     While the annual spring cleaning is winding down Sister Gibson is still busily engaged in the handling and preservation, and of course, cleaning the delicate artifacts that are here.  Just to give you an idea......the top picture shows here cleaning a quilt on one of the beds in the display at the Cultural Hall.  Everyone one of them....on beds and on hangers need to be cleaned and in order to do this they must have a protective screen used.  Not only that...when they are re-folded a special paper is inserted in the folds and care is taken to make sure they are not the same folds that existed before.  If you take the time to look at all the items in the picture you can see how challenging this is.  East item must be carefully handled and the utmost care taken to insure their cleanliness.    What trust they place in her and Sister Lee Master to accomplish this....no wonder it takes them so long.
     Fortunately the items that are behind glass.....such as the Hair Wreath only get a cleaning on the exterior.  It would be hard to imagine cleaning each of those individual hairs.   Actually, it's really kind of a bizarre item....I'm sure it must have been a big deal in the day, however.

The Race is On.......
                       ....As the New Doctor Arrives
    

     The doctor and his wife arrived a week ago and Sister Hopkins placed them in temporary quarters pending the completion of the Schenk house......he can only remain there until April 17th as new missionaries will be arriving and his temp residence will become someone's permanent one....THE RACE IS ON!!  One day alone we had nine trucks and 13 missionaries working in the confines of the house.  It seemed like you couldn't take a step without stepping on someone's tools, fixtures, or toes!!
Elder Sims and I found refuge in the garage hanging and taping the sheetrock....of course it took several hours to clean out all the garbage, tools, and stored items in order to work.  Undaunted we plowed forward.  I took a selfie of us.....just for giggles! (Yours and mine)
    Elders Hacking, Van Horn, Sims, and myself took to putting down the new vinyl composite flooring.....none of us had ever done it but I had seen a lot of it on other projects and Elder Van Horn, being his usual efficient self, had read all the pamphlets the manufacturer could provide as well as the installation instructions.  We sanded the floor smooth as the proverbial baby's bottom and Elder Van Horn applied the glue.....Elder Sims could find nothing better to do.....after all he was tired and it was at the end of the day....so he watched the glue dry.  After an hour and one half we all jumped in and laid the floor...it went in amazingly well and looks great. 

    The next day, I blinked and before I knew it, everyone, but me,  was a cabinet installer.....imagine that!    About the best I could do was hold a cabinet for Elder Daines as he installed it.  Never mind it was the middle cabinet in the run.....Seems Lon, the cabinet geru,  had precut all the holes so it had to be installed first...never mind his duct hole was 2" bigger that the one installed in the ceiling.  Thirty years of ordering, installing, and building cabinets.......and there I was watching in disbelief.....actually comic relief.  The Elders did know, for the most part, what they were doing....and so did I.....I moved to the garage and continued to sheet rock.  A day and a half later about half the cabinets were installed, more issues that a newspaper had been dealt with and it was calm again....waiting for the rest of the cabinets to be delivered.  I hope the doctor and his wife don't expect doors, drawers, or shelves too soon...I don't.  I love these guys...... anywhere but the workplace.

     We are pretty much done with the interior.....given the cabinets that are yet to be installed.  There is a lot of small stuff that will take a lot of time but it looks like we will be moving outside to begin our work on the exterior.  Sounds fun!!

Mark Twain Calls........

                                     .....Hannibal Answers
     We always keep abreast of the weather forecast.....we were in the midst of a wet, wet cycle
that appeared to have no end.  So when the blue sky logo popped up for the weekend we were more that ready to go....somewhere.....anywhere!!  Hannibal, Mo. called and we answered.  It is about 90 miles from Nauvoo on the Missouri side of the Mississippi.  Mark Twain made the place famous with his writings....Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Becky, Miss Polly, and Injun Jim.  Not to mention all that wit and wisdom he penned.  When the Lindeburgs were unable to go we invited the Hackings.  It was a delightful day.....the weather was fantastic we had a great time. 
     As we stood at the entrance to the cave that Mark Twain had made famous in his writings  the guide gave a disclaimer warning about claustrophobia.  Elder Hacking and Sister Gibson went pale....
...I mean really pale.  Eventually they "sucked it up" and ventured into the cave....fortunately they soon appeared to forget about it and really enjoyed it.  It reminded me more of the many slot canyons we had explored in Lake Powell.....sure you couldn't see the sky....but that was also true with many of them.  There is a portal there called "The Marriage Chamber" where several ceremonies had been performed.  I will be going back to get a picture with Sister Gibson....to see if she is still willing after all these years.....what's your bet?
     We then toured the Mark Twain museums and sights stopping along the way to blow the riverboat whistle as well as take a swipe at painting the famous Tom Sawyer fence.  This is a great little town to visit and I am sure we will return.  After all the River Boat dinner cruise seems like a great idea.

    

It's a Classic.......

        ......Save the Original.....It is Priceless!!

     Our granddaughter Elle did a drawing of Grandma and Grandpa for a fourth grade school project.

The results speak for themselves.........Van Gogh has a protoge'!! 

     I think one of the things that we miss are these little bits of heaven that our grandchildren bring us.

The school fund-raising projects.......Not So Much!! (but we are always willing a glad to help)  Thanks to Face-Time and Skype we are able to see them and their life changes but it is surely welcome when they visit.  The Texas Gibson's were here a couple of weeks ago and we are looking forward to seeing our daughter Stephanie and her family...along with Jaustin, when they will visit us

over the Easter Week.  YIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Spring Brings Blossoms......

                              .....And April Showers

     Driving by the Nauvoo Neighbor office I noticed blossoms on the tree....it's a sure sign of things that will be coming.  What has been here for the past 10 days is pretty much cloudy skies and intermittent rain and thunder storms......Which are pretty impressive to say the least.  It always gives one to wonder if there is a Tornado hiding somewhere nearby waiting to strike.  It's   interesting to note that it is easy to find something to worry about....it's earthquakes in Utah.  We had a first siren test of the season a couple of weeks ago.....thank heavens it was a cloudless day at the appointed time that it went off.....otherwise it might have been scramble city. 

     We have a large Magnolia tree out our front door that is just preparing to blossom.  It will be spectacular and welcome as it will also mean that the tree will quit dropping giant pods on the trucks that are really annoying.  We still see deer in the back fields every evening and now the squirrels are beginning to emerge.

       She's not Indiana Jones.........

                   ......Yet She Found a Treasure

     One day last week three crates showed up at the FM warehouse where Sister Gibson and Sister Lee Master noticed them.  On the outside of one box was written "original Moonstone" while the other said "Sunstone".  Like curious little squirrels the Sisters climbed a ladder (since they had so much practice on ladders over the fall).  Inside revealed the treasure.  It must have been the annual check to see if they are still inside the crates since the top had been removed revealing the stone as well as the commemorative plaque.

     The whole episode reminded me of Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Since it's not the federal government it's likely to assume that they will be stored in a place and never forgotten.  But then it is Nauvoo.....what more can I say.

The Handcart Barn Moves to Completion......

          ..Though the Handcart Trek is Wiped Out!
    

On Tuesday we were summoned to the Handcart Barn to help with more concrete pouring.  With the cheap missionary labor it is deemed more practical to keep the truck standing around while we move the concrete in by hand.  It still took so long to do that renting a pump truck would have been much easier and pretty much the same cost.  But then I would have missed the experience of Elder Sims as a skidster operator.  The goods new is that no one was injured during the pouring of the concrete.....If there is any bad news it would be that I appeared to look like a slacker as I stood outside away from the action inside the barn while fearing to get too close to Elder Sims.  After two close calls I figured it was not worth risking life and limb over.

      After we finished the pour we went to lunch in the FM room where the topic of conversation among those already present was that Salt Lake had decided to discontinue the handcart experience in Nauvoo.  After all it wasn't "period correct" as the handcarts were employed many years after the saints had left Nauvoo.  I hope they don't figure out that electricity, indoor plumbing, sidewalks, internet, tv, or any other modern conveniences aren't period correct either. 

     It is ironic, to say the least, that all of the handcarts were re-built  last year to replace the fleet which had been weathered and damaged from sitting out in the elements.  It was with the understanding that the new handcart barn would be built to house them and protect them from the weather. Somebody needs to wake up the person who was sleeping through one of the many meetings where all of this was discussed and correlated many times over.  Building a barn when there were to be no handcarts......?

   I'm sure the barn will be used for storage of some kind and the handcarts will be well used at the Martin-Willey sites.  It is just a loss for Nauvoo as it was a very popular attraction for the many families that came to visit.  It also caused a lot of havoc for the youth groups that had planned on the experience when they were here visiting.  I'm sure they can find a replacement activity....hopefully it will involve service and not mischief.

     Chaos............and Progress

                ....from One Comes the Other
     We plowed along stumbling around and over each other and everything on the floor until we got to the point we needed to tile the kitchen and bathroom.  Then...and only then.....did the elders strike a blow for cleanliness as they moved everything outside to the garage....that worked well until the end of the week when it was decided we needed to hang the sheetrock in the garage.  It was only out of shear necessity that tools finally started to get put into trucks and trailers to get them out of the way....at least most of them.  Rather than take the excess materials out and return them to the warehouse it was thought best to leave them in the middle of the garage.  We wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to trip over them.
     Nothing stops our determined Elders here...so they dove in working around each other.  We were cutting molding and parts as others hung sheetrock over their heads.  No casualties....no catastrophes...just a lot of chaos.
     Friday brought more of the same as it was announced that the appliances were being delivered so we needed to seal the tile floor before they got there in the next thirty minutes.....really guys?  Adding to that was a new command that the downstairs dirt room (original house) needed to be shored up more fully so more beams and plywood were brought in to complete the task.  I can only ask..."Why couldn't that been thought of while we were working in the room and putting up six metal support poles and 6x6's to support the floor above...after all it is only a 12x12 room with a dirt floor.  Somebody is afraid the walls might crumble in.....  At day's end all I can really say.....
                                   "It's the Nauvoo Way" 

The Nauvoo Prairie Burn..........

   One of the things that we had heard about before coming to Nauvoo was the annual Prairie Grass burn Grass burn which was held on the Nauvoo flats on the last week of March.  The block is four square acres and is bordered on all sides by streets.  The prairie grass is allowed to grow from burn to burn with no care or consideration.  It is to replicate what the original prairies looked like when the pioneers would have crossed them.  Last year the burn took 3-4 minutes with flames rushing to heights of 20-30' (depending on the story teller).  It made a sound of thunder and drove people back as the fire intensified.  Not to worry, however, the Nauvoo volunteer fire department is on hand!

Hot Dogs.....Kettle Corn......and Rain...Really?

      Preparations for the burn begin weeks in advance and culminate on the day of the burn.  It is a community event....meaning anyone in the community is welcome to the festivities.  It just wouldn't be a good FM event without kettle corn so early in the day the FM missionaries who work in the compound bring out the old kettle, fire it up, and stir away.  In some ways it resembles a Chinese fire drill but the kettle corn is delicious.  Sisters Gibson, Lee Master, and Hopkin jumped right in helping with the bagging of 700 bags for the visitors...far less than the 2500 that were required for Bootiful Nauvoo at Halloween.  The only side bar is that there probably was a lot more that could have been bagged.......the sisters kept eating it all!

The Prairie Burn ....Not a Blazing Fire.....

       ................Just a Smoldering Success  

    The "Great Prairie Burn" is preceded by a hotdog roast complete with chips and kettle corn.  It had rained pretty much every day last week with a drencher over the week end.  It was decided to postpone the burn from Monday to Friday.  It rained nearly every day after with another drencher on Thursday.  Good news, however, Friday was only overcast so without any hesitation the burn was held.  I am assuming that whoever was in charge expected heavenly intervention for success....or was embellished with blatant optimism...or in frustration said "lets get it over with.... one way or the other".  The crown assembled, ate the hotdogs, chips, and kettle corn and tried to stay warm until the big event was started.  Soon the drip cans were in the hands of the capable fire fighters and FM staff as they circled the block lighting the DRY piles of straw that had been strategically placed every few feet to expedite the burn. And then we watched and waited for the inferno.....actually is was more like we wanted to see if anything would even burn at all.  It finally did.....sort of.  Instead of retreating from the fire, however, the masses moved closer to embrace the heat.....And that's how the great Prairie Grass Burn of 2017 went.

     Just in case you missed it in the pictures.....you can see the temple in the background on some of them.  And that's Elder Lindeburg cooking hotdogs in between eating bags of chips.

One Last Thought......
     Last week is now another memory.  The General Conference and Priesthood addresses were of great worth as they always are.  No one ever said life on earth was heaven......so with a renewed vigor I will march into April looking forward to more chaos and progress....somehow they relate very well to each other here.  It is well worth the experience and I am grateful for it.

We Learn to March......

                  ......Into Sunset on the Mississippi
    

     A new chapter of Nauvoo life began this week as we held our 1st practices for the summer variety show "Sunset on the Mississippi".  This is a different production than Rendezvous and focus' more on the entertainment side rather than telling the story of Nauvoo on stage.  First order of business is to "train the new recruits".  Sunset has a "pre-show" with a lot of fun activities....a Kids Parade where the children our entertained by making hats and that is followed by a parade around the stage while playing instruments.  Once that is completed there is a tribute to our military veterans.  Here's where the marching part comes in.  All the missionaries stand in formation and march in place while they sing the anthem of all the branches of the service.  Since walking a chewing gum at the same time is a difficult task for some....marching, singing, and saluting?  The veterans are asked to stand as there anthem is played and they are saluted....since I was in the Army I get to hold a flag in the front rather than sing and march.  Go figure....the one's who have marching experience don't march.  Since we didn't have to learn to march our group went and practiced one of the songs....over and over again until we got tired and started swapping stories.

A Week of Misadventures.....

                         ...Ends in Progress

     Turns out we still had one more window to replace...this time in the basement.  Elder Sims volunteered, dove right in, only to find that the rock foundation would have to be chipped away about 1/2" x 18" deep to fit the new window.  Cheerfully and without hesitation he pounded away until the window was fit and installed.  His bruised and battered finger will heal.....
    Elder Hacking and myself took a trip into the world of self leveling floors.  The original floor in the house had such a significant bow in it we determined we would have to fix it before we were able to put tile on it.  Shoring it up from the bottom did little, if anything, to correct the problem.  We probably could have forced the issue as we are such big strong guys anyway...but then again we probably would have caused inadvertent mass destruction to the house considering the structure and all.  It just didn't seem that difficult....the instructions were straight forward.......mix to a thin mixture and pour.....gravity takes care of the rest and levels it.  We mixed it up....poured it out.....and then heard the screams from the FM employee downstairs who was directly underneath one of the many holes in the floor that allowed it to leak through.  Two days later with the holes either plugged by the previous pour or our efforts we poured again......it worked!!!  Maybe tile next week.
     Next on the list was hanging doors and trimming them.  Sounds easy enough.....if they are framed right, ordered right, or even ordered at all.  Since our fearless leaders had ordered the doors based on their original plan...what could possibly be a problem.....different wall thickness' and framing allowances.....that's for sure!!  We ended up cutting jambs, enlarging jambs, re-hinging, re-hanging, and even cutting down the width to make things fit.  Thanks heaven's for Elder Hacking....he is masterful at it.
     The painters continued to paint and repaint.
     All our work this week was done without Elder Van Horn who spent the week in quarantine after being diagnosed with Type A Influenza.  There have been several cases this spring including Sister Lee Master, with whom Sister Gibson works. 

    How Many Elders Does it Take.........

                   ......to Replace a Piece of Paper????

   

      For some reason most of the Elders have a great love for Browning Gun.  So when it was reported that a small picture of the self-loading mechanism for the repeating rifle that John Browning had designed had fallen the glass security case display case would be opened up to replace it....word spread fast.  It is a tricky operation that requires a very heavy piece of security glass be removed to do the repair.  What started out as 2-3 Elders soon grew.  Sister Gibson came home laughing and laughing about the event. 

     The Flu Bug Bites........

                        .....Reinforcements Arrive!!

     Along with the Type A Flu that has stricken several of the Elders and Sisters and put them in quarantine for a week there has been a rash of coughs, colds, and even allergy's that have arisen to plague the mission.  While Sister Hutchinson, our site scheduler, might disagree the most affected has been Rendezvous.  It is a nightmare for our directors to try and figure out.....at the last minute....who can do what and fill in where.  Most of the new missionaries that arrived this month are prepared to step in and help....some even have major parts yet to be learned....and then, or course, most of them have yet to get their show apparel finished.  Sister Moench was feeling pretty good by the end of the week as she had miraculously held it together for her first three shows.....Saturday morning arrived...with her visit from the bug...she was down and out.  Our show went on with Elder Moench doing what he could to act official....it really worked out well....for the most part.

     Our new missionaries are doing well and we have 5 new teamsters and 6 single sisters.  We will get four of the sisters in our cast since we only have had Sister Alderton in the past.  They will be a welcome addition.

Bigger Than Texas.........

                                   ....Our Family Pride

 It soon became apparent that this wasn't going to be a week of watching paint dry or grass grow. Time flew by as we were visited by most of the "Texas" Gibsons; Eric, Kristin and Kreshelle, Emeri, Kamri, Eden and Kimball.  Next week doesn't look much better....that being said, I am going to post what I can with the little time I have in the next few days and then as time permits I will sort through pictures, grab a few memories then add them so I can fully tell of the week.......To say the least.....it was a GREAT TIME for us.

     So it was with great anticipation and that we awaited their arrival.  Believe me.......the hugs from the grandkids were worth the wait.....it took Kimball a short time and some Cadbury Mini Chocolate eggs to became my "Best Buddy" again.....what a good time I had.  They are growing up and their lives are changing and becoming more exciting....and I guess that means Mom and Dad's too!!!  There was Kreshelle in the drivers seat, driving us around Nauvoo,   Emeri talking one hundred and fifty words per second for hours without breathing and doing acrobatic leaps on the shores of the Mississippi River, Kamri reading things to the group in the Family Living Center, Eden sweetly asking for....... and getting....... anything she wanted from Grandma, and Kimball screaming  ........Grandma.....Grandpa....Grandma......Grandpa at Rendezvous. 
     While we worked during the day they took in some of the sights that we had recommended and then after we were through we took them to others.  We drove out to Carthage and experienced the jail and martyrdom site with them......well most did.  I chased Kimball around the site.....he never stopped running!! 
     The "high point" was Saturday Night when we were Editor and Relief Society President and there in the audience cheering us on was our family.  I hope they enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed presenting our roles for them.  I'm sure it gave them a whole different perspective on us that they probably never have seen or imagined.  I guess you'd have to ask them about that, though.
     They are back......we will remember this as a cherished and treasured time!!

They Rode to the Red Brick Store.........

                                            .....in 1840's Style

    

    On Friday re-enactment of the organization of the Relief Society took place.  It marked 175   years since the Relief Society was organized here in Nauvoo.  The sister missionaries were the only ones to be able to participate since there was limited space in the Red Brick Store where the event originally took place.  They were treated to a ride from the visitors center in one of the custom carriages and driven by Nauvoo's finest (and only) teamsters.  Dressed in their finest.... they spent the afternoon socializing and organizing.......Sister Gibson and Sister Lindeburg rode together on the wagon.  Fortunately, shopping was not open at the Red Brick Store for Sister Lindeburg.  An opportunity missed.

      Meanwhile, the FM Elders took the assignment to replace them on the sites.  What a treat!  Not only did I get to serve with Elder Duvall but I also got to serve in the Brigham Young Home.  It was a great day as I not only was able to teach of the importance of the home to my family but also to several groups of youth and their leaders who were on a Youth Conference Trip from Arkansas.  It was a very busy day that ended with dinner in Keokuk with the Gibson's at Pizza Hut.....

It's no Longer a Sow's Ear.............

              .......It's Looking More Like a Silk Purse

       
With all the defects and damage of the Schenck house now buried and obscured it is finally evolving into what will be a newly refurbished residence for the doctor.  He will never know what was involved in the transition...and that's probably a good thing.  At mid-week the painters were busily working around the ongoing sheetrock work as well as the finish carpentry which was taking place.   It's always reassuring to know that God answers some prayers and I was able to return to the cabinetry shop to work on milling needed parts for the completion of the woodwork.  I really do love the elders I work with in the house.....just not working with them.  It is sometimes a mind boggling experience I am not accustomed to.

The Cultural Hall and Rendezvous.......

      

  ......Another Night......Another Memory!!

     I have said it several times before and I am sure it will still be oft repeated but Rendezvous and the Cultural Hall will leave some indelible memories.  Let's start with Elder Lindeburgs efforts to give Sister Lowe  a parting gift and a reminder of her "time" as Rendezvous director.  The tree that was removed from the front of the Cultural Hall was taken to the saw mill to await other uses.  Elder Lindeburg took it upon himself to get a slice of that tree cut off and then transformed it into a clock for Sister Lowe.  It was presented to her after one of the last performances she would be directing.  It turned out beautifully......it will require some serious hanging mechanism....it weighs a ton!!

     Rendezvous did not run nearly as smooth as the clock........in fact it stopped dead in the middle. 

To set the stage.....it had been going well with a few little hiccups.....audience seemed to be alive and responsive (even cheered and laughed out loud several times).  The Peter and Abbigale vignette was performed especially well and got lots of laughs......no applause when it ended.....just laughs in the middle....without applause there is no cue for the next scene to begin....long, long, pause and finally I just burst in after leaving Peter standing around for what seemed a long time.  I finish my scene and intro in Thomas and Elizabeth vignette which again is performed exceptionally well.  At the end is the typical applause, dimming of the lights.......and then it went dark.  Hmmmmm I thought they must have over dimmed so I started my lead in waiting for the lights to go up.....they didn't..... my part ends and I leave in the dark (there is emergency lighting so there is light for all to see).  Curtain opens for "George and Agagatha" very late......to a dark stage and George trying to figure out what to do.  So he wanders around whistling waiting for lights....at this point I can see Sister Lowe frantically working on the control panel ......and I mean frantically!!!  Hoping to buy here some time I decided it's time that someone tell the audience the "enlarged" story of Quincy.  And so for 5-7 minutes until the lights were resurrected I told the story.  Finally.....there was light and the show went on........

.......so here's the rest of the story......down under the hall is the cast or "green room" where the speakers transmit what is going on above so missionaries know when to go to their next scene.  As I am into my story it becomes apparent that "I have lost it" and I am rambling on.  It was probably even suggested that someone should go up and restrain me.......and so once again....there's a new Rendezvous memory.   

The Seventies Hall........

                    ......We Answer the Call

        
  Sunday we were assigned to serve in the Seventies Hall.  We have never have been there so everything is going to be brand new....(we really didn't plan on much happening).  Afterwards we were set to have our  monthly dinner with the missionaries we had come out with.  It was a very, very, quiet day until 4:30 (we're done at 5:00).
        4:30 Elder and Sister Spradlin arrive wanting to know if we talk about 2 or 5 men in the presentation......."I don't know....haven't ever given one".....I'll talk about 2 when I give it....unless I remember the other 3 then I can talk about 5", I reply.  The discussion ensues between the Spradlins and they decide to settle it over the pulpit with her giving the presentation.  "Whew"...getting in the middle of the Spradlin's could be a problem.  Somewhere before getting to the pulpit a new discussion arises between them about John D. Lee and his death....soon they are into "Google" and
I run for cover as they go to the pulpit for her presentation.
     4:40  I am intrigued watching the Sister Spradlin as she is giving a great presentation....at least intro....when the doors open and a family comes in.....behind them are President and Sister Hall...this is not a coincidence....they are together.  Sister Gibson points to me......Elder Gibson is the best...he will give the presentation.....The Spradlin's make a hasty departure as I give our tour.....I get it done in the allotted time and they go upstairs and look at the books and artifacts as.......
     4:55  A family with 4 children poke their head in and ask if we can get a tour......"Sure, we would love to......Sister Gibson points to me and says "Elder Gibson is the best and most practiced.  He will do it"  It was the best time I've had all week.  The kids were the cutest.....turns our they were triplets and an older sibling.  They had a blast doing the scavenger hunt in the upstairs artifact room while the parents searched out their ancestors......
     5:15 As we are saying goodbye to the family the door opens and before I can catch him, a single visitor has made his way up the stairway.....he just wants to look in the records for his relatives that lived here...."I'm not holding you up...am I?"  No.....we can always be late.  I got the closed sign out and we locked up at 5:30.....rushed home....got our food assignment and headed out again.


Is it That Time Already?  

                   ...............6 Months have Flown

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!!!!

    

Under His Watchful Eye.......
                 They Learn Together......
                               ...They Practice Together

                 ....Soon They Will Soar....Alone!!

     As I drove home one blustery afternoon my attention was drawn to what appeared to be numerous eagles gliding above the trees near the house.  Usually eagles are solitary and if ever seen with another, it is their mate.  Nonetheless I grabbed the camera and headed into the park to the north of our home to see if I could catch some images.  Typically, by the time I had arrived, they had departed.  I hung on thinking they might return......and soon they did.  I watched as they would soar together on the winds and use the currents to their advantage.  This repeated itself several times as I marveled, watched, and tried to get some sort of remarkable photo.  At one point there were thirteen birds in the air above me.  They were clearly eagles but they were not yet matured and probably very young ones at that.  It takes five years for the mature eagle to receive the white plumage that defines him as a Bald Eagle, our nations symbol.

     It wasn't until later when I was viewing and analyzing the pictures that I found a remarkable lesson.  Alone, seemingly a part of the juvenile eagles, but soaring above them, was a mature male.  He was watching as these young birds prepared for their future.  They were learning to navigate the currents as well as building up their strength to fly into winds that opposed them. They were preparing to fly great distances and learn to be aloft for hours as they would soon migrate north during the summer as well as learning how to use the currents for their benefit in conserving energy and hunting for food in the vast land below them. 

     I soon found myself reflecting on those young "Armadillo's" I had such a great time with.  I remembered many of the crazy times and their quirky personalities.  Their visits to hang out, mooch food, or even just see what was going on with me.   They even thought they drove me crazy...not knowing fully that I was half way there anyway. 

      They are now past my watchful eye and I am left to ponder if my lessons to them were as meaningful as I hoped.  They probably aren't  graceful eagles (yet) but they have that place in my heart and for that I remember and love them.  I hope they are doing well!!

Rendezvous Will Never be the Same....

                  .....But Then Again.....It Never Is!!

     In two weeks Rendezvous will be saddened to lose our beloved director (soon to be called the coordinator), Sister Lowe.  She has come to the end of her service here and will be returning to her home in Tennessee.  Her spirit, optimism, physical infirmities(Sight and hearing...LOL😅), and testimony will be missed.  She is our biggest fan and laughs the loudest when we do well or foul up.  She has raised the bar for Rendzvous and we are all better individually and collectively for knowing her and being able to associated with her and grow from her vast experience and personality.

     On Saturday she and her husband took the stage and did the "Thomas and Elizabeth" vignette....and they were spectacular.  It's no wonder.....they have raised their family in the gospel and as stage performers as well....no easy task.  Sister Gibson recently received a text from her dear friend Carol Bengtzen telling her that their Relief Society instructor's parents were serving in Nauvoo...her name....Kendra Lowe......it's a small world.

To get to know more about them them visit http://www.thelowefamily.com  We have been truly blessed to have Sister Lowe...especially me....after all she picked me as the "Editor" so I didn't need to sing so much and I can talk alot.  I don't think she understands that I understand music as well as she understands Chinese symbols for reading.

     Replacing Sister Lowe will be my sister Gayle's childhood friend, Sister Nancy Moench.....I caught a picture of her opening her call to be the new director....Doesn't she look excited?  Actually she is shown here as "Agatha" who is constantly "guiding and bossing" her husband, George around while trying to make improvements to my newspaper, the Nauvoo Neighbor........unfortunately her many suggestions require more paper than we presently have in our supply!!  I hope she gets over it soon.

                

The Drink Man Cometh.......

     We didn't see much of this "Saint" as we arrived in October and the weather was changing...soon we were at FM.  Starting a couple of weeks ago he again began appearing on the streets of "Old Nauvoo" with a truck full of drinks and goodies.  

     He willingly does this weekly and bares the full load of expense.  He will not take any help and if you ever are so rash as to say "Thank You" he corrects you....and says "No....Thank You!!" Only when you respond with "God Bless You" do you receive a warm smile of gratitude.  He is indeed and angel!!  

          .......God Bless Him!!
    
Elder Sims is Granted a Golden Ticket
                                   .......And he Accepts!!

     Normally I wouldn't make any note of  someone accepting a "Golden Ticket".  In Elder Sims case I will make an exception.  He is truly a priceless wonder for the ages and the more I work with him the more I appreciate him.  He is truly a humble man but is very, very, defined in the ways he does things and wants them done.  Part of this comes from enjoying a small town life in Furth, Id. with a little more freedom to do things than is afforded in the larger cities and part comes from an inborn stubbornness...sound familiar?  He had made it abundantly clear to me that he would never accept the "golden ticket" because of his  inadequacies.  In fact he had previously declined the invitation from the prior mission counselor in charge of ticket distribution. 

     So when Elder Purcell showed up  at the Schenck house looking for Elder Sims I quickly grabbed the phone (camera) to catch the moment....and then ran for cover not wanting to hear the ensuing conversation.  Returning later and asking how it went Elder Sims sheepishly replied...."I took it". He explained it was to teach Priesthood Meeting.    Inquisitively I asked "Why?".  "Well", he said...."You told me if I ever took a ticket you would stand up there right beside me to help"  ....and I will, if he wants!!

Farewell........

                  ......and Welcome to Nauvoo

     Friday morning brought another one of those bittersweet moments as we assembled for a mission "Farewell Breakfast".  We say good bye to E/S Lowe, E/S Lee Master (they really won't leave until the middle of April....they didn't want to do the farewell breakfast alone....who could blame them), E/S Swain, and our  doctor and his wife E/S Rassmussen.
    Replacing them will be 9 new couples.  Folks around here feel like they have been fighting a battle with diminished resources (few in number....not mental capacities) and by the end of the month we will have added another group of 18 (8 Single Sisters, and 5 couples).  It's going to be a welcome change for those who will be working on the sites as they will again be able to have varied schedules.
     I wanted to add a picture but none was available....so I looked at using the picture of the 2000 Stripling Warriors....but no one had updated it to reflect 65-80 year olds carrying brooms, canes, and garbage can lids, wearing hearing aids, with grey hair while following an old guy on a horse.  So you'll just have to use your imagination.!!

A Beautiful Weekend ......

                  .....Takes us to the Amana Colonies
  

     We were invited by Elder and Sister Hacking to join them on a trip to the Amana Colonies since he was interested in purchasing a hat he liked that several of the other Elders wore.  He explained that it was an Amish Community and they liked to feed groups on the weekends in the barn.  Sounded fun since it wouldn't involve shopping.  Lesson learned: Don't speak until you know the full details...it did end up with shopping!!  Now don't get me wrong...it would be ok and the trip would go fine...but it did include the inevitable shopping experience.

Feeling safe from shopping I told them that the Lindeburgs would probably like to go and they had a mini-van that would fit us all.  Great.....and then the details emerged.....The Amana Colonies are not Amish....they are religious refugees that came from Germany and settled in Iowa and started a communal living group that became totally self sufficient relying on their own skills to survive on and protect them and their children from the outside world.  It worked until 1930 or so when an explosion destroyed a portion of their production facilities and they had neither insurance or a way to rebuild.  They established the Amana Society, a profit sharing enterprise, and encouraged free enterprise.  Their religion remained intact and the villages remain as historic sites visited annually by hundreds of thousands. 

     That meant there were shops......lots of shops and even worse our travels would take us within a few miles of the Costco in Iowa City......."oh my heart" ......what had I done??  Would we even get to see the  Amana Colonies?  Of course we would and we would eat.....but Costco.....my heart skipped beats and pounded like a drum as I would be forced to explain to the Hackings what may happen with Sister Lindeburg and shopping.  They were in anyway....so away we went.

     Well, it turned out just fine.  We saw the sights, visited the shops, bought a hat and backscratcher, ate lunch and a non-authentic German restaurant.  The waitress didn't even know what  "Koendel or rotkraut" was.  They didn't even have kartoffelsalat (potato salad). We saw some of the colony and museum and even got in and out of Costco within the 30 minute time limit that was set.......WHEW!!

     We returned to Nauvoo in time to perform at Rendezvous for a couple of visitors and a raft of new missionaries........I remember their feeling......on the outside you are smiling in spite of the glazed looks in the eyes.  And now.....seeing the show and what goes one......you say to yourself "NOT ME....I don't do that stuff".  Surprise.......you will!!