President Lusvardi Leaps the Rail...
                                  And Into our Hearts!! 

     Last week we were introduced to President and Sister Lusvardi at the Pot Luck dinner and overwhelmed with his announcement that the horses were back.  Wednesday marked the first of what will undoubtably be many training meetings.  It wasn't hard to figure out we had a whole new personality  for a president.  After the traditional welcome from President Hughes, and just before the opening song was to start, President Lusvardi  stepped up the podium and announced; "This is the Illinois Nauvoo Mission and in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission we sing.  If you don't sing loud enough we will sing the song again"  We sang loud!  

      Using a microphone that attached inconspicuously on his jacket and instead of stepping forward to the podium for his training he started strolling around the stage like a motivational speaker you would pay a hundred dollars a head to see.  First behind the rostrum, then on the stage, and before we knew it he was in the audience asking questions, listening to the comments presented, and then asking more questions.  Side to side, up and down, climbing over vacant chairs.  When he had to go from one side to another he didn't walk....it was a sprint.  The highlight came when he leaped over the four foot wall the separates the floor from the audience....made a two point landing....and astounded everyone.

     It wasn't so much the presentation that inspired.  It was the message!   His vast missionary experience and love of the gospel soon transformed the anxiety of some into an immediate love and respect for him and Sister Lusvardi.    He taught us from Preach My Gospel as we all sat there mesmerized.  I could feel in his message a change...maybe to the way Old Nauvoo will be presented but more of a change in the way missionaries presented it and the message of the Church.   President Hall was an inspired leader preparing the way for the changes.  The missionaries who resisted  his changes are gone.  The new missionaries here are fresh and unburdened by the past attitudes and social structure.  they are capable and looking forward to the future to whatever may happen because they are prepared to accept the future of missionary work here in Nauvoo.  

     So here we are and soon we will go but as I walked out conversing with President Gordon I did make a comment about the meeting.  I felt inspired, rejuvenated, excited.  I felt like Agrippa who had heard Paul's stirring message about Christianity and was "almost" converted.  "President Lusvardi "almost" converted me to be an extender.  The future is bright and those who embrace it will be blessed.

    Brigham Young and the Oxen.....

     We have been so busy visiting places over the time we have been here we have missed the oxen ride.  Seems like every time the family came they either did it while we were serving or the weather or desire prevented them so we just have pushed it into another day category.  We seem to be running out of those "other day" opportunities so we have patiently been waiting for a nice day, in the middle of winter, to do it.  Thursday became that day with the temperature rising to fifty.  Soon our district heard about it and were all in and so we made it an activity.
     Elder's Butt and Wayment were there and it was just like old home week.  We had all put on our Nauvoo attire for the event although we really didn't look much like the hearty souls that traveled the plains in the wagons.  The oxen were used out of sheer necessity.  Most couldn't afford horses or a decent wagon.  As they were forced out the oxen soon became a sheer necessity as the outcast Mormons made their way across the mud and muck of the Iowa Plains in 1846.  It was slow going as the oxen  struggled to pull heavily laden wagons.  They were yoked together...held together with a heavy piece of lumber.  That yoke kept them together and working together to pull the burden of the wagon.
     This is the Savior's message.  Walk with him...Yoke ourselves with him.  In our obedience we will find peace through his atonement (Matt. 11:29-30).  He will make our burdens lighter....not go away...but lighter.
     So on an Oxen ride in Nauvoo we find a message of hope....behind a pair of oxen.  Not to mention we had a lot of good times in that hour with our district members and fun loving and accommodating teamsters.
     Elder Cornwell, one of our teamster missionaries made us a small yoke to remember the ride and our friendship.  It is a fitting remembrance for us, the ride, and our time in Nauvoo!

A Message for the Ages....
       Sister Gibson Tells The Story of
                             Lindsay Anderson Brady
      

     Sunday begins a week of celebration and remembrance as we honor those beleaguered  Saints who, after months of persecution, willingly began their exodus from Nauvoo across the Mississippi River on a journey that would ultimately lead them to a safe haven in Salt Lake City, Utah.  It was on a cold winter's morning on February 4, 1846 that the first eleven wagons would slowly cross the river on a ferry.  The process would continue until the river froze solid and allowed larger groups to cross on the frozen ice.  The Saints continued to leave Nauvoo during the year as their circumstances permitted.  In late summer the only ones who remained were those who simply could not afford to go,  were not willing to follow Brigham Young, or those who simply gave up their beliefs to avoid the persecution.  Starting in August the final cowardly push to expel those remaining began.  It started with harassment, escalated to whippings and forms of torture, and culminated with a final edict to get out or be killed.  On September 10, 1846 approximately 1,000 armed mobsters began an assault on those remaining.  150 armed men withstood them until September 14 when church leaders were wise enough to know that the battle was not worth the loss of life.  Those remaining were forced across the river with many finding refuge on the islands in the Mississippi.  It was at this time that the miracle of the quails occurred and saved the lives of the starving exiles.
     That's the background.  Here is the personal part of this story.   The week of remembrance and celebration starts with a "sociable" the Sunday night before the Saturday re-enactment.   The missionaries who are serving here are asked to research their ancestry and submit stories of any who might have been here.  They are submitted to a committee who evaluate them and pick the nine best to be related at the sociable.  Last year with submitted Joseph Stallings, my 3rd great grandfather.  While the story was monumental to me it was received less enthusiastically by the committee and not selected.
     Sometime after that we discovered that Sister Gibson had Nauvoo roots and her 3rd Great Grandparents, Lindsay Anderson Brady and Elizabeth Hendricksen lived here and were part of the exodus.  His story was well documented and much more colorful.  We submitted it this year and it was one of the nine selected.  The story had to be synthesized to around three minutes and that became very difficult.  Sister Gibson stressed and stressed about the time and ultimately got it to four minutes.  I told her to wait and see at the rehearsal before making changes.  One story was three and one half minutes and the rest went from there to seven minutes.  She stayed with her story.
     A lavishly decorated stage was assembled for the production.  Sister Gibson had practiced it a hundred times, reading it over and over.  On Sunday she stood tall, as the last presenter, in her pioneer dress, and read her story.  All prejudice aside she and the story were the best!! I'd hike across the plains with her any day.   So that's my story and I'm sticking to it and here is Lindsey Andereson Brady's for you to read:

Lindsay Anderson Brady

3rd Great Grandfather

Marilyn Kay Nance Gibson

     My name is Lindsey Anderson Brady. I was born in Lincoln County Kentucky on June 11, 1811. I married Elizabeth Hendrickson on Oct 18, 1831.
     In the Fall of 1835 two Yankee preachers came to our town telling about some crazy new religion with Angels and a "Golden Bible". If there is anything worse than Yankees it would be Yankee preachers and I wanted nothing to do with them. Elizabeth and her mother seemed interested and wanted to go to a meeting to hear what those two polecats had to say. I became angry, stomped my foot and refused to go with them. If those foolish women were so determined to go they could just go alone. I wanted nothing to do with such rubbish.
     To cool down my anger and to get some honest work done, I went out into the woods where I could be all alone. As I was chopping wood I heard a distinct voice say: "Drop that axe and go to the meeting!" Some people say I told them I heard the voice twice but once was enough to scare me plenty. I looked around and I was alone. The only people who knew where I was had gone to the meeting! I dared not disobey so I dropped that axe and hurried to the meeting.
     The two preachers were Wilford Woodruff and Warren Parrish. They spoke of strange things but it all rang true to me. Our families had never professed any religion but I felt something that told me I should be baptized and join this strange church. A few days later Wilford Woodruff took me into the waters of baptism and performed that sacred ordinance. Elizabeth soon joined me in this new faith but our families wanted nothing to do with it. Later, Wilford Woodruff ordained me a Deacon thus conferring on me the Priesthood of God.
     After our conversion we were disowned by our families, so in April 1837 we traveled to Far West Missouri to be with the Saints. Persecution and hostility were intense. Once I was chased into a cornfield at gunpoint and hid in a large shock of corn. My attackers were so close that I could see "the whites of their eyes" as they parted the corn stalks but did not discover me and l escaped.
     We fled across Missouri and crossed the Mississippi where the good people of Quincy, Illinois gave us refuge. We eventually settled in Nauvoo, Illinois. There I worked many days on the Temple with the Prophet Joseph Smith. We were in Nauvoo when the Carthage carnage occurred. We saw the bodies of those two holy men as they lay in state. We attended their funerals and later attended the meeting where Brigham young sounded and appeared as Joseph and we knew that Brigham was our new leader. I was made a Seventy in the Seventies Hall and Elizabeth and I were sealed in the Nauvoo Temple on January 1, 1846.
     We crossed the great river in early February 1846 on the ice and made our way across the frozen and then muddy plains of Iowa with starved oxen. One died and I had to yoke a cow to help pull our wagon. I stayed near Winter Quarters for 3 years where I cleared land and grew crops for those fortunate enough to go to the valley. In June 1850 it was our turn and we arrived in Salt Lake September 19, 1850.

     Eventually we were some of the first settlers in a small town named Fairview in Sanpete County. There a new couple, the Nielsens moved in and needed help. I gave them a cow, as they were such good people. I hope it sustains them and that they have a righteous posterity. I know this Gospel is true and I thank the Lord every day that he sent his Holy Spirit to speak to me when all alone in the Kentucky woods so many years ago and start me on my journey towards Eternal Life.

Once Again....Before Re-Construction....

                          ....There Must be Destruction

    

     Monday marked the beginning of the church mandated remodel of the presidents home.  Things started off with the direction for the missionaries to remove the plumbing fixtures and totally re-do the two bathrooms on the upstairs level.  Meanwhile, downstairs, the FM  carpenters did pretty much the same.  Tearing out the tile soon revealed another layer of vinyl flooring that we removed.  Then, in typical Nauvoo fashion the job expanded...why not do the kitchen and laundry room?  How about removing all the wall paper?  

     Things went well until I asked about a steamer to remove the ancient wall paper.  "We don't have one" was the reply.  They do now.....enough said.  The one thing I can say is that by the end of the week and removing tile, vinyl flooring, and putting down cement board I am officially very, very, sore.  

Odd's at the End

     

   

     With Elder Beecher's hurried departure to Salt Lake,  Sister Beecher was left with the chore of packing and cleaning the Samuel Williams House.   Our MTC group quickly organized a plan that would help make this as easy as possible for her and her ward in Utah quickly help make sure that both of their cars would get back to Utah.  She packed and put the things she wanted to take in the cars and on Thursday morning the Lindeburgs each drove a car and followed her to the airport in Des Moines where  she caught a plane home.  Their packed cars were left in long term parking at the airport and two ward members, at their own expense, flew from Utah and picked them up and drove them back.

     I can't say we hadn't been warned.....Sister Beecher told us he was a "big" pack rat.  We laughed it off until we went downstairs to a basement full of everything....but nothing.  It took three fully packed vehicles to empty it.  It is gone now....most to Good Will in Keokuk, some to Conservation, and some we won't talk about.

    

     It's the beginning Nauvoo Crud season and missionaries are starting to fall like Mayflies in June.

We had our monthly Brigham Young District Meeting on Sunday but over 50% of the district had fallen to the "crud" during the week and couldn't attend.  So we looked around and found replacements.....President and Sister Lusvardi and Elder and Sister                 Oldroyd (the mission doctor).
Elder Corder pulled out the Traeger smoker/barbequer and grilled up three racks of ribs and a bunch of chicken we brought.  It wasn't much of a district meeting but we all had a good time.
     Elder Corder and I put on our best faces but I couldn't resist taking a picture of President Lusvardi taking one of our group....Smile, you're on Candid Camera!

The Week Numbers are Getting Larger....
            Our Weeks are getting Shorter

                                  and We're Number 1!!

    

 

     Monday night, Jan. 15, 2018,  marked the beginning of a remarkable week here in Nauvoo.

A reception was held to honor President and Sister Hall as they will leave this week and return to their home in Idaho.  Under their leadership we have seen some remarkable changes and there will undoubtedly be more to come under the leadership of President and Sister Lusvardi.  His final message to us was simple:  "What I have learned and what I will miss".  Gone was the fanfare that was so prevalent in the past from departing missionaries.  It was a simple meeting honoring the Halls and allowing them time to share their testimonies.  It was a privilege for us to be there but as I sat there I also remembered those missionaries who have faithfully served here and were not present.  They too were influenced, affected, and learned from them during their time here.  Gone was the raucous celebrations we first experienced in the departing missionaries when we arrived.  There was no "Farewell Nauvoo" but rather "God be with you till we meet again".  What a change....what a blessing. We are so grateful to have been here and support President Hall as his inspirations and changes have taken the mission to a new and higher level.

God be with you President and Sister Hall..you have been amazing!

     We usually  don't give much thought to our leaving yet as there are so many projects going on and things for us to do that thinking about, let alone planning for March,  really isn't a priority yet.  It must be for everyone else as they keep reminding us of the ticking clock.     That being said this will add a little fuel to the fire.  The mission publishes a  chronological list of all the missionaries;  the future ones coming and the older ones going. It is updated as new ones come and the old ones go.   Guess who's now #1 on the leaving list?

Our New Mission President Arrives....

    He Teaches of Prophetic Succession &

     "Oh, and Yes...The Horses are Coming Back!

     With President and Sister Hall on their way back to Idaho, the next big calendar event was the potluck dinner on Thursday night to meet and greet President and Sister Lusvardi.  There were those who were overly anxious for the event.  After all change always brings a little anxiety to the "old folks" here and the rumors are always abundant. Sister Lusvardi spoke first and talked about their family, his career that allowed him to "temporarily" retire at forty one, and all of their travels related to his church assignments and of course her testimony of the blessings the gospel brings.

     In his opening remarks President Lusvardi talked about the thrill of visiting the sites on Thursday.  They just wanted to do it without fanfare or announcement...just to feel again the spirit of  Nauvoo before they really got into their assignments.  After the first visit it became apparent that the surprise was over as the word had spread in rapid succession that the Lusvardi's were "on the prowl" and be prepared.  "The text is quicker than the word"  

    President and Sister Lusvardi bring with them a vast amount of knowledge through their church service.  He spoke of the remarkable week we had just experienced and reviewed some amazing experiences he had serving with President Hinckley and  President Nelson.  He reviewed with us the way prophetic succession works and how the Lord prepares the prophet as well as we discussed some of the highlights of the press conference where President Nelson fielded unique questions from the press core....ya gotta love the press...always looking for new angle or story.  So of course the age old question of age came up.."How can a bunch of old men be in touch with the youth of today?"  I think it's important to remember, as has been pointed out, there is a seasoning and maturity with age and grandpa's are the smartest people on earth according to grandkids. Parents don't know a thing until they get old....like grandparents.
     He went on....Our message is not based on popular trends or ideas.  It is an eternal message, brought to earth by the Son of God and transcends time.  So the message from our Prophet is the same as it has been.  Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he leads and guides this church through revelation.  He has such a sweet spirit and gentleness about him that seems to draw us closer to what we should be doing.
    We were all enthralled as President Lusvardi addressed us and were thoroughly enjoying his remarks when he subtly threw  in "and Oh yes...the horses are coming back".  A brief pause...and the room went crazy with cheers....and tears.  With that one statement he had become the hero of every missionary in the Nauvoo Mission!  The horses were ready to roll and hitched to the wagons the next day.  Let the rides begin again!!

Picture by Sister D. Eppich

     

President Monson Passes On...
    

    It wasn't a big surprise  a couple of weeks ago when I awoke to the news that President Thomas S. Monson had passed away.  He had been in failing health for some time.  In a way it was a sweet gift for someone that had done so much for so many so long to be able to return to the place where it all began and where he could be reunited with his wife and other family members.  That's the way it should be.  I will miss him.  I miss President Hinckley.  I never knew Joseph Smith but his presence is felt every day because of his simple prayer.  I miss him....he inspires me.  The prophets have been our leaders.  Their message is of hope and inspiration.
     What I will miss most about President Monson will be his stories.  They were always filled with humor and a deep message.  How can you forget it Prophet that would tell a story about himself and being able to wiggle his ears to confound a young boy who was mimicking him in a church meetings.  His story about burning a field near Vivian Park was a classic and it reminded me of a couple of experiences I had with field fires and I also remember vividly my son Eric trying to burn our patio up with gasoline.  What about all those widows he cared for at an age when most young men are just thinking about marriage let alone taking care of some 85 sisters who had lost their husbands.  That's what you call and example!
     We will miss you President and we will never forget you!

Sheetrock Isn't all that Exciting....
     So We Find Humor Where we Can!
 

     We were told by Marcus some time ago that he thought it would be great if we could get the "mansion" sheet rocked in the basement by the time we started on the presidents home remodel.   My comment reflected my optimism: "It will never happen.....Jason won't have the HVAC installed until the end of January".  He scoffed and said it wouldn't take that long. " Oh ye of little faith" I proclaim.
We have plowed along every day....dragging sheetrock down the stairs.....waiting for more sheetrock to come....and hanging it as fast as the HVAC is put in the ceiling.  Now it's not the literal end of the month...but it's getting close.  We start the president's house Monday.  Let's look at the situation:
The sheetrock is hung....as far as we can go.  What are we waiting for?  The HVAC...now that is a surprise.  We are also waiting for the electrical panel.....seems there is a little problem with a hole that doesn't work..and a line that won't stay connected.  This too will pass and we will move along.
    Elder Pollock is back and painting and seems to be doing well, although I am sure there is still an awful lot of grief and some mourning to go.  He is such a wonderful guy and a quiet inspiration to me.  Elder Hawkins dropped by for a visit.....I am pretty sure this hallway wasn't designed for a guy who is 6'8".  At least Elder Hall fits well.
 
A Checkup Leads to a Checkout.....
  Our Dear Friends The Beecher's Head Home!!

   

     It started a little over a week ago when Elder Beecher visited Dr. Smith in Keokuk for a quick visit to get his meds renewed.  Dr. Smith, being a thorough physician did the routine stethoscope check.  He detected  murmur in the heart was detected.  Just to be sure of the extent he ran over to the local hospital for a further test.  The following day he was in the hospital at Quincy for further tests which revealed three valves were defective.  A triple valve replacement is serious business but that diagnosis as nothing compared to what was coming.   The next day he was transported to St. Louis for a specialist to perform the operation.  Standard procedure dictated a lung x-ray to make sure the patient can tolerate the anesthesia.  A large mass was detected in one lung things got gloomy pretty quick.  Then an MRI revealed a spot on the liver.
     First things first dictated a biopsy of the lung mass.  In the middle of the procedure he went into cardiac arrest and the procedure was abruptly halted and heart rhythm was returned to normal. Turns out not only did he have damaged valves but his electrical system "was hanging by a thread"   The following day   a pacemaker was installed to stabilize his heart.  the following day the procedure was performed but results won't be known for a while.  At this point there was some clear writing on the wall.  Some hard choices had to be made and the mission field in Nauvoo isn't the place to do it.  The hard decision was made to leave their mission early and return to Utah to get the care and support of family.
     Elder Beecher left Sunday for Utah.  President and Sister Lusvardi traveled to St. Louis on Sunday morning to accompany Sister Beecher back to Nauvoo.   Family is coming to help her pack and drive the cars back.  This is a sad time for us.  They have been a part of our mission experience since the MTC and we have had so many fun times with them.  They have been instrumental in so many things here that they will be sorely missed.

      In all of the chaos we did find a tender mercy, however.  We wanted to get together one more time with Sister Beecher before she left and lend her support and our love.  Sister Hughes thought they might be more hungry than tired on their way back from St. Louis and asked them if they would like to get together with our MTC group.  She was thrilled and we also invited President and Sister Lusvardi.  It was a wonderful time for all of us.
     During our conversations there was a question of President Lusvardi's  Italian heritage.  One thing led to another and all of a sudden we were talking about the  "How Rare a Possession and the Vicenzo DiFrancesco  letter.  It was part of President Lusvardi's previous assignment to oversee historical documents that came to the Church's attention.  He knew every little detail about the letter I had donated. I marveled as we discussed the importance of it.   He made it sound much more important than I had ever imagined and also added that there was a re-cut of the original video that would update it.

It's Time for a Re-Do and so.......
    We Turn our Efforts to the President's Home

     

   

     As soon as President and Sister Hall were on their way home FM jumped into their vacated home and thus began the awaited renovation.  It appeared that every truck in FM was parked in and around the house for Jordan's explanation and direction as to what work was to be done and who was doing it.   The first people in were conservation and they started packing everything....and I mean everything in the house for storage.  That was followed by Elders, young and old, taking out the furniture and storing it.  Monday work begins.....Chaos will reign....and sooner or later the job will get done.

   It's Freez'n Rain...
                  .....and Ice Cleat Season!

    This is our second winter here and it sure isn't like the first.....well, actually in some ways it has.

It's been colder, longer, and there has been more snow on the ground than there ever was last year.  

We have experienced three ice storm warnings (two materialized) and every one of them has been

on a Sunday.   This one was special as it started just as we left the Stake House and headed home.  We had only held Sacrament Meeting as the storm was approaching.  As soon as hit the windshield

we had ice drops.  We made it home fine but it was home confinement (mission directive) for Sunday and eventually most of the day Monday.  Sites were closed and only the brave FM paid employees worked.  I guess it was a silver lining as we had more time to work (and stress) over next Sundays lessons.
     ......and then it turned warmer and warmer eventually hit a high 54 on Thursday around noon.  Where we once walked on ground we figured would be frozen until the Fourth of July our feet sunk in muck and mire.  In another quizzical twist of Midwest  weather the temperatures dropped rapidl,y sites were closed and missionaries sent home......we were  in for another freezing rain.    Thursday night we were notified to stay inside until they issued and "all clear".  That turned out to be a little "over reaction" as we returned to work by 8:00 a.m. and it was business as usual.
     The 5 day weather outlook is again for the fridgid below 0 lows and the low teens for highs.
All I can say is BBBBBrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
God's Compelling Witness.......
                             ........Compels us to Teach
   

   The thrill(?) of the Golden Ticket was soon replaced by "What's next".  Remembering back to when  I was sitting in comfort of my recliner on the afternoon session in last October's General Conference  listening to Elder Tad Callister's talk on the Book of Mormon I had no idea I would be teaching it in Priesthood Meeting in Nauvoo....and further from that thought is that Sister Gibson would be teaching Relief Society. 
     I am sure Elder Hughes was laughing all the way home knowing we had taken the tickets (like there was an option?)  This isn't what we do.  We teach Primary, Young Men, and Young Women.  Who would want to teach adult people? 
Especially well seasoned with vast experience as church leaders.  Kids are fun!  Adults aren't! So the answer is; Not us.  Not Now.  Not ever.  So if you are my Bishop or future Bishop don't ask....!!!                                        
                                             We will make good primary workers.  We Promise!
           Two weeks have passed.  We have spent hours on end languishing over how to approach teaching the concepts and ideas presented in the top without putting every one to sleep or letting the anxiety lead us to the hospital.  We have read countless articles and printed as many pages.  The length and breadth of our knowledge has expanded.....and we are grateful for the experience (not that grateful that we would want to do it ever again). Sunday morning....a final pass at the text and message....and another rewrite.
     The message of the talk is that in order for Joseph Smith to have written the Book of Mormon he  would have to have been a prodigious reader with a photographic memory who could create and write a 531 page book without benefit of written notes or re-writes.  It was a one time shot.   I can't even get through  day (for two weeks) without re-writing or re-thinking a 40 minute lesson that encompases a few pages.
     The good news is we survived with two many glitches.  I inadvertanly pressed a computer button that sent my lesson screen blank and adding hurt to misery I dropped my i-Pad and shattered the screen.  Sister  Gibson did great and is looking forward to another opportunity in fifty years....not any sooner!!  
      A Tale of Two Mudders.........

 

     Elder Coleman is an outstanding and dedicated Service Missionary here.  He works hard to accomplish whatever he  is asked to do.  Sometimes it's not the most pleasant of opportunities.  I have been after his boss, Ben, our fearless FM electrician for many...many weeks now to get the new underground wire laid and into the house so we could finish the exterior where the current power comes into the house from the overhead lines.  That time has now passed for that.   Finally, several weeks ago, he shows Elder Coleman how to run the trencher and it looks like progress....I said "looks like progress".  Weeks have passed, the trench has been filling up with leaves. mud, and water as the weather got colder and more miserable. It's now about as  miserable as it can be but we are going  to get the power into the house.  The date is scheduled.  On a particularly dark and dreary day Elder Coleman was assigned to clean out the trench.  His efforts to clean it with a shovel and keep himself clean just weren't working.  Without hesitation he grabbed  a leaf blower and blew it clean......and himself dirty.

     He's my kind of guy.  Get in.....Get it done.....and get on with what's next!!

   

          Elder Reynolds has been with us for a while and was a big hit with me when he walked in with his Olympus High basketball sweatshirt.  Can't go wrong with and Olympus alum.  He was recently assigned to the FM carpenters who in turn were assigned to do some sheet rock work in the Maxwell house garage.  After putting up some insulation and sheet rock the crew moved on to the mudding.
    When I do mudding it appears as though I get more on me than on the wall.  So I am a little more than  dirty.
Elder Reynolds, being a first timer, is more concerned about how to do it well and keep himself clean at the same time.
After all he does have to do his own laundry.  He isn't a mama's boy.  On the other hand keeping clean never crossed my mind. (Sister Gibson takes care of me)  Watching him dab just didn't cut if for me but it did keep him clean.  Since no one else in the garage would.... Slowly and meticulously he followed by instruction....until I left and he went back to dabbing and splashing.
     Bottom line.....he will keep clean but it will take him a lot more time to do it. 
                         He's a Titan....so he's my kind of guy too!


Conservation Cuts Up.....
         .....Spruces Up....and Patches Up!

   Wilford Woodruff's home was do for some sprucing up and the Sisters in Conservation were called to the task.  In a effort to make a few of the requested changes a lot of the artifacts had to be removed so the carpets below them could be removed and the floors worked on.  Dealing with artifacts requires  gifted hands and talents to accomplish this task.  In preparation of temporarily storing these unique large pieces of material and rags were used to wrap each piece as it was removed.  They were then carefully put away until the cleaning is done.
     One might look at Sister Gibson and wonder if full winter gear is required for such a delicate task.  In this case.....yes.  If you have ever stripped stained wood with a caustic paint remover you are well aware of the pungent odor it puts in the air.  Keeping these fumes down on the day they worked required that all the doors and windows be left open to ventilate.
   
  Today's Riddle: 
How Many Projects Must a
        Missionary  Have Under Way
            Before He's allowed to Complete One?

             Obviously There is No Answer in Nauvoo
     It's a question than cannot be answered at this time since we are asked to start on other projects that are more important until something else that is more important is comes up.  Back in September when Elder Van Horn left we were just completing the barn.  As that wound down I was instructed to start on the Economou House.  Just as it was moving along I was asked to move on to the McConkie redo the kitchen and bath.  Just as the demo was complete, and while awaiting some answers on how to proceed and I was asked to turn my attention to the Maxwell House as it was now the most pressing.  There was time later to return to the Economou and McConkie.  Elder Archibald was assigned and work started progressing.  Soon Elder Archibald was asked to help with the plumbing and Elder Pollack was assigned to help.  Elder Pollack is now a painter and I have been fortunate enough to have Elder Jensen and Elder Corder to work with.  Things have been going great.
Like any good infomercial would say: "But wait....there's more".  The teamsters have been pressing Jordan, our FM director, to enclose the open side of the lean-to we built last year.  So why now do it now....after all it's below zero to low teens.  I'm sure Elder Gibson is up to the task....and away we go off to the barn for a day to get started...after all we haven't exactly planned on this so there is no metal siding available for a week or more.  Cue the Infomercial Guy:  "But wait...there's still more".
      With President and Sister Hall leaving next week it will be a perfect opportunity to update their home before President  and Sister Lusvardi can move in.  Sketchy info...and all we are going full in
 end of next week.
     And so we have a fulfillment of scripture right here in Nauvoo (who would have thunk it?)

The First shall be last........and the Last shall be first

(until there is a new first and the old first shall be last)

     It is also a wondrous and marvelous time in Nauvoo as there are many miracles taking place.  I happened to have been fortunate to catch one in a photograph:  There are many reports that no one has ever seen an FM tradesman clean anything up until they are totally sure they have to.  So when Ben, our great electrician, without being asked, picked up a broom and began cleaning his mess up it was indeed a wondrous moment. Elder Coleman was so stunned he could only watch and marvel. Way to go Ben......you're the best!!

     A Sunday at the Post Office

Sister Gibson Delivers the Goods at Merriwether Drygoods

    

Winter's Cold is Deepened
                                   By Yet Another Loss

    

    

    

     We are now going on two weeks that the temperatures have been bitter cold.  Most nights have been in single digits with many dropping down into the negative numbers.  Highs have been below fifteen degrees  and most often are in the single digits.  To say the least, it's been everything we were told it would be before we came here.  Last years mild dry winter is a distant memory.  The Mississippi River is now completely frozen over and the eagles have left to find open water where they can nab their unsuspecting meal as it swims by.

     The New Years Eve Social was marked by the absence of our six single sisters.  Illness had struck some of them and the others stayed with them to care for them.  It was later learned that Sister Shumway had been transported to Ft. Madison as her symptoms were particularly worrisome.  By Monday she had been evaluated and it was determined that she should go up to Iowa City for further evaluation.  The preliminary diagnosis wasn't good but needed to be verified.
     It was Thursday afternoon as I pulled in the Visitor Center's parking lot.  Surrounding the car were several sisters and Elder Wayment.   There were hugs and tears...and  in the middle of it all was Sister  Shumway....with a smile big enough to  melt the ice and snow she was standing on. Her tear stained face told the story.  "I want to stay and finish my mission" she exclaimed.   The diagnosis of a well progressed cancer had been confirmed and it was decided in consultation with her family, President Hall, and her doctors that it was best to return home where she could get the treatment she would need, be comfortable and surrounded by family.

Sister McNiel and Friend

    She and Sister McNiel (her real sister) were soon to be off to St. Louis for her morning flight.  I remembered the accidental hug she had given me months ago...we continually joked about it.  Hugs in Nauvoo are a no-no for Elders and Sisters...Elders can hug Elders, Sisters can hug Sisters....but....I am sure you get the picture.  I was sad that the moment was such that Sister Gibson couldn't be there.  She would have watered the ground with her tears.  I am sure I got the biggest hug and that no one was gasping at the sight.  Her one wish she uttered to me.."I hope this will help bring my children back to a testimony of the gospel of our Savior."   "Me too"....."You Deserve the Best"
     Sister Gibson and I will miss you.  You are special to us...and many others.  God be with you.          

The Golden Ticket Returns....
   

   

     We never doubted that it wasn't coming back.  More evidence that God doesn't answer all prayers.  So we'll go with the notion that this is for our own good.  I have Priesthood meeting and Sister Gibson will instruct the Relief Society.  This time we're preparing to discuss Elder Tad Callister's talk at last Octobers General Conference; God's Compelling Witness:The Book of Mormon.  My over riding thought was this is dismal....everyone heard it 4 months ago and probably read it in the Ensign.  Then I was jolted back to reality; this is Nauvoo....whatever they heard or read has been forgotten by now...it's pretty much the way it is.
     It started out looking pretty daunting.....but little by little....precept by precept (doesn't that sound like scripture) things became a little clearer.
    My first thought and option  I called the Borum Forum:   I'll just rattle on in a low monotone voice reading Elder Callister's talk.  I'll have half of them asleep before 10-15 minutes.  I'll pause....say Amen and start to shuffle papers like I'm done.  Those that have been asleep will wake up startled and assume it's all over and start to get up and leave.  Those who weren't asleep will already have been bored to tears and their minds will have rambled off the happier thoughts...see the others arising...and say  "Well, he said Amen...it must be over.  It sounds like a good idea....then again heaven will intervene everyone will have had morning caffeine.
Then I realize what started out as  "where do I start" suddenly has turned into "where do I end"     
     Diligent study and searching has led me to  a boatload of material that I can unleash on the brethren.  I can just keep throwing out thoughts, facts, and questions and sooner or later I will hit on one that will turn their collective lights on  and keep brethren alert.  They are a pretty bright group for a bunch of old guys.  I've always enjoyed teaching so I am looking forward to it....unless my weakness' are uncovered and I have to start stammering like a befuddled nincompoop. God does answer prayers....I hope he answers mine on this occasion.  Regardless there is a silver lining.....President Hall will be leaving and will probably not concern himself with it......President Lusvardi, on the other hand,  will be too buried with the details of taking over the mission to even know it ever happened.
A Ladder....A Drain....
                   ....It Causes Me Pain!

 
     I have been staring at the monitor for many minutes now.  I wrote the lead in....but do I want to explain......or just complain?  Is it just my opinion that things are a miss......or maybe it all should be a boatload of bliss?  Time isn't wasted as we work along in haste trying to do what's necessary to totally revamp and remodel one of the better missionary houses in Nauvoo.  Maybe it's the bitter cold outside that has made me cranky.  Maybe it's trying to figure out why we took out a perfectly good concrete floor in the garage replaced it with one that has a drain in the middle of the floor that flows outside and empties into a drainage ditch in the front of the house. What are we putting in here? A car wash?  A pet groomer?
    I've seen a few pull down ladders...where the attic height at worst allows one to walk crouched over and at best stand up full height.  The floor is covered with plywood so as to avoid falling through the sheet rock below.  The one that was just installed in this house leads one to a 4/12 pitch roof which leaves you with about 40" at it's tallest point.  The batt insulation was thrown in after the sheet rock(haven't seen it done that way since about 1970) was installed and no plywood or such for a walk are was provided.  Why use a forethought when we have the luxury of an after thought...right?
While the list is long and laborious by work here is satisfying and I enjoy it.  I probably won't print this.....I really don't feel any better about writing it.  At least not now....
     We are now fully engaged in taping and mudding the upper floor.  With it has come a revolving door of Elders working with me.  Elder Pollock is still gone and Elder Corder stepped in to help.  Elder Jensen returned after being gone close to two weeks,  just as Elder Corder got sick toward the end of the week.  Then Elder Jensen was gone Friday to visit his doctor here.  He has had some health issues in the past that require he be monitored here.
     The mudding is down to a final sand and on Friday Jared, our painter, came and started texturing the ceiling.....yes...a textured ceiling in Nauvoo.  Marcus has either lost his mind, repented, or is in a hurry to move in.  Nonetheless......it appears to be a Nauvoo miracle.  Jared will be gone a couple of days and has strongly hinted it would be helpful if we finished the texturing.  During all of this I have started the insulation on the walls downstairs in spite of the fact that we are still waiting for Jason to get the furnace installed....at least it got delivered.  He's now been working on the duct work for three days and we haven't seen any of it.  Hope springs eternal, however.

It's Just A Light Bulb.....
       ....How Difficult Can it Be?
   

     When things happen in our Nauvoo housing we are instructed to turn in a service order so the FM department can handle it.  They are usually pretty timely so what's to worry?  Then again, most of us and seasoned home owners and we have learned to take care of a lot of things....like replacing a light bulb.  Sounds simple enough but want to be diligent and professional we turned in a work order to replace the bulbs in our fluorescent light fixture that had gone dark.  Promptly and expeditiously our FM electrical crew were "Johnny on the spot".
     Sister Gibson was home when the arrived.  Their first question was "when does Elder Gibson get home....We want to be done and gone before he arrives".  She told them it would probably be an hour or so. "Perfect.....no problem then".  So the real question then became "How long does it take to change fix a light bulb that isn't really burned out.  Not even the internet had an answer for this perplexing problem.  So in this case it will be at least three days because of the week end.
     Elder Coleman "felt the love" and left us a kind note on the message board.  I hope he knows we feel the same way about him....even when we say the same thing to the other service Elders.  They are all great young men...and yes we do have a special place in our heart for him.
     As they left the call of the wild struck Ben and they returned later to seek and destroy Bambi's Daddy that has been roaming our back woods for months now.  The cold aside it appears Ben must suffer the embarrassment of a missed shot again and the five point runs free.  Elder Coleman will probably go again.....after all he has a heated jacket to fend of the cold.  Ben will probably bribe him to go....someone has to go and retrieve the arrows from all those missed shots.

The Sled Makes and Appearance....
                                      .....and So Do We!!
    

Hidden away in the back reaches of the horse barn is a horse drawn sleigh.  It comes out on very rare and special occasions....like when it snows enough (which has been a rare day here in Nauvoo recently).  It also requires a presidential decree.  The horses are still in hiatus but they are just like old fat missionaries.....they need exercise.  So the teamsters have been taking them out regularly pulling the wagons.  They travel the back roads and are not seen by the visitors.
     The recent snows have put enough on the ground that the teamsters are "forced" to use the sled as an exercise tool since the winter roads to now accommodate the horses and wagons.  The other day they put in a request to put siding on the infamous lean-to we built late last summer.  Apparently there wasn't enough money in the budget to do it then.  They would just have to "shoe" the horses in whatever weather was present.  That is until it gets so cold that the Ferrier won't come unless something is done to break the wind.  The makeshift tarp they made lasted briefly before being destroyed by the wind.  All of a sudden there is now money and cold or not we are going to put the siding up.  The teamsters know this is not going to be a lot of fun in the Nauvoo winter.  We love them and they love us.
     So while I was up measuring the job the horse driven sleigh approached.  They could see the longing in my eyes for a ride but they were firm in their conviction and stood valiantly by the rules.       The next day Sister Gibson and I lurking in the truck for the opportune moment when they drove by.  We sprang from the truck and ran toward them.  Thinking we were armed and dangerous they were easily overpowered by Sister Gibson's smile as we hijacked them and the sleigh and forced them (with love and smiles) to drive us around the field.  Unfortunately, before we could get the horses underway Sister Wayment showed up.  She was terrified and jumped on board to make sure nothing happened to her husband.  As they drove us briefly around the fields we could see that those sharp teamster minds were working feverishly to concoct a plan to overpower us.  When we got close to the truck we made the mistake of asking them to stop for a moment...We thought they would wait as we hurried to the truck for some warmth.  Foolish us.    They immediately took the  reins into their own hands and  rode off.  It was good we got away so clean because just as we hid in the truck President Gordon arrived and started chasing down the sleigh.  Undoubtedly to make sure everything was all right.  The grateful teamsters stopped long enough to let him board.  They are such kind and thoughtful men they didn't want him to have to walk back to his vehicle.
     That's our story........and were sticking to it!!

Winter in Nauvoo

   
   A White Christmas....A Bitter Cold Week.....
        ....the Warmth of a Family Visit!!

 

     We awoke Christmas morning to what had been sung about (but not dreamed of) for weeks.... a White Christmas......How romantic.  That was the good news.  Since then it has turned into what we had been told for by everyone before we came....."the winters are very cold".  Almost everyday was in the teen's or single digits and the nights often carried a -sign in front of them.  Christmas day was pretty dull by Gibson Christmas standards but our hearts were full that we were able to be here and serve the Lord during our "Mission to Nauvoo".  Our tree reflected our love for the family as we put up ornaments remembering each of our children and grandchildren.  The silver ornaments reflecting the Saviors many rolls in our lives (from Isaiah)  helped us focus on His birth.  Atop the tree was the big "G" that told us that our Gibson family is "The Tops".  We proudly wore our Christmas socks and aprons from the Gibson's.  

     We got together with our MTC group and celebrated with them at the Lundeberg's with a delicious Christmas Ham and all the trimmings.  While "Face Timing" was special it couldn't be overlooked that we all looked forward to being together with our families in person next year.

     T

      The rest of the week we got a taste of the "real deal" as The Texas Gibson's made a visit to Nauvoo.  Originally we had planned on a "sandwich" visit as they were headed to Chicago and were going to catch us coming and going.  They changed plans and decided to spend most of their family trip with Grandma and Grandpa in Nauvoo.  We had a great time for three days and four nights...even though we had to fulfill our duties during the days we had great times doing things together in the late afternoons and evenings.  The highlight was just being together with them....even if it included a shopping trip to Shopko to watch them spend their gift cards we had given them for Christmas.  Eric got a mouthful of suds when he mistakenly bit into a bar of decorative Nauvoo soap disguised as a piece of white chocolate.  Eden's creative use of Post-it notes to create a new family game which we all played.  It had something to do with numbers, frowny and smiley faces and passing them around as Eden directed.  In the end there was an eventual winner....as usual it just wasn't me.

     Kimball was enthralled with Grandma's dancing/singing snowman that he played with on the hearth of our make believe fireplace.  The highlight was when it fell off and he would scream for glee. We took in a movie after dinner at the Pizza Ranch in Burlington.  The Greatest Showman was a musical about the life of Circus king P.T. Barnum.  Kimball never could quite get into it and about thirty minutes into the movie was pretty much done.  At the end of a particularly upbeat number he loudly exclaimed as things quieted....."Hurrah......it's over!!"  Only the promise of a ride on a car in front of the theater kept him somewhat happy.  

     Krishelle and Emeri had a really, really cool idea (actually a very cold idea).  They wanted to go down to the Mississippi and take pictures.  Along the way we passed the temple and we couldn't miss a temple shot for Kreshelle.  Once at the river Emeri jumped for joy recreating a picture we had taken during the summer.  We would take pictures for five minutes.....thaw for ten....and repeat the procedure until we were all too cold to do it any more.

     Time passed quickly and soon it was Friday.  They left for St. Louis after stopping by FM to say goodbye to Grandma.  I had primed Eric so when he was introduced to Marcus he got a wry smile, looked at the family and said "Marcus....hmmm....This is the guy Grandpa talks about allllll the time"

Marcus was quick to respond that "he wasn't as bad as I portrayed him".  I don't think they gave those words a thought.....

It may have been really cold

But they warmed my heart!!

This Kid's a Bundle of Joy..

and so is his mother!!

The Value of a Paid Employee...

                               .....And a New Hall

     Some of you may remember that Mom got an FM Supervisor a while back.  Someone who actually gets paid to work in Nauvoo FM.  Jennifer Franklin is living in Nauvoo and was hired by FM to work with  supervise   the missionaries in Conservation.  She is now riding herd over three Sisters but when it comes to age and experience she doesn't stand a chance.  With Sister Gibson leading the charge they are teaching her the ropes of Conservation. If there is a dirty or difficult job she is there and willing to take it on.  Not a lot of  sympathy from  the Sisters.  

     Conservation was assigned to take a picture of tile samples sent by the Salt Lake decorator to redo the floor in the mission presidents bathroom.  After the Hall's leave and before President Lusvardi moves in, FM is going to do some work in the Presidential Manor.  Sister Gibson took the lead and convinced Jennifer  that the best possible picture was to empty our the vanity cabinet and have Jennifer climb in to take the picture.  So she did...... It's probably best we're gone by April 1st....Jennifer could be in for a real surprise.  (April Fools Day)

     The Conservation group grew by one last week as Sister Hall2 was added to the group.  She is a Canadian and, with her husband, they have worked a ranch there for their entire married lives.  Sister Gibson reports she is a real go-getter and they have lots  of fun together....Isn't that a surprise!  She works hard at cheering us all up....It's -50 in Canada where she is from!!

Sheetrock is so Fun.....
     .....I Can Only Wish we were Done!!

     Meanwhile, back at the Maxwell house we just keep plugging along.  Elder Pollock has been gone all week dealing with the death of his son and so without much help I kept the project rolling along.  Each day last week got colder and colder and those Elders who had outside projects came scurrying in like mice from the snow.  Most didn't stay too long.....sheetrock is not an enjoyable task and most have done more than they every wanted to do so any alternative is always a better option.  Elder's Hall and Hawkins made brief visits and even picked up a sander and mudding tools.  I sent them back to the Economou House to work on it.  Ninety minutes later they were back with dirty tools heading off to somewhere in the hinterlands to do something.  Midweek, however, Elder Corder, our brick mason, dropped in for the long haul and we got the rest of the rock hung and the first floor mostly mudded.  He's a lot better with brick but he is so willing and such a hard worker.   If anyone finds out we're so much alike we might be separated quickly.

 

Out With the Old.....
                    .....Let's Get on With the New!!

         New Years Eve came early to our world and so we celebrated on Saturday the 30th at the Pageant Center.  We did it in style with dancing, games, and plenty of food. The big balloon drop went off flawlessly at midnight as planned.  Yup...right at midnight .....in somewhere like Brazil and only a day early.  Here in Nauvoo it was ten and most of us could hardly keep awake.  We had a little entertainment thrown in....Elder Spencer and his Cowboy Poetry,the highlight was a segment on his first experience neutering male calves.  Elder Nielsen2 played the guitar and sang Gene Autry Songs.  My dear friend Sister Hipple  emceed  Name That Tune  the same way she directed Rendezvous (no surprise there)....she saw what she wanted to see and made up the rules as she went.  Now in all fairness I also want to throw in that she talked Sunday morning in Sacrament meeting and gave a great talk about embracing  change.....something we have all become accustomed to here in Nauvoo. 

     The real Balloon drop for the rest of the world will be Sunday night.  Don't think I will see that one either.  All in all 2018 will soon be upon us.  For the Gibson's it will mark the 3rd year we have been in the mission field.  Now doesn't that sound impressive?    We are happy to be here as it has added to our personal growth and I am sure we will look back with memories that will bring smiles to our faces. So from us to you............