A Lantern, an Audible Gasp,
     ......and More Understanding!!

      I'll just leave the lead in title to your imagination as there is a time and a place to explain things...believe it or not this is neither.

     Last week President Lusvardi astounded us with his impromptu (or planned) piano skills.  The weeks before added new information as to what Nauvoo was going to look and feel like this summer.

Each week we approach our mission training with a new enthusiasm looking for the next big surprise that will be sprung on us. We got one. Doesn't the suspense just kill you?
      Lost in all of this is President Lusvardi teaching us....not only how to present our message but also who we are, where we are, and where we are going. He gave us marvelous insight into how to feel, listen, and bring hope and inspiration to those who come.  We sometime forget this...caught up in the excitement.  When we listen we hear and feel of his great love for us and all of those who will come. Will our message or presentation change?  Who knows?  That's part of the adventure.

     Today he told us of his first visit to the blacksmith shop.  I remember this was my daughter-in-law Mindy's favorite site and I was a little surprised.  The blacksmith shop has always had important messages and a special spirit but most get caught up in the prairie diamond ring, made from a horseshoe nail, and the cute romantic story behind it. I loved to tell that story.   A lucky visitor is given a small horseshoe  made by the missionaries  as a memento.  Today President Lusvardi added something I had never heard; maybe it's new....maybe I forgot.  You see, President Lusvardi see's many messages in many things.  He wants us to give hope to our visitors.....hope that will lead to faith.....that will lead to repentance or change.  He is also preparing the missionaries for changes which are coming to Nauvoo.  He is teaching us how to teach, inspire, and deliver with our hearts....not our words. We are being taught to listen and feel.  Not just deliver the "canned" message for the site but rather teach individually through the spirit.
     President Lusvardi's message and attitude are contagious.  It waits to be seen if the missionaries that are here and that are coming can infuse it in a way to teach of the Savior using the sites and the stories of the people here as a backdrop.  I know these people....they are special, dedicated and determined.  They have been placed here during this time for a reason.
     In my brief encounters with President Lusvardi the dialogue of  persistent innuendos  continue yet  I still say: Almost thou persuadeth me be an extender.....Almost!

Winter Rolls on.....
        The Mini-Ex Does To....With Help

 

     Sometimes I just have to write about things that maybe shouldn't.  I should have more empathy and find less humor in some of the things I observe in Nauvoo.  Here's an example of what I mean.
      Back in October, at the beginning of the "Mansion" project,  it was discovered that water seeped into the basement.  A contractor was called in to seal cracks in the foundation. They were sealed but it was observed that it might be best to install a drainage system on the back and sides of the house  to make sure there was no further leakage.  At the same time  large hole was dug in the front of the house and   a 3" round hole was bored through the foundation to allow passage of pipe.  A  150 foot 6" wide x 24" deep trench was dug to bring in underground power.
     So it's now mid-February and none of this has been backfilled.  We are nearing completion of the sheetrock in the basement.   Monday night we have a "downpour" that drops over an inch of rain in a very short time.   The ground is overwhelmed and water  leaks into the basement from the 3" hole in the front and also  enters the foundation 15' feet from the open trench.  Tuesday the rain starts up again but no further leakage is observed.  Panic ensues....we have to fill in the hole and trench....even though no water has come in through the trench(or from anywhere else, for that matter).  Our plumber, Darrell, and Elder Archibald are enlisted to do the work...."Willingly because they have to".  Elder Hall is instructed to fill the trench in with the Mini-Excavator.  The ground is so saturated that in order to get the Mini-Ex around back,  planks must be place in front of the tracks.  So Elder Archibald and Darrell don their  "Martian Wet-Suits" and take the planks that the Mini-Ex has passed over and move them to the front so it can continue to go forward.  On and on they go!  All of this happens during a constant rain.  There is still no new seepage in the basement.
      It ends up being an hour long project to get the Mini-Ex in place.  Elder Corder and I have found much more humor than empathy in the whole adventure as we laugh and talk about the wisdom of this venture. (Second guessers really understand the wisdom of such ventures...even though they may be, on occasion, right)  Three hours later Elder Hall has backfilled the trench, the rain has stopped, there is no  further leakage, and Elder Hall is able to drive the Mini-Ex out (for the most part) without the planks.
     We offered Elder Archibald and Darrell our heart felt sympathy and thanked those who assigned them this task for providing us  "comic relief" during our day.  I don't think they really got it or understood as one felt more inclined to tell us that   "he"  was responsible for getting music piped into the FM building for the staff and missionaries enjoyment".  I'm sure it helps on the rainy dreary days that some are working outside in the mud, muck, and mire during a down pour,  doing something that should have been done months ago.
   
All I Wanted was to Dance....
         On the Cultural Hall Floor
 

     It was an idea whose time had come.  What would it be like to dance on the Cultural Hall Floor?
Soon we were doing the Quadrille, under the questionable  tutelage of Elder Finlinson.  It was fun....it was an adventure.  We were having a great time working toward the moment we could promenade on the wood floor where our ancestors may have danced.  I didn't give a thought of anything past this moment.  Sure, there was a talent show scheduled for the end of February.  That's for people with talent who like to  perform.  I was looking forward to it....until Sister Eppich, our dear Sister Missionary, signed us up......You've got to be kidding!!  We are a "no" talent having a good time.  Then I realized....it wasn't for our talent.  It was probably for comic relief.
     Elder Finlinson relished the moment....I with far less enthusiasm accepted our fate.  The dress rehearsal practice the night before was certainly helpful as we made sure we could dance on the stage without anyone falling off.  We were stunned by Sister Oldroyds aerobic class performing a precision Jewish Dance in unison.  Those in attendance went wild.  Then the teamsters sang "Cool Water" and the crowd went wild again....they were so off key we thought it must be part of the act...it wasn't.... as we found out the next night.  Sister Eppic and Wright put bells on their toes, heads, and hands and were worth the price of admission....just watching Sister Eppich walk with bells was a joy.  Elder Nielsen, our favorite "Heber Creeper" sang and Sister's Wayment and Slater played several versions of Chopstix.
    It was a great night...we had lots of fun.  The best was yet to come as we were the last number to perform.    Elder Finlinson led with the call and all was going great until the microphone malfunction (or he didn't talk into it).  This is not good since there is no choreography in a square dance....only follow the "caller".  We all stopped...looked at each other in amazement and then began to laugh hysterically on stage.  All was well...finally..... when the microphone was replaced and we were off and promenading again.  No one fell off the stage and all were had by a good time.
       All I really wanted was to dance on the Cultural Hall floor.  It may actually happen next week....

I Love Being a Carpenter,
    Vinyl Floor Installer,  Sheet Rocker,
          Framer, Tile Setter, Tin Man, Demo Guy 
             Fence Builder or Whatever
                   Here in Old Nauvoo........BUT!
   
    

     One of the teamsters asked me the other day, "What do you do in FM?"  That is a loaded question with so many possible answers.  It really depends on the day and the crisis.  Very little is actually done on a fixed schedule.  In fact, I can't ever remember getting a larger assignment and being able to focus on it from start to finish without being called away for some other job that has be deemed more pressing.  So I guess the real answer is "what ever we are asked to do".
     Winding down my time here in Nauvoo it has now become apparent that I will not finish many of the jobs I have started over the winter.  In a way that's disturbing because in the world I came from it was of the utmost importance that jobs be completed....finished.....done....cleaned up before starting another one.  Sure, there are people who apply their trades in the FM mode....they usually don't last long with a contractor, or in business for that matter, because of the frustration it causes.  It is important to complete jobs in a timely manner.  Not so much here.
  Sometimes things just don't make sense....you have to be on your toes to remain calm and try and keep things orderly.  Here's and example (not a complaint).  The other day I happened to be at the "mansion" when Darrell and Elder Archibald showed up to install the water heater in the basement that isn't even finished being sheet rocked.  Water heaters are usually the last thing to be installed when all the fixtures are connected.  I questioned what they were thinking.  The answer: "We needed to get it out of our way".  It's now sitting in the garage out of their way...and mine.  Then again   I'm not so sure the painters are thrilled about  moving them around as they paint the garage.😉
     The work we have been doing recently is "young man's" work and I am getting worn out with the aches of shoulders and knees that come from sheet rock, laying flooring, and setting tile.  The good news is I still feel blessed that as much as I hurt at the end of the day the following morning has me rising  and  able to get up and get after it again.  There are still Nauvoo miracles.
    

    This week's summary includes sanding sheetrock in the entire basement, laying the entire upper floor with LVT, and starting to lay the massive 24x24 tiles in the Presidential Palace.  Most of which requires being on our hands and knees or running up and down the stairs to use the saw that was hijacked from us by the FM employees who are doing the tile in the basement.  This too will pass.
     Meanwhile, back over at the Economou, the Pollock's are busy painting away and before long it will really start to look like a house again.  There is the little problem of the 1/2" of dust on all the furniture, dishes, appliances, etc.  that weren't covered up.  That was probably my bad...woops.




Scratch Two off the Bucket List

     Find the President's car, our version of "Where's Waldo" ended Friday.  We really hadn't dedicated a whole lot of time searching through all the possibilities.  We just had too much to do and accomplish and  most days didn't end until after 3:00 and we were beat.  We couldn't get Jordan (FM director) to crack.  We knew he knew...especially with that wry smile he would give us.         Finally we resorted to drastic measures....bribes and threats weren't working.   Things were getting desperate. It was a a chance encounter over a meal with a well connected person that we got the  break we were looking for.  We soon  struck paydirt and found the "sleek sportster" I quickly texted President Hughes a selfie with a ransom note request for  $100.  I thought it was money in the bank.   He didn't buy into the ransom note and glibly pronounced  President Gordon had found it the day before. RATS!!  My secret goal was to barter the $100 to make sure we didn't land a golden ticket.  Some days there just aren't many Nauvoo Miracles available.
     I spent part of the day Saturday at the Brickyard making (or slightly helping) Elder Owens make some bricks for the Grandkids.  Our little Nauvoo souvenir.  If things keep up this way I may have to actually sit down and come to the realization that we are doing home soon.  Rather than show up unannounced it is probably best to have a plan....for us and them.  It remains on the bucket list....maybe somebody in Texas will invite us for a visit and a free room.
   
You Laugh at My Hat.....
                     I'll Laugh at Yours
    

     January and February bring a who new insight and stress level to Conservation.  Added to all the regular responsibilities is the annual cleaning of the sites.  It becomes strenuous work as they not only clean everything (except the missionaries serving that day) in the site and inventory it.  It includes trips to Carthage to clean the site and especially the jail, which seems to accumulate a lot more dirt and grime that other places.  Adding to the stress has been the urgent need to update all of the mission boards with new information and emergency numbers.  The FM numbers, and especially the emergency numbers, were all changed in December.  So like always, here in Nauvoo, it isn't and emergency until it's an emergency.  Did I mention that they have to go in every house....usually when the missionaries are gone and for some reason their master keys don't work.
    

     Sister Gibson is the only missionary of the three assigned to conservation whose knees still work so she gets to do the kneeling jobs.  It is difficult but she is such a trooper that she kneels on.
     As a group they have way too much fun and can be heard just about anywhere you stand in the warehouse when they are upstairs.   I'm not exactly sure how I came into possession of these two pictures so I'll make up a story.
     The sisters were cleaning Riser Boot and Sister Hall2 thought that her protective mask was to be used to protect her awesome hair.  Sister Gibson made fun of her and shortly thereafter found herself being bullied by Sister Hall2 as she put a strainer over her head with the explanation that it was to keep her hair out of the sites....That's my story and I'm sticking to it....until Sister Gibson makes me change it.

   


Be Careful of Your Friends? 
             in High Places!!

  
There we were, standing on the temple steps.  It was sunset on the Mississippi....a beautiful moment  that appropriately started us contemplating  the end of our service.  Little did we know that there was a dark cloud hanging over us as President Hughes had set his sights on us and prepared to pull the trigger.  Handing us a Golden Ticket at the end of mission training was a cruel and inhuman act.  Really!! It had been such a great meeting and to dampen our spirits?
     There was only one speaking opportunity left before we left and it was for March 11.  Golden Tickets were usually presented a couple of weeks before the actual event so we were on pins and needles hoping against all hope for an answer to a prayer we shouldn't have offered. There have been missionaries who have escaped this dreadful (or wonderful) opportunity.....why not us.  
     So while we waited with anxiety, which could be misconstrued as patience,  we will speak on patience.  We will speak, like almost everyone else, with a smile, a message, and a prayer; "Willingly because we have to"

What is This Thing Called Winter?...
             When Will it End?
   

     Way back in the sweltering heat of summer it was noted that the Farmer's Almanac had predicted a colder and wetter winter than normal.  It didn't seem like to bad of a thought as we sweated and toiled with heat index's and temperatures that transformed into a drought for the Midwest.   It seemed so far off.  Well, winter arrived, was not welcomed, and has managed to stay around much longer than a visit from your least favorite relative who can not stop talking about their latest Hawaiian vacation and insists on showing you every picture of them and their saggy  aged bodies on the beach in a swimsuit.
    Sunday brought the biggest snowstorm we have had since we arrived in Nauvoo.  The constant below freezing temperatures have tried us for weeks and added to it was a 6" accumulation of snow.  The snows we have previously received require a little brooming to  clear a path.  This one needed a shovel.  The sites were closed, we missed an opportunity to serve in the Seventies Hall, and then the sun came out.  With that we had a winter wonderland in Nauvoo and along with the Lindeburg's we drove around Old Nauvoo, tramped through the pristine snow and took pictures of the sites.  It was a great day, cold as it was, and it gave us some lasting memories of Nauvoo in the winter.
     That being said it may still be winter but it's lasting too long.  Looking at the pictures, however, we will have many a lasting memory of this special place and our time together.

The Bucket List.....
      The Beginning of the End

 

  There is now a natural phenomenon occurring that is a conundrum of the complexities of life.

We were called to serve here in Nauvoo for eighteen months.  We looked forward to the grand adventure with enthusiasm, excitement, and some trepidation as to what we had gotten ourselves into.

     We have now enjoyed, endured, and are close to ending this adventure.  Every day and almost every encounter is a (dare I say, annoying) reminder from someone that we will be leaving soon.  They seemingly want us to stay.....encouraging us to extend.....telling us how much they will miss us.  Here's the rub.  We will miss them and they will miss us.  It will only be a fleeting moment.  It will quickly pass and soon we will all be caught up in our day to day lives and the burning fires of remembrance will dim into embers that will only smolder and cool.  

     So for those who keep us looking forward to our future by reminding us of our short time here I have tried to put it into my perspective: "We ARE looking forward to going home with as much enthusiasm (I really mean a lot more enthusiasm) as we came with.  We are not leaving our family....we are going home to them!!  Those left behind in Nauvoo will someday, God permitting, follow our path.    Those who we knew and left before us may or may not have a reunion with us but we will still have those photos and memories for as long as they can hold on to them. We will cherish them all.

    

    

     As to the bucket list....there are some things we would like to do before we get home.  The race is now on to do a couple of things that have seemingly eluded our experience and we (mainly me) would like to do.  It's pretty short....it's pretty much what's left (even though more may arise)  of most of the things we wanted to and see, visit, and do.   So we are down to three or four in Nauvoo, visit some church history sites, looks like will visit the Texans, and sooner or later we'll get home.
    So let's scratch off the first item on the list.  The view from the temple tower.  I'm sure we're not the first...nor will we be the last.  It is something that doesn't happen very often.  It might happen if you are in the right place, at the right time, with the right people, however.  There is a reason it is not public accessible.....that's all that needs to be said.  It is in the interior of the temple.  The top is reached by ascending a long, very long, steel staircase with a small handrail and it is an open stairway. You might say it's like climbing a very, very tall ladder with a handrail.   The bell rings on the hour and 1/2 hour....don't be in the tower when it goes off.  There are apparently predatory birds who nest there as their sounds are often heard....fortunately that keeps the pigeons away.  The view is spectacular...but it is really just the experience that makes it.

     Elder Jensen Heads into The Sunset.....
                                       As a New Teamster!!

     I have on rare occasions  complained mentioned that things in Nauvoo move in somewhat slow and convoluted ways and are hard to understand.  Last week we had another unexpected Nauvoo miracle.  Since the onset of the bitter cold of winter I have been fortunate to work with Elders Jensen and Corder.  Elder Corder is a skilled brick mason with a uniqueness that is, in some ways, a mirror to mine.  We have each often commented that together we are a dangerous pair and might be better off separated.  Elder Jensen is a skilled craftsman and for years has worked in the pre-hung and garage door industries.  Together the three of us have often been named "Curley, Moe, and Larry" by some "clowns".  We have been a great team working together and it has been a fantastic experience.
    The ride for Elder Corder and myself will continue.  Elder Jensen, on the other hand, had his long standing desire for Nauvoo fulfilled, as he was called to fill a seat with the teamsters where he will get to drive the horses and tell the stories. He was originally called as a teamster but when the wagon rides went into "wait and wait mode" his call was changed to FM.   His wife was put in charge of missionary housing replacing Sister Van Horn.  Together they have become stalwarts and great examples as they served with us in FM and the Brigham Young District.  All that ended on Friday as they received new assignments and will be in another district.
   It was only fitting that as we exited the temple on Friday evening there was a beautiful sunset.  It was the end of our time together.  It rose Saturday and was covered by the clouds.  In late afternoon it was shining brightly again.  So it is with us and them.  We will miss them, we will feel their presence, and when we see them we will be brightened by their presence.
     Elder and Sister Jensen; we love you, don't ever forget that....we won't!

Valentines Day, Vicenzo De Francesco,
      and a Pot Luck Dinner....

 

    We have often discussed the absence of feeling when it comes to holidays.  They just aren't the same.   Since we are expected to serve on most holidays it feels like an ordinary day even though we give it the "old college try" to make it special.  A big hug and a kiss....wooooopppeeeee! So there's the silver lining of our Valentines Day.  The mission scheduled two events for us...or should I say there were two mission events...  One we planned; our Brigham Young District Meeting....one we helped with; the mission "pot luck" dinner.

    

Since I had told the story of Vincenzo De Francesco to the Sarah Granger cast, Sister Corder had wanted me to tell again as it had touched her heart.  Our district meeting was scheduled for Valentines Day and so I planned on presenting the story for our district.  Sister Nielsen2 had overheard us talking about it and asked if their district could join us.  The more the merrier!  

    We scheduled it for the FM conference room to accommodate us and along with the districts we had most of the FM leadership attending also.  There was a special feeling there as I told the story and then afterward we watched the "How Rare a Possession" video that tells the story of this remarkable man.

     Fortunately "the great cinnamon roll caper" didn't get much attention.  Those who shall not be named, volunteered to make cinnamon rolls as a treat.  They decided to cook  them in the oven at FM.  The first batch went smooth and came out of the oven a golden brown.  Unfortunately they were scattered on the ground when the person removing them from the oven got bumped.  Panic ensued but a quick solution was reached and it was off to Casey's to get donuts while the other tray would bake.  The first batch was pretty well damaged from the fall and were just thrown on the tray to wait disposal.

     More chaos ensued when the  second tray got over-cooked(burnt) when the timer went off and wasn't noticed.  Ok...donuts are on the way.  It wasn't until a helpful hand saw the cinnamon rolls sitting forlorn on the table and wanting to be helpful... iced them all.  Before you could say "there's treats"  they were put on the refreshment table and scarfed up like hungry wolves over a large carcass.

Like I say; "All's well that ends well"

     The pot luck dinner was another gathering of the missionaries.  Games were played.  A good time was had by all.....or maybe "all were had by a good time?"

Barns, Mansions, and a Palace?
                            The Work Rolls On
    

It was another typical week.  That's not true.  There are no typical weeks in FM and maybe that's what makes it so fun to write about. Like it or not it's always full of surprises and adventure...or just plain hard work.  Sometimes there is a little disrespect  and the jobs are given an "unofficial" title by which they soon become known.  For example the Maxwell house took on the moniker of the "mansion".  Someone once called it "The Lord's House" when Marcus called it that. I am sure he meant that it belonged to the church and was not his....even though to some it appeared to be just that.       The remodeling of the President's Mission Home was without name until it was discovered that the tile that was to used on the floors in the bathrooms was chosen by a decorator who had seen the massive 24"x24" tiles in one of the temples. The initial plans have now evolved to adding the laundry room and kitchen. Such ornate decorations require a much more regal title and hence the home has been dubbed "The Presidential Palace".
    

     The barn addition seems to be driven by an Amish Ferrier, Raymond, who has done such outstanding work for the teamsters  that they are willing to work with him. The wind seems to be a distraction to him and so he has begged, pleaded, and probably threatened to get the north end sheeted.  If that wasn't enough we are now doing the east end. Apparently he is an important person to the teamsters....they have a team of horses named Ray and Richie after him and his son.  So without a moniker the barn is simple "The Barn".  Although we could call it the "Kings Barn".
  Somehow the Economou Home has kept it's original name.  More than likely because no one has a personal interest, nothing is extravagant, and we are in the finishing stages.   The missionaries have been able to keep to the original plans.  No changes.
    

     We appear to be  a rolling caravan.  Never stopping to long at any one place .....just enough to get one part of the project finished or started....all for various and sundry reasons.  We hung the cabinets at the Economou, put up the east side metal on the barn, prepped the sheet rock for the ornate Palace bathtub/shower.  Back at the Mansion we prepped the floor and started laying the Luxury Vinyl Tile as well as completed the sheet rock and started mudding and taping it.
     All in all it was a lot of work and sore muscles...or whatever is there that used to be muscle.

On The Road Again.....
       

     It started out as a trip north to the Mormon Handtrek Park in Iowa City, IA that honored those 3000 Mormon Saints who  had made their way across the plains of America pushing and pulling "handcarts" in order to live in Zion.  There is nothing like a little pre-planning to insure that you don't end up in some inclement weather like a snowstorm.  Not a problem said the usually reliable National Weather Service.  30% chance of snow before 9:00 a.m.  We hit the park at 12:05 p.m. and the snowstorm that went with it.  We plodded our way over caked ice and new snow until we reached the monuments.  A couple of quick pictures and were on to Costco to pick up some of those great muffins before we head back toward Nauvoo with a stop in Kalona for some of those yummy pull aparts.  After my Google Maps GPS went on the fritz, and even after Rick, the wonder child tried to fix it in Costco we appeared to be stranded and lost in the blizzard.  Then I remembered I had GPS in the truck and "wallaa" we were headed home.  No Kalona pull-a-parts this trip.  By the time we got to  Swedesburg  the falling snow was a memory and the road was clear so we made a stop at their Swedish American Museum.
   

     The stop turned out to be a delight.  The small museum was manned(womanned) by an elderly pair of  Swedish descendants who were determined to keep the spirit of the past alive.  This wasn't your ordinary tour of "here it is...take a look...and enjoy".  It was let's walk together and I will tell you all about everything you see, what it does, and why it is here.  On our way back to the "freezer" (the part of the museum that was unheated). our guide stopped and told us of their efforts to catalog stories and pictures of the early residents of Swedesberg.  What a treasure trove of stories and pictures they have collected  that sit in binders on the shelves and in large drawers.  I explained to them that they had some priceless memories that could be of great value to the many descendant's of this hearty group.  Soon I was into genealogy and how it led me to write a book of my own ancestors.  Try as I might I am pretty sure her brain stopped functioning when I used the words "digitized and internet".  I thought back to Dennis and Laurie Bird who had served a  mission photographing records in an office that used to be a  jail.  There's an opportunity here....and many other places to bring the past out of the drawers and off the shelves.
    

     I must have heard "it's not a horse....it's a goat" enough in Swedesberg to know that that I wanted a remembrance of the straw figure that sat off the highway as you entered the quaint little town. So I said to myself, since Sister Gibson didn't want to leave the truck; "what a great place for a selfie".  It was...I did...and the rest is history.    I'm the one on the left...the goat is in the background on the right.
(I've been called an "old goat" often enough and been gone long enough that I feel clarification is necessary.)



Odds at the End
    

    We had a great time when the Nielsen2's invited us to dinner.  It was a delightful evening and we learned so much about them.  They are such hard working people and serve with us in FM.  They have been most blessed to take care of the Carthage Jail during the summer months and have had many great life experiences.  Not to mention he is responsible for the creation of the Heber Creeper and drove the rails for many years.
     Best of all Sister Nielsen2 is a blog follower (so I have to be careful what I say) and she was the one who steered us to Swedesberg!
Thank you!!

    

    
The Nauvoo Orchestra held a fund raiser on the night before Valentines.  Our favorite FM electrician, (I mean the one that gets paid), Ben plays smooth violin in the orchestra.  He's no second fiddle(except in the Country Band during the pageant) to anyone, as he works hard at whatever he does.  He enlisted some service missionaries to dish up the grub (Italian cuisine) while he cleaned tables and smiled.  Gotta love Elder Coleman(our favorite unpaid electrician), Elder Hales, and Elder Cantwell for their willingness to help.  These guys are the greatest!!

   

It's February 5th.....

     Let the Parties Begin!!

     One of the least looked forward opportunities in Nauvoo FM is to have a birthday.  It's pretty much the top of the "don't look forward to that" list.  Clearly ahead of attending a meeting with all the FM employees when you are the only missionary there.  Then there's giving the prayer thought in the early morning FM prayer meeting.  Let's not forget asking Paul how he is feeling,   How about   11:00 Monday staff meeting for Sister Gibson where the comedy duo of Barrant and Lee drag the meeting into oblivion.    Ok..that's enough about that.  Now back to why an FM birthday is not looked forward to.

   Even though Sister Gibson has long been one to look forward to most birthday celebrations as they bring on a bevy of parties, cards, and well wishes   In fact, I have often called February 5th the beginning of birthday "month".  There are so many friends and family parties that it takes a who month to get them in.  It's such a wonderful time for her.  This birthday not so much.

    So the first big celebration for her birthday happens to fall to the FM group at the early morning prayer meeting.  FM has their own particular brand of revelry....in other words the more they can embarrass you the better their day.  It comes complete with a hat,  boa, funny bottle bottomed glasses and a big red nose and a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday!  At least the Sisters in conservation made her day with plenty of cupcakes and well wishes.  Sooner or later there will be a lunch to celebrate it again.

    

     Things looked a lot brighter for the next celebration as it was with the MTC group.  They wanted to do something special so she got to pick the restaurant for the evening meal.  The Hawkeye in Keokuk was a great choice...it was near Wal-Mart and she had some shopping to do.  That went by the wayside when a major snow storm popped up earlier in the day and it was eventually decided to hang out in Nauvoo and have Casey's Pizza.  It may not sound exciting but getting together with our group is always a great time.  We did miss the Beecher's, however.  We didn't have a cake but thought a candle in a brownie bite would help keep the smoke alarm in the Lindebrug's apartment from firing up.   After pizza it was on to an exciting game of Scategories.....and yes, I did play....Willingly because I had to.  That's just the way it was.


We Watch in Amazement.....
    President Lusvardi  Pulls A Rabbit?
        No.... A Piano from His Hat

   

    

     Our weekly mission training meeting has a new flavor....It's called President Lusvardi.  Although it's available most days the majority of us don't get an opportunity to savor it except for rare occasions.  It's most often available on Wednesday.    It's a unique blend that brings smiles to our faces, inspiration to our hearts, and is rarely the same.  We have learned to never expect the same flavor twice, although it certainly can happen at any given moment.  More than once  just wouldn't have the "wow" factor.
     So let me explain.   We got our first taste when we met him for a welcoming dinner.  In the middle talking about his past role in the missionary department he casually interjected "Oh, by the way, the horses will be back....just in time for the exodus."  A week ago he tantalized us with the future.  "Some of you might have noticed on the blog that there aren't very many senior couples coming this year"  "We will have more young sister missionaries"  "This is because the Church has an urgent need for more Senior couples that can be used in other capacities"  Hmmmmmm, all that speculation about "the killing of the beloved Rendezvous" is starting to make a little more sense(Still don't miss it, by the way).  Maybe there is a master plan somewhere out there.  Old folks are really a curious bunch and they just want to know everything.  We don't relish  surprises.....
    So this week the training meeting starts out with President Lusvardi's friendly, folksy remarks deciding on what he might want to talk about.  "I've been thinking sometime we might have a "Question and Answer" meeting.  I am getting the feeling there are a few of you with some questions."  You would have thought it was a deodorant convention the way all the hands that shot up!  First Question: "Is there a master plan?  When will it be implemented?"
    Response:  "You know I had an inkling this question might come up so I did a little preparation". Pulling a large paper shopping bag from behind the podium he pulling out one large bound manual after another.  Each explaining different areas and time frames.  Yes.....there is a master plan and the implementation began a while ago and will continue on until who knows when.  And there is a dialogue revision for the sites...up to date, accurate, and going to be implemented before the summer.      Did he reveal all those juicy details we so longed for to hear......nope....just enough to savor our curiosity!
    So for those who have patiently been waiting for the title explanation..........As the meeting was drawing to a close President Lusvardi reviewed a key point from our past trainings....we are missionaries and we must seek for ways to love in a way that visitors here, as well as all those we come in contact with, feel our love for them.  Continuing on....."You know", he started out innocently enough, "for the closing song I would like us to sing "We'll Bring the Lord His Truth".  The pianist gasped..."we don't have a Children's Song Book!"   I guess he's thinking we will do it a Capella, I thought.  With that he casually saunters  over to the piano, sits down, and plays a rousing prelude; and before you could say "He plays pretty good" we are all standing singing loudly as he tickled the ivories like a master.
Who Knew?

 

     

     I am discovering this isn't a job for sissies....and there certainly aren't any here.  What we have here is a bunch of aging Elders who do their best to help each other in spite of the many infirmities.  Sheet rocking a basement used to be a breeze.....now it feels like a hurricane.  Fifty pound pails of mud now feel like a hundred.  A box of tile feels like two....and since they are tied together in pairs and I'm too lazy to break the band and carry them separately it now weighs a "ton".  This is not complaining.....it is stating a fact.  It is what it is!
     With Elder Jensen plagued by a bad tooth that eventually would cost $1350 for a root canal that only costs $850 in Utah and missing a couple of days to get it taken care of, Elder Corder and myself moved over to the Economou to do the tile work in the kitchen, bath, laundry.  We have this brand new super duper tile saw that will cut the twenty four inch tile for the Presidents house and I got to break it in.  We had laid out  the floor with plans to finish it the following day (or so I was led to believe).   Over achiever Elder Corder,  waited until I had left, and dove in and laid the kitchen, except for the cut tile.  That was left for me as I assumed my new official role as "tile cutter". He's eight years younger and still feeling pretty good about his old body (his day is coming).  The next day we finished the rest of the laying and the following day we grouted it.  That was a personal mistake. I tried to keep up with Elder Corder wanting to show the young whipper snapper that us old folks still had it.  I didn't realize that he wasn't about to let the old geezer show him up.  The end result was a job quickly and well done and me barely able to move my arms for a day.  Lesson learned.

       Odds at the End
    

     One of the fall outs from my priesthood lesson a few weeks ago was literally my I-Pad.  My clumsy hands lost their secure grip and "Walla" the screen fractured when it hit the ground at the Visitors Center parking lot..  It thus became very annoying to work with.  I was slowly but sure grinding the ends of my finger off as I continued to use it.  Why didn't I get it replaced quickly?  It wasn't that I didn't try...it's just the only place I could find to replace it was in Quincy and the only time I could get it replaced was when the tech was working on Saturday...oh did I mention she only worked on every fifth Saturday.

    



    

     So the appointed day finally arrived and it was off to Quincy. Since it would take at least two hours to fix we took a little jaunt further down the road to Hannibal where we went back to the Mark Twain Museum for a ride(?) on a Mississippi River  raft.  It was broken when we were there earlier.  We pushed the button, expecting the raft to "rock and roll" as you looked at a screen that one thought would be ride down the river.  Wrong!!  It was clips of an old "Adventures of Tom Sawyer movie.  It wasn't all that bad...just wasn't what we expected.  It did accomplish the purpose.  The I-Pad got fixed.  My fingers will soon heal.

   
     

    

When We are Here.....
                                 They are Here!

     One hundred and seventy years ago on February 4th, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints began their exodus from Nauvoo.  On February 3rd, under the leadership of the missionaries serving in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission we gave it our best shot at remembering their exodus and paying tribute to their lives, their sacrifices, and their memories.They left willingly because they had to.  They left all that they had worked and sacrificed for.    They took only that which would help them survive their rigorous journey and  they took with them their strong beliefs, convictions, and testimonies.

     It was a far cry from what the missionaries and others portrayed as they commemorated this event with a walk from the Cultural Hall to the end of Parley Street where the waters of the Mississippi roll up to the street. Today we woke up in our warm comfortable homes, ate well, and overly dressed with ultra warm clothing so we wouldn't have to suffer to long as we would be outside for almost an hour.  Not to mention that we assembled in the Family Living Center where we were treated to cinnamon roles and hot chocolate before being thrust out into the cold.  It was probably all of thirty two degrees.  Well, truth be told, the wind made it feel a little colder....or maybe a lot colder.  There was a short program inside the Family Living Center and after that we all exited to the street where we were lined up to march to the exodus point (maybe a half mile or so).     

    

     I was accorded the honor of leading the march, proudly carrying the American Flag.  I was proud to do it and grateful no one else had asked....although I was prepared to duel with water pistols if they had.  Behind me was a local member, Neal, who played the drum and kept the cadence.  Next came the Nauvoo Legion, a hastily assembled group of the best Nauvoo had to offer. Led by Elder McCloed, an ex-marine with an iron will  who fought insurmountable odds as he taught the group how to march, turn, and muster their wooden fire arms.  He soon had the group marching together although not necessarily in a military manner.  Their hearts were doing their best, however.

    Following behind the "Legion" was a bunch of flag wavers.  They proudly carried the flags of their ancestry and waved them wildly......until, as I can attest, the Mississippi winds rose and it became a major project just to keep a grip on the poles. The parade has become a spectacle to behold.

    After that came the masses who had come to march and pay tribute.  Most of those who walk displayed the names of those ancestors who were here in Nauvoo during the exodus.  Old and young they marched.  Interspersed in the middle and end were the happiest of all those present....The Teamsters.  While I am sure it has  been part of the plan to bring the horses back for the Exodus it was kept as a big secret.  They teamsters prayed and the horses did practice rides afar in the hinterlands.  When it was announced they were coming back many   a teamster  took it as an answer to the many, many prayers they had offered.  One way or another their faith was rewarded.

     At the end of the march.....at the memorial on Parley Street the Nauvoo Legion raised the flag.  The flags of many nations stood nearby...lest we forget what brought us together as a nation.

   We proudly sang the Star Spangled Banner and repeated the Pledge of Allegiance.  We then sang with voices full of emotion and remembrance; Come, Come, Ye Saints.  We all stood proud!!

     Today we remembered them......and we were proud and honored to do it.  

     Did those who were here in the past really march with us today?.......ABSOLUTELY!!

Sister Gibson Makes Church News......
               and Finds a Cousin in Nauvoo!!

     We were astonished and proud when it was announced  on Tuesday that the Exodus Social had been recognized in the Church News.  The article, written by Don Searle, told of the program that was held to honor the ancestors of those missionaries serving here.  Elder Searle, who is a former Editor of the Ensign, and has made many remarkable contributions to the missionaries by his countless excellent pictures.  It was so thoughtful of him to take the time to write the article and submit it with pictures to the Deseret News who included it in the Church News.

     Word of publication of the article spread quickly through the mission.  When it got to me I was completely caught off guard.  There was Sister Gibson front and center telling her story on the stage created for the sociable.  I hope our family knows how "Grandma" has grown during the last months.  She is doing things I am sure she never imagined....and as typical for her she is doing the well. 

     The stage that was created for the sociable was done by Elder and Sister Schmitt and it was a work of art and creativity.  In fact it was so impressive President Lusvardi wants to put it in the visitors center as a permanent fixture so our visitors will be able to see it and add to the spirit of Nauvoo.

     Another unique experience occurred when Ruthann Smith, wife of one of the Temple Presidency counselors approached Sister Gibson and introduced herself.  She too is a direct descendent of Lindsey Anderson Brady and wanted a copy of the story.  I seized the moment as a bartering chip to satisfy a not so hidden goal to climb the stairs to the top of the temple bell tower. For safety, or whatever reasons, it is no longer available except maybe by the granting of a special request.  I told her that I would barter the story copy for a trip to the top.  She got the story and I got the bad news that only the temple president can grant such a request.  Hope springs eternal, however!!

You Want us To Do What?........

                Sure!!  Willingly!!
                        Because we Have(?)  Want To!!

     It's been a long time since I have had the "opportunity" to work with a designer/decorator.  Don't miss that one bit.  Be that as it may working with one in the President's house has been "not a joy" should I say.  Designers live in the world of creativity....of their perceived "vision" of the end result.  Rarely do they see the efforts that it takes to bring to fruition their glorious perception.  Generally speaking their "tastes" are not mine"  So when it's time for a little spruce up of the mission home and a designer is employed you can understand my great and unfathomable joy.....yipppppeeeeeee!

    So it comes as no surprise that the three of us are standing around looking at the floor in the "bigger than a Nauvoo house" living room and trying to understand why we have to put a floor outlet six feet from an existing one to accommodate a "new furniture" layout.  It was glued and screwed down to the point it took two of us an hour to pull, cut, pound, scrape, moan and groan to get it open.

That was nothing to the day the three of us spent scraping, steaming, and pulling down small pieces of wallpaper in the master bath that were installed without wall sizing on new sheet rock.  After all of that we ended up putting in new sheetrock anyway.  At least the hall bath came down easier.

     The "Mansion" as it is now officially called moved on.  Elder's Hall and Hawkins were busy on the downstairs mudding and we spent a day laying the underlayment so Elder Daynes could begin his finish carpentry work.

     Also this week I officially became a prophet (of sorts).  Back in November Marcus told me he wanted to occupy the "Mansion" by February.  I told him it wouldn't happen because our FM HVAC guy, based on past experience, wouldn't even be through with the heating system so how could we even sheet rock.  Guess who hasn't done a complete job so we can complete the sheetrock and move on?

Brigham Young District.....
     Ya Gotta Love These Guys!!

     It had been quite a week for the Brigham Young District.  Struck by the flu, our numbers were decreased to the point we had to bring President and Sister Lusvardi and Doctor and Sister Oldroyd just to hold a district reporting meeting.  Fortunately they didn't eat everything and there were plenty of leftovers to take to the Jensen's and Archibald's.  They recovered by week's end and were standing tall, marching in the exodus.
    We had a new FM couple who arrived this week and were assigned to our district.  Elder and Sister Nelson arrived from Farmington, UT and it was our good fortune (maybe not theirs) to have them assigned to the district.  He told every one that asked that he was a cabinet maker even though he just retired as an air traffic controller.  In his introduction to the mission he included in his resume the fact that he had just been released from jail in order to serve as a missionry.  He will fit in well with Elder Corder (and me).  We pretty much act like reprobates  some days.
     We all were able to participate in the exodus and before the day was over we ended up at the Visitors Center, Lunch, and a Carriage ride.  In a twist of luck we found they were using a "real" carriage. It was being used on this special occasion as a result of the exodus.  Missionaries encourage the mission president to ride but both President Hall and Lusvardi and their wives walked.  
     At the Visitors Center we took pictures using the backdrop of the exodus social.  The carriage ride, always inspirational, was a very special treat.  Elders Butt and Wadsworth were the teamsters.  We had arrived in time for the last ride by a family came running up ahead of us.  Without any hesitation the teamsters told us to wait and they would take us on a "special extra ride".  It was Elder Wadsworth's P-Day and he had been called into duty and yet he was willing to go the "extra mile".

Odds at the End
    

     There are now five service missionaries serving in Nauvoo FM.  They come to us with big hearts and a willingness to serve.  Serving is a learning experience...not only for them but also us.  It comes in different ways and at different times.  So when Elder's Coleman and Cantwell joined the Nauvoo Legion to march in the exodus it was a high moment for me.  They had caught the vision and purpose of the commemorative march.  Not only that they are learning about missionary work as a service Elder but also a trade and skill.  Elder Cantwell works in the automotive shop and is preparing for a life in auto mechanics.  Elder Coleman is working with Ben in the electrical department and is doing a outstanding job.  He listens, observes, and does.  Looking to the future Elder Corder and I took the opportunity to encourage him to start planning now for an electrical apprenticeship when he returns in May.  He not only listened....he did! He is exploring those possibilities now so he will be ready when the future arrives.  Now if he can only learn to patch his sheet rock guffaws...then he will be complete.

 

     It's fair to say at this point Sister Gibson and myself are past  being astounded when a Nauvoo miracle takes place.  We are grateful and in awe of the blessings that our loving Heavenly Father bestows on the missionaries serving here.  So when it was announced this week that Sister Shumway had returned from Arizona to continue serving her mission we were amazed.  Her leaving weeks ago was with the pronouncement that she had cancer and maybe only two months to live.  She went home to get the care she needed.  Weeks of further testing revealed no signs...none..zero...zip.       When we ran across her serving in the Visitors Center and were treated to  a remarkable visit.  Her story..."I knew I was coming back.....I know I am going to die someday.....and I am ready for what comes next".  What a remarkable person....She is a rock!!