"P" Day activity.

Well, we start out the 'preperation day' by cleaning the apartment.  Doesn't everyone clean their home in a suit?  Well, we do - here anyway.

Look at these eggs that we purchased from a local farmer in Keokuk.  We were fascinated by the many sizes, shapes and colors.  Great eggs though.  Colors from white, beige to almost a light sea foam green. 

We went to the Seventies Hall for a short presentation by the 'core cast' of the Pageant players.  The Seventies Hall was built by the Seventies in 1843 as a meeting place to study and learn the gospel before going out on missions.  It was first built using two brick thick exterior walls, but a tornado came and blew the building down.  The Seventies were very discouraged.  Brigham Young came and told the men not to be discouraged anymore, this was the work of the adversary and to cheer up, rebuild at once and this time make the walls three bricks thick.  So they did.   They had their hall and all went well as far as the building was concerned from that time forth.

I don't think this guy will get any awards for preaching the gospel.  He looks too sour. We don't have to wear our suit jackets except to the temple.  The rest of the time we can get by with a white shirt.  After Labor Day then we go back to suits all the time. It's cooler then.  Today it was 86 degrees with 92% humidity. 

While we were waiting for the vignette to begin, this lady - Sis. Olson - who is a site missionary got up and lead us in a couple of hymns.  I think she was setting the stage for this very spiritual presentation.  However she was there as a audience member, not part of the plan.  She must have sensed the irreverence of the people and calmed them all down by this singing.  She dances in the 'Sunset by the Mississippi', and works at a site everyday.  She is here on a 18-month mission.  She is 83 years old.  I asked here one time how she keeps up, she said 'the Lord gives her strength to keep going'.  She is from Canada.  She is such a delight to talk to.   She never stops smiling either.

As the audience grew, and the time to begin was approaching, we noticed that in the row next to our right side was Elder Kim B Clark and his wife, and sitting in front of us was Elder Larry J Echo Hawk and his wife.  We were surprised that neither of these General Authorities recognized the Creagh's. {funny huh}.

They were here on vacation.

The presentation was a short vignette entitled "Go Ye Into All the World".  The core cast of Pageant presented from journals, words of many of the Prophets at this time.  John Taylor, Heber C Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Brigham Young, Parley P Pratt.  There were assembled together to teach us of the importance of going out two by two to testify of the truth and restoration of the gospel.  The person on the right who played Brigham really looked and sounded like - I think Brigham would have looked and sounded.  They did a marvelous job of memory work and presentation. 

After the Seventies Hall we went to the Women's Garden behind the Visitors Center.  First there was a short ten minute presentation by the Nauvoo Bagpipe Band, if band is he correct word to use here.  We talked with the leader, the man on the left.  He is from a little town by St George.  He has been doing this for five years.  His pipers come from many states.  They play from one to two weeks and the total time for the bag-pipers here is about six weeks.  Let me tell you, when they play 'Praise to the Man' or 'Hie to Kolob', it gets into your heart and makes a good feeling.   We asked the leader about his kilt.  A full actual Scottish Kilt has nine yards of material in it.  That is where the expression "The Whole Nine Yards" comes from.  I didn't remember that from school.  You probably did, but I didn't.

The women's presentation was entitled "Women of Nauvoo".  It was a wonderful and tender presentation from the diary's of Emma Smith, Eliza R Snow, and four others with the main feature being the creation of the Relief Society.  Well acted and performed.  I really don't think one would find any better actors on Broadway.  Of course these players have the benefit of the Spirit. 

 Look at this hair creation.  Doesn't it look just like the films that depict Emma. 

This little black girl came with the core cast, she is from New York.  She is an actress and also owns a day care in NY.   She is the only one in her family that has joined the church.  Her family is from Georgia, they come and watch her here in Nauvoo, but so far not any movement towards the church.  She was such a beautiful woman and so confident of her future. 

It was a great P Day, after this we had to go to Keokuk and buy groceries and finish our other activities.  We choose to do these programs today as this show time is almost over, two more weeks and they all go home.  It has been a very busy time for these actors.  They do not get much rest for sure.

The Church sure does a lot to strengthen and build testimonies for this - 'up and coming generation'. 

This isn't much of a non-member tourist activity - its all about members understanding their heritage and what are we doing to live up to our blessings. 



Time for a test..

Okay all you who like a good test.

Who might be able to identify these players in the Pageant?

Do you want a prize for the winner?

These pictures were taken during rehearsal times.



Another blessing for being in Nauvoo.

A nice surprise.  I answered the phone the other day and it was Jenny our niece who was standing outside our apartment.  She and her husband were in town with their youth conference group. Jenny was walking around with family and say our address, she called and we ran out.  What a great surprise.  They are all well and happy to be in Nauvoo. 

We were not able to get a picture of Amy as we didn't get to meet up with her until evening at the British Pageant.  But there she was, and I forgot to take my camera.  But we got to see her and her family too.

Another great blessing to being in Nauvoo.  Seeing family. 



Suprise visitor.

We received an email, sent to all the temple missionaries, that there was to be an unannounced fireside Tuesday night at 7:00 in the Nauvoo Stake Center Chapel.  We must be in our seats and seated by 6:45.
Well that certainly got us thinking.  I knew that the Willard Richard Inn was off limits to visitors and that the entire Inn was to be occupied by someone, that had a body guard.
Welcome Elder Holland.  He was on a family vacation, with his entire family.  They had saved and rented a couple of large vans and were touring some church history sites.  He consented to give the missionaries, senior missionaries here a short talk.  By the time the fireside was to start, word had gotten out it was Elder Holland.  We went at 5:20 to get a front row seat.  The leader of the Nauvoo Brass Band is one we have met and his wife has become one we talk to now and then.  She came up and asked us to help the Young Performing Missionaries and the Brass Band to have some seats.  So we hurriedly saved three rows up towards the front.  These wonderful kids are always performing for others and seldom get to attend anything so we tried to make it special for them.  It worked.

When Elder Holland came in, everyone stood up.  He came into the chapel through the side door, went up to the stand and as he was sitting down, he blew everyone a kiss and waved his hand.  Reminded me of Pres Hinckley.   He began by telling us how important Nauvoo is to church history.  Nauvoo should be a profound missionary experience for us, a spiritual experience every time you visit Nauvoo.

He said he was just visiting Nauvoo as a grandpa right now.  Thank you for allowing him to do that, just be a grandpa.  He doesn't get much time to do that in his life.  He again said Nauvoo is sacred, your home is sacred, your family is sacred.  He said years ago, Pres Spencer W. Kimball told him there are two places you must visit as soon as you can, One is the Holy Land, the other is Nauvoo.  That was back in the late 60's or early 70's.  Nauvoo is the symbol of the restoration experience.  For a moment it was Zion.  Consecrated people making covenants, there was a temple, a university, Nauvoo was a dream - a perfect dream for a short while.

This Church has an obligation that no other dispensation has had.  Every Prophet, Priest, King has looked forward to our day.  They all knew that the gospel would be here - working in our day - 2015.  When Moroni said "I have seen your day" - this is it, hang on, it's going to work.  This is the last days and we are to be ready.

He is so weary of the world, weary of people's problems.  Not weary or worried about the Church, but weary of the problems the people of the world have.  He wants the world to be one big beautiful Nauvoo.  We need to keep telling our story, revelation directs this church, God lives, keep the dream of Zion alive, a symbol of New Jerusalem, here in Nauvoo.

He asked all of us to go through the scriptures and look at all the references we can find on the Holy Ghost, what evidences are there of the Holy Ghost in our lives, what are the products of the Spirit, what does it do in our lives.  Be aware.  We are not alone and are not being guided, we are and need to be thankful.

Never - Never under estimate the power of your testimony.  Bear you testimony often to people, family and children, not formally all the time, but bear record of the truth and the guidance we have.  Pray for the gift of Charity, pray for it all the time, we need it in this world. 
He said the Church is almost ready to announce a new training book for Temple Prep Class in the Wards of the Church.  Updated and showing more importance for the temple, not just a check list item to go on a mission.  One should be much better prepared to enter the temple than we are or have been.

He bore testimony that one of his concerns now in his later life is what is the 'quality' of what he does.  He has so many things to do all the time.  They are all good, and important.  But what about the quality of his time to whatever he is doing, is it the best he can do?  We should do the same. 
The biggest single problem in the church is growth.  What a great problem to have, but be aware we can loose people if we do not approach this growth carefully, have a plan. 
He then raised his voice - loud if you will - and said  "THIS IS THE TRUTH OF ALMIGHTY GOD - IT WILL NOT FAIL!  WHEN EVERY OTHER INSTITUTION IN THIS WORLD FAILS - THIS CHURCH WILL NOT FAIL - EVER!"

In the Baptistery

Three short instances in the baptistery this week. 
     We had a dark skinned family of four come into the baptistery to do some family work.  The father asked if we had the bapt ordinance card in Portuguese?  We obtained one from the Temple Recorders Office.  The family had six names to do the baptism ordinance for.   He baptised his wife and performed the ordinance in Portuguese, then proceeded to do the other five names in English.  Then we let him perform font-side confirmations.  We allow this when there is only a few names and the confirmation rooms are busy with others.  So the dad comes out of the water, and confirms the first female name in Portuguese, then proceeds to finish the others in English.  After he was finished I asked him why he did only one in Portuguese.  He said it was his grandmother and she didn't speak English.  I thought it was a nice sentiment for thinking of her.  He said he was sure she was watching and listening to this ordinance.

Next was a small family that came into the baptistery last night.  One boy was totally deaf.  The father said he was given permission to speak one sentence at a time, then 'sign' the same sentence for the young son.  He proceeded to do this for the baptism and the confirmation.  This also was a tender moment for all watching.  I very much appreciate that there is always a way to satisfy all the needs of those who want to do the Lord's work.  There is always a way.

The third incident is one of me passing judgement.  While I was sitting in the recorders chair at the font, I noticed a man coming down the stairs to the foyer waiting area.  I can see the stairs from where I was sitting in this chair, which if I, [or anyone is not careful], can allow one to become distracted.  The man that came down the stairs very obviously was not dressed to be in the temple.  With him were two women who were not dressed the way we would like to see either, and they appeared to be a little messy.  The man was tattooed heavily on both arms, neck, and part of his top chest as this was easy to spot or notice - he was wearing a black 'wife beater' tee-shirt.  I think we all know the type of shirt I am speaking of.  Anyway, there he was dressed like this, looking very confused and out of place.  I actually did wonder how he got into the temple, past the recommend desk.  Well it turns out they were new converts, recent converts from Davenport Iowa, who were at the temple for the first time on a limited use recommend.  They didn't know what to expect.  They had brought one of the women's mothers name to be baptized.  So - if there is any fault in their appearance, it might be that the Bishop didn't prepare them or maybe he did and they chose not to accept.  When one of the sisters working in the clothing offered him the white jump suit for the baptism, he took it and smiled.  When he was coming out of the dressing room, Patty said, 'well how does it fit?'    To which he replied,  "Well, at least it isn't orange!"  Okay then.  When he was baptized and was coming out of the font, he asked where the names are from that he was baptized for.  I told him to look, and I showed him N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Texas, England and Ireland".  To which he replied to me, "I hate the Irish!".   But in spite of it all, isn't it grand that the gospel can touch the lives of any who will listen.  As they were dressed and leaving, Patty said,  'how long have you been members?'  One of the women replied something like three months.  Patty said it will change your lives.  The one sister said, 'It already has, this is my daughter and she wants to come back every month".    So, once again I learn, or try to learn, don't judge a book by its cover.

Before the Pageant begins...

Before the Pageant begins they have a "County Fair" on the grounds in front of the stage area.  Hundreds of people attend and do all sorts of things for the families from 7:00 to 8:00 every night.  Several Wards are involved in putting on all the activities.  Surprisingly to me the square dance area for the youth was one of the most popular.  They all had quite the time.

Several checker boards are set up.  As you can see, they were also popular. 

These three were setting up the coloring activities for the little children.  Stories and coloring for the wee ones.  All with the pioneer theme.

Lots of different types of rope games too.

Of course, what would a county fair be without some good competition between handcart pullers.  The one in the orange overcame being behind when they turned the corner and he came in first.

 Many a skinned arm and nose in the sack race.  Plenty of competition here too.

Sure we can walk on stilts.  It's all a matter of balance and patience.  Right?

Pulling sticks was another popular game.  Works better with shoes though.

Look at all the porta potties they brought in just for this activity.  They really do this up correctly. 

Here is the menu - it is a fund raiser for the 3rd Ward.   



Very busy week...

This week has been so busy in the baptistery.  We have had two large stakes here for Youth Conf.  One is from Fort Walton Beach Florida, the other is from North Houston.  We are bringing the youth in at the rate of 30 per hour, and they are doing about 160 names per hour. A couple of days they opened the Baptistery at 4:00 AM, and the last session is 7:00 PM.  Very well organized and all so supportive.  The group from North Houston chartered 8-buses.  They come every four years, they told us.  It has been so amazing to watch this happen.
     We also have family time reserved for baptisms.  One that really touched me yesterday was a young family, with three teen-age youth.  The first girl in the font was handi-caped.  Probably a little 'down' and some 'palsie' added to her disability to move smoothly.  She went into the water with the help of her older sister, then her father was doing the baptising held her and reassured her.  She looked to her mother for visual support, the smiles were exchanged and she plugged her nose.  She was able to perform five baptisms and her smile was so very large after each one, but not as large as her smile when she completed all five names assigned to her.  I think there was some support and teaching before she arrived here in Nauvoo.  I can almost here the little girl saying how much she wanted to be a part of this experience.  It was very heart warming to see her older sister's concern on her face as this little girl walked down the steps into the font, the father's love and support and the reassuring look from the girl to her mother.  There is a whole sermon in peoples faces here.  At least I think so.
     It has rained so very hard this week - again.  I have never seen this hard of rain even in Seattle.  Some of the youth were walking by our apartment and they were so wet, they gave up on the umbrellas, they just knew they could not be any wetter - so - carry on.  Happy and laughing just to be here.  Great attitudes.
     We - Patty and I - along with all the site missionaries and the temple missionaries are asked to be at the British Pageant at about 10:00 PM to sing Called to Serve with the cast as the closing number of that show.  That is a strange experience for us, people who do not really sing.  But we did it, and it was great.  Lots of missionaries up there.  There are 108 temple missionaries, 210 site missionaries, 20 YMP missionaries, 18 YPM missionaries in the Nauvoo Brass Band, and about 20 temple missionary couples that are here for one year.  No - they were not all there at each British Pageant presentation, but several were.
Stay tuned, more to follow.

weekend of the fourth....

This is the real Sunset on the Mississippi.  We caught this coming out of the temple the other night at about 8:30.  A little haze in the air from some fires up north, but not bad.

This is one of our neighbors, he caught these in the river.

Says they are trout. 

One of the family reunions held here this year.  The Clawson's literally took over the temple the other day.  What a treat.  There was 25+ in the baptistery and 49 in the endowment session.  What a great way to celebrate family don't you think.  They came from a couple of states. 

This is what the Baldwin family will be doing when they get here.  Bike rentals from their bed and breakfast.  These were parked in front on one of the homes open for the public to see.  Looks like fun don't you think? 



Quincy - City of refuge.

The exodus of Mormons from Missouri during the winter of 1838-1839 and the humanitarian manner in which the Mormons were received by the people of Quincy is well noted at their museum.  They have a separate room on the main floor dedicated to their charity for the Mormons.  They are proud of their heritage.  And they should be.  Charity never failith.

I threw in this picture of the American Flag just to see if you are paying attention.  I thought the history of this was notable also.  It is a weathered flag for sure. But it is a proud flag. 



Misc things we see on our routes around Nauvoo and.......



These little geese grew up in the last seven weeks to be this below.

Aren't they just grand.   

 This corn was just planted about the week of May 6th.  Now look at it less than two months later.  It's huge.

 When we go to Keokuk to buy groceries, we drive along the Mississippi River for about ten miles to the South.  These little guys have grown too.  Lots of snapper turtles in the river.  When the sun comes out they climb up on the dead trees floating in the edge of the river and warm themselves.  One time they were seen crossing the road.

 These tomato and pepper plants were planted behind our apartment building by our neighbors about the first week of May.  Maybe a little later.  Now look at them just eight weeks later.  Unbelievable.  Big green tomatoes already and good sized peppers too.

We see these signs all over the two roads coming into Nauvoo.  Just thought you would want to see them.

These are two of the oxen used to pull the wagons for the rides here.  Don't know for sure the purpose of the brass balls covering their horns, or if that is even what they are.  Danger? 

At the show every night "Sunset on the Mississippi" the Nauvoo Brass Band has the audience come up and dance to get everything warmed up - you know in the beginning.  They were playing some swing music and this little girl loved it.  She just hopped around.  When the music stopped after two songs, this little girl called out to her parents - "I'm just going to stay up here!"