"This is the loveliest place and the best people under the heavens; little do they know the trials that await them" This is a quote by the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is on the statue of he and his brother Hyrum as they were leaving Nauvoo and riding towards Carthage. He stopped his horse and turned towards Nauvoo for the last time. It stands across the street from the temple. The prophet knew he was going to be killed But I am focusing on the fact that there are some of the best people under the heavens here. I am so blessed. I have met and love so many wonderful sisters and brothers that I would never have otherwise known. Maybe that is one of the greatest blessings that I will take away from this missionary experience. These are my brothers and sisters and I genuinely and truly love them. We have amazingly wonderful spiritual experiences, we laugh until we cry and we cry until we can laugh again. I know that if I ever needed anything, I would have a dozen people at my door. and a dozen more behind them. We have created priceless memories and yet to create many more. Here are just a few of my new family……………………………………………………..
These are probably first and foremost my heroes!!!! Elder Christensen has Lou Gehrigs disease. He has been given 18 months. What is he doing? He is here serving the Lord with all of his heart, mind and strength. His feelings are very close to the surface and he tears up quite a bit, but what a man of courage and strength. What a woman of courage as well. They are consecrating the little time that they have left on this earth as a couple, serving their Father in Heaven. That is the ultimate sacrifice isn’t it, giving your all and your very life for Him……………………………………………..He calls me his little chocolate chip!!!
Such a beautiful woman, Sister Hadley, she is the President’s secretary. She is a widow and says that Nauvoo has been a time of healing for her. She is as beautiful inside as out……………………………………..She goes home this week.
Sister Gilliland, the Mission President’s wife. They are in Rendezvous with us doing their part. They are amazing leaders and example.
The Gustafsons, they will be going home as well next week. They have been pillars here in Nauvoo. Richard has taken his place as the scheduler. He is literally a pillar, every bit of 6”6” and more. They were part of my cast and always helpful. I am going to miss them so much.
Richard in his new office. This is surely a change of scenery for him. I am sure h is blood pressure is rising as we speak. Not an easy job to say the least and he has also been given the missions’ finances. Well let’s be honest, he loves to be in control of the money.
Elder and Sister Hoopes. He surely is another great heroe of mine.He has been here since March, playing the part of the editor, working the sites, so busy. He has been diagnosed with bone cancer. He has served this whole time under great pain and stress. They are home now fighting with every thing they have to overcome this. They are always in our prayers. He is insisting that he will be back to finish his mission.
Sister Muhnoz here from Brazil not even speaking English!!!!! How does one do that? She is so sweet and kind and always smiling just like this, struggling every day to communicate. Something we take for granted but it is such a gift.
Our director! She has been wonderful and has served as the director watching show after show, after show of Rendezvous. Doing things that were out of her comfort zone, but consecrating her time where she was called. She taught textiles at Utah State and her husband is a teamster. They are leaving this week as well. I will never forget them, after all she is responsible for my stage debut!!!!!
End of part one’s tribute. I am on my way to the Family Living Center and then on to kindergarten today……………………………………….
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