On Sept 27th I went to Nauvoo to see my nephew, Joseph as a young performing missionary. In preparation for this trip I made 3 or 4 meals for the family to have while I was gone. In addition, I made preparations for the kids' transportation to school, lessons, activities and so forth. I also did laundry early so that everyone would be set while I was gone. It was still difficult for me to leave my family. I hate being far from them and always pray for our safety!
I flew to Omaha, NE where Jennifer, Annie, her kids, and Lara picked me up. We then went on to Nauvoo (about 5 hours). It was so good to have personal study time on the plane and to catch up with everyone in the car.
During our trip we ate breakfast at the hotel and most of our meals at a local café called the Red Front.
On Tuesday we drove to Nauvoo (we stayed in Keokuk) and loved seeing Joe and meeting his fellow Young Performing Missionaries (YPMs). First we got to see a short performance under a tree called "Youth of Zion." As they sang the songs I felt the spirit of love and tenderness. It was heavenly and I felt that God was telling me how important it is that we feel unity and love with each other. These are gifts that come from living the gospel, stripping ourselves of pride, striving to emulate Christ and developing unity with God and our fellow men. I feel God's pure love more easily through music. I was grateful for the musical gifts these missionaries shared with us.
After the outdoor mini show we went to the Seventies Hall where we learned more about that building and some of the early saints. Afterward they took family members up to another level, actually to a balcony that overlooked the main cultural area. There the missionaries sang a few more songs that were absolutely divine. It felt like a piece of heaven on earth.
Nauvoo was sunny and peaceful. I loved the beauty there which I hadn't particularly noticed in previous visits. I also loved the trees and plants, especially as we move into autumn. Having lived in the mid-west and then leaving it made me nostalgic.
After that we went on a wagon ride and were able to have a general overview of Nauvoo and the Saints' experience there. We then went to the Family Living center where we learned how the saints made candles, rope, rugs, wool thread, and about loading provisions on their wagons in preparation for their journey west. I am amazed by the courage the saints had to leave almost everything behind and press forward with faith!
After lunch we were able to see "The Promise". Joseph had a main role and did a fantastic job! I also felt that the rest of the cast was excellent! I loved seeing the talent and getting a sense of what life might have been like in those days. Another remarkable occurrence is that Joseph's knee had recently, miraculously been healed as he attended the temple. Where he needed crutches or a cane before, now he was able to dance, jump, and lift without trouble. I am always amazed when I see God's hand in such a clear way in our lives. Again I felt the spirit as I watched this show and was teary much of the day.
After the show we had dinner and looked in a bookstore. (I wanted to buy so many books, but knew it would be difficult finding time to read them. Oh well, I guess maybe in another season of my life I will get that opportunity.) In the evening we watched "Sunset by the Mississippi". I loved all the high paced dancing, singing, and music! I loved the energy, joy, and goodness of the performers. We were also able to watch "Trail of Hope" which has little vignettes of the saints as they left Nauvoo. Some stories were heartbreaking, while others were optimistic and faith filled. Although I know the saints weren't perfect, I admire their devotion, strength, and reliance on God.
As always, Joseph was awesome and so much fun to watch.
On Wednesday morning we were able to go with Joseph to the temple for his first time -taking out his endowments. Jennifer, Scott, Hannah and Joseph (Cammack), Annie, and I were all able to attend along with Joseph's missionary companions. Thankfully, Lara was able to watch Annie and Hannah's kids. I loved being back in the Nauvoo temple and it reminded me of when I got to attend with the Ballroom Dance Company. I loved the different rooms (Creation, Garden, and other rooms). The temple was absolutely beautiful and I realized how difficult it must have been for the saints to give so much for it to be built and then to have to leave it behind. We were able to see out over the river and the city of Nauvoo. I was able to imagine the saints who lived there. I also noted that the current saints there (us included) mirror those early saints and their faith. I am guessing that they look on us and feel kinship with us. I felt gratitude to be in that holy place.
After the temple we watched a show about the women of the church and the organization of the Relief Society. I loved learning again how the Lord finds a way to use all of us to further His work in our own individual ways. I think the bonds of sisterhood that many of the sisters felt must have been amazing.
After lunch we met up with all the little kids and had a carriage ride. The kids enjoyed the horses. I enjoyed learning about the places we drove past, but got a bit drowsy. Then I rested while the others took an oxen ride.
On Thursday we went to see Joe in "Be Your Own Hero" a little puppet show, and "Just Plain Anna Amanda". I loved the messages of these short shows. Essentially, let your light shine, do what is right, follow the prophet, and strengthen others on your way. This goes along with what I've been pondering lately - to build and strengthen others (in word, in action, in prayer etc.) This is one primary purpose in our lives and it helps us yoke ourselves to Christ in His work.
Then we drove to Carthage Jail for a tour. I was reminded of Joseph and Hyrum Smith's devotion to God, their reliance on the Book of Mormon, and their courage to face death for the church. It made me more determined to keep my faith strong and trust that God has a plan for us individually.
I also remembered how special the bonds of brotherhood were between Joseph and Hyrum Smith. It reminded me of how lucky I am to have sisters (and brothers) to strengthen me and how I want my kids to strengthen each other.
After lunch we went back to Nauvoo and were able to see "Go Ye Into All the World". This told about many of the early saints' missions. Amazingly they left their families to serve the Lord in England, even when they struggled with sickness, poverty, and persecution. I can see how determined they were to help the cause move forward despite opposition. I admire their strength and courage, including that of their wives and families left behind! Afterward we toured Brigham Young's home, the Wain right Shop (wagon making), and the Blacksmith Shop. I loved the imagery of placing metal in the fire to shape it into useful items such as horseshoes and wagon pieces. It was a reminder to me that we will sometimes go through adversity (fire), but that it can temper and allow God to mold us into useful instruments in His hands. We also visited the Tin smith shop, the bakery, and the Seventies hall. Then Hannah and the rest of the Cammacks left to drive home, allowing them to break their travel into 2 days. Then we enjoyed dinner at an Italian restaurant in Keokuk. Poor Mary got sick on the way home from something she ate earlier in the day and had to miss the rest of the evening shows. The rest of us were able to watch Sunset on the Mississippi, Trail of Hope, and the evening devotional again. We loved watching Joseph perform and didn't want to say goodbye that evening.
I am so glad Joe has had this opportunity to share his gifts and talents, to teach about the gospel, and share the stories of Nauvoo. I am sure that he will always look back on those memories and cherish his time in that special place. I sure love Joe!
When we got back to hotel, we got ready for bed and my friend, Kristen arrived from Godfrey, Illinois. We have been close friends ever since I lived there years ago. She stayed in the hotel with us and when Jen, Annie, Lara, and Scott left the next morning Kristen and I enjoyed catching up and spent the morning in Nauvoo. We loved seeing the temple again as well as touring the Temple City homes.
One belonged to the architect of the temple, another to a wealthy businessman and the last to a farmer who died after living a consecrated life.
Then we drove 3 hours to Godfrey and Kristen showed me her horses. For dinner we met Stan and Julie Eddington, and Matt and Courtney Owen at a Mexican restaurant. It was fun to catch up! Then we went to my old church building and we played volleyball and card games. Kristen and I stayed in a hotel so she didn't have to worry about playing hostess. :) We enjoyed talking and in the morning Matt, Courtney and Andrew joined us for breakfast. Kristen and Matt then drove me by my old neighborhood and then to the St Louis Airport. The trip brought back many happy memories! I am grateful for my time there in Illinois. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone. I sure miss my family and friends when I live far away. I look forward to the day when we can all be together in heaven or travel in an instant to see each other!
I relished the time on the plane to read and listen to gospel messages. When I arrived back in California Matt met me at the airport and then we were able to drive around and enjoy dinner together, an impromptu date night. I felt even more grateful for his support, friendship, and love when I returned. I appreciate his sacrifices to pick up many of my responsibilities while I was gone and to make sure things were in order when I came home. The kids were happy to see me and missed me also. It is true, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." And I would add, more appreciative. I know that I am richly blessed to have the gospel, my family (both that I grew up with and that I have created), my friends, safety, health, nature and seasons, and an abundance of luxuries and comforts that the early saints never had. I am grateful for temples and living prophets to guide us today especially on this General Conference weekend. I realize that with all I am blessed with I need to always be grateful and help others along their way. I hope I can have courage like the early saints and stay optimistic even through difficult times.
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