Mt. Pisgah and Adam-ondi-Ahman

We went for a big ride on our prep. day yesterday.  We drove over to Mt. Pisgah, Iowa where there is a monument erected in memory of those buried there when staying during 1846-48.  Elder Mecham's relatives are some of those.  Elisha and Sally Whiting.  Such a beautiful place of rolling green hills.  We then drove straight south on I-35 making our way to Adam-ondi-Ahman.  We contacted the Birds that are serving there from Roosevelt.  They met us and took us around to all the places most visitors do not get to go.  It was good to be with them for a couple of hours, seeing more and hearing their stories.  Things are greening up everywhere.  Adam-ondi-Ahman is beautiful with green and farmers working the earth for planting.  We made it back to Nauvoo by 9:00 pm.  Quite a day.

There is this little cabin to represent what one would have been like in 1846

This was hanging inside the cabin.

Entrance to Adam-ondi-Ahman

Our friends from Roosevelt Elder & Sister Bird.

Walnut Grove

Preacher's Rock

Unity tree a symbol of
 Adam-ondi-Ahman

The Birds were so kind to take us around to see sights.

Beauty All Around

Some beautiful shots from the camera of Bruce Cornwell.  He captures some great ones.  The top one is a shot during a rainstorm we had recently.  The white house sets by the barn and Sister Robinson put a barn quilt on the front.  Attractive.  And our lovely FM sister missionaries in the green house.  I live in a beautiful place. 

Nauvoo Miracle/Moment

 Sister Quirl and I serving at the John Taylor Home.  The Quirls live next door to us and it is great getting to know them better.  Good neighbors. 

We had these three lovely sisters, Sister Johnson, Sister Paystrup and Sister Jones over for dinner on Sunday.  They have such strong testimonies and bright countenances.  I caught this photo with the bright sun in their eyes.  Sorry girls.  Then they got playful on the wagon for me.  Such fun they are. 

                                                       

 We are calling this beautiful blooming tree The Tree of Life

April 9 - Nauvoo miracle or moment.  Today on the Wagon ride, Elder Mecham and Elder Richards, picked up 2 older ladies for a ride at the end of the day.  They had their own private tour.  As they got to talking to them they realized that they were from Missouri and not members.  So Elder Richards was giving them a tour accordingly.  When they came by the 70's Hall he told them how this was used to help prepare missionaries to teach the restored gospel.  One lady asked what that meant, restored.  Elder Mecham pulled to a spot and they stopped.  Elder Richards proceeded to explain and basically gave the first discussion about the First Vision and then about the Book of Mormon.  They asked if they knew anything about the Book of Mormon.  One said she had one, but didn't know where it was anymore.  When they got back to the depot, they gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon and then got another one from the FLC for the other lady.  The other lady was very appreciative for the book and said she was going to read it.  Golden moment.  We hope they find truth and embrace it. 

More signs of a lovely spring.  

Conference weekend

Spring keeps happening here.  

 The Mississippi is running high.

 The Old Joseph and Emma Smith homestead.

 The summer kitchen on the back of the homestead.

 Lovely Anna.  Can't believe she is now 15.  Happy Birthday.

 Conference weekend tradition of making a pie.  Also tried my hand at bread making again.  I'm getting better.

This is priceless.  The family picked up some baby chicks for Anna's birthday.  Ellie asks David, "Do baby chicks pee?  This box is wet."  This picture is worth a thousand words.  

Spring

I'm trying to post here at least once a week.  This past Saturday I was working at Land and Records.  I needed to go visit the Family History library up by the temple for some information.  As I stepped out of the building I looked down and found these daffodils blooming.  Oh blessed color to see amidst all the brown.  This cheered my heart and gave me joy.  I just had to take their picture.

Yesterday was the annual Prairie grass burn that is held here in Nauvoo.  They let a plot of ground grow wild back to the original grasses, then in the spring they burn it off and all the town people come to witness the event.  They served hot dogs, popcorn and a drink.  It only takes about 3 minutes for the whole thing to burn off.

At this event we visited with the Smiths here.  Elder Smith is Kathy Berlin's brother.  We have had a nice time connecting with them here.  They work at the temple.  A nice couple.

As I have been working in Land and Records two event happened.  One day I was asked to finish a research file that another missionary had not completed.  They handed me the file and it was Abraham Washburn, Mark's ancestor.  Wow.  I have felt privileged to work on it and learn some new things about this man.  And then another one was handed me to research some discrepancies on the birth, marriage and death dates.  This file was John Pincock, my ancestor.  It is amazing how these files have come to me to work on.  I'm doing my best to do these ancestor's memories for our posterity and others.  I know that my work here is important. 

Relief Society Reenactment

Today we did the Relief Society Reenactment.  It was amazing to be in Joseph's Red Brick Store for this event.  Our missionaries practiced a reader's theater and put together a very authentic first Relief Society meeting of it's organization.  Makes me thankful and happy to be a part of such a great organization.  I can't believe I'm here.  Somebody pinch me. 

Elder & Sister Cordner, as Joseph and Emma

New missionaries, the Wardles at the Print Shop.

Sister Archibald as Sarah Granger Kimball

Temple

Since the temple reopened in December, we have tried to make it there once a week.  I love seeing the temple everyday.  I can look out my bedroom window and see it lit up each night. Here is a morning sunrise shot that another missionary took.  Love the temple.