Happy New Year!

It has been a busy week as we start a new year.  Funny how things change because it's a new year, but really, they don't.  

On Dec. 23^rd I finished reading the Book of Mormon like President Nelson invited us to do back in October at General Conference.  It’s hard to describe how the experience impacted me.  It was subtle, yet powerful.  I marked all of the times Christ was referred to.  I got so use to doing that that when I was reading other things, like in the Ensign or something, I felt like I needed to mark it there as well.  I found myself more aware of the Savior in every experience I had.  It wasn’t a huge, dramatic thing.  But it was significant.  I also felt more of His love; for me and for all those around me.  When I finished reading the Book of Mormon I was happy that I had accomplished what the prophet had asked, but I was also a bit sad that it was over.  So, I decided that I’d do the same thing again, only this time in Spanish.  I always feel the need to keep up on my Spanish and reading the Book of Mormon is a great way to do that.  President Kimball said that any missionary who reads the scriptures and prays in their mission language will never lose it.  I'm holding him to that :0)

New Year’s Day was awesome!  I invited our MTC district (Munns, Pinette, Dare, Robison & Thatcher) to join us in the temple to participate when I had my mom sealed to her parents.  The Nauvoo Temple was the only temple open on New Year’s Day.  The sealing session was so cool.  I had asked Elder and Sister Robison to be my grandparents at the altar and I acted as my mom. I felt so much love in that room.  We were surrounded by people here in the mission that I love.  It was a beautiful morning; to be in the temple, witnessing changes, performing sacred ordinances for my mom, surrounded by amazing missionaries.  It couldn’t have been much better!

This story is a bit long, so don't feel obligated to keep reading :0)

Saturday I was serving in the office, my usual place.  It was the end of the day and I was finishing things up to go home.  Sister Craner came upstairs in a bit of a panic because neither of the theaters were working and there was a couple that wanted to watch “Days of Harmony”.  I went down to the West Theater to see what I could do to help.  There was a couple standing there waiting.  I restarted the computer pad to see if that would do the trick.  While it was restarting I asked them where they were from and they said a small town outside of St. Louis.  Then I asked where they were originally from, because I could tell they had an accent, and they said they were from San Salvador.  I told them, in Spanish, that I had a son who served as a missionary in El Salvador and mentioned a few of the cities that he had served in.  When I said that, she was amazed that he would go to such a dangerous country just to be a missionary, and also that I would be ok sending him there. She was not a member of the Church, although she had worked with a number of members in the embassy in Russia, and didn’t have an understanding of how missionary work works.  I told her that I had served as a missionary in Peru and that I knew our son would have some rough times, but that he was serving his Heavenly Father and I knew that he would be protected. Again she said that she admired him for serving in her country.  I couldn’t ever get the movies to work, in either theater, but we had a very nice visit.  They had a lot of questions.  We talked about Joseph Smith, the persecution the saints endured every place they went, including here in Nauvoo, the martyrdom, and also about the trek westward to Utah.  They had about 20 minutes until the historic sites were supposed to close so I suggested a few places they could go.  She asked who became the prophet after “Prophet Smith”.  I said Brigham Young and Sister Craner pointed out his home on the Nauvoo map.  I encouraged them to come back when they had some more time and see the rest of the town.  As they left I gave them a copy of the Ensign and asked if they wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon.  She said they already had a copy at home in a box they hadn’t unpacked.  They were very grateful for all of the information and headed out the door to Main Street to see more of Nauvoo. 

Later in the evening, Sister Munns called to tell me the rest of the story.  Apparently the couple had gone to Brigham Young’s home and were very interested in learning more.  They had a great tour and then went to leave.  The woman turned back around and said to Sister Munns that when she was in the Visitors’ Center a missionary had offered her a Book of Mormon and she said that she didn’t need one, but now wondered if she could still get a copy of that book.  Sister Munns said of course and went to get one for her.  Well, all she had to offer was a copy in Spanish! The lady said that would be great because they were both fluent Spanish speakers!  

I hope that the couple takes the opportunity to read the Book of Mormon.  If they do they will feel the Holy Ghost touch their hearts and they will know it’s true.  I hope they really do come back to Nauvoo and feel the spirit here.  And I hope they follow the promptings they receive.  Their lives will be blessed when they do.

Our New Year's Day trip to the temple.
Munns, Crump, Dare & Robison.
The Thatchers and Pinettes were with
us but weren't available for the picture.

A visit from one of Scott's former students,
Anthony Slade :0)

Our barren looking home...

But the sunsets from the front porch are gorgeous!

Happy New Year!

In the Log School there is a display of Noah's Ark for
Christmas.  All of the animals are made from seeds, pods,
sticks etc. that are found this time of year. Pretty amazing.