We have posted several sunset pictures over the Mississippi River. But on Monday we were treated with a sunrise over the temple on our way to work. It is always such a beautiful view of the temple as we round the corner coming up the hill, but on this particular morning it was breathtaking.
We had a 'see you later' potluck on Monday evening for the couples going home in the next couple of weeks. We love these people. Sister Hendrick says she has already asked Heavenly Father to put all the Nauvoo Temple Missionaries together in heaven. They are the sweetest people and we have learned so much from them. Giants, all of them. The Peterson's, the Lyman's (family search missionaries), Hendrick's and the Simons. With sad hearts we say 'see ya later'.
Here we are back at the Nauvoo Pageant.
Dallyn Vail Bayles played Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith and Robert Laird.
One of our favorite parts of the pageant is a point they make more than once...
"When you are here, we are here also."
A line that Parley P Pratt gives.
You certainly can feel the spirits of those that built up and loved this city.
We went to a little vignette of Joseph and Emma's letters in front of the Mansion House.
There was something about seeing them portrayed with that back drop. Their house.
They did live here. They did walk these streets. That is really special.
On Friday we went to the British Pageant again. It was first put on in Preston England a few
years ago and is entitled "Truth Will Prevail". It tells of the early reformers and the
missionaries that went to England and converted thousands to the gospel.
And then they sailed across the ocean to join the Saints in America.
This is Sister Thompson's great grandfather James Wilkinson. He was born in Lancashire England in 1840. He was baptized into the Church on July 3, 1865. He became the Wigan Branch President in England and later became the Hindley Branch President. Both Wigan and Hindley are just south of Preston England. "He was desirous of gathering to Zion and preparations were being made for his immigration when he was taken ill and died at Hindley, Lancashire, England December 4, 1891."
The finale has all the missionaries march up singing Called to Serve.
It really is a special moment. And one that is very special to participate in.
The pageant are really fun. And it is really fun to have so many people in town.
The temple has been super busy this last week with patrons. So fun to be so busy.
But we are tired and ready to go back to the non July schedule.
We have seen several friends from Mesa, so that has been fun.
Oh, and this is back in our driveway...our very own car, new engine and all!