We had the wonderful priviledge of serving with two of the finest people I've ever known, Elder and Sister Blair (right). Their home is in Idaho. I'm beginning to understand how difficult it is to leave Nauvoo. It was their turn to go home, and saying goodbye was really difficult for everyone. We shall miss them every day. |
This year has been the first year in many that I caught the spirit of Christmas so early. We started playing Christmas music on Thanksgiving! We were so excited to see the first snow which came December 4. We are not thrilled about the temperatures, however. The forecast is predicting a low of -5 next week. Yikes. It's strange when 33 degrees feels warm.
I came by this picture of Brigham Young's home from a local women I have met here in Nauvoo. This is the home as it looked in 1957. The home was purchased in 1961, and was one of the first homes purchased by NRI (Nauvoo Restoration Inc). The original home had undergone some modifications, which were removed and the home was restored to the original structure that was built in 1840. |
Brigham's wife, Mary Ann, bent over this fireplace and prepared food for her family. She baked bread in the behive oven. She was a strong pioneer woman. In fact, she purchased this property when Brigham was on a mission. Since she was a woman, and unable to own property, she purchased the land in her infant son's name! |
Brigham said of Joseph Smith."My joy was full at the priviledge of shaking the hand of the Prophet of God, and receiving the sure testimony, by the spirit of prophecy, that he was all that any man could believe him to be as a true Prophet."
Elder Gross and I send our greetings and love to you all. May you be touched by the light of Christ. Fill your homes with that light, and your communities with service and of good-doing. We marvel at our experiences of serving here, and we especially want you to know how we miss being with you this Christmas. xoxox.