Reflection

I was serving in Carthage today, and as we were leaving at 4:30 PM if you look out the window of the visitors center at just the perfect spot, you get the reflections from the paintings of Joseph and Hyrum so they appear in the summer house doorway or jail window. It only works when the sun is at this angle. Its kind of eerie, startling, but sacred. Its better in real life.

Wanted to share with someone who would appreciate it.

Love

Sister Long

Carthage

Dear Family and Friends,

Today is Karen's birthday.  Happy Birthday Kare Bear!  She was and is such a special Christmas present.  We're appreciative of all the hard work she and James do to keep up our place while we are on our mission.

Christmas was different but good here in the mission field. It was a humbling feeling to serve together in John Taylor's home on Christmas Eve. We realized that he only spent one Christmas there before heading west.  He had so little and when he and his family finally had a beautiful home, they willingly left it behind to find peace and a place to build up the church. They only lived there 10 months.

John Taylor Home

John Taylor was editor of the newspaper and an apostle in the Church. He was wounded in the mob attack on Carthage Jail but went on to become the third president of the Church.

LOCATION: Main Street 

This email is late for a good reason. We have been called to serve at Carthage for the next 4 months. 

The assignment was announced this morning in Zone meetings and we were asked to not say anything until after the announcement. We received our call on Christmas Eve right after Church. You could have driven a bus through our dropped mouths. We will be serving with another missionary couple. (the Ercanbracks) Elder Long was told he will be back for the busy months to hopefully drive the horses.  I say hopefully because the horses aren't back yet even though rumor says they will be soon.  We all know how rumor is. Anyway, we are excited, humbled, and a myriad of other emotions. We feel it an honor to testify of Joseph and Hyrum and the work they accomplished to bring us back to the Savior.

We will move to Carthage and probably keep our house here too.  That is to be determined. We would love to have you come and visit Carthage and of course Nauvoo.  We are so overwhelmed by this opportunity and would love to share our experience with each of you personally.

The Lord answers prayers.  We know He will direct us in this adventure as He has in all of our life's adventures.

Carthage Jail

We wish you a late Merry Christmas and a Grand New Year.

Elder and Sister Long 

Merry CHRISTmas!

Dear Family and Friends,

This is a glorious time of the year.  Everyone is full of light. As missionaries of the Savior, it is awesome to look down and see the name tag with both your name and Jesus Christ's name. There is a scared feeling to know who you are representing.  You cannot do or say things that will tarnish His name.  It's interesting to watch the people you meet when you are out and about shopping or whatever.  Some look away while others are happy to greet you.  We try to be as friendly and positive as we can so they will know we are not threatening. There are still strong feelings about the church in this area and we hope to in some way cheer and bless others. This week as well as every last week in the month, little towns have "the end of the month meals".  Some families run out of money to eat the last week of the month so area organizations sponsor 1 meal each night during the week. The LDS church joins this effort.  We have the assignment this week of making a cake.  Not a big service for us but with the efforts of others, families will have food.  Big things come from small things when efforts are joined.

There are not a lot of tours right now but there are some. We appreciate each guest. It's fun to share Nauvoo and right now the sites are decorated so gaily for Christmas. Simple yet cheerful. So many missionaries are working to get humanitarian items ready for Christmas delivery. I have been making quilts and crocheting. I have not crocheted since Primary and that is about where my skill level is, so I'm hoping that whoever gets my scarf will feel the intent of my heart and not look at the mistakes. It is a scarf of love. I am not planning to do more, not a new found hobby.

We have been working hard on genealogy, especially Elder Long.  We did sealings in the temple on Saturday night. What a perfect way to give to others! The interesting aspect of this gift, as well as all gifts given, is that you actually receive more than you give.

We love you all and want you to know the best gift we can give this year to you is our service. We love the Lord and are so blessed to be missionaries for Him. We know He lives and loves each of us. Not just as a whole but individually. He loves you and knows you by name. He knows your heart and your goodness.

Merry CHRISTmas,

Elder and Sister Long

Halfway

Dear Family and Friends,

We hit our halfway point! Yes, we have 9 months left on our mission. It has gone fast and slow. That seems like an oxymoron and probably is but some days go by very slowly and yet the weeks fly by.




We have had marvelous experiences and learned a great deal but at the same time, sometimes it would be so comforting just to give some hugs, share laughs, and see the mountains.  For now, we'll make the most of our time as missionaries of our Savior.  Our testimonies have grown more than anything else. We love the Lord, Joseph Smith, the other prophets and saints, and the Book of Mormon. We know prayers are answered and the Lord looks over His missionaries.

Yesterday, my sister Sue invited me to try "Marco Polo", an app for video messaging. It is quite fun! I invited many people to try the app but realized that it is more for grandkids than everyone.  I really don't like video selfies but enjoy seeing my grandkids in action. Just this morning I was able to watch Katie's little Briggs laugh.  I enjoyed Mackayla singing her solo for the Christmas program, seeing Broox, Cooper, Jason, and Billy's little Travis as he slept. Thanks Sue.  This is a fabulous blessing.

We have not had many tours in the sites, but the few we do have are precious. The stories in all the places are inspiring and even just sitting in the sites brings an appreciation for the sacrifices of the early Saints. We do keep busy. There's plenty of research, humanitarian projects, genealogy, journals, and personal projects. I like to draw.  Elder Long and the teamsters are exercising the horses, giving oxen rides and tours, and keeping the barn stuff in repair. It's been cold lately but that is true for many of you.  The cold here is distinctly different from the low humidity Utah climate that we are used to and the wind over the Mississippi puts a bite in it. The good news is that after the 21st of December, the days will start gaining light and spring will come, but for now bundle up.

Christmas here is simple. Not all the shopping rush and glitter. It is wonderful to focus more on Christ and family.  We love you all and hope you are enjoying the Holidays but remembering Christ in your celebrations.

We love you!

Sister and Elder Long 

The Power of Christmas Carols

Dear Family and Friends,

It's been an exciting week filled with lots of "Goin' ons". The Tree Lighting celebration was well attended.  I saw many missionaries from the Des Moines Mission with investigators.  It was festive but still had a great message about Christmas and Christ's birth and was well received.  Since we were over the storytelling in the sites, I'd like to share one of those stories:

 In St. George, Utah in 1869, there lived a man named John M. McFarlane. He had many jobs including being a judge, but his true love was music. For Christmas that year he was asked by Erastus Snow to write a special song for the program. He recruited help from his friend Charles Walker. Brother Walker wrote the lyrics and gave them to John.  John just couldn't think of music to match. Time was running out and he didn't know what to do. One night while asleep, John heard the words and melody of a song he knew was fitting. He said it was as if angels were singing it to him. He woke up, asked his wife to hold the lantern, and  penned the words and music.  That song was ”Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains."  

 

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnZYTc-iiJI

The next day he was afraid his friend would be offended that he hadn't used the words that he had written. Charles was not offended but instead was touched by the carol.  John McFarlane never thought his song would go beyond St. George. It is now sung all over the word by many Christian Churches  in many languages.  The Carols have great messages and background stories. I suggest you find some of them and read them with your families.

There's always an activity or dinner here in Nauvoo. I think to keep us from being homesick. I do love serving and being with such great people.  Most of all I love the temple.  Such a privilege to be so close. What a marvelous structure to have been built in the 1840's.   A true consecration to the Lord from a humble, faithful people. (Yes, I know this is a copy but it's still the same size and design)

Have happy memory filled holidays with your loved ones.

Love,

Sister and Elder Long

PS Bob wouldn't want me to mention this but he should do the emails, right? It's his birthday on Wednesday December 6th. It would be fun for him to get emails or texts. Thanks!

Happy Birthday to Elder Bob Long (12.6.2017)

Thanksgiving

Dear Family and Friends,

Last week of November and last week of "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo."  This show has been running for 30 years. It is such a big part of Nauvoo for many people that is will be hard to say good-bye. However change is part of a living church. It will be interesting to see if there is a replacement. It may not be while we are serving , we haven't heard. It's surprising to see how many visitors are coming to see the last shows. Nauvoo will survive!

This week we are also preparing for the Christmas Walk. There will be the lighting ceremony of the huge Christmas tree in the Visitors' Center, a live Nativity scene, luminaries (300), wagon rides pulled by a tractor (still no horses!), stories told in 4 of the sites, and refreshments with music in the Family Living Center.  It's a community event. About 700 people attend not counting the missionaries.

There is also caroling at Carthage and "The Messiah" will be presented at the Catholic Church.  Many missionaries are singing in the musical performance. Again all of these are community events. The church works diligently to build good relationships with the people of this area. Many still have bitter attitudes against the Mormons.  Some, just because they know they are supposed to. So sad that this is still in today's world.  Love is the best healing tool anyone has.

Yesterday Elder Long and I went to his Aunt's home in Iowa for a late Thanksgiving Dinner with her and her children, Bob's cousins. It was such a warm and wonderful family gathering.

They are devote Catholics.  Aunt Carol expressed that she never understood why people were against the Mormons. She grew up in Nauvoo until she was 8.  It was refreshing to hear her opinion and they all said they want to visit Nauvoo in the next few months.  Aunt Carol said she wants to go with each group.  She loves the feeling in Nauvoo.
Sherman's family is still progressing toward baptism but the mom wants to be more included and understand what her children are doing.  That is actually good news.  Taking the time they need will insure they are supported in this big life change.  So we'll just continue to support and love them.

Thanksgiving Dinner here in the mission was 140 missionaries all gathered at the Pageant Building.  The food was superb and the company was excellent, however we missed our kids and grandkids.  My gratitude journal was comforting and helped me realize the multitude of blessings we enjoy.

Life is good and hopefully you are all well too.  We love and miss you all.

Sister and Elder Long 

Gobble til you Wobble!

"Gobble til you Wobble" Happy Thanksgiving from G&G Long and Travis!

Travis Eldon Long, son of Bill & Malinda Long,
baby brother of Ty Long

Tender Mercies

Dear Family and Friends,

In case you didn't hear, Travis Eldon Long arrived a week ago, weighing in at 9lbs 3 oz and 21 inches.  What blessings from Heaven these little ones are!

Travis Eldon Long

The dates for the Robinson family have been set. The four youngest members of the family are being baptized on December 2nd and Sherman and Margarita are being baptized on December 16th.  Such a tender mercy to play a small role in their conversion.

I want to share a very special experience that happened to me a couple of weeks ago.  I've not shared this because it is so sacred but I feel impressed to share it with you today.  The first night Elder and I were supposed to perform Sophia and Noah Packard, I was so scared that I would get silly and ruin the vignette, which would in turn set the wrong tone for the play.  (When I get scared, I get silly.) I said a quick prayer before we went on stage and asked Heavenly Father if my mom wasn't busy, could He send her to stand by me so I could do my part the way it should be done. She came and I felt calm.  I truly know that we get help when we most need it.  I will never forget this wonderful night. I love my parents dearly, especially my Heavenly Parents. They are there and want to bless us even if it doesn't seem significant to anyone else.

The temple has been closed for cleaning and is finally open again. It's wonderful to live 5 minutes from the temple and be able to gain strength from attending it often.  I somewhat understand why the Saints worked so hard to  complete the temple even though they knew they would have to leave it behind. The power of the temple is so strong.

The visitors have dwindled in number, but the ones that come are searching for something in their lives, whether it is to build their testimonies or gain one, Nauvoo has a great effect. We really feel as if we are living in a Heavenly bubble.  Don't worry that we want to stay forever; oh no, we love you all and can't wait to meet our new little ones.  It's hard to be away but it's worth it to let others know about Christ's Church and how it can unite families.

Love you all and Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Sister and Elder Long 

Best News in Texas! Arrival of Ty's New Baby Brother Travis Long!

Billy and Malinda's Travis is here! (9.2 and 21 inches. Lots of black hair) 
Ty is beyond EXCITED! His prayer has been answered!

Ty holding his new baby brother, Travis!

Kindness

Dear Family and Friends,

We've  had another great week with some wonderful missionary experiences. I'm copying a note that Elder Long sent to some of you earlier:

"Great experience with Sister Henderson and Sister Monson at the Robinsons' this evening. They gave such a great lesson on the Word of Wisdom. Sister Henderson asked Sherman why he shouldn't use tobacco, alcohol, and coffee and his response was, "My body is a temple and I want to return to my Heavenly Father." Sherman said such a humble heart-felt closing prayer. He is such a humble quiet man.

We brought some copies of the Oct & Nov Ensign along with copies of the Friend and New Era. The family scooped them up like they were the Golden Plates, really. They kept marveling over the stories and showing them to each other. I've never seen anyone embrace the church magazines like they did.

   

  

This was a very special evening. It was humbling to see four people reach out and embrace the Gospel like they did this evening."

One part I would like to add to this experience is that after the discussion Elder Long shared with the rest of the family how he and Sherman met. They didn't know. It was so touching as the two men embraced and Elder Long told Sherman that he was truly his brother. Sherman just lit up. This family needs the gospel, and they are trying so hard to have it in their lives.

We are so blessed to be missionaries in Nauvoo and be involved with this family. Usually you have only 10 minutes or so with the people who come to the sites but to be able to see this through to baptism and beyond, is a one of a kind experience. We are the only missionaries here to have this opportunity right now. Very Special!

We learn so much each day. The stories about the early saints are inspiring and we grow to love Joseph Smith more and more as we learn of all his sacrifices and the trials his family had. The Lord has a great reward for them all.

We too, can be valiant. Do the best you can each day. 

One lesson I learned in church yesterday really hit me.  It was this: when you see some struggling in the waters of life to come back, don't hit them down with your oar. Lend support and help them into your boat.  I want to be strong and not judgmental. Sometimes we all need that helping hand, no one needs discouraging remarks or acts.

Today my prayers are with Billy and Malinda as they are having a little boy, my grandson.  Can't wait to hold these little grandbabies that are coming while we're away. Kimi is also having a little girl in April.  Three new little ones to meet and snuggle when we get home. Can't wait.

The Lord lives and blesses us all.

Sister and Elder Long 

Gratitude

Dear Friends and Family,

            Hope you are having a great Tuesday. Yesterday went by so quickly that before I knew it, you are getting the e-mail a day late. Oh well!

            We taught our Sunday School lesson and performed Noah and Sophia. Both went well and I can hear myself say " See, you can do hard things!" Mostly I'm just glad it's done. Unfortunately, we have to do Noah and Sophia again this week, so we'll see how that goes. The upside is that we have done it once and the show is over for good the 30th of November.

            This past week we also went to visit Sherman's family and sit in on a discussion. They are a good family and need the gospel in their lives. I know it was no accident that they have this chance to improve their lives and family with Christ's help.  I really appreciate my own parents and the things they taught me. I hope was able to pass that on to my children and grandchildren. We are so blessed to have family unity.

            We've had some great experiences this week in the sights.  I met 4 non-member men on a road trip to see the Ohio/Iowa State game. They felt impressed to come through Nauvoo on their way. None had been here before.  They watched several videos in the Visitors' Center and then went on a tour, asking questions the entire time. They were touched by the statue of the "First Vision" and again by the Christus. We were all touched by the beauty and message of both. They said they had a Book Of Mormon and would begin reading it.  I hope they remember how they felt. It is so uplifting to share the gospel each day and have our own testimonies strengthened.

            Elder Long said it is wonderful to have the oxen rides again. They are able to tell some of the powerful stories about the strengths and testimonies of the saints. (No horse rides yet.)

            How is your Gratitude Journal going?  I'm loving it.  Each day I find so many things to be thankful for.  Writing my blessings, helps me recognize the Lord and his hand in our lives.

Love you all,   

Sister and Elder Long

Recharge, I recommend it!

October 30, 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been a week of recharge.  Both of us have been sick with the whole throat, chest, cough, and that kind of uck; so we took the weekend off to recuperate and get over it.  

 

We had sites, "Bootiful Nauvoo", Sunday School lesson to teach,  Rendezvous debut, and a dinner to host for District Meeting but we postponed it all. Everything will hold, except for "Bootiful Nauvoo" and it will be fine and was fine without us.  I know getting better was much more important.  And today.....We feel great! 

Lesson learned, "See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength" (Mosiah 4:27)

Really, I hope you will all take this advice and stay home and get better when you are sick.  Besides the people you don't get sick by trying to be diligent will appreciate it.  Some things are better not shared.

Since it was a recharge week, there is really not much to tell.  The truck is running great,  the Lord's work is moving forward, the Church is True with the Savior at the helm.

Looking forward to a great November.  A challenge I am going to take is to think and write about something each day for which I am grateful.  One of those blessings is all of you.

Sincerely,

Sister and Elder Long