News from Home! Luke & Levi start Kindergarten in Morgan, Utah!

Mother Karen wrote: Luke and Levi's 1st day of Kindergarten!! Going to miss hangin with these 2 cute buddies everyday.

Lightning and Enlightening

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has had its challenges. Last Monday our truck was struck by lightning. Yes, that's what I said, our truck was struck by lightning.  We were in our apartment when the flash, boom, and reverberation all hit at the same time. It honestly felt like an earthquake. At the time we didn't know where the lightning struck. We just knew it was close. It wasn't until the next morning when the truck wouldn't open by the fobs that the investigation began. There is a huge burn mark spiraling down the tree where the truck was parked. Bark was blown all over the truck and grass burns next to the truck where the lightning exited. The truck has been towed to the dealership in Fort Madison and is being carefully analyzed to find the extent of the damage. Much of the electronics are fried! Good news to all of this is that it didn't strike the nearby power pole where 8 teamsters were standing at the time and Elder Long was assigned to write a much needed lightning policy for mission outdoor activities.  Elder Long has had an amazing attitude through this whole adventure. He decided he could be upset and have a fried truck or happy and have a fried truck, either way he has a fried truck. We all grow up.

An experience I had this week was much less dramatic but humbling. There were 2 couples from France that came into the Visitors' Center for a map and instructions of where and what to do in Nauvoo.  I speak no French and they spoke limited English. There was no one available to interpret for them so I did my best. About half way through our visit, one of the men asked me if I spoke French, I replied no. He inquired how I understood what they wanted. It was then I realized that I was understanding what they said and was able to answer their questions and properly guide them on places to go and things to see in Nauvoo. The Lord certainly loves and helps each of his children. Missionaries are given gifts to help teach the gospel.

Our hearts go out to all the people in Texas who are in such dire circumstances. I know there will be lots of help from the good people of our Nation and Churches. That's what we do. The Lord blesses us each day and some of our biggest blessings come because we help and serve others.

My Mom's sister, Aunt Carol passed away this past week.  It's a blessing and I have a firm belief in the plan of salvation. I know life goes on for each of us and we continually grow and learn.

Again, we love all of you and wish you the best this week and all the days to come.

Sister and Elder Long

Obituary for Aunt Carol

Carol Lynn Jensen-Grooms

Carol Lynn Grooms Richfield, Utah Carol Lynn Jensen Grooms, 73, passed away at her home in Richfield, with her son at her side, on August 24, 2017. She was born November 8, 1943 in Richfield to Irvin Franklin and Alice Evelyn Roberts Jensen. She married Russell Graham Grooms in October of 1997 in Las Vegas. He preceded her in death May 17, 2006. Russell and Carol were the first owners of Blue Star Taxi, the first taxi service in Richfield andCedar City started in April 1998. Beginning in 1973, she operated Carol’s Ceramics and Dolls next to her home in Richfield. She enjoyed art projects and was able to receive a degree in art sciences through the Los Angeles Art & Technology College in 1967. She was a member of the LDS Church. She is survived by her son, Russell Tyrone Jensen, Richfield; sister, Nira Vay Eikrem, West Valley City. Also preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Keith (Marilyn) Jensen, Mona Lou (Frank) Gentry, Rhea (Mack) Gentry; brother-in-law, Andy Eikrem. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 12:00 Noon in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, where friends may call from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. 

Happy 40th Anniversary!

Dear Family and Friends,

The highlight of our week was our 40th wedding anniversary. We never imagined 40 years ago being on a mission on our anniversary.  We were talking about it and realized the only things we were contemplating 40 years ago were fairly immediate, like school starting that next week for me (my 2nd year of teaching) and Elder Long returning to finish his summer job in Huntington before starting graduate school.  A lifetime ago with so much growth in between.  We served at Lucy Mack Smith's home together yesterday on our anniversary and that will always stand out in our memories of anniversaries.

Nauvoo has reached a calm after the busiest season, but there are still visitors and missionary work. It's actually quite peaceful.  Elder Long was telling me about an incident during the week when he was on the carriage. They were waiting for people to board but there was no one so he looked around and saw a man under a tree. He walked over and started a conversation.  The older man was so shy and alone that he didn't know what to do in Nauvoo.  Elder Long offered a ride on the carriage.  He wanted to know the price. When he found out it was free, he lit up.  He just needed someone to help him know about Nauvoo but was too scared to ask.  After his ride, his whole attitude changed and he went on to enjoy his day. It's great to look for the "one" you can help each day.

You meet so many interesting people each day. Some of them tell you that they just don't want a tour so you just let them come in the sight and let them to ask questions. Many times they leave actually having a tour because their questions led them on one. It's exciting what the spirit can do.

I'm making the most of the down time in the sights by drawing. I've wanted more time to spend with art and now is perfect. There are so many beautiful plants and flowers. It's great to be able to develop a skill. Well, at least have fun trying. This winter we'll be working on humanitarian projects so there will be ways to help others even when the number of guests is down.

I love being a missionary and learning so much each day. Immerged in this wonderful place with great people is the best school anyone could attend. Sure there are challenges but that helps the learning too. Missionaries are real people and some of them are quite unique. It's important to remember each day that we can learn something from each situation, even the irritating ones.

As always we love you and appreciate the many areas of our lives that you have and do bless. The most important gifts we have received in our 40 years of marriage are our family and friends.

Love,

Sister and Elder Long  

Even the Great Shall Fall

Dear Family and Friends,

We had a delightful week with Kimi, Matt, Jason, and Navy.  They were able to see many performances, go on the wagons and oxen, see the sites and go to the temple.  It is amazing just how much there is to take in, in Nauvoo.

The day after they left, there was a horrific rain and wind storm. Branches and trees were strewn everywhere. You can see the damage done to one of the trucks in the attached picture. 

Trees in the Midwest rot in the middle but appear to be healthy and strong on  the outside. Many of these trees are enormous. Then along comes just the right wind burst and the tree topples. I can't help but think of parallels in our own lives that are much like these rotted trees.  We need to be clean all the way through to stay strong. Not just individually but in families and communities. I'm sure you can think of many other metaphors that compare to these poor, apparently healthy trees.

Elder Long ran into a junior high/high school friend.  Gary Henry was watching one of our shows and recognized him. It was such a sweet reunion after all these years. Gary is going to their class reunion in Logan and took some pictures of them together to share with their classmates. Another long distance class reunion. Gary and his wife live in Nauvoo so other times are planned to catch up. Fun how things work out!

About 10 days ago one of the Elders in our mission suffered a severe stroke. Many didn't expect recovery. He had a blessing as he left in the ambulance and all the missionaries fasted and prayed for him. A miracle happened.  He was out of the hospital in a week and has little if any side effects.  The power of the Priesthood and prayers is real.

I gave away my first Book of Mormon the other day. It was a rewarding experience. A lady in the Visitor's Center approached me with many questions and wanted a Book  of Mormon. I answered her questions and gave her a pamphlet of  Joseph Smith's testimony along with the challenge to read the introduction of the book to gain an understanding of what she was about to read. I tried to follow up by getting her information but she wasn't ready for that. She was sincere and I believe I'll see her again this week as she is staying a few more days.  I felt such joy in sharing something so life changing and life giving. Being a missionary is more than I ever could imagine.  I now have an idea how missionaries keep going. The rewards are so satisfying.

Be strong, love the Lord, and remember you are loved.

Elder and Sister Long 

Kimi & Matt's Family Visit to Nauvoo!

That's a wrap! We had our last full day in Nauvoo! What a great experience, and you can't beat your own personal tour guides. 😉 We have missed my parents so much at home, and we were so excited to see them. I think Navy and Jason's favorite part of today was getting to play at Grandma and Grandpa's house while Matt and I went to the temple. It will be hard to say goodbye, but we are glad they are able to serve. There honestly couldn't be a better mission for them. This mission is absolutely perfect for them. ❤️

Examples are Powerful!

Dear Family and Friends,

Last night of pageant was Saturday, and it was crazy busy.  It felt like Christmas Eve, and everyone was trying to get in their last minute shopping. I was at the Visitors' Center and there was a continual frenzy of guests wanting to make sure they did it all. Elder Long was on the wagon and said it was like driving through a very active ant hill of people. The people who do the counting reported that during pageant time, over 50,000 people visited Nauvoo. A miracle in itself.  Whew, now it's Monday, we'll see if it feels like the day after Christmas as far as the rush being over.

Elder Grandpa Long

Kimi, Matt, Jason, and Navy made it here in time to go to the pageant with us. I love having my kids and friends come and share Nauvoo.  They'll be here this week, so I'm sure we'll have a great week.

Kimi, Navy, Jason, Matt

One day this past week, while I was serving at Heber C. Kimball's home, we talked with some non-members who were only going to be in Nauvoo for a couple of hours but had changed their plans to stay another day and a half.  My companion asked them what had impressed them to change their plans.  They thought and replied that they had enjoyed the sites, plays, pageants, horse rides, but the real reason they had stayed was the kindness of the people. They had sat behind a group of youth at the pageant and found it very refreshing to see and hear good young people just having fun. No "f bombs", just good polite behavior. They also enjoyed seeing the families and how kind they were to each other. They said it was refreshing to know that there are still clean standards in this world and a loving, kind, caring people. They wanted to be a part of it. It hit me just how much what we say and do is watched and felt. We are living testimonies of our beliefs. We only have one chance at a first impression, so we need to make it good.

Heber C. Kimball Home

As always, there were protesters at the pageant. They scream and yell things to try to discredit the Church. As missionaries, we are instructed not to respond to them.  They record our interactions and change the words to fit their needs. Non response seems to upset them the most.  I've never enjoyed bagpipes as much as I have this year.  Don't get me wrong; I take pleasure in hearing them in marches, programs, etc., but this year at the pageant gates where the protesters station themselves, the bagpipes play.  The protesters are appropriately drowned out. Hurrah!  That's one for the kilts!

Life here in Nauvoo is in a state of transition as fall approaches and the crowds diminish. Missionaries are going home, and now it is our turn to take a more leading roll. We'll miss all of our friends but will keep busy with humanitarian projects and service. Never a dull moment in the Lord's work.

As always, we love and miss you. We also appreciate who you are. You are an example of what is good and wholesome, and the world needs your goodness.

Love,

Sister and Elder Long 

Really, July's over!

Dear Family and Friends,

Whoosh, zoom, wee!  That was the sound of July rushing by. This is the last week of pageant and then things in Nauvoo should calm down. I must admit that sometimes when you're on tour number 50 or so, it's difficult to keep going, but that is when you remember that families have worked hard to come to this wonderful place to be uplifted and rejuvenated. There are also those who are coming to see what Nauvoo is all about, and it's our task to give them the best there is. After a long day and there are still performances, you dig a little deeper and somehow it all works. Definitely ready to get a good night's rest. I used to wake up at night and check the clock, not now.  A blessing, really!

Early yesterday morning, I was riding my bike around Historic Nauvoo when I remembered that one of my goals when I retired was to walk or ride my bike each day. On the way to school I used to see bikers and walkers and wish I could join along. Wow, I never imagined I would do it in Nauvoo.  It's so beautiful and a wonderful way to start the day. Usually I am joined by a friend and that doubles the fun.

Speaking of the Pageants, they are very well done and so professional. It's remarkable how many people attend and it's well worth their time.  There are two different pageants, "The British Pageant" and "The Nauvoo Pageant." Both tell the special stories of the restoration of Christ's church in the latter days. "The British Pageant" was particularly meaningful to me because of the number of ancestors I have that came from Britain. I gained a stronger respect for them when I began to realize the sacrifices they made to leave their home countries and come to such a foreign land. And they left everything because they were called to do so by a living prophet, one they had never met. It gives me courage to face difficulties knowing that I am one of their descendants. We all have rich heritages.

BRITISH PAGEANT

Also called “The Truth Will Prevail”, the The British Pageant has been performed in Preston, England and is being performed in Nauvoo for its second season in the United States the summer of 2015. The British Pageant explores events surrounding the beginning of the Church in the British Isles and the impact of the British member's abiding faith and deep love for one another and the Savior.

NAUVOO PAGEANT

A stirring presentation of the story of Nauvoo, how it came to be, and what it meant to those who lived there in the 1840s. In doing so, the Nauvoo Pageant pays tribute to the Prophet Joseph Smith, commemorates the building of the original Nauvoo Temple, and celebrates universal themes of faith, family, and community.

The Nauvoo Pageant, narrated by Parley P. Pratt, emphasizes the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith and honors the sacrifice, faith and courage of the Saints who gave their all to build a city and a temple to their God.

  

These pageants are filled with authentic hymns and folksongs, lively dances, and tender moments that share the joy these early Church members found in living Christ's gospel. Through words taken from journals, sermons, and historic records of the period, the pageants invite all to feel the powerful testimonies of these faithful Christians.

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I'd like to share a brief experience. While working in Guest services, I met two ladies that were not members of the church. They asked many questions, and I was able to bear testimony of the restoration of the gospel of Christ. I felt that they were almost ready for a Book of Mormon but that I was not the one to give it to them.  It was a strange impression, but I directed them to visit several sites including the Seventies Hall.  I said a quick prayer in my heart and sent them on their way.  At the Seventies Hall they were able to meet one of our Senior Sister Missionaries who did give them a Book of Mormon.  I ran into her later that evening, and she told me her experience. She has been struggling lately wondering if her mission has even touched anyone. She told me that today when she gave them each a book, she felt a confirmation that she was loved and needed as a missionary. (She goes home in a month.) It also gave me a confirmation that we each play a special part in Heavenly Father's plan, sometimes helping other missionaries.  By the way, the Seventies Hall is not one of the most frequently visited sites by non-members.

Seventies Hall

We love each of you and miss you but even more important God loves you and wants to bless you,

Sister and Elder Long