Changes

Dear Family and Friends,

Wow, what a week! Actually today has put quite a change in what will go on in Nauvoo.  "Rendezvous In Old Nauvoo" will be cancelled after November 30th.  That's right, no more plays after that, at least for now. We had heard changes were coming but were not expecting one quite so drastic. The President was surprised but of course we are all supportive. I think there are big changes on the horizon for Nauvoo.

We were supposed to debut as Sophia and Noah Packer in last Friday's show but I honestly lost my voice. I think Elder Long took his prayer too far this time.  Well, we'll try again this coming Friday.  I would rather be well and just do it. Besides after November, it will be over.

We are working on the "Bootiful" Nauvoo community activity.  

  

It will be loads of fun.  If you're in the area, it is worth your time. (Saturday, October 28th) Activities will start with a pumpkin canon shoot sometime in the afternoon, be followed by a parade, and then a pumpkin walk.  Go Nauvoo!

 

We are also working on the Christmas lighting and fun night coming up on December 1st.  After the lighting, program, movie in the Visitors' Center and a live Nativity; the festivities will continue with refreshments in the Family Living Center along with entertainment, rides on wagons,(maybe pulled by tractors TBA), and stories in four of the historical sites.  All of Historical Nauvoo is decorated for the occasion. We're over the story sites, maybe because I love to tell stories. Again should be fun. 

Elder Long is enjoying doing oxen rides.  They changed the narration to include some of the carriage ride stories so it is a wonderful missionary tool. They also run the rides until 4 :30 to give more visitors a chance to ride. Last week there were over 700 guests at the oxen. Unusual for Mid-October.  It shows how much this sort of thing is needed in Nauvoo.

I had the most interesting day in the Visitors' Center today.  The descendents of Jacob Whitmore (a second great grandson and daughter) came in to see the movie about the formation of the church at the Whitmore farm.  They were impressed and came to talk to me after and tell me why the family had apostatized from the Church.  I assured them that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that their ancestors were witnesses of the Book of Mormon.  They knew that; but felt Joseph Smith had fallen.  I again bore testimony and the 91 year old woman said her heart was soften and she wished she had time to change. I assured her it was not too late.  They left as friends and hopefully something will come of it.  Powerful things happen each day here.

We have been thinking about Christmas. We even bought a tree and lights and since we can't be home with all of you, thought it would be good if you each sent an ornament to put on our tree.  Each time we look at it we will be with you.  We don't want anything elaborate or expensive just something to remind us of you.  Your picture, name, team, color, hobby, or the like.  If you can, if not send a card and we'll hang that. No pressure, things are hectic and busy and we don't want to add to the list. (Address: 975 Young Street     Nauvoo, Ill. 62354)

Hope you are all well and happy.  We are because we are where we are supposed to be.

Sister and Elder Long

PS Lightning McQueen is home (AKA Bob's truck) and Sherman's family is still on schedule for baptism! Yeah!