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