Sunday July 15, 2018

Yesterday (Sat. July 14) our Quincy 2nd ward was in charge of serving a meal to needy people in the Salem Evangelical church which is in the the middle of the city of Quincy.  It was a massive, cathedral-type church with a big kitchen facility in the back that we served the meal from.  It was super hot and humid outside so the people seemed to enjoy getting inside where it was clean and cool.  Some brought their entire family .  This church opens it's doors every Saturday at noon and supplies a meal for these people.  Different denominations take turns supplying a meal for them so they can count on a good meal every Sat.  It was a good experience. 

On our way to Quincy, we drive a section of road right against the Mississippi River...it is my favorite drive.  This shows you the lily pads that grow against the east banks....they are in bloom right now and are quite pretty.  But as I've said before, there is a good reason that the river is called the Muddy Mississippi.  Our rivers at home seem to be so much cleaner and clearer.   There is alot of silt that is churned up and moves in the water of the Mississippi.  When it settles in an area, the lily pad plants take root and flourish. 

We have a few deer that like our back yard but we have not been able to get a picture of them.  These three young ones were bucking and butting heads and running around last night and were so engrossed with one another that we were able to catch them.
    Both of us had to speak in church today.  Again...not my favorite thing to do but I found it easier to speak to this ward .  Why?  I really don't know but was grateful that is was.  Of course, Elder Paxman uses very few notes and does a fine job.  We serve in the nursery and I really don't know alot of people yet unless they have children in the nursery and I mostly know that they are the parents.  Slowly, I am getting to know more and am enjoying the humble nature of the people there.
        We took the opportunity to go to the Pagaents this week.  The Nauvoo Pagaent is on Tues/Thurs/ Sat while the British Pagaent runs on Wed / Fri.   We went on Fri but they called the show before it was finished because of a horrendous lightning/ rain storm.  Literally, we were absolutely soaked before we could get to the vehicle...my shoes are still trying to dry out as we were running through running water.  At least, it is a warm rain !!   Last night we saw the Nauvoo Pagaent and were so impressed !   Our testimonies have deepened and strengthened as we have considered the dedication and sacrifice of our forefathers.  Our desire is to be a strong link in the chain of our families and set a good example for our descendants, as well.