Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018

   It has been a busy, productive week.  I have spent the week in one of the temple missionary apartments.  It needed some major work....I have learned how to do mudding and taping of drywall as well as texturing of walls and ceiling.   This upcoming week will see me getting the painting done (I hope!)  The prep work takes alot longer and is much more painstaking!!  Jim has spent the week alone, as his service elder has been gone due to illness and a sprained ankle.  He has been working on getting the pickets ready for all of the new trees that they are planning on planting this spring.  They have taken down several old ash trees that have been affected with a beetle. When they take them down, the entire center is hollow.  There may be about 6 inches of wood around the outside edge but the entire center is hollow and rotten.  Kind of scary to see a tree that size and know that at any time, it could have fallen over.  

We went to our sacrament meeting today, which was a combined meeting with both of the Quincy wards.  It was a special meeting that centered on the birth of the Savior and what it means to each of us.  They had some exceptional musical numbers which always adds to the spirit for me.  One was a rendition of  " O Holy Night" with 2 cellos and a bass fiddle along with the piano accompaniment.  It was really good.  The final musical was a men's chorus that sang "Mary Did You Know?" and "There is Faint Music"   It was sooo good.  Of course, you know how I enjoy hearing a men's choir!!    Tonight, we have been invited to an open house at the mission presidents house.  Perhaps I can get a picture of that to show you.  Here you go:

This is Pres. Lusvardi and Jordan Bodily (head director of FM)

This is Sis. Lusvardi and Becca Bodily (with Elder Robison--a teamster in the background)

This is Elder & Sis. Naef.  We travel and serve together in the Quincy 2nd ward.  They have become very good friends and are the kindest people.  They did Secret Santa for a family here in Nauvoo that have 4 children and the mother is very sick.  The father works 2-3 jobs to pay the medical bills.  We did the drop the garbage bags of presents on the porch and knock /run routine tonight and it was fun!  She had cataract surgery in Quincy this week and they found out about another little family in need and took that on as a personal mission, as well.  They really are the most Christ-like people.

I am so grateful for this season which celebrates the birth of our Savior.  I know that without Him and His Atonement on my/your behalf, we would have nothing to celebrate.  Without Christmas, we wouldn't have Easter and without that, the purpose of our life here would be nothing.  Christ's example of love and service to ALL of the children here on earth is something that I am trying to incorporate in my actions to all that I meet.  MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all !!  Know that you are loved !  Although, we will miss you on Christmas Day...know that we are not lonely.  We have an entire family of fellow missionaries here in Nauvoo and feel like many of them are our "family away from home."