Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019

Happy Anniversary Richard & Janae...18 years!!  We love and support you both in your adventures together !

Yesterday, we commemorated the Pioneer Exodus from Nauvoo on Feb. 4,1846 .  It was one of the few times that the Mississippi River was completely frozen over and thick enough to handle the weight of oxen and wagons.  They had planned on leaving in the spring but due to threatened mob action, they left early.  Many stayed behind and followed as soon as they could get their wagons built and ready...living rooms were turned into wagon manufacturing factories!!   We experienced some record low temperatures all week...they haven't had this kind of cold since 1996 and we were even told to stay inside on Wednesday .  Many heaters, etc. had problems but we were lucky.  Jim went out and started his truck and so we really didn't stay inside too much....haha!.  The Canadian in us!  but it really was cold.  On Friday night the temperature began to rise and by Saturday morning it was above freezing and it turned into a really nice winter day.  They begin with a free continental breakfast in the Family Living Center for everyone.  Then at 10 o'clock, they had a couple of remarks from some historians in the area followed by the walk down Parley Street.  It was led by a drummer and followed by the Nauvoo Legion (Jim marched with them) followed by the flags of the many countries that were represented by the Saints.  I (of course) carried the Canadian flag and was proud to do so.  

Once we arrived at the Pioneer Memorial, they raised the flag and Jim was selected to assist in that.  How interesting!  Ben Pykles (Church Historian) said a couple of interesting things and then it was over.  One thing that I had not thought about was this:   the Saints really didn't know where they were going,  Joseph Smith and Brigham Young had seen the Salt Lake valley in a vision but they had never been there so the Saints were following their priesthood leaders in complete faith.

                                                   Elder Mensel and Jim raising the flag

Here is a video of the wagons and horses....they helped transport people back to the Family Living Center so that they could get their vehicles....hope it loads properly

On Friday, we said goodbye to Elder & Sis. Naef.  We have come to love these two humble servants of the Lord.  Elder Naef clears the roads and runs all of the big equipment.  He stayed up most of Friday night scraping and sanding the roads in preparation for Exodus on Sat. Here they are Friday morning, receiving their flag from Jordan Bodily.
 

At noon, all of the sisters from the office and those that work in FM with Sis. Naef went out to lunch in Carthage.

Back row:  L-R  Sis. Corder, Trichia Kyle, Sis. Schmidt and myself   Front row: S-R   Sis. Howard, Sis. Naef & Sis. Schmitt    Yes....there are two of them but one spells their name differently so we call them Schmitt 1 and Schmidt 2 to differientate.....hahaha.   Actually, the Schmitt's will leave at the end of Feb so that will only leave one.

After we were done at the river, we headed to the Visitor's Center and took pictures in front of the wagon that was used for decoration for the fireside last Sunday night.   L-R:  Elder & Sis. Naef, myself & Jim, Elder & Sis. Christensen.  Sis. Christensen carried another Canadian flag in the march because she is from Magrath (maiden name:Thomson)  and her family were pioneers there.  We each were asked to wear a badge with one of our ancestors names on it.  Elder Paxman chose John Tanner (his maternal grandmother's father)  I chose Jenny Elizabeth Peterson (my paternal grandmother's mother)  I have great respect for those who have laid such a foundation of faith for me and hope that I am doing the same...being a strong link in the chain....for my posterity.

And finally.....here is a field of Canada geese having "stake conference"  near the main street in Nauvoo.  Thought that you might enjoy that!  Have a good week and know that you are loved and thought of everyday.