When walking the streets of Old Nauvoo, it's pretty easy to tell who is new. We recognize and connect with that overwhelming look of..."WHAT HAVE WE GOTTEN OURSELVES INTO?" expression worn with full vigor by the newbies.
"Not to worry", we tell them. You get to be new for a full week before the next set of missionaries arrive. Then you'll be the trainers- so pay attention. Elder Stroud, a new arrival as of three weeks ago, said today that he's already done many things that are far outside of his comfort zone. We answer, "You haven't seen anything yet! Welcome to Nauvoo!" The director of Rendezvous In Old Nauvoo said that so many of us need a badge of courage for doing all we've been asked. Almost all of us are doing things we've never done nor dared do in our entire lives, (and we're not exactly young.)
We've gone from 104 missionaries to 175 the past few weeks. They all need to be outfitted. I've been sewing up a storm and even taking items home to keep up. This week I've graduated to three days in the sewing room. The pressure is on.
We've also lost the title of Family Living Center Site Leaders because we're getting ready to head up Pioneer Past-Times Site Leaders. School tours will start in a couple of weeks. We currently have about 25 schools scheduled to visit Old Nauvoo in April and May. Lunch is usually spent at Pioneer Past-times so we open it just for schools. It will be open full time after Memorial Day.
Why do we, LDS missionaries, pay our own way and put ourselves in terrifying situations? Elder Faust said it best,"Many nameless people with gifts equal only to five loaves and two small fishes magnify their callings and serve without attention or recognition, feeding literally thousands... A major reason this church has grown from its humble beginnings to its current strength is the faithfulness and devotion of millions of humble and devoted people who have only five loaves and two small fishes to offer in the service of the Master. They have largely surrendered their own interests and in so doing have found 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding'.
Parable of the Sower:
One of my favorite talks in General Conference this year was given by Dallin H Oaks called "The Parable of the Sower". It is up to each of us to set our priorities and to do the things that make our soil good and our harvest plentiful.
We saw this beautiful prepared garden spot on our walk today.
Why do we, LDS missionaries, pay our own way and put ourselves in terrifying situations? Elder Faust said it best,"Many nameless people with gifts equal only to five loaves and two small fishes magnify their callings and serve without attention or recognition, feeding literally thousands... A major reason this church has grown from its humble beginnings to its current strength is the faithfulness and devotion of millions of humble and devoted people who have only five loaves and two small fishes to offer in the service of the Master. They have largely surrendered their own interests and in so doing have found 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding'.
After Buchei's last Rendezvous (their mission of 18 months is finished), we met at Annie's Custard for pie and custard ice cream.
I'm not sure what I think I'm going to do with Sister Olsen's head...
...but as you see, it came out alright.
Parable of the Sower:
One of my favorite talks in General Conference this year was given by Dallin H Oaks called "The Parable of the Sower". It is up to each of us to set our priorities and to do the things that make our soil good and our harvest plentiful.
We saw this beautiful prepared garden spot on our walk today.
Please see the full talk at Parable of the Sower by Dallin H Oaks
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