This is the weekend that we have been working so hard for. Yesterday, Elder Quentin R. Cook dedicated several of the new historic sites here in Nauvoo. It's the first time since the Nauvoo Temple was dedicated in 2002 that a new site has been dedicated. Here are some links to more on the dedication.
https://www.thechurchnews.com/
This past week, Doug has spent hours on the tractor and dump truck grating and smoothing the ground. Then he was dumping and spreading gravel on several parking areas. That, along with several "urgent" projects kept him busy. He also did his Incident Command shifts at the FLC (Family Living Center). The FLC has been the temporary check-in place until the Visitor Center reopens Monday. We are so excited for the VC to reopen! The displays are wonderful to see and we are so happy that visitors will be able to see them and feel the spirit of Nauvoo in this beautiful way.
Those of us working in grounds have worked so hard and have spent many hours making sure that the gardens and flower beds are beautiful and ready for dedication. This week we worked through rain storms, drizzle and colder temperatures. It was cold outside and my nose was running overtime, but the gardens are beautiful! We finished mulching the Hyde Home (one of the homes dedicated) and pulling weeds from the walkways at Lyon Drug (I need people to walk through them more to kill the weeds so I don't have to pull them! LOL). We were told that everything for the dedication was complete, that it looked great and to go home and rest. I felt a burden lifted and felt a great relief and accomplishment. I put the burden on myself, wanting everything to be perfect. Even though there are still weeds in my gardens, I know that I did my personal best. Am I the only one that does that - adds more burden to my life than is needed? As I've thought about that the last few days, it's made me thankful for my Savior's atonement for me. All He asks of us is to do our best and He makes up the difference for us. He doesn't expect perfection from us in this life, just that we work toward that goal. As I think of the words, "Looks great everyone, job well done" that I was told this week, I think of meeting my Savior when my life is over and how wonderful it will be to hear Him say to me, "Job well done!" I pray that I can do the things to continue to improve myself so that I can be with my Savior again.
The dedication yesterday was a spiritual feast, but not as much as Sacrament Meeting was today. Elder Cook was our speaker and as he entered the building, even though I couldn't see him, I could feel the spirit in the room increase. We were asked beforehand to arrive 30 minutes early and to sit quietly. The beautiful prelude music was being played and I read from the Book of Mormon. That helped set the mood for sure. I'm having a hard time putting into words the feelings that I've had today as I listened to Elder Cook speak to us. Just know that I know that Elder Cook is called of God to serve at this time as a special witness of Christ. As he bore testimony of the divinity of Christ, tears filled my eyes, my heart was full and I, too, know that my Savior lives! I was trying to take notes but as He bore testimony and gave a special blessing to the missionaries, my hand froze, my eyes and ears were focused on every word he said. I know that we are blessed by serving this mission. As much as I miss my children and grandchildren and am missing important events at home - my granddaughter's graduation from high school this past week and her wedding next week - I know that we are where we are supposed to be. As I'm told often, "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven". I know this is true!
As I was visiting with a Sister at the dedication, I was telling her how my two missionaries had served in historic sites - Eleena in Kirtland and Austin in the Manchester England mission (much of the British church history takes place within his mission boundaries) and now we are serving in Nauvoo. She said that she's heard that our ancestors can influence where we are called and that our ancestors must have wanted us to serve in the historic sites. I felt a special feeling come over me and I think she is right! When I meet those ancestors, I will give them a special hug!
I am ever thankful to be a guardian of these sacred grounds here in Nauvoo.
Love and blessings to you!
The Dedication took place under this tent.
This is the view from where we were standing and watching.
Elder Burns was the Incident Commander.
These YPMs sang the opening and closing hymns for the dedication.
The Sister playing the flute used to be Kendra's neighbor.
This is where we've been holding Sacrament Meeting.
This is at Pageant Headquarters.
While I was working at Lyon Drug, I watched this storm roll in.
I love the layers and different shades of gray to black.
I was in awe watching it. Shortly after, the heavens
opened and we had a major downpour!
This is our beautiful restored Prairie grass.
The picture doesn't do it justice.
A portion of a parking lot that Elder Burns leveled
and spread gravel on this week.
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