Sometimes, change is hard!

April 3, 2022

Monday night they burned the Prairie Grass. It was amazing how fast it burned. I've always wanted to see the demonstration when they burn it but last year, compliments of Covid, no one was allowed there. It was freaking cold and I was shivering so much it was hard to hold the camera but it was worth it!

I was asked the other day how I'm adjusting to the new Site President. Changes are hard and we've had a lot of them with our new Site President.  This week in training, he announced that the IC program is no longer in effect. This is the Incident Command program that Doug worked so hard on. Doug has trained many of the missionaries in this program and how to use it. It's been a blessing to the mission. Anyway, he made the change without consulting with Doug at all.  Doug was surprised by the change as were many of the missionaries.

So many of the changes have been frustrating and I've found myself being very negative. Well, Saturday after the Women's Session of General Conference, I talked with Sister Peterson and we decided that we need to be more positive so we are going to help each other stay positive. I really am trying and I know I can be a lot better! Why is it so much easier to be negative that it is to be positive? 

I have a thought hanging on my fridge that says, 

When obedience ceases to be an irritant 

and becomes our quest, in that moment 

God will endow us with power.

        Ezra Taft Benson

I loved President Nelson's 5 ways to maintain spiritual momentum that he spoke about in Conference today. 

I'm glad that I get to repent daily and try again to become a better person.

Before our Community Outreach program was stopped, we had already purchased a lot of fleece to make blankets with. This week, we delivered a lot of them to a place in Carthage that helps families in need. It was a great feeling knowing that we played a small part in making someone's life a little better and warmer. 

We had 20 visitors at Lucy's home this Thursday while I served there!!! It was fun giving tours. With Spring breaks happening, the town is bustling! I ran into a couple from Oakley, Jane Davis and her husband,  that we knew when we lived up that way. It was fun to see them and visit briefly. I hope that I run into them again before they leave. It's always fun seeing those I know.

This week I did two "Women of Faith" vignettes. We did a special one on Monday afternoon for a group from South Africa! As I've said before, Nauvoo is now seen worldwide with the virtual tours we do! I also participated in the regular Thursday night one. The next ones I do will be April 21 and 28. I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to tell the story of Relief Society each time I do this!

Sister Wood, me and Sister Smith

Friday night we had E/S Hokanson over for dinner before they left Saturday morning. Goodbyes are hard and they happen a lot here in the mission.

Saturday evening we gathered together as Sisters to watch the Women's session of General Conference. My daughter, Rochelle, was in the choir that sang in that session. It was fun seeing her on the big screen and pointing her out to my fellow Sister missionaries. After, we gathered in the Bistro for refreshments and visiting. We were fed spiritually and physically that evening. 

In Conservation, we continue cleaning homes and sprucing them up, getting them ready for the new missionaries that will be coming! Doug is still working on getting the wagons all ready for the summer rush, along with hauling gravel for driveway repairs and parking lots.

Even with all of the changes going on, I am so thankful that I get to serve here in Nauvoo. I still have to pinch myself to remind myself that I am serving my dream mission.

I am so thankful for the past two days, that we were able to listen to our prophet and apostles give us instruction and guidance that will help us draw closer to our Heavenly Father and help us stay strong during these final days. Also, 17 temples were announced and one of those was in Cleveland, Ohio, where Eleena served her mission! She is beyond excited!!!

Life is good and the hard times draw us closer to our Savior. I love Him!   I love each of you! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for us. They mean a lot! 

Celebrating Sister Cluff's birthday at Queso's, which is one

of my favorite restaurants in Burlington.

I served with Sister Neve at Lucy's this week.

The prairie grass fire burn - the before and after.

This is what the Conservation Room looks like after

cleaning a newly acquired home that all of the bedding was left at.

Five bedrooms makes for a lot of laundry!