Nauvoo Pageant

        We were able to go to Nauvoo this weekend to see the two pageants that are being performed.  Next week is the last week.  This is the bridge and Mississippi River we are crossing over by car.  It sure beats the way the Saints left many years ago.  But, they did come over into Iowa when they were driven from the state of Illinois.

        When we arrived in Nauvoo, we met another missionary couple we didn't know was going to be there.  So, we went to Pete's Diner and had a quick meal before the Pageant began.  This couple is Elder & Sister Melin, who actually serve with us in Independence, Missouri, working in the Visitor Center.  They also live in the six-plex with us.  It was fun to see someone we knew.

        Before the Pageant began, we listened to the Bagpipe Band.  They played at the beginning of the program as the American Flag was being carried in.  Those who wanted joined in the march as they hoisted the flag on the stage.  I love patriotic music and songs.  We all joined in with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.

        This is Paul.  He and his family sat by us during the Pageant.  He is from Chicago and comes every year to see the Nauvoo Pageant.  He joined the church when he was 24 and wasn't able to serve a mission.  He wants to go with his wife later (when he is older) to Brazil.  He is from South America, but loves the country of Brazil and wants to serve there.  He was great fun and has a strong testimony.

We also met another lady from Brazil who saw the missionaries when she was a child.  They read stories to her and she loved the feeling they bought.  But, her family didn't join.  Later in life, when she had forgotten about them, she searched for a church that could answer her three questions: Why was she here on the earth?  What would happen to her after this life? and Why were there no prophets?  So, when missionaries knocked again, and answered her questions, she remembered the same feeling.  I love to listen to the testimonies of people out here.  They sincerely love the gospel.  And so do I!!

        This is a picture of the final scene in the pageant.  The missionaries came out in the end and you can see them in white shirts, center and both sides.  The Pageant was about the Saints in the British Islands who joined the church and came to build up the city of Nauvoo.  It was a great intro to the Nauvoo Pageant the next night.  We were able to see both Pageants; Friday & Saturday.  This is the first year that the British Company has done the pageant here in Nauvoo.

        This is Elder Nyholm and Elder Parry.  They both live across the street from the Mission Office here in Independence.  They are always helping Elder Atwood load furniture or whatever he needs.  They are both great workers.  I put this picture in because I love their T-shirts.  They came into the office last week with these.  It was a big hit for all of us.  I had to take their picture.  Elder Nyholm was just transferred this week, but Elder Parry is still here.