Sunday in Nauvoo

On Saturday 4/21/12 we left The Indian Hills RV Park, headed east on Hwy 34 out of Iowa. Above we approach the mighty Mississippi River

 We crossed the Mississippi

 and entered Illinois

 Again today we entered a state that has apparently cut costs by reducing the number and quality of road signs. But after one hiccup, but thanks to Gramma and her road atlas and AAA maps, we got on Hwy 9 going south along the river toward Nauvoo

 We found a simple RV site in the Nauvoo State Park. It only has electric. It is full of majestic pine trees with a great fragrance. But the tall trees mean no sat reception, but we have Roses. We are happy to make that trade.

 Many of you know how the life of this couple is intertwined with ours. Now they are on an extended mission serving in the Nauvoo Temple. We attended church services this morning (4/22) with them. It was a special day. All of the brand new Temple Missionaries were in attendance. It was like the first day of college. They all had their schedules and their housing assignments.

All of the meetings were filled with gray and silver haired brothers and sisters. Someone mentioned the experience of being in a ward where everyone has a Temple Recommend. Sacrament was blessed and passed by 15 men with silver or gray hair. 

Bro and Sis Rose have many responsibilities. They oversee Sunday School (SS Pres). We were the only ones in Sunday School class not a Temple Missionary. We were warmly welcomed. This evening we had dinner with the Roses. Becca took this photo in their little apartment.

Next week the Roses are part of a team training the new missionaries

Becca wanted to get close to the horses. Across the street from the Temple, Joseph and Hyrum  are remembered in bronze. The plaque is titled "The Prophet's Last Ride", remembering the heavy chapter in the church's history played out in this area

How blessed we are as a family to be able to attend the temple. The knowledge that our families can be forever is precious.

Tomorrow is "P"(preparation) Day for the Roses. We are looking forward to spending some more time with them.