Sept. 9, 2013
We have just had two of the most wonderful days!
Last evening we completed our performance in Rendezvous and as usual, we stand outside the Cultural Hall as the visitors leave, and we talk to them out on the street. A couple came out and started talking to us, thanking us for the play. They seemed like they wanted to talk and we talked for almost a half hour, as they opened up about their lives. The husband had lost his wife (death) and became very bitter, but recently re- married and decided to come to Nauvoo, on a "fluke" (as in inspiration, I believe). They had visited several sites and came to Rendezvous, capping off a wonderful day of change in his life. He had to sit out of the Temple (worthiness), while his wife went through a session, and he has felt such a wonderful outpouring of the Holy Ghost here in Nauvoo, that he is now completely changing. While attending our play, he wept as he felt the spirit of all us old people telling him through the Spirit to change his life, because life is so worthwhile, if you don't fight, but FOLLOW the Spirit.
Then today we were assigned to Carthage Jail to give tours all day. What a wonderful experience that is!!!
Sis. Ririe and I gave several tours together and separately by ourselves as there were so many people coming for tours. Let me tell you: that Martyrdom room is a powerful conduit for the Spirit of God to witness to each person that comes with a desire for it. We felt it very strongly on every tour. Bearing my testimony so much here in this mission has strengthened me to the point that I can actually get through tours with only a couple of melt-downs of emotion as the Spirit is so strong. It is wonderful to see the changes that occur with people as they progress through the Jail, and as they enter the experience in the Martyrdom room, they soften into a person of faith.
Joseph Smith was and is such a perfect example of everything that we should be in our lives. My study of his life and teachings has changed me greatly. He faced such heavy trials everyday of his life, and yet he was so buoyant and optimistic about life in spite of everything;, he is everything I want to be. He truly was the greatest of all Prophets who ever lived. Walking along the same streets and in the same buildings that he did makes us feel so humble and fortunate. What a blessing Nauvoo has become in our lives. LIFE-CHANGING!!!
Sis. Ririe and I are District Leaders, and are to give the prayers at the upcoming Leadership Training Meeting next week with Elder Robert C. Gay of the Seventy, when he comes to our mission.
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