The weeks are starting to move along a little faster and I seem to be able to feel better about all the memorizing for the temple. Rudi finally knows why I've been so stressed lately now that he's working one day a week doing ordinance work in the temple. He wants to know how he's ever going to get all the parts down. I keep telling him to just eat the elephant one bite at a time. When things get slow in engineering he goes on a session. He has gone everyday this week. What a hero!
This week our dearly loved and sweet Pres. and Sis. Condie left for home. I'll never forget them and the tremendous kindness they showed us when we arrived. They will be so missed! I'm so glad they live in South Jordon so we can see them again when we get home. Their open house was so wonderful. All the temple and site missionaries were there to wish them well. I still can't believe how organized and beautiful the whole open house was. You saw in the pictures the table decorations. They are always first class in everything they do here.
Wednesday our new temple president and matron arrived from St. George. We all were a little nervous wondering what they would be like. Well we didn't need to stress at all. They are so warm and fuzzy, and very humble. Neither one of them has worked in a temple before. So guess what, I finally found someone GREENER than I am. Their names are Pres. and Sister McArthur. Sister McArthur and I have already made a connection with each other since we both have residents in St. George. I think they'll be tremendous and a nice addition to the Nauvoo Temple.
This week we started the new winter schedule, since 40 couples went home last week. We now run the temple with only 20 couples and a lot of help from the district missionaries. We all work Tues. thru Fri. and only have one shift a day. Everyone has p-day on Mon. On Saturday there are two shifts. The temple is open from 8 to 6, Saturday only and 6 hours a day every other day.
It's kind of nice to be able to sleep in on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but we work real late on Friday nights to accommodate some of the wards who have ward temple night later.
I'll keep saying I've never met so many wonderful and kind brothers and sisters who work and come to the temple. Everyday I realize more and more what a special opportunity it is serve in Joseph's Temple. The spirit is so strong here! I can't wait to show my family and friends around this special place. Please come anyone and everyone, we'd love to see you and give you a taste of what we love so much.
Last week Traci, my daughter, called and invited me to meet her in Chicago on November 4th thru the 8th. She has a convention there and has a little free time to spend with me. I was delighted and so excited to go. The next two weeks the temple is closed so it works out perfectly. Rudi is unable to go because this close down is his busiest time. I'm taking the Amtrax from Fort Madison which is only 15 minutes away from Nauvoo. It takes about 4 hours to get there by train and goes right to Union Station in downtown Chicago. It's a big adventure for me, but I'll have my trusty cell phone incase I get lost. I'm so excited to see someone from home. I'm also looking forward to checking out the sights in Chicago. Maybe we'll get to see Jack Friend my nephew. I hear he's moved back there again. I just hope I can keep up with Traci, she's a mover, I've been on trips with her before!
I hope Rudi doesn't starve while I'm gone. I'll try and leave enough goodies to hold him over.
Today we're hosting a group of six people for the break the fast get together. Our cottage seems to be the happening place lately for dinners on Sunday. I'm doing Hawaiian Hay Stacks. Nice and easy and fun to serve.
Another couple is bringing the dessert. Should be fun and tasty, I hope!
It seems like every other day we get some new assignment outside the temple. They've asked us to head up the live nativity scene on Dec. 6th in the Old Cultural Hall. It involves music, narrative, and lots of costumes. I have no idea what this is all about since I've never been here to witness it but I guess we'll learn real fast. Like I said a week or so ago in my email, they just ask you and assume you'll do it, and guess what we do.
They also asked me to help with the Dec. family home evening lesson. I also just found out yesterday that I'll start training to be a follower in the temple when we get back from break. Just keep stretching and growing Rudi and Kathy, it's what a mission is all about.
I guess I better close and get the dinner on the table. The party never stops!
We love and miss you all. Hey grandkids don't forget to email us or call we'd love to hear from you more.
Love always,
Elder and Sister Diederich [mom and dad] [grandpa and grandma]
Rudi and I with his boss, President Church, Stake President.
Elder and Sister Henderson, Leo Henderson's twin brother. They are coming today to our house to break the fast.
President and Sister Condie, at their farewell open house.
Check out the decorations and the good looking clean up man.
Music being played at the open house. The lady in the background is Sister Jensen, Diane Smith Jensen's mother-in-law.
President and Sister Jensen, 2nd counselor in the temple presidency and
our next door neighbors.
Elder and Sister Heil our next door neighbors and eating out buddies.
More Halloween pictures. Everyone helping to draw, crave and gut out 1,000 pumpkins for the Pumpkin Walk.
Temple missionaries carving more pumpkins.
Some of the finished pumpkins.
Another beautiful picture of the Nauvoo Temple.
More fall leaves along a road in the flats of Nauvoo. This is what we see everyday. Lucky Us!
A boat dock along the water in Nauvoo.
A home in the flats of Nauvoo. The leaves are just about finished falling.
A Blue Herron on the Mississippi River.
Red wagon on the Main Street in Old Nauvoo.
One last pumpkin and probably the best from the pumpkin walk.
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