Rudi and Kathy in Nauvoo: Another week in Nauvoo

Time is really starting to fly by faster now that all the holidays and birthdays are over. Its almost a little boring except for the time at the temple. Nobody wants to leave their warm cottages to go out in the freezing cold and wind. The locals here say that they can't remember a winter this cold for a long time. The wind is another issue. When it blows the temperatures drop by 20 degrees. Yes its very cold!

Last week was an interesting time in the temple. We had quite a few own endowments and tons of baptisms. I got to follow on two sessions and help a lot in sealing sessions. When no patrons show up we get to be the patrons. Rudi even got in a few endowment sessions. He won't get to serve as much on line when summer comes. They really get swamped in the engineering department. He loves to meet me when I'm the follower. We usually get to eat lunch together so thats about the only guaranteed time we see each other.

Last Monday night all the temple missionaries meet in Fort Madison for a dinner at a place called Ivy's. It was fun to relax and enjoy each others company. We're making a lot of special friends that truly care for each other. Since all of us are away from our families and friends we have turned to each other for support and companionship. It will be hard to say goodby when the time comes. Most of these people will leave to go home in October, We won't be released until April 2015. I guess the next batch of missionaries coming in April will become close friends also. So many people so much love, its wonderful.

Today at church Rudi and I gave the prayers in sacrament meeting. Rudi also passed the sacrament again. In Relief Society I helped with the lesson and then choir practice. As usual its been a busy day but nice. Once again the talks in sacrament were so inspiring. I've never been able to concentrate this well at home. Maybe our minds are clear of outside influences and responsibilities that we can listen more intently and grasp the message of each talk.

Tomorrow we're planning to go to Peoria to the Caterpillar Plant. It's a P-day activity. Rudi is really excited but I'm not at all interested in trucks and diggers etc. Oh well I'm going along in hopes to get to stop at Costco, I'm so homesick for my favorite shopping place. That's the nearest Costco back here. It takes about 2 hours to get there. So it's a big day.

About my health issues. I still have one more test to go on Wednesday. I saw the cardiologist on Thursday and he wanted some more tests run before he finishes his evaluation. I had an echocardiogram more blood tests and I still am scheduled for a CT of the kidneys. It doesn't sound fun so I'll be glad to get it over with. After the tests come back they should know what the next procedure should be to keep my blood pressure down. Right now I'm on so much medication I fill like a walking pharmacy. I'm still tired but still going to the temple everyday. I know I'm being blessed because of my mission call and great desire to serve. I'll update you next week with hopefully great news!

We love our mission and find joy in serving the patrons of the temple. We hope all is well at home and everyone is enjoying better weather than we are.
Spring will come they promise us. I just want Rudi to remind me this summer when it's unbearably hot and humid how cold the winter was!!!!

Have a great week and keep us posted on your adventures and family time together.

Love and miss you all,

Rudi and Kathy