Thought of the week:
"Success is not final, Failure is not fatal:
it is the courage to continue that counts". Winston Churchhill
"It doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full. Be grateful that you have a glass and there is something in it."
We really did think Spring might be on its way when we got to 62 degrees this week. But this morning we woke up to 6 more inches of snow. Yuke!
I guess Utah is enjoying a beautiful spring. Why does that happen when we leave town? Enjoy the warm weather for us. We're back in our boots and heavy coats and gloves.
Last week on P-day we went with the Terry's to Iowa City to pick up new glasses for Sister Terry. It is only about 1 and half hours from here. They actually have a Costco and tons of stores and restaurants. A great get away for a day. We had a lot of fun being at Costco again. The only problem is that our cottage has no storage areas to shop in bulk like I'm use to at home. We went to lunch at a fun place called Steak and Shake. Rudi ordered these huge ice cream sandwiches made out of really big Oreo cookies. He also had a really tall shake and we had great burgers. I think Rudi might out do the 30 pound mission. We took the Terry's to the Amish leather shop and the Mennonite cheese factory, and The Dutchman store on the way back. We were gone from 8:30 in the morning to 7:00 that night. Thank goodness for P-day's. We love being with our fellow missionaries.
Sister Susan Durrant gave a really great lecture on the first Relief Society and its organization. She also told us that the Nauvoo Temple use to have dances in the Assembly Hall before it was dedicated. She is probably the best historian the church has on the Nauvoo period of the church. I call her a rock star because she is so famous and in great demand all over the church as a guest speaker. But she is a dear friend and likes to be treated just like all of us other medium missionaries. Her husband George Durrant is the best! So loving and kind to everyone. They will be dearly missed when they go home in August. They want to serve their next mission in St. George, so keep an eye on them you St. George people.
Friday was my first day training in the clothing area. It was so fun and the only mistake I made was not giving back their change to two brethren. I guess I was just trying to make a little money for the temple. Oops!!! I'll be clothing coordinator on Friday starting next week. All that training at B.Y.U. food service and Hallmark on the cash register is really coming in handy.
Well we lost control again and ate lobster and shrimp in Burlington last night after our shift at the temple. We took the Todd's with us this time, or should I say they took us. They'd heard about how wonderful the lobster was and wanted us to show them how to get there. We couldn't say no, but we've got to get control over our lobster addiction real soon! So yummy!
Today was Stake Conference plus we had our regular missionary sacrament meeting before. I had to be there at 7:15 to practice with the choir before we sang in sacrament. Total time at church today including another choir practice after conference 6 hours! My you know what is so tired of sitting. Our dear friends the Moller's then invited us for lunch with the Lindholm's. So much good food and conversation. Rudi and I are so tired and blotted from eating so much in the last two days I think we'll fast all day tomorrow. Oh I forgot all the men are going tomorrow to Waterloo to the tractor factory while the women are at the Relief Society re-enactment at the Red Brick Store. Then the women are going to Burlington to lunch and shopping. I know what you all are thinking: They just play and have fun all the time, and eat a lot! Missions are the best, but we do find 40 hours a week to serve in the temple. All of our activities are on P-day, and after our service in the temple. Its all good and wonderful!
Our Sacrament meetings are run by the Site Mission President and we, the Temple Missionaries are invited. Each Sunday the Temple Missionaries supply 3 men to pass the sacrament and 3 site missionaries with the site missionaries always providing the 3 men to bless the sacrament. When I (Rudi) asked why the Temple missionaries don't get a chance to bless the sacrament I was told that is the way it has been forever. The next day I was called to bless the sacrament today. It was the first time that I have successfully blessed the Sacrament in my life. Kathy said that I did very good. Without Bishop Bell being around I felt like I could accomplish this important ordinance.
Friday morning Rudi and I went on a long walk before our afternoon shift at the temple around the flats in old Nauvoo. We walked down to the Mississippi River to watch the ice breaking up and the river starting to flow again. On our way down we stopped and read all 30 plaques along the road to the river. Its called the Trial of Hope. On each plaque is a story about the Saints leaving their beloved Nauvoo behind. It was a freezing cold day in February when they left. You'll recall our re-enactment of their exodus just a few weeks ago. The stories are heart breaking but full of hope for a better future of no persecution and living in peace to live their religion. It was very moving to read their messages and feel their hardships and pain. I kept looking back through the trees at the temple they loved so much and was filled with gratitude for their sacrifices for all of us. I look forward to my family and any friends being able to walk that Trail of Hope.
Nauvoo is filled with wonderful places to build and strengthen testimonies. Each site relates personal stories of the industrious Saints and their desire to make Nauvoo what it is today, the City of Joseph.
Yesterday at the temple there were so many youth groups performing baptisms for the dead and lots of initiatory work being done. At one point I worked over an hour doing initiatory ordinances without stopping or sitting down. Everyone tells me Welcome to what summer is like! So neat to see so many people coming to the temple after a long winter of very few patrons. I think I'm ready!
Once again I've rattled on way to long, but I don't want to forget a minute of this wonderful experience. Rudi and I are loving it more and more each day. So many things going on and so many rich experiences in the temple. This city just bubbles with excitement getting ready for all the summer events. We can't wait! So excited to share all the fun with our family and friends. Please feel free to come and partake of this great spirit.
We love and miss you all. Thank you for your love and concern in calls, emails, and most of all your prayers in our behalf. We feel blessed to be able to serve our mission among such wonderful circumstances.
Have a great week! With love always,
The Nauvoo Missionaries:
Elder and Sister Diederich
Rudi and Kathy
Mom and Dad
And most important Grandpa and Grandma
"Success is not final, Failure is not fatal:
it is the courage to continue that counts". Winston Churchhill
"It doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full. Be grateful that you have a glass and there is something in it."
We really did think Spring might be on its way when we got to 62 degrees this week. But this morning we woke up to 6 more inches of snow. Yuke!
I guess Utah is enjoying a beautiful spring. Why does that happen when we leave town? Enjoy the warm weather for us. We're back in our boots and heavy coats and gloves.
Last week on P-day we went with the Terry's to Iowa City to pick up new glasses for Sister Terry. It is only about 1 and half hours from here. They actually have a Costco and tons of stores and restaurants. A great get away for a day. We had a lot of fun being at Costco again. The only problem is that our cottage has no storage areas to shop in bulk like I'm use to at home. We went to lunch at a fun place called Steak and Shake. Rudi ordered these huge ice cream sandwiches made out of really big Oreo cookies. He also had a really tall shake and we had great burgers. I think Rudi might out do the 30 pound mission. We took the Terry's to the Amish leather shop and the Mennonite cheese factory, and The Dutchman store on the way back. We were gone from 8:30 in the morning to 7:00 that night. Thank goodness for P-day's. We love being with our fellow missionaries.
Sister Susan Durrant gave a really great lecture on the first Relief Society and its organization. She also told us that the Nauvoo Temple use to have dances in the Assembly Hall before it was dedicated. She is probably the best historian the church has on the Nauvoo period of the church. I call her a rock star because she is so famous and in great demand all over the church as a guest speaker. But she is a dear friend and likes to be treated just like all of us other medium missionaries. Her husband George Durrant is the best! So loving and kind to everyone. They will be dearly missed when they go home in August. They want to serve their next mission in St. George, so keep an eye on them you St. George people.
Friday was my first day training in the clothing area. It was so fun and the only mistake I made was not giving back their change to two brethren. I guess I was just trying to make a little money for the temple. Oops!!! I'll be clothing coordinator on Friday starting next week. All that training at B.Y.U. food service and Hallmark on the cash register is really coming in handy.
Well we lost control again and ate lobster and shrimp in Burlington last night after our shift at the temple. We took the Todd's with us this time, or should I say they took us. They'd heard about how wonderful the lobster was and wanted us to show them how to get there. We couldn't say no, but we've got to get control over our lobster addiction real soon! So yummy!
Today was Stake Conference plus we had our regular missionary sacrament meeting before. I had to be there at 7:15 to practice with the choir before we sang in sacrament. Total time at church today including another choir practice after conference 6 hours! My you know what is so tired of sitting. Our dear friends the Moller's then invited us for lunch with the Lindholm's. So much good food and conversation. Rudi and I are so tired and blotted from eating so much in the last two days I think we'll fast all day tomorrow. Oh I forgot all the men are going tomorrow to Waterloo to the tractor factory while the women are at the Relief Society re-enactment at the Red Brick Store. Then the women are going to Burlington to lunch and shopping. I know what you all are thinking: They just play and have fun all the time, and eat a lot! Missions are the best, but we do find 40 hours a week to serve in the temple. All of our activities are on P-day, and after our service in the temple. Its all good and wonderful!
Our Sacrament meetings are run by the Site Mission President and we, the Temple Missionaries are invited. Each Sunday the Temple Missionaries supply 3 men to pass the sacrament and 3 site missionaries with the site missionaries always providing the 3 men to bless the sacrament. When I (Rudi) asked why the Temple missionaries don't get a chance to bless the sacrament I was told that is the way it has been forever. The next day I was called to bless the sacrament today. It was the first time that I have successfully blessed the Sacrament in my life. Kathy said that I did very good. Without Bishop Bell being around I felt like I could accomplish this important ordinance.
Friday morning Rudi and I went on a long walk before our afternoon shift at the temple around the flats in old Nauvoo. We walked down to the Mississippi River to watch the ice breaking up and the river starting to flow again. On our way down we stopped and read all 30 plaques along the road to the river. Its called the Trial of Hope. On each plaque is a story about the Saints leaving their beloved Nauvoo behind. It was a freezing cold day in February when they left. You'll recall our re-enactment of their exodus just a few weeks ago. The stories are heart breaking but full of hope for a better future of no persecution and living in peace to live their religion. It was very moving to read their messages and feel their hardships and pain. I kept looking back through the trees at the temple they loved so much and was filled with gratitude for their sacrifices for all of us. I look forward to my family and any friends being able to walk that Trail of Hope.
Nauvoo is filled with wonderful places to build and strengthen testimonies. Each site relates personal stories of the industrious Saints and their desire to make Nauvoo what it is today, the City of Joseph.
Yesterday at the temple there were so many youth groups performing baptisms for the dead and lots of initiatory work being done. At one point I worked over an hour doing initiatory ordinances without stopping or sitting down. Everyone tells me Welcome to what summer is like! So neat to see so many people coming to the temple after a long winter of very few patrons. I think I'm ready!
Once again I've rattled on way to long, but I don't want to forget a minute of this wonderful experience. Rudi and I are loving it more and more each day. So many things going on and so many rich experiences in the temple. This city just bubbles with excitement getting ready for all the summer events. We can't wait! So excited to share all the fun with our family and friends. Please feel free to come and partake of this great spirit.
We love and miss you all. Thank you for your love and concern in calls, emails, and most of all your prayers in our behalf. We feel blessed to be able to serve our mission among such wonderful circumstances.
Have a great week! With love always,
The Nauvoo Missionaries:
Elder and Sister Diederich
Rudi and Kathy
Mom and Dad
And most important Grandpa and Grandma
Yea! We found a Costco in Iowa City.
The covered parking lot at Costco. Huge!
Oreo ice cream sandwich at Steak and Shake in Iowa City. So big and yummy.
Kathy enjoying one bite and then Rudi finished it!
Plaques along the Trial of Hope. Stories left by the Saints when they left Nauvoo and crossed the Mississippi River to Montrose Iowa.
Rudi reading a plaque with Seventies Hall in the background.
Another plaque with the temple in the background left of my head. This is what the Saints saw as they left Nauvoo.
A duck in the frozen ponds around Nauvoo.
More pictures of the temple taken March 16, 2014.
The Mansion House during our cold winter.
The Red Brick Store in Old Nauvoo.
Monument on the Mississippi River in Quincey. The citizens of Quincey befriended the Saints when they needed help most. They took them in, fed them, clothed them, and let them stay until they got back on their feet. There were 4 Saints to 1 Quincy resident. Quite a sacrifice for those who lived in Quincy.
The rest of the monument.
American White Pelican coming back to the Mississippi River.
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