"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming."
"While some wait for the doors of opportunity to open, some kick the door down."
"We all start our journey in life differently. But with all the setbacks and pitfalls we become huaman. And that is how we begin to see the face of God in each other."
It seems like just a day or two ago when I wrote my last email. Oh, it was just four days ago.
Nauvoo really seems like a ghost town since 100 missionaries left this week to go home after wonderful missions. How appropriate is it that Nauvoo became like a GHOST TOWN just in time for Halloween! I'm always amazed with the Pumpkin Walk. The pumpkins were so professionally craved. It was so fun to walk the streets of Nauvoo with our dear friends before they left.
Last Sunday will always remain such a spiritual high for me. Being in the Assemble Room in the temple with so many people that we love and care about and having an apostle of The Lord speak to you, how much better can that get? It's so hard to come back to earth after all that. This week has been painfully hard. I'm not sure my eyes will loose their puffiness. I hate, hate, hate, goodbys. Now we just wait for the seven new couples who will be here in two weeks.
Our closest and dearest friends were the last to finally leave. The Mollers didn't get out of here until Wednesday morning and the Lindholms on Thursday. We helped them get packed and loaded but they had so much STUFF! I've learned one thing from all this packing. Get rid of things you don't need and don't collect junk. I've already started to clean out cupboards and my refrigerator, and I still have five months to go. Rudi is so nervous wondering how we'll ever get our stuff home.
Tuesday night when the Moller's realized that there was no way they were going to get away that day we took them for a Mexican dinner in Hamilton. Just another special memory with them.
I spent a day in the Family Search Center this week getting more names to take to the temple. Rudi had a very successful week in the temple recovering all the seats in the endowment rooms. They got all the backs done, now this week they'll tackle the seats. He tells me the temple is really torn up with all the improvements they're making. They are laying new wood floors in the baptistry area, and running wire for a new phone system. Hope it all gets done before the opening on November 18th.
On Friday night, Halloween, we went over to the Dalling's for a dinner and fun night talking with the Bassett's, and Ford's. I guess the parties and fun will continue on.
Yesterday we had Elder Miller over for dinner to celebrate his 21st birthday. He's such a wonderful elder and always fun to be around. He goes home from his mission December 15th. He goes all the way to Carthage to go home. He plans to go to BYU Idaho in January. Hopefully we'll keep in touch with him.
This morning we went to church with the site missionaries here in Nauvoo. Next week we'll be back in Canton, that is if the weather permits. I guess we'll still be going out to Canton. We're so glad we get to continue with our association with the people in the Canton Branch.
A week from tomorrow I'll be on my way to New York City to meet up with my family. So excited! Ellie, my granddaughter has called me everyday this week telling me about how excited she is to see me again and spend time in New York. Tiffini, Traci, Kristin, Tieler and Ellie are meeting me there. We'll miss Tami and hope we can get together with her and her family next summer in Yellowstone or just have her come to Utah Valley for as long as she can get away. They're doing great in Gillette, but missing family as we miss them. It's hard to be away on holidays. I know! Hang in there Tami!
I can't believe I've got this email off so early on Sunday. What am I going to do the rest of the day? Maybe I'll take a nap! That's something I never do unless I'm reading or watching T.V.
Now that November is here we can all think about our many blessings and how grateful we are to have the gospel in our lives. I know I marvel at how lucky I am to be here in Nauvoo where the early saints gave so much to make sure the gospel continued to grow. They sacrificed everything they had when they left and crossed the icy Mississippi River to head west. Now that I have experienced how very cold the weather is here I have a new understanding and love for those dear saints, many who were my ancestors. I also feel so fortunate to have such good health while serving my mission. I know The Lord must love me a lot and want me here in Nauvoo to make it possible for me to get over so many health issues before I left. Rudi continues to be strong as an ox and helpful to everyone, just like he was at home.
We pray for our family and friends daily and hope your lives are full of happiness and love for each other.
We so love and appreciate your concern and support of us.
Until next week be safe and happy,
Rudi and Kathy (the Nauvoo Missionaries)
HAPPY BELATED HALLOWEEN!
Brenda Lindholm with me at the Pumpkin Walk in downtown Nauvoo.
Check our these craved pumpkins.
Pres. Nelson 1st councilor in the temple presidency, keeping all the pumpkins lit and looking good.
Amazing craved pumpkins.
Yours truly with a scary owl.
Over 500 craved pumpkins decorate Mulholland Street.
Elder Miller enjoying all the festivities.
This lion was craved and then molding was put over it for more depth. So interesting and classy.
More of Kathy and gorgeous pumpkins, even those with snakes coming out of their heads!
Loved this one of a graveyard and two grave diggers.
Our dear friends the Lindholm's.
More special friends, the Todd's.
Hardest to say goodbye to, the Moller's.
Our Ohio friends the Gorrell's.
Judy and David Morrell at our going away dinner at our cottage.
Enjoying our last meal together before they left for home the next morning.
Rudi and I hosting a meal for all of our friends on Hotchkiss Street where we all live.
Getting ready to cut my homemade pies for dessert. Love these great ladies and will miss them terribly.
The Ford's who just arrived on their mission and moved onto Hotchkiss Street.
Our shift coordinators on Saturday morning, the Harris's. Great people who live in Peoria.
Bro. and Sister Wasem who also came to our last meal party.
Our crazy crab bubbies from Florida. Miss them already!
Glancing up from Parley Street toward the temple.
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