Special events

There was a talent show and potluck for the temple missionaries. The food was great and so was the entertainment. I played for a women's group who sang "Sisters" from White Christmas. Also for the choir who sang a rendition of "June is Bustin' Out All Over" with the words changed to be about how we have all gained weight here.

The potluck

Sisters singing "Sisters"

On June 27th we went to Carthage for the commemoration of the martyrdom. It was an extremely hot day. The Nauvoo brass band played. The young performing artists sang, and the young sister missionaries sang "Oh How Lovely Was the Morning" with a sister doing sign language. President Jensen spoke and helped us realize what a great work Joseph did and how we honor him for it. The mission president said to the non-members there that if they wanted to know if Joseph really did have the first vision, to ask someone who was there! (That would be the Father.)

The Nauvoo Brass Band at Carthage

The young sisters singing "Oh How Lovely Was the Morning"

I walked over to the Brick Yard yesterday to listen to the young performing artists sing.

Today we drove to Centerville, Iowa  (about 2 hours most of which was a thunder storm) to visit with Elder White and his family. He was one of Eldon's assistants and was a terrific missionary--hard working and joyful and full of faith.

We passed horse drawn wagons on the way to Centerville

First we went to church with them. It's the smallest branch I've ever visited. There were 6 sisters in RS. Their family is the backbone of the branch. His father is branch president, his brother is Gospel Doctrine teacher, another brother is the Elders' Quorum president, and a fourth brother is YM president. Elder White (I should call him Blake now) is the branch mission leader. We both bore our testimonies. Mine was about power in the priesthood and Eldon said seeing Elder White again was like Alma seeing his brethren after years and being happy they were still strong in the faith. He choked up saying it. He also said our church is the true and living church--true because it is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and living because we have the Holy Ghost to guide us. A 15-year-old was confirmed that day. He was baptized the night before in Elder White's swimming pool.

After church we went for a drive to see his fields of corn and soybeans, his huge combine, and his hogs. Then we went over to his folks' house for a great farm meal of roast pork and baked beans.

Eldon, Blake, Angela, and Janeil

Blake showed us his hog feeding operation.

I remember when he was a missionary he was worried that he wouldn't be able to find a wife in Iowa, but he did! He married when he was 29. Her name is Angela and she's a nurse. His younger brother married her younger sister so that's how they met. They've been married 6 years and haven't been able to have children yet. I want to pray for them.

Blake told us about his conversion. When he was a teenager he was combining with his Dad and he told his Dad he wasn't sure he knew if the church was true. His Dad said, "Do you think that's something you should find out?" Blake said, "Well, yes." Then his Dad said, "What are you going to do about it?" Blake thought and said, "I guess I should pray about it." So a few days later in a quiet spot in the fields he knelt down and prayed and received his answer. Wise Dad!