Week 1 - December 10-17, 2016

Our journey has begun with high hopes.  Our original call was for 16 May 2017.  On Halloween our stake president called saying the temple mission department had called him to say the Nauvoo Temple President was asking if we possibly would be able to come in December.  Well, we were caught by surprise but said we would think it through and respond the following day.  We decided all we really had to do was secure a storage rental and move our belongings into it.  We sent a text out to the children and they were supportive of us going in December.  So, here we are!

On Saturday the 10th, we met the children and families who live in Yuma at IHOP for breakfast.  It was a fun time to be together once more before we departed.  Danny came also and everyone visited and enjoyed great food.

Collins thinks his Papa is just alright!

Gabe, Brynlyn, Caleb, Collins, Trevor, Charly.

Trevor, Juliann, Dakotah, Bob, Becky, Danny

Henry, Lorili, Eliza, Gabe

Eliza is posing.

We stopped back at the house to load the car.  Bob and Becky came and they willingly packed the car.  What a relief as we would have taken forever thinking it had to be a certain way!  We gave last hugs and waved good-bye.  We traveled safely to Jeanna's in Logandale, NV.

 Mother and Daughter dressed the same on Sunday without even knowing it.

Hanna and Jeremiah sang in their Stake's Youth Christmas Choir.  What a beautiful program it was and they did well with signing one of the songs.  Jeanna's family is shrinking and it was different being there without all the usual hub bub, noise, and back and forth.  Monday morning came with them all off to work and school and we headed on our way to Salt Lake.

We stopped at stores along the way in search of an overcoat for Bob.  We arrived at the hotel next to Temple Square and checked in.  We did more shopping and oriented ourselves to the area.  I found a pair of boots and Bob found an overcoat.

Kendal's family met us at the hotel where we headed over on foot to see the Christmas lights on Temple Square.  They were beautiful and it was fun to be with the children.

We had a great week of training in the Salt Lake Temple and loved the inspiration and direction we were given.  It was good to be dressed in white each day and in the Lord's House.  I had the opportunity to play Christmas carols on the organ in the chapel for our meetings on Wednesday and Thursday.  I felt pretty special as there is a sign sitting on it that states:  "Only authorized persons are allowed to play this organ."  So now I guess I am authorized!  

Here we are with our missionary group.  On the left is Brother & Sister Aldridge who trained us.  The black sister in the middle back and the man to her right and his wife sitting in front of him are going to the London England Temple.  Behind us is Elder & Sister Adams who traveled with us to Nauvoo.  They are from Snowflake, AZ.  Brother & Sister Cannon are standing in from the last man on the right.  They handled our transportation, took this photo, and were the "go to" with any questions, etc.

Training finished up Thursday afternoon and we got on the road to try to be ahead of the impending winter ice storm that was coming just where we needed to go.  

On the road through Wyoming.

We spent the first night in Fort Collins, CO with friends Steve & Sandi Garrett.  They are president and matron of the Fort Collins temple and had served with us in England.  It was so good to see them and talk and catch up.  We loved hearing about their experiences and the wonderful opportunities they are having.  We went on the 8 a.m. session the next morning with them and then had lunch.  We miss working with them.

 We headed out on icy roads with intense wind and temperatures.  We drove slow and made it as far as Kearney, NE where we stayed the night.  It was good to get out of the cold and weather.

Saturday was even worse it seemed with the weather.  We had been texting with the Adams' to see if we would go on.  They were in Lincoln, NE.  We had just about come to the decision to stay put and let the weather pass.  Brother Adams' called President Irion to let him know and he quickly said he would like us to get as far as we could with using caution.  So, with that direction, we loaded up and were on the road about 9:30 a.m.  The day and the weather progressed and we were in regular contact with the Adams'.  Calls were make with President Irion as well and it was decided we both should get to Des Moines and stay in the same hotel and be together for the next day.

We did make it to Des Moines and met the Adams' at the hotel.  It was very cozy and warm and we settled in for the night.  We found a Mexican restaurant for supper and the food was very good.  I wasn't too sure about going out in the weather but after we got there, I was happy to have a good meal.  

Senior Moment:  On Thursday when we went to the parking garage to get in the car, we couldn't find it.  We looked and looked where we thought it should be and even sounded the alert button on the remote and still could not find it.  A lady came by in her car and could tell we were having trouble and asked if she could help.  When we told her we couldn't find our car, she said she couldn't help us with that!  We finally decided to go back up a level and bingo, there it was!