Signing off - thanks for your viewing

Temple President and Matron

President Wayne and Sister Joan Peterson

In 1846, 14 year old Elvira Stephens left Nauvoo with many of the fleeing Saints. She looked across the river from Montrose and longed to feel the Spirit of the Temple... so, in severe winter conditions she returned to Nauvoo and entered the temple to fortify her soul for the upcoming challenges that befaced her. Then back across the ice to the camp of the Saints. The view of the Temple and the feeling of peace she felt there beckoned her once again and again. She returned not just once, but three consequetive times... so, was her longing to be near the Temple... In her journal, later in life she stated that it was that experience while leaving Nauvoo and returning three times to the Temple...it was that extra effort, that "sustained her for a life time". As JoAnn and I leave Nauvoo after a season of serving in the House of the Lord, we too, have learned as did Elvira, that "returning to the Temple" gives us spiritual and physical strength to endure all of life's trials.

Mission coming to a close soon

Beginnings and endings are a constant in the cycles of our lives. Each season brings its own unique and self-containing set challenges, blessings and opportunities - leaving us forever changed. Whether here or elsewhere, we are all at another beginning.

Fall in love with Nauvoo

Mission-Field, of Dreams

"Build it and they will come"

I think that's what Joseph Smith heard when he was considering building the magnificent Nauvoo Temple! And...they did come, from all over! More than 20,000 people resided in the City of Joseph at one time, prior to be driven out to the West -and now with the reconstruction of the Temple...they come again, from all over the world! We are to have been workers here these past 6 months and will miss it greatly...will make the most of every day in the coming two weeks. There is a special Spirit here and indeed...they (those from the past) have returned to rejoice and experience it all, with us.

The Spirit of Elijah

"In the work of redeeming the dead there are many tasks to be performed, and all members should participate prayerfully selecting those ways that fit their personal circumstances at a particular time...Our effort is not to compel everyone to do everything, but to encourage everyone to do something" Elder Dallin H. Oaks

We have enjoyed the visit of JoAnn's Sisters and husbands and Esther! Brother, Randy and Susan are also here. Yesterday in the temple we performed the ordinances for 150+ persons...starting from baptisms to endowments to sealings. It was a glorious day.

The end is not always the sweetest

The cucumbers did indeed stay sweet all the way to the end - but it was sad to take out the worn out plants today (between conference sessions).

JoAnn was so moved by the experience, she penned her thoughts in a poem.

"We planted cucumbers in pots so small

And watched them grow very tall.

With sun, rain, water and God's tender care,

We picked our first cucumber in early July,

And each day brought more as the Summer did fly.

Fresh, juicy, crunchy, delicious to the taste,

We enjoyed every bite, none went to waste.

As the Summer ended we had picked 40 or more!

It was a Mission Blessing - that's for sure!"