Sept. 26

What a week! We made it to Idaho – yea!!

Spent last Sunday in Nauvoo and went to the temple for a session on Monday. Thought that was pretty peculiar, but the temple is open Monday mornings and closes for the afternoon. The inside has replicated as close as possible the original temple; it is beautiful. The artwork from murals to moldings to paintings, all are beautiful. Lots of stairs to climb. One flight up to the dressing rooms then up another flight to the endowment rooms. The wagon ride and carriage ride in the afternoon were both very informative. The wagon ride takes you through historic Nauvoo and shows homes and buildings, mostly reconstructed. The carriage ride goes more into the surrounding countryside and the narrator tells different stories of some of the early Saints. Some I had heard; but mostly all new to me. The horses are draft horses that the church buys from the Amish who raise and train them. There are 10 teams so they trade around so they are not working every day. After the rides we visited the Browning home and gunsmith shop then the land and records building. Got a cd of Daniel Allen Jr. and where he had property; also Cyrus Sanford. Had a quick tour of the wheelwright and blacksmith shop because it was about closing time. Met for a short time with Marissa Lewis who is an intern at Restoration Nauvoo. She has grown up into a lovely woman with confidence since her mission to the Philippines.

Left Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, where we had our hotel and took the route of the pioneers. Montrose is nearby, but on the opposite side of the river from Nauvoo. A man came to talk to us riding in a golf cart. We were reading the information signs and he congratulated us for that because a lot of people just come and take a photo and leave. He was from Missouri and said he knew some pretty nice Mormons (he sounded almost surprised to say that!). Stopped at Corydon at the Prairie Museum; lots of early life displays, even one of the Mormons traveling across Iowa in the mud. Pulled off Hwy 30 at Mt. Pisgah and took a dirt road to the display. Did I mention that we did not travel a dirt or gravel road all the time we were in NC? Beautiful country; the first pioneers stopped to plant wheat and fell trees to build cabins and fences for those following. Course there was also a cemetery nearby for those who did not finish the trail. Ran into some severe rainstorms before finally stopping at Council Bluffs for the night. Nine hours of travel was enough!

Had to swim for a while Wed. morning before heading out on the trail again. Visited the Winter Quarters temple and visitors center. Watched a film and a sister missionary gave us the full meal deal looking at the displays. Schools had been closed due to a severe weather warning and possible flash flooding. We just had rain off and on. Stopped at most of the historical markers along the way, then got on I-80 where it parallels Hwy 30. Made it to North Platte, Neb. Started reading Joseph Smith's Kirtland, mostly quotes from journals of the day; very interesting. Bought it at the Community of Christ bookstore in Kirtland.

Had a fitness center complete with most of the machines that I knew, so we had a good workout. Didn't get on the road until 10:40 because of breakfast and doing laundry. Took Hwy 30 again north and then west. Stopped at Ash Hollow and Cathedral and Jailhouse rock. The trail mostly follows the N. Platte river. Landscape is mostly desolate desert with bursts of rock here and there. Stopped at Chimney Rock and took a picture with the Beware of Rattlesnakes in area sign. Not much in visitor center. Stopped at Ft. Laramie and saw some of the ruins and barracks. In the visitors center there was a hide teepee and a full dress chieftan headgear with eagle feathers. Also had a small scale replicate of what the fort may have looked like back in the day. The Mormon Trail and Oregon Trail run together here for about 100 miles before separating again. It was a hot day and we were out of water and I decided I wanted to watch the women's conference with Eliza and girls, so we headed south on I-25 to Cheyenne and stayed the night in Laramie. Interstate roads are 80 mph, so we made good time.

In the pool at 6 and on the road by 7:45 Thursday morning. Took Hwy 30 to Kemmer and to Montpelier. I started driving 10 miles before the Idaho border (first time I have driven on the trip). Stopped and took a selfie at the Welcome to Idaho sign. It just seemed so good to be in Idaho again. Even the drive across Wyoming with its wide-open vistas was wonderful. Had not seen so much sky since we had left for NC 18 months ago. My sis is in Colorado Springs with grandkids, so we stayed at the tribal reservation motel, thinking it would be cheaper. Nope; got that wrong. It is a 5 star motel, so I guess you pay for what you get. It took quite awhile before they would consider letting us stay without a reservation. They had a big shindig going on in the event center, some famous comedian. We just wanted to eat and sleep. We have yet to turn on a tv or the radio, except to change the time on our car clock (the radio has to be on). We are having a rough time getting our bodies onto MDT!

Saturday we visited with E. Steffler's uncle, aunt and cousin in Moreland, then on to Shelley to see our daughter and her family. Eliza and Lydia were working so the little kids entertained us as best they could: computer games and dvd games. We are really out of touch! Lydia went to Rexburg to get Kimball so she could see us and go to the women's conference with us. We got a motel room then had supper with Eliza and family.  Then the six girls went to the conference. It was wonderful, of course. So glad we could all be there together. Lydia had to take Kimball back to Rexburg and Eliza dropped me off at the motel room. E. Steffler had gone there after all the women left.

Today church is at 1 p.m. so I am getting all my blog and emails taken care of in the morning. Hope all y'all have a blessed Sabbath. We love y'all and look forward to seeing the rest of the family in the next few days. Our mission report is Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Ruth Building. All are welcome to come and partake of the spirit that will be there.

Love, Elder and Sister Steffler (for a few more days!)

 

Carthage

Elder Steffler with statues of Hyrum and Joseph Smith Jr.

Sept 20, 2015

Sorry about not writing last week; laptop was already packed up. We tried to pack everything we could on Saturday so we would not have to work on the Sabbath, thus keeping it holy. Had a lot of folks to say good-bye to – missionaries, branch members, etc. Course we had to speak, along with the high councilman, so our talks were only 10-12 min. Almost seemed like youth speakers! Had a get-together before the world wide devotional at Pres. Lewis' house with goodies and people signing a photo of the group and writing in my study journal. It was a sad-emotional-happy day; felt lots of love. We had already said good-bye to the missionaries. Sisters Oleson and Anderson had to make us a death cake and we shared it after district meeting, plus took some photos.

Monday morning the YSA elders came to help us load everything in the car. It is solidly packed! We had to be in Chesapeake at the mission home by 5 and got there about 4:15, plenty of time. Had a lovely chatty meeting with the APs who asked us questions and we all had to give our thoughts. There were 5 other missionaries going home with us, so a small, informal setting. It was very spiritual; Pres. Baker was giving final interviews and Sis. Baker was preparing dinner. Lovely dinner then a testimonial by all the missionaries. It is amazing how much growth you can see in these missionaries who have served so valiantly. Elder Steffler and I are in awe at the work these servants of the Lord perform.

The next morning we waited for the Bakers to return from the airport so E. Steffler could get a blessing from Pres. Baker. Then off to Williamsburg where E. Steffler just had to buy a wide-brimmed period hat.

Wednesday we made it to Gettysburg and inside the visitors center there is a film about the battle and a cyclorama – a painting that goes all the way around a circular room; huge and very interesting. Took a 30 min. tour of the museum and on our way again. Took Hwy 30; very windy and narrow. Very glad to make it to the interstate. Thursday we made it to Kirtland in time for a tour through the temple and a tour through historic Kirtland; another very interesting time. Walked the steep steps to the top of the temple where the prophet had his office and teaching rooms.

Friday was rain and thunderstorms most of the day. In addition to road construction! Seems like every road had to have some kind of construction. But we made it to Nauvoo on Saturday. Drove to the temple and looked around and took a few pictures. Found some missionaries who told us where and when to go to church. So today we went to church, had a picnic and then drove to Carthage for a film and tour. The bullet hole in the door really brings it all home. It was a wonderful day; pleasant weather in the 70s and not much humidity or wind. Tomorrow we are taking in a season in the temple and taking a wagon ride and carriage ride that will explain a lot of the homes and businesses.

Feeling very blessed today. Loved the spirit that was felt at church and in Carthage. I love the Prophet Joseph Smith and all that he did for the church – even dying as a martyr. God bless all y'all and we will be seeing some of you this week (family, mostly). We love you and pray for you!

Love, Elder and Sister Steffler

Missionaries

Last district meeting.

Death cake

Sister missionaries made it for us at district meeting.

September 6

The count down begins in earnest! One week to go!

Last Monday we made a quick trip to Raleigh to have Elder Steffler's hearing aids checked one more time. Rained most of the way going and coming. Nothing really unusual about that – and the rain is needed, so we don't complain too much. Easy for me to say – I don't drive! Had to do one more shopping at Sam's Club because we had to feed missionaries this week. Gas was $2.15; love to see it coming down instead of the other way. Had hot dogs and chili (without the beans!) for FHE and Jake had a new game – involving a ball, of course! The Moodys fixed everything and even did the clean up themselves. The young adults had a good time chatting, eating and playing the new game. About 35 in attendance; most we have ever seen. Pierce D'Auria was there; Clark had brought him from work because his scooter had broken down; we took him home.

Hello September! Started the month out with a swim in cold water. Didn't bother me; I like the water cold. Did hear some whining from E. Steffler! Hurried and made bread before the YSA elders came for lunch and practice lesson on The Gospel. Also made a batch of cinnamon rolls to take to some members and nonmembers: Collin, Mandi, Tyrei, Megan, Sarah Casey and Sarah Saunders. Sarah C. was having "FHE" with some friends; Jonathan was one of them and he was cooking. I offered to cook for an apt of men on Thursday: John and Jake Stevens, Ian and Dillon.

We were late getting our walk in Wednesday. The temp said 71 but the real feel was like 95! We had planned to take Joanna shopping, but Dane was home sick, so moved it to Saturday. G2 sisters came for a practice lesson on Book of Mormon. Did pretty good. We told them that next week is the graduation lunch and Sis. Oleson teared up; she has been to our apt about every week since she got here five months ago. Got a call from the mission president; he needed help for a sister who is going home for health reasons and could she stay with us for several days? Of course; do you say no to the mission president? I didn't think so! Her companion will go with the trainer sisters in Havelock. So got the guest bedroom cleaned out so she could move in.

Thursday we helped one of the sisters in the branch who got a couch from her grandmother and the furniture movers could only bring it in the morning. They came at 9:30 which worked out really well; we let them in and everything was good. Had lunch with the Lillywhites in Washington. Steak, salad, corn on the cob plus apple pie and ice cream. The pie was really good – she had made it. Pres. Baker is thinking about moving them to Greenville to help in the branch when we leave. Met with the sisters in the afternoon and made the exchange – with pictures, of course. Had to cancel our appointment with the apt of men, but that was okay; also had to cancel G2 elders lunch and practice.

Friday we decided not to go to zone meeting, but E. Steffler had to take the necklace to Sister Rawling that she left in our car at transfer and a loaf of bread to compensate for the lunch for the G2 elders. We had decided since we were not going to meeting, we could go shopping with Joanna. Had to wait for Pierce to get dressed so we could take him to work (his scooter is still not fixed). Then to Penney's for the spree. Ended up with underwear, 4 blouses and 2 skirts; not bad for one and a half hours. E. Steffler spent almost that much money on bullets at the sports store.

Saturday we walked at the senior center park then went to the farmer's market. Had to run out to Joanna's to return her keys and take a shirt that I can't wear. Hurried to the post office to mail S. Blackburn's two packages; I forgot to mail the letter to DJ. I was only concerned about S. Blackburn. So put it in the mail box here at the apt complex and it won't go out until Tuesday. It will still beat us home. S. Blackburn talked with her mother who is visiting a daughter in Texas and was upset that she would not be home until Wednesday. She is having a hard time adjusting to having time to herself; we don't have every minute planned (with 2 or 3 back-ups). But she decided she could finish reading the Book of Mormon so she has settled down.

Today was a very uplifting sacrament meeting. Pres. Walker was in attendance and he wanted several people to bear their testimonies. Elder Steffler and I were invited to, which surprised me because we are speaking next week. S. Blackburn also bore her testimony and announced she was going home because of health reasons. Pres. Walker finished by telling some of Joseph Smith's story and how he and his wife had visited Kirtland and Hyrum and some of the events that happened there. Very powerful. Sunday School was about Saul/Paul and Stephen, how the church accommodated its growth. R.S. saw the video of Pres. Hinckley giving the Family Proclamation the first time to the R.S. General Women's Broadcast in September of 1995.

It was a very good Sabbath Day; fasting always brings the Spirit more abundantly. Spent more than an hour with our friend Mariana and took her an Indian trinket; she was very appreciative. She gave us a Catholic book to read.

That takes care of another week. Looking forward to seeing friends and family at home. We love all y'all and wish God's choicest blessings upon you. Love, Elder and Sister Steffler

Missionaries

Sisters Johanson Dalton Blackburn and Villegas.