Hi Everyone!
Time has passed so quickly and so much
has happened that I can hardly remember the last time I wrote.
Well
after three days of driving to Nauvoo, we finally arrived on Saturday morning in time to
meet with the Mission President. Then we received our housing
instructions, had a van tour of the city, and went to our new home to unpack! We have a beautiful old pioneer home up by the downtown area, only a few
blocks from the temple. We have the whole home! It has been remodeled inside
with a new kitchen, bathroom, utility room with all new appliances, and new
flooring and carpet! We absolutely love it! It has 2 bedrooms. It is completely
furnished with beds, tables, couch, chairs, a dining set, and a piano!!! And
the kitchen is stocked with dishes, glasses, pots, utensils, a microwave, new
fridge and stove. All we brought was bedding and towels, and clothes.
The charm of the old home is still there with the thick would trim around
the doors, old kitchen cabinets (refinished) and thick walls. It reminds me of
my grandma's home in Provo.
Here's my bedroom and dad's. It's kind of nice having separate closets, drawers, etc. But we sleep in his bed. It's bigger! Dad has a computer desk and a chair with a printer, etc to do genealogy.
On Sunday we had church with all
the senior couples and single sisters including the temple missionaries; about
150 of us. More will be arriving within the next month to make a total of
300 of us! The mission is so well organized! Our new mission president, President Elder Larry
Gibbons and his wife do not arrive until April 1st so the past First Counselor is acting President. On Sunday evening, we had our first
district meeting with our leaders (who welcomed us on Saturday night with homemade
bread and soup!), Elder and Sister Murray from Cardston, Canada. There are 10 of
us and 2 single sisters will join us later. We had a dinner together and then a
spiritual discussion. It was so great! By the way a senior couple in our group,
The Scott's are from Layton and are in Marsha and Steve's ward! What a small
world!
This morning we began training with a
breakfast at the President's home! There were 4 of us new couples there. It was
so nice to eat around the dining table together; eggs, biscuits with gravy, fresh
fruit and muffins. Then we went around the table and told about ourselves. What
diversity! One couple from Shelley, Idaho, another from Wyoming, one from Texas and
us. We all have so many different life experiences to add to this mission: one
is a saddle maker and will be a teamster over the horses and wagons; one couple
are both educators and taught school' another couple ran a ranch and
were the postmasters and ran a general store in their town; and then us!
After that we went to the Visitors Center for training, and orientation.
When we sent the house pictures to our kids they were wondering who's guitar was in the corner because they had never heard him play. Neither had I! Well, Dad bought a guitar in SLC. And he knows how to play it! It freaks me out! I have been married 43 years and never knew he can play it! And in different keys! He is pretty good.
So after
lunch, half of us went back to audition for the two shows they do here: Sunset on
the Mississippi, and Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo. We sang the
Indiana song and In The Summertime while dad played his guitar. He also told
funny jokes from his Blubber song and got everyone really laughing! The others
mostly sang Primary songs or hymns, so we really surprised them! It was
lots of fun! The kids wanted to see him play so here we are for your enjoyment.
First impressions and feelings: We feel
so honored and blessed to be here. We could feel a special spirit the minute we
walked into the Mission Office. It is very surreal that we are finally
here. After 7 1/2 months of waiting, we are very ready to serve in any
place we are needed. everyone has specific callings for a few months. Ours
will be Assistant Leaders of the Visitors' Center. Plus, we will serve in all of
the sites and be in the two shows. We feel this place is sacred, for all that
occurred here in the early church, and the sacrifices that were made before
being driven out. We have met many amazing people who have strong testimonies
and talents.
It is very very cold! Everyone says this
is Spring and warmer, but it is usually in the 20's with the wind blowing
constantly! But we are so thrilled to be here, even though we miss you all!
Thank you for your support and encouragement! Make sure you are
living the commandments. Please do The Big Four: Family Scriptures,
Family Home Evening, Family Prayer and Attend the Temple once a month. You will
have so many promised blessings by doing this!
We love you all!!
Elder and Sister Schultz
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