We are officially missionaries! We are now "Elder and Sister Myers" We spent 8 great days at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. We learned a lot about being missionaries and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Of the 45 or 50 Senior Missionaries who were with us at the
MTC, there were 19 of us assigned to
Nauvoo.
On February 24 we left Provo and drove to Nauvoo, Illinois. We ended the trip in a blinding rain storm. The road was very slick and a little dangerous. It was quite exciting. I learned about hydroplaning on asphalt! There was also a blinding rainstorm inside the car because our kids had written letters for us to read on the way!!
Arriving in Nauvoo
Friday February 27 we reported at the Nauvoo Visitor's Center and met our mission president, President Ludwig. He seems very nice and patient. His wife is very nice also. Actually EVERYONE we've met is nice! And helpful.
Nauvoo is a great place. Right now since it's winter everything is brown and dead but neat and clean. We are right on the Mississippi River. The sunsets have been gorgeous.
Nauvoo is a city that is very important in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even though the early saints only lived here for 6 1/2 years, a lot of important things happened here before the saints were driven out by the mobs. Several homes and shops and business have been rebuilt and restored. As missionaries we get to dress as pioneers in these places and act as tour guides to show visitors how life was here in the 1840's. In addition to these duties everyone is required to sing and dance (!) in the show "Rendezvous" which is put on every night except Sundays year round and "Sunset by the Mississippi" which in put on nightly, except Sundays, from May to Sept. (I think) We've been practicing and it's pretty fun and funny. I guess we're the youngest missionaries here in Nauvoo. There's another lady who is 54 but she's a whole 3 months older than I am, she said that she was turning over the title of mission baby to me. Ron's the only elder in his 50's. (I think that several of these dear people are in their 80's - I don't know where they get their energy!!) Everyone is wonderful and very helpful as we learn the ropes here in our new home.
Our lodging
Speaking of new homes! When we got here we were assigned our living quarters. The only thing we were asked is if we can handle stairs. We said, yes, we're fine with stairs. We were assigned to a wonderful little pioneer house that was built and owned by Nathanial Ashby in 1843. It's on the corner of Parley and Hyde Streets. There are 3 sets of stairs. (But we only use 2 of them) The washer and dryer are in the basement (which is rock with a low ceiling), the main floor has a small living room, a small kitchen and 1/2 bath and the upstairs has the bedroom and bathroom. It's a great place and we're so excited to be in a pioneer home. It has creaky floors and a scary basement and everything! We love it!! It's actually a duplex and the other half was owned by Erastus Snow. No one is in it right now. I love it when we happen to be home and the draft horses pass by our front door pulling a wagon full of visitors. Here I am in a house that is 166 years old and I'm on the internet. The pioneers would be amazed!!
I really just can't believe that we are lucky enough to be here. We are honored to get to share the lives of the early saints with the visitors that come. Right now it's slow and that's good because we need to practice. I guess in the summer it's pretty crazy.
In the mornings I've been walking down Parley Street (The Trail of Hope) down to the edge of the Mississippi River. When I get there I can't help but think of the saints that had to keep going and cross the frozen river and leave their homes and most of their possessions. I, on the other hand, get to turn around and return to a nice home with a hot shower and a fridge!
We've been here one week today and what a week it's been. I spent a day at the print shop. And Ron and I were both at the Visitor's Center today. (Ron's been there 3 days) Tomorrow we get to go to Carthage and serve as guides at the Carthage Jail where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were murdered. It's about a 1/2 hour drive from here. I wonder how long it took the Smith brothers to ride there on their horses.
We begin each morning with an 8:30 prep meeting. Then a show practice at 9:00. Then head to our assigned site. At 5:00 we grab a quick dinner and head to another practice. Then to the evening show or a meeting. I don't know how soon we'll actually be performing. We're busy and happy!
From what I hear this is a great place to visit!! :) Maybe we'll see some of you while we're here.
Our contact information
Elder and Sister Myers
Illinois Nauvoo Mission
PO Box 215
Nauvoo, IL 62354
Home phone 217-453-2897
Ron's cell 435-668-9697
Bren's cell 435-668-9687
Tuesday evening on March 17 we had our Relief Society commemoration meeting in the upstairs room of Joseph Smith's Red Brick Store, where the Relief Society was started 167 years ago. The ladies who planned this program worked very hard and we had a wonderful evening of music and history. 
