Winter is here

We have enjoyed pretty mild weather up until now. I’ve walked home from the temple a few times and it has been chilly and brisk but not freezing. I’m kind of glad that we won’t experience the -40 degree wind chill that comes in January and February!  There’s a lovely light snow falling now and this morning on the way to Keokuk for church we could see the grand Mississippi River beginning to freeze over. The geese that have stayed around in large numbers can walk on the ice.  It’s a small reminder of what it was like when the saints left Nauvoo in February 1846.
As our days are numbered now we are trying to absorb every bit of this wonderful place before we leave. I’ve gone back to a few more of the sites to hear once again the stories they tell. Last night I went to the community concert of Handel’s Messiah. It amazed me that a little place like Nauvoo and surrounding communities could put together a 40 piece orchestra and 40 member choir and do a great job.  10 new missionary couples arrived last week to replace the 10 who left. We are next. We spoke in church today and said goodbye to the good people we have served with. Our temple days are almost gone. It is one of those bittersweet times we all experience. How lucky (blessed) we have been to have had this mission!

I took lots of pictures of sunsets but this is a picture of a beautiful Nauvoo sunrise!