Monday, October 23, 2017 – Mission Training Mtg, Farewell Nauvoo, Rendezvous Cancelled! Dinner with Nielsen’s

This morning we had our weekly Mission Training Meeting and Farewell. It was bittersweet because we had to say goodbye to our friends. Sis. Johnson and joined 9 other Senior Couples and 2 Single Sister Missionaries who are leaving for home in the next few days. This time the tables were turned, all 22 of us were on the stand as the others sang “Farewell Nauvoo” to us. Tears were freely shed, like I said, bittersweet.

During our training meeting this morning Pres. Hall gave us some sad news. He announced that our evening show, “Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo” that all of the seniors sing and dance in will be retired effective November 30, 2017! There was an audible gasp that went through the audience since no one was expecting this news.

Later in the day, Sis. Hipple our “Rendezvous” director, sent us all an e-mail and she had this to say:

“ . . .  Rendezvous has had her RUN. The brethren, that is the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, have decided it’s time to retire Rendezvous, gracefully exiting. I know this is hard for all of you, but keep in mind it was hard for the Saints who lived here in Nauvoo to give up everything to follow a prophet of God to the west and establish Zion in the Rocky Mountains. Are we any different than they?”

We had another busy day of work today. After blowing sidewalks we hauled dozens of 6” plants up to the “New Grove.” The perennial plants Richard selected will add color to the new grove and they will return year after year. We ran out of time before we could plant them all so we will probably be back tomorrow to finish the job.

This evening we invited the Nielsen’s over for dinner. Once we leave Nauvoo, they will move into our house so Sis. Johnson gave them a tour of our home. The meal was wonderful and the company was the best. It was a great evening with good friends that are taking our place as the Nauvoo grounds keepers. They will do a great job and continue to keep Nauvoo beautiful.

This afternoon Elder Kyle Johnson and Elder Cantwell were asked to go with Louie Hernandez to Quincy, ILL. (About 40 miles south of Nauvoo) and pick up another load of pumpkins for this weekend’s “Boo-tiful Nauvoo” community festival and parade. Now. . . let the Jack-O-lantern carving begin! Last year there were about 500 carved pumpkins when they were all done. This year should be about the same.