Sunday, October 29, 2017 – Killing Frost, “Be Still My Soul,” Elder Kyle Johnson, Pres. & Sis. Hall

We woke up to our first killing frost this morning. All of our pretty Coleus plants and Tomato vines at our house were covered in frost. A few hours later, when they thawed, they were all limp and dead. The frost caused the Ginkgo Biloba trees at the Visitor’s Center to drop their frozen leave. It was a very pretty sight.

This morning’s church services were wonderful and very timely for Sis. Johnson and I. Our Sacrament speakers, Elder & Sis. Spradlin along with Elder Duvall, told personal faith inspiring stories that touched our hearts and inspired us. Then later in combined Priesthood & Relief Society class Elder & Sis. McCoy continued in the same vain as they told pioneer stories of the Saints as they left Nauvoo 171 years ago. Now, since Sis. Johnson and I are “leaving Nauvoo” too, the morning’s meetings really pulled at our heart strings.  And then, appropriately, the closing hymn was “Be Still My Soul” which is one of Sis. Johnson and my favorites. And this beautiful hymn helped us find our composure as we continued to say goodbye to so many of our good friends that we are leaving behind in Old Nauvoo.

 Elder Kyle Johnson normally attends the Nauvoo First Ward in the afternoon with the other Service Missionaries. But this morning he attended with us and all of the Senior Missionaries. Our block of meetings start at 7:50am. Elder Kyle Johnson wanted to be with us during our last Sunday of meetings. He is a wonderful grandson. Thank you Elder Kyle Johnson for coming to church with us.

After church we had our final interview with the Mission President, Pres. Hall and his wife. They are wonderful examples of hard work and service to our Heavenly Father. We love them and will cherish always our memories of Pres. & Sis. Hall and our service in Nauvoo with them.