These past two weeks the BYU folk dance team has been here performing. One of the nights they performed someone announced how many performances they had done in the 2 weeks. So our team started doing calculations. For the team as a whole we have performed in about 108 shows. I personally have been in 86 of them, and all of that done in just three weeks of shows, preceded by only 3 weeks of rehearsals!!
We're starting a "Nauvoo Unity Fitness Fit Club!" You would think that running around all day in shows and in being so active, that you would stay in great shape. Not so :) We have treats too often, and we're not always eating healthy or exercising great. Sometimes I get really out of breath in the show dances. So in an effort to stay in good shape and healthy, we're starting this program. Everyone will set their own goals and then we'll track the completion of our goals on a big poster we've made to hang backstage!
Unity has become a theme for our group this summer, we're all striving for a "Zion Community." (thus the unity fit club!) But it's been great to follow the example of the Nauvoo people, and be willing to unite in everything.
Today we took the tour to see the Mansion house, the Nauvoo house, Joseph Smith's first home here, and the Red Brick Store. While we were up in the second level of the Red Brick Store we ended the tour with a song. We sang one of the two songs we sing before our show everyday...."Nauvoo"
"Through cities towns and countries fair, I've often found my way;
A numbered joys attending to fill each happy day.
Ten thousand beauties rare, have often filled my view,
but lovelier still and Queen of all is beautiful Nauvoo.
but lovelier still and Queen of all is beautiful Nauvoo....."
When we sang that time, not only was it the best we've ever done, but it was accompanied by the strongest spirit I've felt- out of all the many times we've sung it. It was amazing! A beautiful reminder of the truth of this work, and the things that took place in the Red Brick store, and here in Nauvoo.
Also, today we sang in Church. "My kindness shall not depart from thee." Another experience beyond the power of man. Being here and being a missionary is so amazing. Mom and Dad, and Grandma Rose came this past week as well. And they felt the awesome spirit that is to be felt here on this sacred ground.
This past Friday we had the great speaker, Susan Easton Black come and teach us about the events leading up to the Martyrdom. We all learned alot about the history and events that took place. How unjust their enemies were. But also how amazing these Saints were. Joseph was not only Prophet, but running for president, a Lieutenant General in the army, and Mayor of the city Nauvoo.
Truth. That is all.
