April showers bring May flowers . . . .

    Life is good. . . .   Busy is good. . . .   Knowing that Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ know each one of us personally and love us is a true blessing. . . .   We, Elder Horlacher and myself love each one of you and are so grateful for your love and support.   You are all the best.

    Here in Illinois it is Spring,  the tulips have come and gone, the leaves are now on the trees, the grass is green, much of the corn fields are planted and up about 3 or 4 inches.   It is beautiful.  The turtles are active on the river, sitting on the logs to dry and warm, until we drive by and then they drop back into the water.   So fun to watch.  The geese have hatched their eggs and the little goslings are growing about as fast the corn.   It really gives a new lease on life. . .   What a wonderful time in life.  Spring really gives a desire to do better and try harder to do the things we want and know we should do.

     We had an experience at Carthage that I would love to share.   It was about closing time and because the Carthage grounds are so groomed and beautiful, many people come and take pictures.  The High School Students and their families were coming to take Prom pictures.  These students were coming from all around, as far as Quincy, 30 miles away.   Everything was fine until some of the young men, 5 or so, decided to take a picture with the Joseph and Hyrum statute. They were acting up and pulling faces and really being disrespectful.   What to do.  Sister Schenck, a young Sister, decided to talk to them about how they were acting.   When you walk on the grounds here at Carthage you can feel that this place is special, and can feel the peaceful feeling, the wonderful spirit that is here.  The spirit was gone, it felt almost cold.  She asked if they knew who these two men were. Joseph and Hyrum.   They started to make fun and guess who they were.  Sister Schenck ask them to move away from the Statue, which they did.

The parents rolled their eyes and acted about as disrespectful as the young people.   About this time a little family came to see the Jail.  Mom, Dad, and 6 Children, all with special needs.   They were all about the same age,  6-8ish.   We had just closed the Visitor Center and Elder Horlacher was in the Jail with the last tour.  We had told the family that we were closed for the day, as we usually have to leave to go to Nauvoo to sing and dance.  However, this night we did not.  The family had came to Carthage from Oklahoma and this was there only day here.  They said it was OK, they would just stay a little while on the grounds.   The children sat around the statue and their parents said, "lets sing like we do before we go to bed."   They sang "Oh, how lovely was the morning"  and then other songs.   The spirit returned to the Carthage ground.   The sweet Sisters ask if they could take this little family through the Jail.  The parents had prepared these little children to see and feel the spirit that is in the jail.  And so they did.  The children were so reverent and ask some wonderful questions.   The group taking pictures finally left and the spirit and peace returned.   How we love our young Sister Missionaries.

   Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia talked about a contest he was asked to judge.  The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.  The winner was: "A four-year-old child, whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman, who had recently lost his wife.  Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap and just sat there.  When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy just said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."   The things we can learn from children.

Jim & Carrie
Bentonsport, 

Women's Garden

Brother and Sister George Durrant
Sister Susan Easton Durrrant presented lectures twice a week
last Fall and this spring  on church history

Sister Lowe

Sister Apperson and Cluff

The Fields Amaze me!  This will either be Corn or Soybeans

Carthage and Life

     It is astonishing to me to see how the Spirit touches the people who come to Carthage.  We had a small group of 5 people from Brazil and China.  The two men from Brazil married women from Shanghai.  The night before Carthage this group attended our Rendezvous with the mission president.  We were told that they were  VI P's.  ("A rumor did Fly")  At Carthage each missionary takes their turn giving the tours as the groups come.  It was my turn for the tour when this group arrived.  I thought everything went well.  The questions which they asked were all answered and I felt good about the experience.  After the tour the group talked among themselves in Chinese for quite some time in the visitors center.  I provided some information about the pioneer trail and additional church historic sites.  The men from China was writing his doctorate thesis regarding the Mormon Church and its adverse treatment in Ohio, Missouri and Illinois. The group was going to Salt Lake for Conference Weekend.  Today in our training meeting President Hall told our mission that when this group got to Utah the two non-members asked to be baptized. The baptism was preformed by a member of the 70.  It is so wonderful to see and be a small part of  this great work.  President  Hall explained that the Chinese culture need to have every piece of the puzzle fit, that a missing piece of the puzzle creates a great stumbling block for them.  I have no idea what pieces came together but I do know that the Spirit is the answer.  I believe that in the days to come that through these folks and others that the church in China will expand greatly.

     I had a older brother and sister on a tour of the jail.  In the martyrdom room with just the three of us there and with plenty of time,  they shared some very special things with me.  They are both converts.  The first time that the brother come to Carthage as a non-member he said that he felt and saw something very special.  He said that he saw the room June 27th, 1844, and the events which happened there.  He could see the smoke from the black power guns and how it filled the room.  As he told me I was able to understand better how Willard Richards could have been overlooked by the mob being yet alive due to the smoke filled room. Also Joseph had prophesied the day would come that Willard Richard would see balls or bullets fly on his right and left side and his friends would fall, but Willard would not receive a hole in his garment.  He did receive a nick under his left ear.  He realized that that prophecy had been fulfilled.  I am learning as I see and witness how the spirit touches the hearts of people.  Everyone is different and what I see or feel is not how others see or feel as we receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost.  It is a blessing in my life to witness this in the lives of others.  We play a 4 minute audio tape which describes in detail the events in that room.  I've heard the tape many times so I now take this time to study the folks which are in the room.  I watch how they are touched by the spirit which is there.  This is a remarkable experience for me.

     The Talent Show has been an experience.  The show its self went very well, all 26 numbers!  We have a lot of talent in our mission.  Sister Horlacher was part of our Lucy Mack cast sisters singing "Sugartime".  All 10 sisters sang the song and then had a hand slap routine which was fun to watch with their white gloves.  I was plenty nervous as I sang the song "Angels Among Us".  Sister Cluff played the piano and Elders Reimen, Hombs and Apperson completed the stage band and backup singing for the chorus.  It went well because I didn't pass out; I received a lot of complements.  I feel so relieved that this experience is over!

     I had to give the thought and prayer a week ago in Rendezvous, and I had heard this story which I love so I shared it with our cast.   "Who Packs Your Parachutes"   Charles Plumb was a Navy Jet pilot in Vietnam.  After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface to air missile.   Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands.   He was captured and lived 6 years in a communist prison.  He survived and is now giving lectures on things he learned from this experience.   One day he and his wife were eating lunch at a resturant.   A man walked up to his table and said, "You are Plumb, a jet fighter pilot in Vietnam, and was shot down."   Plumb was surprised and ask, "How did you know that?"   The man replied,"I packed your parachute."   Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude.  They shook hands and the man said, "I guess it worked!"    "It sure did or I wouldn't be here today."   Plumb thought about the man all night.   He wondered what the man looked like in uniform.   How many times had he seen him, and not even said 'good morning' or 'how are you?'  Because he was a pilot and the other was a sailor.   He thought of the many hours he had spent at those long tables folding each parachute just so.   Holding in his hands the fate of someone he didn't know.    Now he asks his audience "Who's packing your parachutes?"    We all have someone who provides what we need to make it through the day.   There are many kinds of parachutes,  Plumb used them all when he went down.   Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parachutes.   Sometimes in our daily challenges that life gives us we miss what is really important.   We may fail to say hello or thank you, congratulations on something wonderful that has happened to them.   Give a compliment or say something nice for no reason at all.  I want to thank each of you for your part in packing my parachute.  I love you all.  You all are so special in my life.

    Elder Horlacher's brother Jim and his wife Carrie came to visit us.  They are so wonderful.  They are our first guests here at Carthage.   We had such a nice visit with them.  It's hard to spend much time together, but they came to see us preform in Rendezvous and to see our Sunset practice.  Jim even danced a little with Elder Horlacher.   I think they are about ready to come and preform.  Ha
They are such a support to us.  We love you both so much.

Lots of Events

     We are getting up to speed, increasing our endurance for the active spring and summer months ahead.  Spring is here as we see the trees bud, the winter crops getting green, the tulips are about 4 inches above the ground and even the Canadian geese are nesting.  The weather hasn't quit got the message as there are still some cold days and nights.  The river is thawed and the huge river barges are operating on the Mississippi River.

     The Relief Society Re-enactment was held at the Community of Christ's Red Brick Store.  The sister missionaries attended in there best period dresses and bonnets.  From the visitors center they rode in the wagons to the Red Brick store.  I was asked to be in the program to play Willard Richards, The 1st and 2nd councilors of our mission participated.  President Blair was Joseph Smith and President Hyte as John Taylor.  Our mission president, President Hall also attended.  I had the best speaking part possible...when Joseph asks Willard to take the minutes, I said "thanks".  They said I did very well.  I was suppose to pretend to be taking notes with a feather quill pen.  There was a ball point pen attached to the feather so I decided to take the minutes of the organization of the one of oldest women's organization in the world.  Many were interested in what I was writing.

Sister Perazzo from Fallon, Nevada along with President Hyte and Blair in front of the Red Brick Store along the Mississippi River.
    The Carthage visitor's Center has gotten busier. For the month of March we have had _347 tours of 2,782 guests compared to last month of 45 tours and 367 guests. Things are just starting to get busy.  The Carthage Visitors Center on a busy day this Summer will see over a 1,000 guest per day.  Many families have taken advantage of the school breaks and have come to Nauvoo and Carthage.  Each tour takes 45 minutes to complete.  We have really been blessed as we have witnessed the Spirit touch those who come.  Carthage truly is a special place.  There is nothing routine about the tours.  When you are in the very room where Joseph and Hyrum gave their life's blood for the work and cause of the Lord.  How they were able to endure to the end.  I invite the guests to imagine and ponder about being here in the very room June 27th about 5:15 PM when the mob murders Joseph and Hyrum.  We testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  My understanding and appreciation has grown so much more deeply.  Last week as I was bearing my testimony a woman asked me how being in the Martyrdom room strenghtened my testimony?   I'm  not sure what I said as I answered her.  It was like the words were not mine as I testified with a very real and powerful spirit how this knowledge of  Joseph and Hyrum's sacrifice of their life's blood for the cause of truth.


When ever we have guests which need an interrupter I am amazed at the strong spirit which is there.  It is like the communication is spirit to spirit.  When the folks are speaking Spanish I think of Elder Trevor Horlacher in Mexico how he is testifying and teaching or Elder Richard Miklich in the Philippines as we have had guests from those countries.  When the weather and time of day is just right you can see a reflection of the paintings of Joseph and Hyrum.   Joseph in the window and Hyrum in the open door way of the summer kitchen.

     We have preformed our new parts of  Thomas and Elizabeth, the Rendezvous play now a number of times.  We still get keyed up (I sweat) because of nerves. As we ask for strength we are able to do amazing things which are totally out of our comfort zone.  For both of us to sing solos on stage is something that I would have never thought possible.  I am so proud of Cheryl.  When she says her lines and sings  on stage I have to be careful not to forget my parts because she is that good!She has become my coach as I am singing a solo for the mission talent show in April.  I felt that I might as well go for it!  Some of the numbers from the talent show will be selected to preform on the Sunset Stage for the summer shows.  I honestly don't care if I don't make the cut, what matters to me is that I tried.  The song is "Angels Among Us" by Alabama.  The last time I practiced on the stage with a mike sister Horlacher told me that I wasn't singing loud enough because when I sing louder my voice sound more raspy and better.  So I will belt it out even with the mike in my hand.  I have excellent coaches.

     Last Saturday I attended the temple with Brother Nick Kennedy.  He gave me the honor of being his escort as he received his endowment.  He has truly grown in the gospel.  This October he and his wife are planning to be sealed in the Las Vegas Temple and then attend the St George temple with a short visit to the ranch as they continue on to the Salt Lake Temple.

     Other events which have kept us busy.  The Multi denominational Easter Program which was held in the Nauvoo Stake center.  This is the second time we have attended this special event.  We also attended the Prairie Grass Fire again.  It is amazing how fast it burns.

The Annual Prairie Grass Fire..From start to finish is just a few seconds

This is the Cox family from Star Valley, WY.  They are good friends of the Waltons which we served with.

The Reed family from Sparks, Nevada.  They are in the same ward as Fred R.

      We have new missionaries.  18 couples arrived two weeks ago and we will have an additional group coming the end of this week.  We have to admit that we are now the seasoned missionaries now in the Nauvoo Illinois Mission. Elder and Sister Hutchinson have been assigned to the Carthage Jail visitors center straight from the MTC.  They have done so good they are experts now at giving the presentation which takes 45 minutes per tour.  We just got another couple assigned to Carthage, Elder and Sister Johnson 2.  They are from Mesa, AZ We haven't been able to work with them yet because the have been training in Nauvoo.  They will be taking care of the grounds.   The picture with Joseph in the window is a reflection of the picture of Joseph in the Visitor Center.   At certain times of the day and if the weather is just right it looks like Joseph is looking out the window of the Jail.   At times we can see Hyrum standing in the door way of the summer kitchen.   It is really cool.

The picture of the Mississippi River, early morning fog, and a fisherman in a boat was so beautiful.
The picture of the Sunset was taken out in the prairie.  It looked like the whole west was on fire.   A little different than the sunsets on the Mississippi but just as beautiful.
   

We must have Courage and be Kind. .

     We are always reminded about keeping the Sabbath Holy, and it does way on our minds as we try to keep it holy.   Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley said:  "If you have and doubt about the wisdom, the divinity of observing the Sabbath day, stay away from the stores on Sunday, stay away from the markets, stay home and gather your family about you.  Teach them the gospel, enjoy yourselves together on the Sabbath day, come to your meetings, participate.   You will know that the principle of the Sabbath is a true principle which brings with it great blessings."

     As Elder Horlacher has been talking about Carthage and our new assignment, I am so grateful for this opportunity to talk about Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum.  There is a quote from Joseph, it is found in Joseph Smith History 1:25:  "So it was with me.  I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth?  I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen?  For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it,  neither dared I do it, at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation."  I share this with our visitors at the end of my tours each day.   And I bare testimony that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.   I truly feel of his spirit each day as I serve at Carthage.   Joseph Smith is a prophet of God in the latter days, or he is not.   It is as simple as that. . .

     As we serve our mission we have many opportunities to learn about enduring.  ha ha    There are some days when we are concerned about doing that one more thing.  Here is a quote from Pres. Thomas S. Monson:  "What does it mean to endure?  I love this definition:  to withstand with courage.  Courage may be necessary for you to believe: it will at times be necessary as you obey.  It will most certainly be required as you endure until that day when you will leave this mortal existence."  We must all have courage.   Have any of you seen the new movie Cinderella from Disney?  If not you must see it,  her mother tells her she must have courage and be kind.  What a wonderful concept.

     We love you all so very much,   You are our family and friends and " we must cherish one another, comfort one another and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together".   Lucy Mack Smith

Not Spring Yet, But Just Around The Corner

     We are enjoying the assignment of being in carthage.  Working together each and every day is a special experience for us.  Sister Horlacher also enjoys not having to wear the site cloths as an extra benefit. I wear a suit and tie each day now which isn't as comfortable.  We are always on a time constraint the tours of the Nauvoo historic sites range from 10 to 15 minutes while here in Carthage the time for the complete tour is 45 minutes.  A special film of Joseph Smith takes 18 minutes and the rest of the time is taken in the jail.  Our Key message is that Joseph was a prophet.  The spirit which is here is powerful and our experiences are phenomenal.  A well dressed man came for a tour of  the jail.  He had the time for the complete tour.

     His legal case was completed and had a little time before returning to Northern Illinois.  He was interested in the legal aspects.  The what, where, why and how of the charges of the case.  While I have read and studied the historical aspects I didn't have all of the details.  This was good because we exchanged email information so that I can provide the information he desired.  He likes history.  He also told me that "America could have had a wonderful president if they had elected Mit Romney.  I have never meet a Mormon who wasn't a good.  James Patten is his name.  I will send the material and if I can get a mailing address I will include a history book of God's dealings with the people of ancient America's like He's dealings with the people of  Holy Land.  The Book of Mormon is the tangible hold in your hand key to know if the gospel is true and has been restored and that Joseph is a true prophet.  By the way we have seen the fellow which we had wrote about before has been back to the jail two time that we have seen.  We saw him on the sidewalk just looking at the jail through the fence for a few minutes.  The other time he was in a pick-up doubled parked looking at the jail. We believe and hope that we will be able to talk with him again.  It is clear to us that he is deeply interested and maybe a little troubled regarding this place.  We meet many of your friends that come to Carthage as well.      

 The Hammer Family from Santa Clara, Utah.  We had a very nice tour with them.  It is fun to visit about our families in Utah and Arizona.

We meet the Skinner Family from Arizona but unable to get a photograph.  The Skinner's are friends of Charles and Christine and family.

The Needham family from St. George.

Carthage: A Wonderful Experience

     We are really enjoying being assigned to Carthage.  We are learning lots as we prepare for the busy summer months.  We can't plan for the individual families which will come but we do plan and schedule the many youth groups which arrive by the bus loads.  The challenge is how to accommodate for the large groups all at once.  We are very limited on space.  Our film room will hold about a 100 at a time but the historic jail is very limited in space.  The rooms are small and can only handle groups of about 25, up to 45.  So we split the groups and stagger them into the different rooms.  The real challenge is to spend the time without being rushed to have a deep spiritual experience for the guests.  I am enjoying a spiritual feast each time I open up the jail for the day.  I inspect the rooms making sure that everything is in order.  I have the privilege of cleaning the floors and original wood work.

     The reward comes each time as I ponder what took place there, with such strong spiritual feelings.
This time of the year our tours are small sometimes only one or two people.  One experience I had with a non-member man was special.

     This man was raised in Carthage and came back to visit family.  He said that he had plenty of time so we were not in a rush.  Our 18 minute film is generally how we start the tours.  The film made for the Carthage Visitors Center talks about how others, both members and non-members, felt when they visited the Prophet Joseph Smith.  This man was very interested in the historical aspect of the jail when and how  it was built.  He was very impressed with the workmanship and the materials used in the construction.  I pointed out the many areas which are still original and in excellent condition.  The jail is 177 years old.  I gave the full presentation.  In the martyrdom room I could see that he could feel the spirit.  Outside the jail we talked about the restoration of the gospel.  I presented him with a Book of Mormon and asked him if he would read it.  He said that he would but then asked me how he could know it was true.  I turned to Moroni 10:4-5 and underlined it.  I explained that when you get to this part which I have marked you must do as the scripture says, ask.  I explained that asking is to pray about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon asking God if this Book is true.  He said that he would do this.  I invited him to come back again and we could answer any questions regarding the book.

     The weather is like a roller coaster.  We had two days last week in the 60's and now its cold again, 14 degrees now and the weather report says "much colder than yesterday".  Well I can't argue about that.  I noticed that yesterday the farmers were starting to work the fields, cultivating  and fertilizing.  I do believe that Spring is right around the corner as I have seen the tulips starting to come up.

 
 

We are still adjusting to this chapter in our mission. Working together as companions each day, working in the same site, not wearing site clothes, adding travel time in our schedules of meetings and mission activities and still trying to find our stuff which we moved.  Carthage is the most unique site of our mission as it has the restored historic features of the jail as well as its own visitors center.  The spiritual influence of Carthage is so special to us.  To be a witness of how the spirit touches those who come here is amazing.  As a missionaries we are blessed to experience how the Holy Ghost touches hearts with the burning influence upon them. We have all had these experiences and will continue being straightened by the Holy Ghost but here in Carthage it is very powerful. There are the special times each day that I feel the spirit so strong as I open up the jail for tours. I am alone in the jail as I check the rooms to make sure they are clean and ready for the day. I remember and ponder the events of June 25, 26, and the 27th.  I  remember Joseph and Hyrum what they said and felt.  I think of John Taylor and Willard Richards who were with Joseph and Hyrum at the last.  I remember Steve Markham, John Fullmer and Dan Jones  who were sent by Joseph on important assignments.  How when they were not allowed back into the jail after their tasks were completed. The more I read, study and see, the deeper my love and appreciation grows for the prophet Joseph and Hyrum Smith. We are truly blessed with this experience and if we can remember our lives will always be blessed.

     Our new part for Rendezvous went well.  We were so nervous about this new part and especially the singing.  We still practice, practice, practice, sometimes 6 or 7 times a day.  We even continue practicing the Jed and Annie parts along with the Thomas and Elizabeth vignette.  We have gained a greater understanding and appreciation for this play called Rendezvous.  How it shows in songs, in humor and even tears how the saints felt as they were here in Nauvoo. In this vignette Thomas  has

explained to Elizabeth that we are leaving in a little more than a week....and I've got to built a create for the chickens and I'll have to buy a rooster!!!!

            

  I can just see you now atop our wagon, leaving Nauvoo.

 You'll trip over your wiskers before you see me sitting atop our wagon leaving Nauvoo.

 Thomas says maybe you're just too old to go West!

TOO   OLD!

Who drove the wagon all by her self across Missouri!


I knew You'd go Elizabeth.




Oh  Did You.





Farewell Nauvoo
Farewell Nauvoo....