Hello!

What a week it's been. Last Sunday in our prep meeting with President Ludwig he said the last 3 weeks are the hardest. Monday came, and he was not lying. Our Sister Barrientos was missing a lot of performances because she has been very ill, so we were already having to cover all of her parts in the shows. So our Monday afternoon shows we were already down a sister, and after the first number Sister Carmichael got hit in the head with a barrel during the blackout...It would have been funny, but she was in the ER getting her head glued together during the rest of the shows. So here we are down two sisters with a huge dance coming up. All of the sisters knelt down in our "hut" (backstage), and I said one of the most sincere scared prayers I've ever said. There was all of a sudden this peace. We knew that the Lord was going to help us. We got up and figured out the logistics of the dance, and went on stage. It was a miracle. I know it may sound like just some show, but it was just another testimony to us that the Lord cares about little Nauvoo Productions. The dance went incredibly well, and we were able to cover for both missing sisters the entire show. We knelt in gratitude and thanks as soon as we came off stage. So that was the first part of Monday. Monday night we found out that Sister B would be going home on Tuesday due to her health problems. To lose a sister 3 weeks from the end was not fun. She collapsed in the Denver airport, and went to the hospital before even going home. She had a surgery that was needed, and is now home doing much better. We pray everyday for her, and that she will have the strength to remember her experiences here in Nauvoo. We miss her a lot.

That was the beginning of a long week. It was exhausting physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The most exciting thing of the week may or may not have been having Elder Anderson from the Quorum of the 12 here. He came to Nauvoo with his wife to record his testimony for the Special Witnesses of Christ video. He spoke to all the missionaries Thursday morning. He talked about the temple being a symbol of work here that will never end. What happens here in Nauvoo touches the world. The work will not end. He also said, In our extremities we came to know God. The Lord requries a broken heart, and a contrite spirit. Then we can receive his revelation. Chrsit gave us the perfect path for our life.

The YPM's and YSM's then had the special opportunity to sit in the living room of President Ludwigs house on Friday morning, at the feet of an apostle of the Lord. Who gets to sit in a living room with an apostle?! Not very many people, that's for sure. Elder Anderson is so kind, genuine, and down to earth. He is a real person with an amazing calling from the Lord. He told us to regenerate our spiritual selfs through scriptures and prayers. Some of my favorite things he told us is to not be afraid of the future! Embrace the life you live! He had such a positive attitude about living at this time on earth. He loves to embrace all the things it offer. He told us to relax about our future, enjoy it, and take risks! Appreciate people, and look beyond their face. Another great piece of advice he gave was "Don't get caught up with indecison. Move ahead, keep working. You can't plan everything." Anyway, wow. It was an incredible experience. I don't know what I'm going to do when I get home and don't get to meet a general authority every other week...Just kidding. :)

Pageant ended last night. Pageant was so amazing. I had the opportunity to meet so many talented people from all over. The family casts were so fun. I love meeting good strong families from all over the country. Pageant is something I would love to do with my future family. It is such a great opportunity to have your testimony strengthed here in Nauvoo.

There's not much else to say. I can't believe I'll be home in two weeks, and two days....No good.

I know the gospel is true. Have a good week!

Love, Sister Jones