Nauvoo in a Nutshell

Now that the kids are settled back into school and our normal routines have started again I finally have time to write about some of the experiences we had this summer while serving as Performing Service Missionaries in Nauvoo. While it meant that we would spend a good share of our summer in Nauvoo and miss scout camps, family reunions, weddings, soccer practices etc., it was definitely worth every minute and every penny.

Mom, Dad, Marcos, the kids and I all started out for Nauvoo June 26th, no matter how many times we make the trip the 7+ hours across Wyoming are the longest, most boring part of the trip. The bright side is it makes the remaining 13 hours easier because you as least have some scenery. We stopped in Liberty at the Jail then on to Far West and then we stopped by Adam -Ondi-ahman and claimed our spot for the Resurrection.

We usually rent a home in Nauvoo but this year we decided to rent a condo where a lot of the cast and crew were staying. Part of the Nauvoo experience in the past has been just surviving rehearsals in the heat. We warned other new cast members about the extreme heat and told them what items to bring with to be prepared for the humidity. We ended up looking like wimps because the weather was wonderful, we actually could have used jackets a couple of times, but of course I didn't bring any.

We made a lot of new friends,and met up with old ones. We were able to go with Nick to do baptism for the dead in the Nauvoo temple which was a wonderful experience. Satchell was able to star as Wallace once again, he, Nick and Demi made many great new friends. We found out that the clothing of the 1840's really suits Dad, but does not go well with my hips. Mom and Dad not only were able to act on stage and do a good job, but they weren't half bad at dancing either. Dad was asked to be in charge of the construction of the Nauvoo Temple that we build on stage, it's actually quite heavy and dangerous, but his construction skills really came in handy.

There was a lot more opposition this year then ever before, we had someone burn down one of the cabins by the wagon rides, another one started by the visitor center, and one in the quarry. As well as graffiti on the church vans. One night a truck load of Mormon haters drove past the condos yelling and throwing fireworks. Dad started helping with Security so we could protect the stage and the Grove over night. He and Marcos spent most of the night driving around on golf carts scaring off raccoons. Dad did such a good job they've asked him to come back next year to help again.

I think the biggest accomplishment this year was the amount of missionary work that was accomplished. I think that was the reason for the nice weather. In most of the pageant that are put on by the church you may get 200 referrals and consider it great. This year we were able to get more than 5000 non-member referrals. We recently heard from one of the sister missionaries who reported that 75% of the referrals are allowing the missionaries to come and share a message. She said normally only 10% would allow the missionaries to come. We had a lot of fun meeting people and sharing the gospel. The kids would have contest with their friends to see who could get the most each night. We've already had several baptism that have come from people who just happened across the Pageant.

I've probably gone on to long already, there is so much I could share about our experience this past summer but it would take chapters. We're glad that we had the experience once again, and that mom and dad were able to share it with us. We look forward to more in 2009 (the"NEW" Hill Cumora Pageant).

We've just started rehearsals for Savior of the World, Satchell (while technically still too young to be in the play) has taken over Nick's role as the Beggar. He's so excited for the chance even though he only has one short simple line. We've had him up at the conference center with us ever year since he was born so this is actually a big deal to him to have a speaking part. If anyone is interested tickets go on sale Oct. 30th but the sell out really quick. Our family will be performing on Tuesday and Saturday nights through November and December.

The other great news about Savior of the World is that it will be preformed in Spanish this Easter season. Marcos has helped with the translation and will help with the production. This is a great opportunity for all the Hispanics in the area to participate.

Sorry I went on so long I guess it wasn't really a nutshell.

Kris Menendez