Sunday, May 29, 2011

1. Sunset over the "Mighty Mississip" this evening.

2. Nauvoo Temple, standing on the hill like a giant frosted wedding cake




































3. Elder Karn coming out of this evening's zone conference


























4. Sister Karn demonstrating candle making at the Family Living Center today (candles were made of tallow not wax!)

































5. Elder Karn demonstrating rope making at the Family Living Center today




















Every week brings new skills and experiences. We have been assigned some new places. Our days are full. Probably one of the most exciting things is that we opened our new show, "Sunset by the Mississippi" last night on the outdoor stage. The audience seem to love it.

As far as the Mississippi goes, we aren't seeing any flooding here and everything is fine. We get some wild thunderstorms. We had night in the middle of the day today. The street lights came on and it was dark! We have a weather alert radio that comes on and warns us of tornado warning when we are home. The city of Nauvoo has a tornado siren and we all have assigned areas to go to in the event of a tornado.

We have had some wonderful visitors; friends from around the country come and visit us. A visit to Nauvoo is worthy every effort.

This weekend we are thinking of all those who served their country and defended freedom. And we remember those who serve today.

Elder and Sister Karn

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The summer schedule is in place tomorrow where work shifts are longer and time between work and performing in the shows is minimal. We will be stuffing sandwiches in our mouths and gulping water during that time. Costume changes will be even quicker. We will both learn something more about speed there, although Elder Karn has speed down to a science already!

Just in case you are interested there are 5 different categories of missionaries here: the senior couple or senior sister site missionaries, including us (tour guides), NRI (maintenance and repair) missionaries (most wives are also site type), young sister missionaries, young performing missionaries (ages 18-25) who are here for summer only, and the temple missionaries. I don't know exactly how many the total is but it has to be more than 250. That is a lot of people to manage for one mission president. That is also a lot of residences to provide and manage, even though we all pay a reasonable rent they cover all utilities except phone and internet. All missionaries are volunteers and pay their own living expenses. I am guessing the young performers and the sisters pay a "standardized" monthly rate for all expenses and that it is probably less than what the seniors pay. Our rent $575 monthly. We find that reasonable considering the space. I have included photos of our little red brick home. Since this photo, I have planted some flowers in place of the weeds out front.

We saw the young performers in action on stage with us this past week. They are incredibly talented in voice, instrument, dance, etc. In order to perform in Nauvoo they must first audition for their participation and also support themselves. And they love what they do! I am convinced. Most of them are "performance" majors at universities. They are also full time missionaries and must obey all mission rules.

Everyone here is so fun to work with and get to know. And everyone has a story of some kind that makes us better for having known them.

We are still missing family, especially grandchildren. My greatest blessings call me "Grandma".

Love to all,

Elder & Sister Karn

Sunday, May 14, 2011

Folks, Finally we are adding a post to our blog! We have been very busy trying to learn new scripts, dance steps, and songs. We have been in two perfomances of "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo". Our assignments or "parts" increased from the first night to the second. We sure hope that it does not continue to increase at this pace! The other show we are practicing for, "Sunset By the Mississippi", will open 28 May. That is a variety show and is a lot of fun!

So far Elder Karn has been a Rope Maker, a Shoe Maker, a Blacksmith, a Cooper, a Potterer, a Weaver, and a Brick Maker. Sister Karn has been giving tours in the Brigham Young Home, the Scovil Bakery, The Pendleton Log School House, the Post Office, the Stoddard Tin Shop, the Heber C. Kimball Home.

Anyway, attached are a few pictures for you to check out. Perhaps Pam will even attach a picture of me practicing the "Mustache Song". It is one of the fun songs from Sunset that the Elders are preparing for the show.

The Mississippi is running very high and is so massive that we marvel every time we see it.

Nauvoo is really a beautiful place and we are so fortunate to be here!

Hope to see you in Nauvoo! Elder & Sister Karn