Rehearsals

The President of the Nauvoo Temple, Spencer Condie, told me one day that he prayed me here. I doubt that it was me in particular that he was praying for, but I am helping to fill some voids that he thought needed filling. As a result, I find myself attending a lot of rehearsals for upcoming events. When I arrived, there was a men's ensemble that I was invited to join. They wanted me to sing tenor. Now I find myself trying to develop my falsetto so I can reach the notes that they expect me to hit. With my lack of rhythm and inability to find the right note, I am surprised that they still want me in the group, but as I am still trying to do my best, they still invite me to the practices. Tomorrow there is a talent show - put on by the temple missionaries - for the temple missionaries, in which we will be performing. This will be my first attempt at barbershop harmony. Then in a different number, they expect me to do some soft shoe while singing (along with several other couples). Have you ever tried to dance while your back is still recuperating from a compressed (almost herniated) disc? The results could be very interesting.

I am also rehearsing for the pageant. The cast will be arriving in another few days. I already have the script in hand and am working to be able to help with the Spanish translation. As the cast members say their lines, I and a few other volunteers are to read the Spanish equivalent to be heard by the Latino community through headsets we provide. The trick is to keep up with the cast and still read it with expression. I don't know that my Spanish is all that good. But I know that the Lord will help fill the gap caused by our weaknesses.

Those of us that were complaining of the cold a few months ago are now basking in the humid warmth for which Nauvoo is famous. Temperatures are climbing up into the 80's and 90's. And so is the humidity. The rain is falling less often – but it still chose to come down a bit today. Fortunately we are usually in the temple or in our apartment, both of which are air-conditioned. So we're not out in the heat for very long at a time. If this is as bad as it gets, I do not complain. I find it quite tolerable actually.

Every once in a while we run into someone that we know or we are approached by those that recognize us – either from our years in California or in Utah. Its always fun to get back in touch with those we have known years ago. On the other hand, it can get a bit embarrassing when they know us and I have no idea who they are. Another difficult moment is when they know us by name and I am really struggling to remember theirs. Oh well.

I often work the recommend desk at the temple. Here, in Nauvoo, more than anywhere else, we get people coming into the temple, wanting a tour. They are not members of the Church – but would like to see what the temple is like on the inside. Non-members are not allowed beyond the recommend desk. But we are missionaries – and have been set apart to do missionary work and this is where it starts for us. Our job is to not dampen their interest, but at the same time, try to direct them across the street to the “arrival center” where they can see videos and talk with the temple missionaries that are assigned to be there so that their questions can be answered more fully. By the way, we have been assigned to be in the arrival center tomorrow. We look forward to that opportunity.