A MONTH IN NAUVOO!? What!?!

This week has been a good one.  Let me tell you! The Clements never fail to make the most delicious lunches. Yesterday, my Nauvoo Singers group was as we say #BLESSED! We were passing by Pioneer Pastimes (a little game and activity area near the cultural hall for families) on our way to the "singing tree". We were singing for them on our way and they gave us PIZZA! We then made our way to the "singing tree" where these nice people bought us Joseph Smith Red Brick Store Rootbeer!  Then, on the way back, we got Scovil Bakery Cookies (the old fashioned gingerbread cookies given as part of the tour for the Scovil Bakery in Old Nauvoo).

Nauvoo Singers walk the streets of Nauvoo (called "The Flats")

pulling a wagon with their water in it.  They stop to perform

for visitors along the way, "The Singing Tree"

being one of those spots. (lo res)

That day, I also got asked by an old lady if I had a baby in the wagon I was pulling. I eyed my missionary tag and then back at her really confused.  She asked again if I had a baby. I said, "Nooooo, but I have root-bear and water.  That IS almost as a good as a baby, right?" I WAS SO CONFUSED.

Anyway, I also had the amazing experience of getting to visit Carthage for the first time since being here in Nauvoo. The spirit was just overwhelming there. We stepped into the Carthage jail and walked up the stairs to the very room where I had decided [a couple of years before when visiting my grandparents who were serving a mission in Nauvoo] I was to audition for this mission.  I, of course, already had teary eyes beforehand, but the spirit in that room and also the room where Joseph was killed was overpowering. After the tour, we stepped outside and sang for some families.  We were all in tears after that.

The Trail of Hope has been one of my other favorite experiences. On the first night of Trail of Hope, we had 500 people attend! It isn't fun being under "The Spider Tree"... but the big moon that fills the sky, with breathtaking sunsets by the Mississippi waters, fireflies, and the Nauvoo temple in our view makes up for it.

Walking back after the "Trail of Hope"

To Dad:  Sister Isaacson and Sister Adams LOVE THE BEACHBODY WATER BOTTLES. There are some other sisters who are quite jealous, but the other two say thank you so much.

We also have had an interesting experience with the infestation of wasps in the west theater at the visitors center. "The Promise" was quite entertaining to act through when we had swarms of wasps landing on us and making beds in the fake flowers on our bonnets.

("The Promise" Bonnets)

I had a very spiritual experience this week. For the month I have been here, my sleep schedule has been rough. After a couple days of being here, I would wake up every morning at 2:15 AM.  I was so confused as to why this was happening. I wasn't homesick or anything; I adapt to new places easily and I have never had trouble sleeping before. I tried taking melatonin and everything but nothing was working. After about a week and a half of this, I was mentioning how much sleep I was lacking due to this issue. When one of the sisters (Sister Bills) told me of this really cool talk she heard from some of the general authorities about revelation and different ways Heavenly Father talks to us. She said, "Sister Ashby, it could be Heavenly Father trying to tell you something, giving you revelation for your questions." So, that night, I told myself I would wake up and try to study. Knowing me, of course, I went back to sleep. This went on for another two weeks and then I was waking up at 4:32am every morning. This week, on Thursday night, I laid my scriptures by my bed with a journal and a pen and prayed. I asked Heavenly Father that if He was really trying to tell me something, I was ready to hear it and seek for His answers. That night, I woke up twice, once at 2:15am and the second at 4:32am. Of course, I fell back asleep from the new medication I was on for my legs**. I was becoming frustrated with myself.  Why wasn't I able to just simply stay awake and study? Finally, Friday night, I went through the same process but prayed for strength to be able to wake up and earnestly seek for these answers.  And, if I was really having issues sleeping, then I asked for a blessing to be able to sleep. That morning, I woke up at 2:15am.  I was wide awake and grabbed my Bible and journal and headed for the lounge area outside my bedroom. I prayed for guidance and then began to study.  After 25 minutes, I wasn't finding anything...nothing that applied to what I was going through at all.  I was about ready to give up when I heard the prompting, "Get your Book of Mormon". I shrugged it off thinking, "No, I dont want to wake up my companion," and studied for another 5 minutes before the same prompting came again. "Get your Book of Mormon".  I did.  And after a bit of studying, I was guided to scriptures I needed. It was an amazing experience I will never forget. When sister Bills first told me of this I almost didn't believe it. I thought, "No, that's one of those cool things that only happens to the President of the Church or cool Book of Mormon prophets. But, as I tried to seek the spirit and His guidance, I was blessed.

I am so grateful to be here Nauvoo serving. I have met so many amazing people and have so many new friends. That is all I have for now! Love and miss you all!

**Sister Ashby had been battling a nasty rash on her leg from an allergic reaction to the adhesive spray they were using for her shin splint wraps.  We thought it was only on one leg, but apparently it is now on both legs.  She came off stage after a performance this past week to see her legs turning purple (where the rash is).  She was taken to the local doctor.  She was diagnosed with bad case of Dermatitis and was given Benadryl and a steroid shot.  She was prescribed steroids for the next two weeks and lots of unscented lotion slathered on the legs.  She is on the mend and in very good hands.  All is well. She appreciates all the prayers on her behalf.