President Monson in Nauvoo

Today was a very memorable day! President Monson was visiting in Nauvoo today. He met with the temple missionaries in the temple at noon. He met with the other missionaries this afternoon at 4:00 in the Visitors Center. The sites were closed at 3:30 so the missionaries could attend the meeting. He spent about 45 minutes just visiting with us. When he walked into the room there was a piano at the edge of the stage. He sat down and played a simple little song from the John Thompson piano lesson book one. Then he played one other little tune. We had a good laugh with him about his lack of ability to play the piano.

There was no preaching, just reminiscing about his youth, his mother and siblings, some experiences in the Navy and some experiences as a bishop. What a once in a lifetime experience to hear a prophet talk so casually and to be so relaxed. He said that this week he could be anywhere in the world and he chose to be in Nauvoo! He is going on to Kirtland and then back east. He was accompanied by his daughter, Ann Dibbs, and Sister Dibbs’ daughter. They are escorting his granddaughter to her home. No one seems to know where they are staying. Even President Ludwig doesn’t know. I am sure it is kept quiet for security reasons but also to avoid crowds and wanting some privacy.


Rendezvous, a play presented by the senior missionaries, was presented this evening for President Monson and his family and a few guests. We were fortunate to be invited to attend. When he came into the hall he asked each one of us where we were from. We sat right behind President Monson. When it was over he turned around and shook our hands. He is a very friendly person and was making friendly comments as he left the cultural hall. The cast that presented Rendezvous did an outstanding job. E/S Andrus were in the play tonight. They are leaving the mission the first of the week. What a memorable experience for them as they leave. Elder Andrus plays the part of the editor which is the narrator. Also, Sister Donna Gibbons, who directs Rendezvous is leaving the mission in a few weeks. What a memorable experience for her!

President Monson closed his comments this afternoon by promising us that the Lord would be on our right hand and on our left hand and angels would hover over us as we serve our missions. He talked about how small choices make such a big difference in one’s life. Serving a mission is a choice that will have a positive effect on us and our family forever.

I am grateful for a living prophet. As I looked at President Monson I tried to imagine what it would be like to be a prophet. The weight of the calling must be unbelievable. The responsibility he has to lead a church of several million members is something that could only be done through inspiration from above. I feel so blessed to live upon the earth at this time and to have the blessing of a living prophet.