We had a combined meeting this morning encouraging us to give short tour and include a gospel concept and our testimonies. It was great and at the end, Pres. Ludwig asked us to thank our families for their prayers and for sharing us with the mission. It's a good time for me to express my gratitude to all of you for the good lives you live, the service you render both in the church and in your neighborhoods and families, and for your love and support of us as we serve here in Nauvoo. As I listen to other missionaries speak of problems with their children, I am overwhelmed with how blessed we are to have such wonderful children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We love and appreciate you all so much. Life is so good and we are loving our mission more and more as we see the ending coming near. We look forward to being with all of you; and again, thank you for who you are. We could not ask for a better family.

As most of you know, I have been struggling with my knee since surgery in January. Sometimes I just get really frustrated because I feel I'm not contributing as much as I could with two good legs. One of the missionaries here made me a wooden crutch so I could go on stage. (No aluminum crutches in the 1840's) I've even had people see me in the sites the next day and say "Oh, so that wasn't a prop last night." So, despite trying to be cheerful and see the humor in my situation, I sometimes get really irritated by it all.

On Sunday Apr. 25 We gave our going home talks ( I know we still have nearly 4 months, but their are so many going home that we have to start early to get everyone in). Anyway I talked about my 3rd great-grandparents. Drucilla and James Hendricks. James was wounded at the battle of crooked river and was crippled the rest of his life. No light aluminum crutches for him. No comfortable wheel chairs. No air conditioned, shock absorbed cars. etc. etc. etc. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for him and her with life as it was in the 1840's. Yet, they did manage to get to the rocky mountains, raise their family and James served as a bishop and mayor for a number of years. So maybe I should forget the inconveniences of having to use a crutch for a few months and just be grateful for all the wonderful blessings we enjoy. We are so grateful for all our wonderful family. Being here in Nauvoo is really the most wonderful privilege we could ever hope to have. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is such a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father and His Son. Life is full of joy and exciting opportunities. I have NOTHING to complain about. God bless you all. Love from both of us.