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P-Day and another opportunity to get some stuff done and see Nauvoo at it's finest.  Last night we had a special fireside with the past General Young Women's President Elaine Dalton, and her hubby, that some to us for an hour.  He was pretty interesting as he talked about his family that worked on the original Nauvoo temple and how they helped put it all together.  Quite a family of craftsmen.

Today we were able to take Brother and Sister Dewey out for lunch at Kelly's in Quincy.  It is Sister Dewey's birthday and Mom wanted to do something nice for her.  Sister Dewey is the Head of the administrative staff for the temple and works closely with Arlene in the office so they have gotten pretty close.  Brother Dewey is an Assistant Recorder and is really a nice guy.  I like him a lot.  They told us about the cruises they go on each year and how they have figured out how to get the best deals out of the system.  Nice way to do it.

This afternoon we went to the stake center and had a get together with the other temple missionaries with a dinner.  Mom made her now "infamous" chicken noodle casserole that was eaten all gone.  For the activity we got to talk about experiences in our lives at the table of 8 missionaries.  Some of the things were pretty bizarre.  They then read the most popular ones to the whole group.

This is lucky table number 13.  Arlene, Sister Holmes, her husband is off doing something, Bro/Sis Creagh, and the  Lyman's.  

Most of the room.  Our table is in the far corner of the room.

We also got to hear from the Dallings, the Fitches, and the Leaches as they will be leaving before our next big get together.  We always give every couple a chance to speak to the group of missionaries and talk about how Nauvoo and their mission has affected them while they were here.  It is always special to hear heartfelt testimonies and see a few tears well up in their eyes as they express their love for their time in Nauvoo and their experiences here.  It's a nice touch to the evenings.  We, on the other hand, have another year, as we will just be completing our first 6 months here next Saturday.  Believe that?  We've been here 6 months net Saturday!  Weird, huh?

We had a pretty good time tonight.

Arlene got to talk to her sister one last time this afternoon but she was not responding at all.  She was not capable of responding.  She passed away this afternoon at about 3 PM after a long 5 year battle with cancer.  Arlene received the call when we got home after the activity tonight.  Arlene will not be able to attend the funeral.  Both Linda and Arlene knew this before we left on our mission.  It was their mutual decision when she visited her earlier this year before we came back.  Sad, but life goes on.  She is now enjoying a pain free life with her Mom, Dad, and many other family members that have passed on before.  She is probably doing lots of things and is busy as can be.  The rest of us and her family will carry on.  It is the way of things.  Till we meet again, Linda.  Blessings on your family.