Sunday, June 28, 2015

Today at 5:38 PM Dearest Loved Ones, So I don't have much time, as usual, but here we go... We have been getting soo much rain this season which keeps things cool and nice! A lot of tornadoes in surrounding areas. I love the rain storms and am glad we get them since Utah gets nothing. So pageant has officially rolled into town! We started 7am rehearsals this week on Friday and Saturday and we will continue this upcoming week. We begin performances just a week from Monday. Which means that more and more people will be coming into town. Already for this upcoming week all of our performances for "The Promise" is sold out every day, both shows. With Youth Conferences, EFY, Pageant Family Casts, Family reunions, etc. there are a lot of groups that come to Nauvoo. Pageant is already so much fun. We had lunch with the core cast this week and they are a great group and it will be fun to be with them. I can't wait! So the most memorable experience of the week had to be yesterday which was the commemoration of the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith. We were able to participate in two services. The first being at noon at the Smith Cemetery for the Community of Christ Church and the second being at Carthage Jail for our church. Both services were special and beautiful. For the Community of Christ, we just sang and elders number and a sisters number. For our program at Carthage we performed our Carthage Vignette that we usually do on Sundays, the senior missionaries did a musical number, as well as the Young Sister Missionaries, and then our mission Pres. Pres. Gibbons spoke. We did it all outside to accommodate everyone and it is said that there were 1,100 in attendance. It was beautiful. I wish I could tell you more but time is short. I just want to leave you all with my testimony that I am grateful for the Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. I know he truly was who he said he was and he did a great work for the salvation of man. I know that if a young boy with a simple question can get an answer from a loving Heavenly Father that today we too can receive personal revelation from God. I love you all and love our family full of missionaries. It is all true, I know it! Sincerely Yours, Elder Joyner

Sunday, June 21, 2015

My Dearest Loved Ones, We are halfway through our mission tomorrow! How crazy time flies! Wow! This was such a fast week! It seems like I just emailed! First off, Happy Father's Day Dad! Hope you enjoyed it actually being home and being with family this year. I'm thankful for you and the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. I'm grateful for your example and love. So I hate how I have like no time to write...bah! This mission is hard! Anyway... So I wanted to tell of a special family I met last week. I won't post names for the blog's sake but it was this father and his daughter who was 23 who had Downs Syndrome or another disability very similar. They live in Wisconsin but he is from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico!!!! That was so neat! We talked about Hermosillo and it was so cool! I don't believe in coincidences because I know God is in every aspect of our lives. His daughter who has special needs really loves theatre and musicals and they told us of a recent trip they took to NYC to see some shows and she just loved it. She didn't really talk much, but all she would really respond if you tried to talk to her was "yeah". But she loved theatre and so just this man and his daughter came to see our shows in Nauvoo. I loved watching her during all of our performances. Her face would just light up with the biggest smile and she would pay such close attention to everything. I felt really special watching her as we performed "Anna-Amanda" and testified through the story of the show that everyone has divine potential and infinite worth. One of the most memorable experiences was seeing her as we began singing "Invocation" before our show and how you could just see the spirit light up in her and how happy she was seeing us sing. I thought of her father and all the sacrifices he had probably made in his life for his family and how he took the time to come with his daughter who didn't talk much and he probably couldn't have much of a conversation with her, yet out of love took the time to take this trip with her and love her. Anyway I'm out of time. Geez! I didn't even get to say anything.. I love you! It's all true, I know it! Sincerely Yours, Elder Joyner

Sunday, June 14, 2015

This is transcribed letter from Dayne’s handwritten letter this week. He spent his email time writing Elise a final email, so not much time on the computer. I tried to resist making grammatical corrections as much as possible, but there may be a comma or two where he didn’t have one. *Fun Fact: this took 1.5 hours to write! June 14, 2015 My Dearest Family, So I thought I was doing really well this week because I had a list of things to tell you, but since I got busy writing Elise a last email, I didn't have time. That is okay because this is fun writing a letter! Like the good old days before email. And I can actually do this being in the states and all. And it's better this way because I have more time, I can say more, and think things out. Like I said, thanks for the package of cookies! All the Elders loved them and it was fun getting it. This whole mission and same week getting mail thing is so new to me and so fun. This week was such a good week and we had so many great experiences and tender mercies from the Lord. Sometimes I don't know what to write since other parents post everything. So I try to tell you things you won't hear from others. I think some things I will repeat. So Dad says you heard about the little incident… Yeah… Ha ha it was hilarious! We were doing a performance of “The Promise” and it was cast B so I was William. There is this one song where a lot of chaos and things happen on stage. Well at this one point one Sister grabs my arm and pulls me in the opposite direction. Well this particular day, another Sister was not in her right spot and as I was pulled on one arm to turn around, my other arm went flying and hit that Sister straight in the face… and it was kind of hard. It all happened so fast and was hilarious. I had a hard time keeping it together. Later, when she told me her side of the story, she said I like almost knocked her out and she went black and couldn't see for a bit and had to just stand there singing trying not to fall down as she tried to regain her sight. The funny thing is that it just happened again yesterday! Only I didn't hit her as hard and it was on the collar bone, not the face this time. But it was still hilarious! Funny quick thought so you get a sense of our group’s personality: our group is very social and crazy and has a super hard time focusing. Groups in years past have not had this problem so we are quite special. Anyway, Sister's Spittle’s little sister who was a YPM in 2013 was here visiting this week and as we were preparing for a show our group was normal doing what we do and she walks in and the first thing she asked Sister Camp (one of our directors) if we all suffer from ADD. It's pretty bad! That's embarrassing! Imagine how hard it is for this introvert to be so surrounded by crazy, loud extroverts all day. We had the interesting opportunity to sing at a wedding this week. There is a couple who are not members that some senior missionaries have been working with. The couple wanted to get married and asked the senior couple if there was anyone in our church who could do it. They said of course and contacted the Bishop here. The ceremony was small and took place outside in the Women's Garden. The couple was dressed in pioneer attire which was cute and those in attendance were the senior couple and the Bishop's family. And that was it. We didn't stay for the whole service, we only went and sang two songs then left. It was neat though, and spiritual. I wouldn't be surprised if 2 baptisms come out of it someday. Like I mentioned last week, the Young Ambassadors have been here for these 2 weeks performing their show on the outdoor stage after our “Sunset by the Mississippi”. At first and for a while, we were intimidated by them and nervous, but it turned out to be really positive experience. Last Sunday we were able to attend their fireside and afterwards they were going to come to the “Trail of Hope” that night but there was some super bad weather (we ended up losing power at our house) and we had to cancel the Trail for the night. They came to see our shows on Thursday and they were a great audience. Wednesday they were making plans to come see “Trail of Hope” after their show because their director really wanted them to see it and felt it would help them. Well as we began the Trail that night, we were nervous because of a really bad storm that was heading our way. We were all praying all day that the weather would hold off so we could do the Trail. As we began the Trail we had a lightning show! Off to the west, across the river there was intense lightning. It was incredible to watch! So powerful and beautiful actually. It was a blessing that it was just lightning and not thunder. And that it was in the heavens and not touching ground or else we would probably cancel. As the night went on the lightning became more and more intense and started circling around us going to the north in addition to the west. As the last of the groups were ending the Young Ambassadors showed up and they were able to start the Trail. As they started the Trail the wind got stronger and the lightning intensified even more. The storms seemed to be all around us except for in Nauvoo. It seemed like a circle and in the middle was Nauvoo with no rain or storm yet. Just as the Young Ambassadors started the last station on the Trail, raindrops started. It wasn't a hard rain, just a few drops. They were able to make it through the whole Trail and they were very grateful to us to allow them the opportunity. As they finished, the rain started more steadily. It was all such a tender mercy and blessing from the Lord. He heard and answered our prayers and held the storm till we were completely finished. I was a company captain that night so I was able to go down the Trail with a group and as I went down the trail, I couldn't help but marvel at the lightening. What a gorgeous site it was and I reflected of the greatness, the power and glory of our God. How beautiful his creations! All of his creations and he has given it all to us. Every single thing we have in this life comes from Him because He loves us. He is so great and is the Almighty Creator that he created this beautiful place we call Earth for us! He has such great power and majesty. As we finish the Trail, some of us went out to sit on a fence overlooking a big field and watched the lightning. We sang hymns like “Master the Tempest is Raging” and “How Great Thou Art” and “How Great is our God”. In this mission I have felt more of His love and feel like I understand Him more. I keep feeling like my first mission was a converting mission for me where I was converted. This second mission I consider a “fine-tuning” mission where I am “fine-tuning” my knowledge and gaining a deep and greater understanding of things. I am growing in my relationship with God and learning how to constantly “de-clutter” and rid my mind of the distractions and things of the world and tune into the spiritual and listen to the Spirit. This is definitely a practice I want to take with me the rest of my life and to constantly “de-clutter” my mind to be more in tune with the Spirit and my Heavenly Father and His will. I would invite you all to do the same. It is amazing! We have another neat experience with the Young Ambassadors. They visited Carthage on a weekday and since we do our Carthage vignette on Sunday only, they didn't see it. Their director really wanted them to see it because he felt like their group could really benefit from it and needed it. It was hard to coordinate schedules, but on Saturday, between our two shows of “The Promise” we presented our vignette for them. Our Carthage vignette is easily the most special thing we do and most sacred. We were a little bit uncertain how it would be because it was written to be performed at Carthage, but the Camps (directors) assured us it would be alright. We spiritually prepared ourselves as we entered the room the Spirit was so there. As we performed the vignette the Spirit was so strong as we testified of the prophet and his brother Hyrum. The Spirit was so thick you could cut it with a knife! By the end, there wasn't a single person without tears in their eyes who wasn't touched by the Spirit, including us. It was powerful and the Spirit really used us to reach them! We're also able to go see their show this week one night which was fun. I just have one last thought I forgot to mention about “Trail of Hope”. When we were doing it that night of the storm, there were so many people who came and it was said that they counted around 400. That is quite unusual to have so many so early on in the season and on a weekday. As Sister Camp was reflecting on this and wondering why so many had come, she told us that she had the impression come to her that it was because we prayed them here. And that's so true! The past few weeks we have been praying and fasting for those who would come this summer. We prayed that those who were unsure would make the decision to come and experience Nauvoo. This all came about because last year’s group was obedient and they had doors and opportunities open to them that had not been opened in the past. Our group wanted to do the same and was wondering what it could be that we could participate in or be our opportunity. Elder Camp felt impressed that our group would be able to reach out to many and touch many that groups in past years haven't and that this year there would be many more visitors for us to touch. Ever since then we started praying for visitors now it is being fulfilled. This mission is the best! I love being able to teach and testify by music and theatrical performance! I love you all so much and I'm thankful for all your love and support and sacrifices in my behalf. I hope this letter was kind of fun and different. Maybe I'll do it every so often. Have a great week! I love you all! Alex, I'm still waiting for that mission call! I got so nervous checking email today. Hope it comes soon! Cole, thanks for the notes and emails! You're the best! It's all true, I know it! Sincerely yours, Elder Joyner

"The Nauvoo Elders"

Beautiful sunset on the Mississippi River

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Dearest Loved Ones, Well this past week we hit our one month mark! Can you believe it! We have already been here one month and have accomplished so much! It is hard to believe that we are already 1/3 of the way done. Time sure flies and I'm sure the next few months will be no exception especially when pageant rolls around in a few weeks. This week has been super! I love Nauvoo and I love being a missionary! There is nothing better! I love how I am constantly growing and changing and working on my imperfections and becoming better and better. That is one of the best things about missions is how much you can change so quickly in a short amount of time and become nearer to Heavenly Father and more in tune with the spirit. I think there is no better place than Nauvoo where we are free from worldly clutter and distractions and can focus on the spirit. This is such a magical place! It is beginning....every is getting sick! I'm scared! And in Nauvoo when one YPM gets sick all the YPMs get sick. We have had to alter performance schedules a few times and switch out people from casts because of throat issues or people on vocal rest, etc. It started with just a few, but now more and more are getting sick. The BYU Young Ambassadors arrived this week. There will be here for 2 weeks performing and then after them the BYU Ballroom Group comes in for 2 weeks. They perform their show each night right after our "Sunset By The Mississippi" show. We haven't seen them perform yet, but will get to go this Tuesday and I believe that tomorrow (Monday) they are coming to see all of our shows. It has been interesting hearing reactions from guests and other Senior Missionaries who have gone to see their show. We do similar things in that we sing dance, but many have told us that they like us better because we have more spirit driven shows and testify more. Tis true! But I thing the YAs are still great and I'm excited to see their show Tuesday. I know a few of them. I wanted to share my testimony of the Priesthood Power. I have always had a deep love and appreciation for the priesthood, the power of God. I especially love priesthood blessings and have come to really know with a firm knowledge that they come from God. For some time I have been feeling like I wanted a blessing and I felt that there was a certain Elder who needed to give it to me. I was contemplating it for the past 2 weeks almost but never really found the right moment. Well, one day this same Elder comes to me and tells me he needed a blessing and I was supposed to be the one to give it to him. That night I gave him a blessing and then after he gave me one. He asked if there was anything specific I was needed the blessing for and I told him that just whatever the spirit told him. I have received 2 of the most powerful blessings in my life while being here in Nauvoo and this was one of them. The blessing started off with surface things but then began going deeper. Many of the things in the blessing were things I needed to hear and know without even knowing that I needed to hear them. These were things that the Elder giving me the blessing wouldn't know to say, but only a loving Heavenly Father who is actively present in my life and watching over me. I was so spiritually overcome that I began to weep, which doesn't happen too often for me. I have come to know and feel the love of God and how He is ever present in our lives. I have a testimony of Priesthood blessings and know that they come from God. It's all true! I know it! Sincerely Yours, Elder Joyner

This is at Carthage, Illinois with Elder Hendrickson. They performed "No Ordinary Brother" portraying Hyrum and Joseph Smith

Sunday, May 31, 2015 - "No Ordinary Brother"

Dearest Loved Ones, How fortunate I was to have some of you visit me this week! It was so fun for you to be here and to see you at all the performances. I hope more than seeing me, you enjoyed the spirit here and the messages shared. It was super fun! I feel like I don't have much of an email to write since half of my email list was here, but I'll share some stories. So one I can't shake from mind is from Friday night on the Trail of Hope. I was Company Captain and was socializing with the crowd as they were waiting in line to go on the trail. One teen girl came up to me and asked if I was the one who performed as William in the 4:30PM performance of "The Promise". I said that I was and then she asked how we got my head to be bald for the show. *Smack in the face* Geez! Haha! I was super proud of being able to grow out my hair long and to maybe have something on my head and then even with all I think I have someone comes and calls me bald. Haha! I thought it was funny! When I told her nothing and that I wasn't bald, I just have thin hair, she was embarrassed and went away. Haha! We were able to go to the temple this week for the first time. Since we have opened the shows and now have a more regular and constant schedule, we will be going to the temple every week on Thursday mornings. They open at 7AM just for us so we can do baptisms. There isn't a lot of time to do endowments, but they may try and work one in for us sometime. One of our Sisters got her mission call and has been waiting to open it till her mom was here. She finally opened it last night and she is going to New York, New York--Spanish Speaking. That is exciting and I'm just you will hear about it on Facebook but just thought I would throw in my 2 cents. Like I said, I was company captain on the Trail on Friday which means I was able to take a group down the trail instead of performing in it. It was so special and spiritual hearing from my fellow missionaries and hearing their testimonies come out as they tell the stories of the Saints leaving Nauvoo. I love Trail of Hope! It is seriously one of my favorite things we do here. I also love these YPMs to death! We have such a great group of people who are just wonderful! I have thought how in the real world theatre and entertainment industry, it is very competitive and everyone is paranoid about how talented other people are. I have thought recently how all of us here are talented. Or maybe I should say how we are all talented in our own ways. It is great how we all come together and there is no talk of someone being better than another or this person can't sing or can't dance. No. We all have strengths and weaknesses and we all come together in one cause and one work for our Father in Heaven and the result is beautiful and glorious. Sure the shows are cheesy at times but they help share the gospel and bring they spirit and I love the focus we all have when performing and how we can be in tune with the spirit as we perform. I feel this mission has really been something good for me and something I have needed to refocus myself and to improve. I love being able to improve my relationship with my Father in Heaven and to focus on service and serving Him and His Children. I think of all my peers and friends who are off doing other summer activities or internships, etc. and to think of what I am here doing. They may be helping themselves personally with their future and work, but I get to help others regarding their spiritual lives and salvation. I would not want to be any other place right now! Well, I am at a loss for things to share. I hate having so much to share that it is overwhelming that I can't choose what to share. I should just start making a list throughout the week to keep track. I love you all so much and am thankful for you love and support. I'm grateful for the sacrifice and time that you made to come out here this past week and I'm sorry that I didn't spend heaps of time with you. It is all true! I know it! Sincerely Yours, Elder Joyner