July 19, 2015

Dearest Loved Ones, Elder Holland was here this past week on his family vacation and he came and saw our show. It was sad because he was trying to enjoy time with his family since July is the General Authorities' month off yet there were still mobs of people going up and bugging him and trying to talk and meet him. He snuck him in right before the show started and we were at the top of the stairs in the theatre waiting to go on and he entered that way so we were able to see him and he shook each of our hands and told us good luck. It was very nice. That night we had a special meeting with the mission and he shared his feeling with us about Nauvoo and how we really do live Zion here and how special this place is. I believe it! This really is Zion and it has been peaceful and perfect and I don't look forward to going back to the world in 3 weeks. Going off of Zion, pageant is really enjoyable backstage with the family casts. We try to make an environment similar to that of the temple where it is sacred and we whisper and can listen to the show and learn and have gospel discussions. One thing we do also is have random prayer groups for those on stage. Just randomly we will pull a few families together and ask them to join us in prayer with us to pray for those currently performing onstage. It was wonderful and that truly is a Zion atmosphere. I hope you all enjoy your week here in beautiful Nauvoo and that you let Nauvoo change you and you can feel of the wonderful spirit here. You have your own opportunity to live Zion for a week! Love you all! It's all true, I know it! Sincerely Yours, Elder Joyner