Marilyn's Birthday, Geese and Deer, FHE Group Activity, Temple

We celebrated Marilyn's birthday today by going to a restaurant in Keokuk (the Hawkeye Restuarant) with the Elder and Sister Wyndham (from the Seattle area).  Sister Wyndham's birthday is also on February 24th (but not the same birth year).  We had a pleasant time with them.  Marilyn also wanted to say thank you to all who sent her cards, gifts, messages, etc. 

There are a lot of Canadian geese who seem to love being here in the Nauvoo area.  Lately, they have spent a lot of time in an area about two blocks south of where we live.  They were there for several days this past week.  I heard they really like eating grass and now, with the snow mostly melted off of the snow, they like being on the lawns around here.  Actually, there are many birds in this area - including eagles, swans and other birds.  We see many of them along (or on) the Mississippi River as we travel to Keokuk.  Below are some pictures of some geese.




Tonight we had another FHE Group Activity with all of the Temple Missionaries and the Temple Presidency.  The topic was Adam-ondi-ahman, which is located in northwestern Missouri (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/adam-ondi-ahman?lang=eng).  The missionaries (serving at the Church's Nauvoo Historic Sites) gave an excellent presentation on Adam-ondi-ahmani, including what  happened in the past , what is happening now and specific prophesies about what will happen there in the future.  These missionaries served as missionaries in Adam-ondi-ahman.  We also sang "How Great Thou Art" (with some different words focusing on Adam-ondi-ahman) with Elder and Sister Teeples.  It was wonderful experience singing this touching song with them.  The temple matron (Sister Andersen) accompanied us.

Our temple service continues to be a great blessing for us.  For example, last Saturday we were guides for a couple who were married (sealed) in the Nauvoo temple.  There were about 45 friends and family members who came to support them.  It was a touching setting to see these great people (who live in various parts of the country) come to their sealing.  The couple was thrilled being in the temple and very appreciative of everyone serving in the temple -- and especially thankful for family and friends who were there with them.  

View of the temple from the Pageant stage area.