SO MANY GREAT MOMENTS

By Kevin V. Hunt

Blog #7

So many great moments happen all of the time here in Nauvoo.  It is just hard to imagine that we could have so many great experiences … and we are just getting started!

Where to begin …

OUR FIRST DAY ON THE JOB

The preparation was over.  We had been trained relative to our housing and general mission procedures.  Lou had spent time at the Sewing Center with the ladies who were going to sew clothing for her.  We got moved into our new place – the Simeon Dunn home of Old Nauvoo.  We had been to Keokuk to restock the wagon.  We had perused “site guides” to begin to learn what we should say in each home or shop (at least for the first one or two sites coming up immediately).  It appeared that everything was in place and working well.

So, then, it was time for us to go to work.  That was great … since that is what we came to Nauvoo to do.

That Wednesday morning – April 17^th came – ready or not.  We arose in plenty of time to be prepared for our assignment.  Sister Hunt fixed a nice breakfast and a lunch – for the road.  We gathered all of our study materials that we would need.

And the best part of all … we got to put ourselves into our new costumes that we’ve been working to collect or develop since receiving our mission calls as historic site guides.  It was all very exciting!

With the vehicle loaded with all of the above, it was time for our photo op.  (Where were all of the amazing family photographers when we needed them?)  We did the best we could and took several fun photos.  (And we soon discovered how fun it can be creating and posing in our different outfits – and at the many different places and circumstances that we find ourselves in.  Such fun!  Family members all commented on how good we looked.  (Does that mean that we look better in 1840’s garb than we do now?  Do we look better old?  Maybe …)

OUR FIRST DAY AS HISTORIC SITE GUIDES

I reported that we anticipated our first day of guiding to be in the Lucy Mack Smith home – and we were very excited about that.  But, as we have learned since, we have to be good Boy Scouts – and be prepared for ever-changing situations as circumstances warrant or require.

Such was our first day.  We had been anticipating our first day at the Lucy Mack Smith home, but it was good we didn’t get too set on that.  At the last minute, we were given a new assignment for the day.  We would work at the  Jonathan Browning home and gunsmith shop.

We reported there for duty and found that we were sharing the time and space with Elder and Sister Turner.  They were great mentors and very helpful.  They gave us a quick show-around and we had a few minutes at the beginning of the day to catch our breath(s).  And then received our first visitors.  The Turners graciously took the first group – and we were able to go along for the ride with them.

Then after that tour, a second group came in – and Elder and Sister Turner started the tour with these folks.  They had just got into their presentation – but were too far into it for newcomers to join in without missing a lot of the history.  These new folks entered the door.

I saw the look of panic on the face of Sister Turner who needed to remain with their group.  What should she do?  Then I surprised her.  Jonathan Browning … okay … I remembered giving some tours of his place in ancient times when I was here previously as a “young missionary”.    But, 49 years ago …?  I quickly jumped in and said, “No worries, we’ll take this!”  I saw a bigger panic look on Sister Turner’s face – and it mirrored that of my wife.  Sister Turner’s face said, “Are you sure?”  Yeah, why not.  I had prayed earlier for the Spirit in the tour – and I knew that He could “bring all things to our remembrance” (even 49 years hence! And I was not disappointed.  The tour seemed to progress well.  I was grateful for the help. 

Jonathan Browning was a great man.  Of course, he later invented many of the world’s best guns (although he never got his own patents on any of them).  He was a gunsmith and blacksmith extraordinaire.  His son, John Moses Browning, and many generations of posterity  following operated Browning Arms in Morgan canyon east of Ogden, Utah.  (And John Moses got over 130 patents on the family gun creations!)   Visitors to the Nauvoo site can view his blacksmith forge and can learn about many of the gun inventions.

But, even greater than the legacy of gun building, Jonathan Browning can be remembered for his commitment to the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And he can be remembered for his commitment to each community of which he was a part.  He understood the concept of “covenant community” and he worked hard to assist and help others in the community.  He was anxious to have all of his posterity be true and faithful to the Gospel truths that he had come to believe as true.  He was true to the prophetic leadership of Joseph Smith – and then Brigham Young.

We labored through the day with the Turners,  and I had opportunity to take several other tours – with my wife throwing in tidbits that she had gleaned – when she could.  It was a great day and we felt to rejoice in it. We made it through our first day – and knew that with that as history, we could likely conquer the world – with the help of The Spirit.

A GLORIOUS DAY AT THE LUCY MACK SMITH HOME

In my previous blog, I mentioned that my wife’s parents, Elder E.H. and Sister Verna Belcher had served their entire mission (extended to two and a half years) in the Lucy Mack Smith home.  That is a beautiful and wonderful place … but two and a half years in that tiny place?  Wow!

We were excited to go to work and to tread in their footsteps.

So, not our first, but our second day, we were privileged to spend the day with Lucy.  Again, we went dressed to the hilt – especially for this special day.  We had been anticipating re-living the legacy of Sister Verna Belcher – who had been Lucy for so long.  Again, we stopped for another photo op at our back steps, at the Lucy Mack Smith home, and at many times through the day.

We introduced guests to Lucy Mack Smith – as well as to Joseph “Bates” Noble – who originally built the home.  The Noble and Smith families had been friends for 25 or more years – dating back even to shared times in Palmyra, New York.

“Mother Smith” (a title she loved and rejoiced in – as a “Mother in Israel”) had previously lived briefly in the Browning Home (a fact we likely would have forgotten had we not been assigned initially to the Browning home).  In the Browning home, she dictated her history of Joseph Smith and the Church.  And now in her own home, she remained here for only nine months.  Having previously lost seven sons, she now spent time with her remaining son, William, as well as her three daughters and their families who lived nearby.   She was now over the age of 70 and had a bad case of arthritis.  And with all of the trauma of the above, she opted not to go west with the body of the saints – though she would have wanted to do so.

Lucy and Emma remained close – as they had always been.  Lucy spent her final years living with Emma and died on the Smith Farm – east of Nauvoo in 1856 at the age of 81 (having been born in 1775).

On our first day in the Lucy Mack Smith home, we hosted a very special group (actually a large group split into two large vans).  These were 10 church mission presidents (now called “Mission Leaders”) with their wives.  They gathered here to Nauvoo for a few days of training together staged by Area Seventy leadership.

They braved some heavy rain to obtain the experiences that they came to Nauvoo to have.  As they arrived for our first tours, Sister Hunt wanted to begin the tour – just as her mother had done before her.  But, as she tried to begin, she suddenly burst into tears and was so overcome that she could not even talk – as she thought of her mother there before her – and who was probably there with her on this occasion.  She could not talk.  (But, tears and such circumstances always seem to invite the Spirit in a special way – and that is what happened on this occasion).  Everyone was touched by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.

I came to her rescue.  I said, “I think I know why Sister Hunt is crying.  Her own parents served a mission here at the Lucy Mack Smith home 45 plus years ago and she is remembering them on this special day.”  I continued with the tours as Sister Hunt struggled for her composure.  I took them through the tiny home and told our special guests about Lucy Mack Smith.  I then took them all out (still in the heavy rain) to show them the back yard amenities and the cool Boston carriage.

With all of the above, it was indeed a great day with Lucy and Verna.  We basked in the spirit of it all.

We also took time to sneak a peek at Elder Belcher’s brickyard located just across the street.  Elder Belcher created the modern Nauvoo brick yard there and that was a great thing to remember and celebrate.  (And I promise more about him and his brickmaking experiences there – in a future blog.)

We served another two additional days at the Lucy Mack Smith home that first week – with more repeats of the above scenarios.  It was, indeed, a special few days.

LOU GETS FITTED FOR CUSTOM DRESSES IN THE NAUVOO SEWING ROOM

Sister Hunt came prepared to make a total of six dresses to wear in Nauvoo.  She brought the fabric for these outfits (one for each work day of the week) and their matching aprons. But, as noted in the previous blog article, she was able to “borrow” (for as long as she wishes) two dresses from the large supply available as “loaners” to missionaries.

She also learned that the wonderful Sisters in the sewing center could make one – and possibly a second (time permitting) for her.  She took the Sisters (mainly wives whose husbands are as serving as horse and carriage “teamsters”) and they immediately began to create the dresses.  And talk about amazing and wonderful!  These ladies were all of that.  And as the Sisters created the dresses, they frequently texted her – at each new step – to come down for fittings, measurings, and more.  Of course, she rushed right down there when summoned – wanting to “make hay while the sun shines” and as they were available and willing to work on her dresses.  She didn’t want them to get sidetracked to other projects if she did not get there right away.

Sister Mortensen designing Sister Hunt’s blue dress

It was exciting for Sister Hunt as the two dresses – one a turquoise blue and the other pink – progressed to completion.  She received many favorable comments by all other ladies who saw the dresses.  They were really stunning and beautiful! 

And we are very grateful to the amazing team of Sisters who worked together to create these marvelous wonders.  Sister Hunt will be happy every time that she puts these dresses on to go serve in the various historic homes.

Sister Lou Hunt in new pink dress made by Sister Hurst

A BUSY WEEK FILLED WITH A VARIETY OF WONDERFUL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

The next week proved to be exciting and wonderful – and packed with new meetings, activities, and gatherings.  And also,  opportunities to meet (and to try to remember) many great people   The week was packed with glorious adventures.

The week began with a Sunday devotional for all of the missionaries.  We had the privilege to hear a Sister Emily Upp, of the Church History department, speak.  She gave a very enlightening and enjoyable talk about Nauvoo history specifically – and church history in general.

GETTING TO KNOW OUR BRIGHAM DISTRICT COUPLES

On Tuesday, Elder Davies, district leader of our “Brigham District” invited the eight couples to a district activity.  (We have a district training or activity one Tuesday a month.  These alternate with bi-monthly all mission Tuesday training sessions – and a monthly zone training or activity).

Since many of our district couples were greenhorns like us, a wiener roast seemed to be the ideal setting for a first such gathering.  So, we all gathered to the home of Elder and Sister Carter.  As promised, Elder and Sister Davies hosted the event for us.  Of course, we all experienced the age-old trauma of where the fire smoke goes – is it with the wind – or to the most beautiful (or the ugliest?).  We all moved around as we felt that we needed to – but it didn’t help!  The evening had threatened rain, but proved to be fantastic.  And the backdrop of the gorgeous green countryside added immensely to the overall charm of the special evening.

After we had had our fill of the roasted wieners, chips, salads, and more, Elder Davies invited each of us to share special experiences (many sacred) that we had experienced thus far – or previously in Nauvoo service.  This proved to be a wonderful experience together – and helped to bind us together in the Nauvoo brotherhood.  And no such gathering would be complete without the infamous photo op.

Brigham District – Elders and Sisters Davies, Parker, Carter, Simkins, Turner, Hunt

And then Sister Carter surprised us with the invitation to enter her home where she served us apple pie and other delectables.  Yum!

We were planning to attend the monthly mission activity on Wednesday evening, but we got crossed up on the location for the gathering.  We went first to the Visitors’ Center and tried to enter through the west doors – but found them locked.  We then went to the Family Living Center and found that we were the only people there.  We later learned from our D.L. that it was, indeed, held at the Visitors’ Center – but everyone had parked and entered through the east side.  An unanticipated night at home – but we can anticipate the next such event next month.

THE GLORIOUS ANTICIPATION OF P-DAYS

We put in some long days – typically from 9 Am to 5:00 PM every day – often too busy to really sit down for lunch – though that is the goal and hope.

We have learned that our P-days (“preparation days”) will actually fluctuate monthly.  For April, the big day was Wednesday – but for the month of May, it will be on Thursdays.

Our first big day … but we really didn’t have much planned.  We did, of course, need to make our run to Keokuk for more food and supplies (though we now have a cupboard that is several steps up from that of Old Mother Hubbard).  We do have a decent supply now, so we just need to maintain it – and to purchase other perishables.  We did make the town run and kind of hung out around home most of the day.  Sister Hunt made a  couple of trips to the sewing room – and was elated with the ongoing progress.  Writing for my blog took up quite a bit of my time – and Sister Hunt basked in the thought of just having a “free day” to do as she pleased.  We were both happy.

Thursday evening passed without a scheduled activity.

ALL MISSION DINNER EVENT

The Nauvoo missionary team has a traditional monthly dinner gathering to welcome new missionaries (that included us this time) and who had arrived in the previous  month – and to recognize those who were going home soon.  (Another excuse to eat!  We seem to be good at this here.  Someone said that Nauvoo is a “35 pound mission …”  We hope not but the food sounds good.

This event this month was billed ahead of time as a “Hawaiian Haystack” potluck meal.  It doesn’t get much better than that!  We were all in for it.

As previously noted, Sister Hunt came prepared (that Boy Scout spirit strong within) to make her now famous   “Momma Lou’s Cinnamon Rolls” (and yes, that is the proper term for them).  She brought her Bosch mixer and all of the needed pans and other implements.  So, she signed up on the poster board committing to bring “a dessert”.

Creating cinnamon rolls, however, is a bit of a challenge on our schedule.  We do not get off “work” until 5:00 PM when our houses close – and the event was to begin at 6:00 PM.  This is further complicated by the fact that it takes 2 hours to go through the whole process to create those wonderful and amazing cinnamon rolls for which she has become famous.  I lamented that she couldn’t easily bring the rolls piping hot from the oven – as this seems to have a major tantalizing effect on all who might have opportunity to experience them.

So, reluctantly, her plan was to create the rolls the morning before going to our site assignment of the day.  This meant that Lou had to arise at 5:00 AM to prepare her rolls.  She decided to deviate a bit from the usual.  Having once made coconut rolls – that were so fabulous … she decided that these would be her cuisine of the day.  And with her apron on (given to us by grandkids), she went to work.  The aromas from the kitchen were wonderful as I arose at my usual time.  (If I held her hand while she worked, she would have been challenged to finish her tasks.  (Knead your bread … your bread needs you!). 

Back at home at the end of the day, Lou heated her buns a bit in the microwave – and then covered them with her usual tasty frosting (this time with a coconut twist).  We  hurried off to the event – to be held at the Nauvoo stake center (because there is more room there).  We got there just after the prayer and after the many food lines were already in process.  Many people soon noticed our two pans of the rolls and rushed to get theirs.   This made Sister Hunt happy – and everyone who had one became a happy camper also.

The meal was excellent and came off well.  We were introduced individually along with the other Gnubies.  They were careful to differentiate between us and my two other Hunt cousins (whom we had known in the MTC).  Our situation necessitates them using our first names to be different than the others.  But, we are also known as the “Site Guide Hunts” while the other two are “Teamster Hunts”.

And by the way, with the use of the FamilySearch “Relatives around Me” App, we have found a multitude of other shirt tail cousins.  With Sister Thomas, for instance, with Enterprise, Utah roots as deep as mine, we learned that we are third cousins (even with my other MTC 4^th cousins).  And we continue to find other folks with that good ol’ Enterprise and Hunt blood.  (More on that later!)

WE RECEIVE A BARAGE OF REINFORCEMENTS

I think I have talked of the 72 or so senior missionary couples who inhabit these environs.  But wait!  We are not done yet!  We just welcomed a great many beautiful young “YSM” (that means “Young Sister Missionaries”.  And they literally came in droves.

Sister Missionaries in front of Print Shop

Here in Nauvoo, many new Sisters arrive around the first of May – or a couple of weeks before – just in time for the anticipated very busy summer season.  They spend about six months here and then they receive a new mission call for an “outbound experience” as they call it.  They are sent to missions all around the United States.  They serve in these areas for another six months.  Then they are brought back to Nauvoo for their final six months of their missions.  In this manner, they serve here for two summers – and miss the exciting winters when there is not much happening – and so as to not freeze their tails off.  (They probably don’t need the tails anyway!)

So, we receive the missionaries who return from their outbounds – and at the same time, we get a bunch of new Sisters are who are just beginning their mission cycles.  Not a bad system.

And what that means is that we have recently received 50 … yes, you read it right … 50 new sisters in the past month.  Wow!  Too bad those Ammonite warriors are not around for them.  (But maybe they will be  waiting upon their return from the battlefield!)  Anyway, what a powerhouse of young women prepared!

The sisters serve right along side of the missionary couples as site guides in the many restored homes and shops.  We can anticipate at least one – if not two – companionships of these lovely young ladies at each home where we serve.

And Monday night – after the above packed week – we were privileged to hear the returning Sisters all report on their “outbound” experiences.  And they had some really great experiences.  A fun activity.

And as if that is not enough, at the end of last week, we received 50 “performing missionaries”.  These missionaries have energy, enthusiasm, and drama and musical prowess on steroids.  They serve as “preemie missionaries” (not yet served) or as returning missionaries – anxious for still more excitement.  Among them will be the famous Nauvoo Brass Band that will parade with instruments and energy down the streets and in the show places of Nauvoo.  They are gearing up now for their first performances.  We can’t wait!  Wow!  It just keeps getting better.

WE HOST AND MEET OUR MISSION LEADERS

Almost from our arrival, the Mission Leaders – President and Sister Mehr – have been anxious to come to visit us at our home – as they are doing with all new missionaries.  (I don’t know how that is possible with so many new missionaries constantly arriving).  They had seen us a couple of times and each time they said, “We have to find a time to come to visit with you.”  But with our daily assignment schedule (until 5:00 PM each night), it was a challenge to get together.  We told them that we could meet at one of our restored homes, but they were serious about coming to our place.  And that was a fun prospect!

President Daniel and Sister Rebecca Mehr – Nauvoo Site Leaders

Finally, I suggested that they come late – after the coming Sunday evening devotional.  This seemed to resonate with them.  So, we joyfully welcomed them about 8:20 PM after the Sunday devotional.

It was delightful to have Elder and Sister Mehr in our home.  Upon arrival, they were curious about our little home.  We gave them a tour and they seemed to enjoy this.  I showed Sister Mehr the log (of 25 years) wherein Dunn family progeny sign in after visiting their ancestor’s home and she was intrigued.  She found several semi-famous people she had known.   The log is fun … it has names, dates, addresses, and often a long string of “greats” as people try to explain how they are related to the pioneer Simeon.

And then somehow we got onto the crazy subject of how Lou and I met.  They really got into our story as we told how we had not seen each other for four months, that we had never talked marriage, had eight dates over a two year period, the proposal – that took about a month to complete, and especially, our first kiss ever that was over the Temple altar, and more.  (But that is all a story for another day!  Stay tuned!  Sometime we will share that – though we have already written much about it … we are just waiting to become famous so that someone will want to publish or make a movie of our story).

We told them of my previous mission (a hundred years ago) to Nauvoo as a young missionary and they were captivated with our account of the Belchers and their 2 ½ year stint in the Lucy Mack Smith home – and they could hardly grasp that.  We told them of the Belcher saving of the Coolidge Home as well as Elder Belcher’s creation of the Nauvoo brickyard and the famous Nauvoo brick.  They sat here dumb-founded – trying to take all of this in.

Lou divulged that I had a plethora of slides that I took on my first mission here and President Mehr got excited about this.  He invited me to create a slide show for a coming presentation for a Tuesday night training.  He also wants us to create a similar (or maybe the RD version – “Reader’s Digest Condensed Version” – of Elder Belcher and brick making – to go along with my own presentation.  We agreed to work to put something together for him.  He kind of wanted it for “next week” but the looks on our faces helped him to face reality and realize that such a project might take more than just a week to create.  Anyway, since his visit, I have been working feverishly to create such a show.  So, stay tuned for this too!

The Mehrs left and we realized to our chagrin that we had missed our chance for a photo op with them in our own home.  Again, where was our photographer when we needed her?  We will have to think of another time to capture the moment.

Whew!  How’s that for a busy week?  It was a great one … and we are so grateful and so excited about serving here in Nauvoo.  And the promise of even more good times ahead is exhilarating!  So great to be alive – and so great to be here in Nauvoo as missionaries.  It is a rough job, but someone has to do it!