A MISSION HIATUS, A WEDDING, AND A REUNION
Blog #70
By Kevin V. Hunt
One of the “perks” of being senior missionaries is that they are given a bit more “freedom” in their missionary service than their younger Elder and Sister counterparts. With authorization, senior missionaries can actually take a brief “hiatus” from service for things like births, marriages, deaths, and other vital family events. This is a very positive thing for the seniors who don’t want to miss out on those special family times.
Our own mission hiatus came back in June. (Yes, and I apologize that this blog is not in true chronological order. (But it will be in the right order when I print it in a book.) At the time that this part of life was happening, Sister Hunt and I were quite busy with the “church history immersion trips” with the Young Sister Missionaries and our historian duties relative to those trips took precedence. Yet it is amazing that we were able to fit everything – even a mission hiatus – into the packed schedule.)
WEDDING BELLS ANNOUNCED
Two or three months ahead of our June events, we were pleased to receive news that our grandson, Bryson, was soon to marry Annie Hunt. Hunt, yes, and don’t be alarmed … Bryson and Annie actually served in the same mission but only met briefly once on their missions. They connected afterwards. And yes, Annie’s maiden name is Hunt. It turns out that the two lovebirds were actually 4th cousins – but per AI and other reports, that seems to be a “safe” arrangement for protection of the family genes. But they didn’t put two and two together – relative to their relative connection – until they were madly in love – and then it was too late to back out.
They announced plans to be married June 6th in the Taylorsville, Utah Temple. (Taylorsville is located in the SW Salt Lake valley.)
Upon hearing the news of the pending nuptials, we approached our mission president and sought his permission for a trip. Permission granted! Thank you, President Mehr!
PLANS FOR A TRANS-CONTINENTAL TRAIN TRIP
Sister Hunt and I have become fans of riding Amtrak trains. Their prices are great – as compared to costly air flights, they do the driving, and in the process, passengers get to see some great country (and hundreds of miles and several states full of corn fields). A couple of years ago – the summer before our mission, I surprised Lou on her birthday with news of a coming whirlwind trip on Amtrak. This trip would take us from our city of Maricopa, Arizona east to Austin, Texas to see Kaylea and family, then the second leg to St. Louis to see Jenae and Family. And it was then that we went with them up to Nauvoo where we spent four wonderful and glorious days together.
(Little did we then know that just 9 months later we would be on a mission to the Nauvoo we were enjoying. And we made a commitment then that we would try to go to Nauvoo with each of our children and their families – thinking this might be a decade-long endeavor. It is a miracle how that all later happened while we were missionaries.)
Then our third train trip leg took us to Provo, Utah where we joined family gatherings and fun. We had previously taken our car to Utah for other events and had left it there for future reference. We reconnected with our car and drove to Idaho for the baptism of a granddaughter. It was a great trip and we loved it.
And so, with the wedding bells chiming, for Bryson and Annie, we checked out options and determined that the train was the way to go. We made our reservations and looked forward to the coming trip. Our hiatus meant that we would have to be gone from June 3 to the 9th of June. (And admittedly, that brought some feelings of guilt – though it really should not have.)
The best travel option was for us to embark upon our journey at the town of Burlington, Iowa – located about 30 miles north of Nauvoo – also on the banks of the Mississippi River. We made an advance trek to Burlington to check out the station location, the parking, and other possible details of meeting the train.
Above: Burlington, Iowa train station
On the appointed day, excitement and anticipation was high. We were ready for the action. We served in a Nauvoo site for much of the day and then headed in the late afternoon for Burlington. We first went to eat at a local food drive-in and took the food with us to eat in the train station parking lot. We found ourselves being in one of just two cars in the expansive parking lot.
Above: The Burlington luggage trailer stands as a silent reminder of glory days of the past
We went into the train station. This station was grand and glorious. It was obvious that in its “heyday” this station had been a major hub of energy and excitement with the trains – freight and passenger – of the day. Not so today! The grandeur was still evident in the magnificent structure but the place had an eerie feeling of abandonment leaving only haunting hints of the past.
As we entered the place, we found only one older lady. She was kind of the spooky guardian of the past. She sat on a bench near the front door – having long since completed her meager cleaning duties of the place for the day. She greeted us cheerfully. She pointed us to the exit doors across the station – from which we would catch our train. This almost seemed like a scene from Harry Potter’s Platform #9 of the Hogwarts Express. There were many similarities.
There was no station attendant, no ticket takers, no sales of tickets, no hustle or bustle and certainly not a commotion of anxious and excited trip takers. Luckily the bathrooms were still operable – though they were also of a vintage of a time gone by. We decided to wait outside for our arriving train. We noted that a couple of teen boys later entered the grand hall and they sat with their mother (not going with them) awaiting our departure time. And then one older guy by himself – also joined us. That was our departing group. So, there we were together … all standing on Platform #9 with the hope that there really would be a train coming to our deserted island.
OUR HIATUS BEGAN WITH A ROARING START
The train did ultimately come to that lonely spot. And that was a major relief. It came as a tornado roaring in. We were poised and ready. As soon as it stopped, the train doors opened up to us. We embarked with our several heavy suitcases. We really did have a ton of bricks with us. We had packed several versions of Nauvoo bricks with us – including many of the new Nauvoo Temple Bricks. We knew that our family would be excited to receive the new generation of Belcher family Nauvoo bricks. We made sure that we were the ones to carry and lift the heavy suitcases – fearing that if a train guy lifted them, we might be banned from the scene because of baggage overload. We really didn’t need to worry, however. There were no scales, no security, and no one to really monitor what we were doing. Glad that we passed those tests!
We boarded and got our luggage secure on the lower level. We then went to our pre-assigned seats. We got ourselves all situated and comfortable in the giant theater-type seats.
We put our feet up and were in a great state of anticipated joy in the comfort of the moment. And then we were off! (“And 20 women fainted …” as my Scoutmaster G. K. Nelson, used to say. He told the story of a woman who was at the races and experienced grief as she noted that her girdle and garters were departing the structure. She passed the word down the line of 20 women – seeking help in the dilemma. And with the excitement of the start gun, the lady and all of her friends heard the fatal words, “They’re off!” … and 20 women fainted. I thought you all might enjoy that historical tidbit of the past.)
We had just boarded when literally within just five minutes, we received some startling news. There was a tornado warning – not just a “watch” – meaning that there was indeed a tornado in our close proximity. Are you kidding me? Just the words “tornado warning” put a fear of terror in the hearts of everyone – and we were no exception.
Our train conductors broke the news to us. And then they took immediate action to protect us. They stopped the train and we were put on permanent hold. I am not sure where we parked but it was pitch black around us.
It was a scene of quiet panic. But we felt protected and mostly safe. We were told that we would be grounded for over an hour until after the tornado was out of our area and imminent danger. We were stopped on our tracks and quietly waited for over an hour.
The news of the tornado watch told me that Nauvoo was likely under the same “watch” guidelines.
ATTENDING TO MISSION DUTY EVEN REMOTELY
Among our many mission duties or callings, we served as District Leaders for our Hyrum #3, Brigham District. The mission had strict guidelines or procedures for making sure that all are safe in such situations. There is a specific communication “chain” to be followed. Each district leader is to personally contact each member of his district to determine where each person was and their status in those whereabouts.
Sister Hunt and I began to make those calls. We found our brothers and sisters in some unusual places. The Ballards were with some of their visiting family in the lower level of the parking garage across the street from the Temple. Some folks migrated down to the scary basements of their historic homes. (We were blessed to have a “finished” basement in our Simeon A. Dunn home … many of the basements were in a state of historic abeyance of the original 1839 to 1846 pioneer era. So, they had their own unique experiences hiding out in those basements.
Above: Elders and Sisters Duthie and Munns hunkering down in Nauvoo basement protected from the tornado action around them
And many of the folks hunkered down together in the basement under the “West Theater” of the Visitors’ Center. That is kind of a scary place now – with its interesting collection of historic relics from many by-gone eras. When I was there 60 years ago, this was a nice space. We even held our mission dinners and activities there. Interesting what time does to physical spaces.
Above: Nauvoo missionaries together in the Nauvoo Visitors’ Center basement safe from the tornado watch around them
Anyway, within a few moments, we were able to account for all of our district members. All were safe – but maybe not “sound”. We made our report upward to our Zone Leader, Elder Mitch Atkinson … and he reported for all of his districts – on up the chain.
With the threat of the tornado, the mission training that was scheduled for the evening got cancelled. So, Elder Duthie did not have to take any notes for me.
Gratefully, the tornado passed us by. We did learn that a freight train about 30 miles away had tipped over in the weather action. Glad that was not us.
I now refer to my personal journal for more details of our hiatus trip:
OUR TRAIN ADVENTURE MOVED WESTWARD
We sent our family a few updates and they responded that they were all praying for us. It is always so nice to have so many people praying for us.
A fellow passenger, Kenny, seated ahead of us heard me talking to my district members and decided that he should talk. He is a military veteran who is living miracle. He was hit in a fox hole and for about a year and a half he was in a coma. He experienced every possible trauma with operations etc. Sounds as if he has had a hard life. He has had two children (now age 20 and 23 who seem to be doing very well. He talked on and on but it was good for us to listen to him, I guess. We patiently listened to him for quite a while.
I spent the night working to create a description of the directories of the saved materials for the Church History Department. This turned into a big project – about 8 pages worth. But, by working diligently, I was able to accomplish the task.
Lou spent some time reading (for the first time) the book that I prepared for her about her Nauvoo ancestors. She said that it was interesting to read the book – after teaching in the sites – and to learn about her own people going through some of the same events and trauma. She read about some of the women weaving and spinning thread to make clothes for a great many family members. She read of corn roasts, Dutch oven cooking, “sociable” and activities. I was pleased that she enjoyed the book.
About 10:00 PM, a train spokesman (maybe the driver) got on the intercom. They had been announcing about the storm status and our current whereabouts. The guy made a final announcement for the evening and informed us that they will resume communications at 7 AM in the morning.
We made a joint trip down the very steep and narrow stairs to the bathrooms. I like to use the handicapped facility as it is very spacious – like a full room – rather than the very small other bathrooms.
We reclined our chairs to be the most comfortable for sleeping. I put my computer up in the rack and I got all of the blankets and pillows down for our use. We then went to sleep.
OUR TRAIN TREK CONTINUIED
JUNE 4TH – WEDNESDAY
We awoke about 6:30 AM in our reclined sleeping seats. Sleep during the night was kind of hit and miss. I could not get totally comfortable, but it was fairly comfortable under the circumstances. I awakened about every hour and a half through the night. We were generally awakened when the train whistle went off as we approached a new village along the way. We spent the night crossing Iowa. We awakened in Nebraska this morning.
We saw much of Iowa before we went to sleep but still missed much of it after dark. And as we slept, we totally missed Nebraska. About 7:00 am this morning we saw an Amtrak sign saying that we were in Ft. Morgan, Colorado. So, we are making progress. A couple more passengers joined us for the ride.
Lou brought breakfast for us. It was just like home. She had cold milk for cereal, bananas and even orange juice for me. Wow. Thanks, Lou!
But, “what goes in must come out” … so something to look forward to. Ugh! Another trip down the stairs!
Lou found a “current bush” (right there at our seat) so she was able to curl her hair as usual. She looked good.
And with the same current bush, I was able to work comfortably at my computer – with the help of a pull-out tray in front of me. This worked quite well. I finished my journal entry from yesterday.
I then began to work on my presentation/book about the recent YSM “Church History Immersion Trip”. I prayed for guidance. With that guidance, I was able to create the full Table of Contents – which is my way of creating the “vision” for the coming book. This is always an exciting accomplishment. It means that the book will really happen. So, here goes …!
We stopped for about a half hour in Denver. We got out and walked about a bit and enjoyed the views of the grand station (which had much more life than the Burlington Depot).
The fresh air felt wonderful and it was great to walk and stretch.
Back on the tracks, we continued westward. We stopped in Frazier Park briefly.
We went up over the Rocky Mountains and the scenery was spectacular. We had been on this route a couple of years ago so I did not just sit and focus on the scenery – as gorgeous as it was.
I loved the views of the majestic Colorado River – which we followed as we traversed down through Colorado (the great state where I was born).
I worked for a while on my “Immersion Project”. We went to the “observation car” for a few minutes. The view was great but I could not get the WIFI to do anything.
We stopped briefly at Glenwood, Colorado. We found an LDS lady to talk to. She saw our missionary badges.
Our Rosalie turned age 4 today. We called her but it was hard to hear with the connection – and with interruptions around us on the train. It will be great to see her in two days.
The afternoon rolled into the evening. We rode through Grand Junction – where Lou’s sister, Emylee lives. The eastern Utah countryside was not real impressive. It got dark and seemed late.
I called Craig Shaltes, one of my young Nauvoo companions, for his birthday. We had a good visit. I tried to talk him into coming to Nauvoo while we are here.
I spent the rest of the day on my “Immersion” project. I created sub-heading pages for each location that we visited. I then put photos to Nauvoo, Adam-Ondi-Ahman, and for Far West. Lou was anxious to assist in finding photos. We did not have enough unique photos for Far West – even between us.
About 10:00 PM, I gave up on the project. I could not get the internet to work and so there wasn’t much that I could do. I packed up the computer and then took a nap for the last hour of the ride.
We then drove up through Green River and Helper. We arrived in Provo about 10:45 PM. We were actually right on time. So, they made up some time somewhere. The Provo Station is nice – but it is secluded and is another scene devoid of any activity.
Kaylea and JD were there to meet us at the station. There was no action or other people there. It was good to see them again – after being away from them for 14 months.
Above: Lou Hunt with our luggage at Provo “station”
We rode with Kaylea and JD to their new home in Lehi, Utah. We had not seen their place before. It is gigantic and beautiful. Kaylea and JD have it fixed up and the many framed art pieces look amazing. They really do a great job in decorating their places. (And as I prepare this blog article on October 28th back at our Maricopa, Arizona home, they are again doing their decorating thing … re-hanging our photos and creating a new photo wall – with all of our family members. So great! Thanks, JD and Kaylea! We are glad we married you!)
Bryson and Annie (the soon-to-be-weds) were here. Lucy and Jett were asleep. We got to visit with Kaylea, JD and Brodey. It was fun to hang out with them all. We figured that it has been two and a half years since we have seen Bryson. We have not seen him since he went on his mission – in January of 2023.
We slept in the “theater room”. This is a giant and comfortable room with their big white couch. We did not go to sleep until about 2:30 PM – Utah time (which is an hour earlier than Nauvoo).
A BELCHER SIBLING REUNION
JUNE 5TH – THURSDAY
We had a long but very enjoyable day. We awoke at the home of Kaylea and JD. We slept last night on the couch. We all got ready to head out. We left in two vehicles. Lucy, Lou, and I rode with Kaylea in her cute pink Bronco vehicle. Brodey rode with JD. They do not have a vehicle that would hold us all.
We had planned with Lou’s siblings to meet for lunch at the Draper Chuck-A-Rama restaurant. This is the same place where we met them for dinner when we were in the MTC. (Chuck-A-Rama has long been one of my favorite buffet places.)
We also invited our children to join us, Jenae and Paul and their kids came up from Las Vegas. We rode to Draper with Kaylea and JD and they had three kids with them. Bryson and Annie were there with us. Dallin drove his own vehicle and met us there.
Dave Belcher, Lou’s brother, did not come. His wife had to work today. Gary and Holly Evans were there. They are both looking much older. They have both aged a lot in the 14 months since we have seen them. Vern and Celia Belcher were there. Kay and Jack Bollwinkel joined us. Emylee and Ken Patterson did not come up from Grand Junction. We don’t know if they got the two messages that we sent out. Jerry and Jerrie Lee did get our messages. They had planned initially to come to be with us for the lunch but their plans changed. And of course, Brad and Kerry are on a mission in San Diego
Above: The Belcher Siblings and spouses June 5, 2025
Keith and Kayla and their whole clan all came to be with us. They were late but it worked out. We had half of the large room to ourselves. We shared the space with a large Tongan family. So, we had three of our children and 13 of our grandchildren present with us. It was so fun to be with everyone once again. It was a joyful reunion. The teen cousins were all happy to hang out together.
IN THE BEST OF THE BELCHER TRADITION AND LEGACY
Keith quipped that he was eating a lot of bread – thinking of Gramps Belcher. When he was very young, he and Rusty came to Utah and spent a summer with Gramps – and they worked with him at the “This is the Place Monument”. Gramps often took them to eat at Chuck-A-Rama. And in those days, Gramps chastised the boys for eating bread at the place. He said, “If you want bread, I will take you to a grocery store and buy you a loaf for a dollar.” He didn’t think that they should be wasting Chuck-A-Rama by eating bread.
In an effort to maintain pride in the Belcher brick legacy, we took one of the new Nauvoo Temple bricks to each of the Belcher siblings. They loved these. We also showed them the book of Nauvoo ancestors and also the book about the new brick miracles. They liked both of the books.
I think that equates to 29 people! A fun group!
Above: The family group gathered at the family luncheon
We also showed them the book about their Nauvoo Belcher ancestors and also the book about the new brick miracles. They liked both of the books.
Above: Keith Hunt, design engineer, shows off the new Nauvoo Temple brick
At the end of the activity, Lou and I staged a historic moment. We gathered with us, Kaylea and Jd, and Keith for a photo op. We were the design team that together designed and created the new Nauvoo Temple Brick. The designers included Lou and me as the masterminds, JD and Kaylea who created the 9 designs from which the mission President and Church History Department chose the Temple design, and Keith who was the engineer who created the CAD files for the company who created the new brick molds.
Above: The design team for the new Nauvoo Temple Brick: (L to R) JD and Kaylea Stoddard, Keith Hung, Kevin and Lou Hunt
The whole activity was wonderful. It was great to have so many of the family there with us. We had a fun time. We took many photos at the event and afterwards.
WEDDING PREPARATIONS AND SUPPORT
We went back home to Lehi with Kaylea. I soon left with JD. We went shopping to buy food for the wedding luncheon that Kaylea and JD are staging after the wedding tomorrow. We went to Costco and then to Smith’s Food King. I bought a bunch of food to feed many family members on Saturday at the Belcher cabin). I bought ingredients to make German Pancakes – per the request of Marinda (who can be very forward in suggesting food for others to make for her). I bought watermelon, frozen fruit, plates and cups, Costco rolls, muffins, eggs, etc. JD brought materials for the luncheon.
Lou gave the new bricks to Keith, Jenae and Kaylea. They were all very pleased to receive them. Keith spent time reading the book that I made about the creation of the new brick. He appears in the book.
OUR EXPANDING FAMILY
All of the family were travelling today. Marinda and Mike got a late start leaving from Maricopa. He had to make a work stop on the Indian reservation somewhere. Jackie is traveling with her two boys and they are all riding with Larissa and her two boys. Lana and husband and four children were to arrive from Idaho later. Their two older daughters are coming on their own tomorrow. Rusty and Fabriza – with their son and daughter came on their own and they got here safely – but we have not seen them yet.
Michael is not coming for whatever reason. Stuart just got a new job so could not get off work. Blake is attending FSY (the church youth conference) this week. We have the three missionaries – Katelyn, Abby, and Joseph all still serving.
When Annie joins the family, we will have 64 family members. Twelve will not be here but 52 of the family will be here for the wedding.
Annie, the bride, called and said that they needed help to move a giant tent that is to be a part of the reception tomorrow. So, many of us headed up to Taylorsville (Salt Lake City) where she and her family live. It was a challenge to bring together people from all over to help with the task. But, once we got everyone collected, most of us got on a single pole of the tent and helped move it 90 degrees.
I was pleased to meet Annie’s father. He seems like a good guy. He was kind of challenged at the moment with wedding preparations. He is Jonathan (John) Albert Hunt. He and I are third cousins (not removed). His great grandfather was Zera Pulsipher Terry Hunt who is a brother to my Elias Franklin Hunt. So, Annie and I are third cousins once removed. She and Bryson are 4th Cousins once removed. (Kaylea and Annie are 4th Cousins). This is all interesting and fun.
I said, “Well at least we are not all living in Alabama, Oklahoma or Arkansas.” They said it was interesting getting the wedding license – since Bryson has Hunt in his full name.
I met Jason, who is Annie’s brother. He is about age 19. He has a girlfriend and the family is holding the luncheon tomorrow – and the wedding reception both at the home of this guy’s girlfriend’s grandparents. I asked her what their name is and she said, “Hancock”. I said, “Then we are cousins!” We tried to run the “Relatives Around Me” phone app but she had to load it onto her phone and it was not working really well.
PREPARATIONS AND MORE FAMILY TIME
JD took all of the luncheon food – as well as his musical equipment down in his truck. He is going to be “JD the DJ” tomorrow night.
Lou and I went to dinner with Jenae and Paul and family, Kaylea, JD and some of their family). We dined at a very unique and interesting restaurant. The place has authentic racing cars suspended all over above our heads – and hanging down from the ceiling. The place is called “The Garage Grill”. We all got burgers of some kind. Mine was way too much food (especially after eating the big lunch meal at Chuck-A-Rama).
The restaurant was not busy so we were able to just hang out and visit together. This was very fun.
We went back to the Kaylea/JD home to hang out more. Lana and Spencer – with the four children about 9:00 PM. It was also great to see them all. They came inside and visited with everyone for a while.
Jenae and Paul took their kids and some girl cousins to their nearby Air BandB place. The three girls had a grand time knitting animals together. All three are very “crafty”.
We had quite a crowd here at Kaylea’s place tonight. (Keith and family spent the night with his former mission companion, Parker. They ate dinner with them tonight.)
Bryson staged a “bachelor party” tonight for his Arizona friends. He said, “They all came”. They went to dinner and then to a mini-golf place. They showed up at the Stoddard home to watch a movie. I was pleased to see Brecken Bogle and Kirk Evans. I talked to Brecken about our common Pacana Park Ward and missionaries currently serving from the ward. Kirk got home from his mission about three months ago. He went to Africa. His brother, Russell also went to Africa. Their missions overlapped. Kirk was able to fly to Minneapolis where Russell had a layover for a couple of hours on his way to Africa.
The rest of us – with Jenae, Kaylea, and Lana and families all visited tonight. This was fun.
Lou and I slept in the soon-to-be newly-weds suite. Bryson and his six or so bachelor buddies spent the night in the theater room. (Not sure where they all slept!)
THE WEDDING DAY FOR BRYSON AND ANNIE
JUNE 6TH – FRIDAY
Wow! What a day!
The bachelors stayed up to 4:30 AM. Bryson also followed the same schedule. Lou had her shower last night. I got up at 6:30 AM to get mine. Bryson was soon in there as the other guys slept. Bryson was next. He got into a very fancy beige suit and he looked amazing. One by one, all of his friends found their way to the shower. I am surprised that there was enough time to get everyone through.
I read several chapters from the book of Alma. This was good. I read of the end of the Nephite wars – in the days of Moroni and Helaman.
We all left about 8:30 AM. Lou and I rode with Kaylea. JD drove his truck. Dallin drove his vehicle. We drove to the Taylorsville Temple. I had not been there before. The Temple was beautiful.
We had all kind of planned for Keith and Kayla to help tend or herd the many other grandchildren while their parents were in the Temple. This back-fired a bit. He had engine trouble. He backed out of a driveway and hit another car that was behind him. I am sure that this made him very sad. The door of the other vehicle was damaged but his big van suffered little abuse.
THE TEMPLE SEALING
Above: Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt at Taylorsville, Utah Temple
We had a multitude of family gathered at the Taylorsville Temple for the wedding. It was great to have all seven of my women and one son and a daughter-in-law there on the row with me. (I note that I have often said that I fulfill scripture with my “seven women”. (Isaiah 4:1, and 2 Nephi 14:1)
The sealer had an interesting name – which I did not remember. It was something like Hereon. He was great, however. He saw my missionary name tag as he entered the sealing room and singled me out and shook my hand and said, “Elder Hunt, it is good to have you here and thank you for serving a mission.”
The mothers of the bride and groom were seated at the end of the room. Lou joined Kaylea there in an adjacent seat. The sealer switched the seating spots of the witnesses Jon Hunt and JD Stoddard so that they were facing their wives.
There were about 40 people in the ceremony. It was great to know that we were also related to most of the folks on the bride’s side of the family. We were all descendants of Elias and Aluna Terry Hunt. I hope that all of the ancestors up through them were there though I did not feel them individually.
It was a beautiful and sacred time as Bryson led his lady, Annie Hunt inside and was seated. They looked great together. The “new” ceremony is wonderful. Bryson looked directly into the eyes of Annie the whole time. She focused upon the sealer. He also could not stop smiling. So, another Celestial union was begun. Very exciting.
After the ceremony we went outside to get reunited with the many grandchildren. We went to the east side of the Temple where they have the newlyweds make their exit for photographs. Keith and Kayla and family had settled their trauma (at least temporarily) and were able to join us. Excitement was high as the new couple made their grand exit from the Temple. Bryson gave Annie a dipping kiss and many more to come.
We all then went to the north face of the Temple. Kaylea was the “mother of the groom” but she was also the event photographer. She staged a multitude of poses with various family groups. I was happy to get a full group photo.
This is always a laborious task – for both the photographer as well as for those being photographed. And the heat became stronger the longer we were out there. Everyone was patient with the exercise.
THE WEDDING LUNCHEON AND AFTERNOON FESTIVITIES
We then went en masses to the location where the luncheon and the later reception was to be held. This is the home of a Brother Hancock. His granddaughter is being dated by a brother to the bride and this guy consented to let the party to be held at his home. This guy is a widow. His wife died about a year ago.
The home was very unique. It was a hexagonal shape. In the center of the place was a very large “pit” and in this pit was a sunken trampoline. The family room (without the tramp) would have been quite large. The trauma with this house was that there was only one operational toilet (and there was a large crowd there throught the day).
JD and Kaylea (by wedding tradition) were in charge of the wedding luncheon and we planned for about 125 people to be there. JD had asked Lou and me – and Kaylea’s sisters – to help stage the event. We all went work to prepare the food for the crowd. We prepared trays with ham, cheese, and rolls. Paul cut up watermelon. Jenae and Jackie cut up rolls and meat. Lou kind of functioned as the “kitchen manager” and she did well in the role. I made the punch – as usual. The Kool-Aid was tropical punch flavored – not my favorite. I made two 5-gallon tanks of the punch. I later had to add a bit more water to the mix.
We all agreed that the kitchen was a “loser”. It was not at all conducive for staging a big party. We did the best that we could under the circumstances.
We ate outside in a very large yard. The weather was quite pleasant. JD and Kaylea should have (also by tradition) also been in charge of the luncheon but the other Hunts had a son-in-law serve as the MC. (This even though JD brought much of his sound equipment and thought that he was to be the “DJ” for the event.) We were ready with the food much earlier than the other folks were ready to start. Many of our posterity wanted to help. Easton and Trevor were very helpful in taking stuff from inside to the outside area.
We ate lunch – and by this time everyone was quite ready to eat. I enjoyed visiting again with “cousin” Jon – the bride’s father and his father – Zera Hunt.
I did the dishes from the event and straightened up the kitchen. I then needed to “see a man about a horse” and did not want to use the grungy bathroom facility I had already experienced. I made a trek to a park located across the street.
We went to a small park nearby and then Annie told the family of a bigger and better park located a mile or so away. This proved to be a wonderful place. It was replete with a variety of slides, swings, paths, etc. We all gravitated to a quiet place in the shade. We let the kids play about and the adults just sat and talked. This was a fun time together. We all enjoyed the informality of the situation. We were there for two hours or so.
On the way to the park, Rusty went to a local service station. He offered to buy drinks for his family and for me. I found an interesting milk shake making machine. It was a bit of a challenge to figure out the machine but we finally did so. I got a mint chocolate chip milk shake for both Lou and me. Lou seemed to enjoy the shake – as did I.
A VERY UNIQUE AND FUN WEDDING RECEPTION
We returned to the Hancock home for the rest of the wedding festivities. The venue was gaily decorated. There was a giant tent – under which there were many tables and chairs, and a big space for dancing. The food serving area was located centrally in the area.
The food for the evening included purple “power shakes” and pizza. They kept Domino’s Pizza coming hot and ready all night. I enjoyed just a single piece of the pizza. I was still full from the earlier meal.
Bryson and Annie stood (without parents) under a lace arch that was decked out with beautiful flower arrangements. These arrangements and the multitude of corsages and boutonnieres made by the florist reminded me of my own pleasant days of being a florist. I worked at Crismon’s Flowers for nearly three years before my mission and for a couple of years later (in Mesa and in Provo, Utah) after my mission.
Lou and I passed through the “line” early on. We enjoyed visiting with our Boy Bryson and Annie. Annie is personable and friendly and she is already calling Lou and me Grandpa and Grandma. We like her a lot. We think that she is a great addition to the family. We love her already. Bryson and Annie seem to make a great pair.
I was pleased to get a photo of me with grandsons, Bryson and Caleb. We are definitely look-a-likes. All of our photos through the years look alike.
i got a photo of me with my kid brother, Ray. I would hate to look as old as him!
I was surpIised to look over to see Stephanie (Hunt), the daughter of my deceased cousin Bruce Hunt. And she was very shocked to see me (in Utah, no less). I guess she and John, the father of the bride, have been friends for many years – since high school. It was fun to see her reaction when she saw me – and a shock to John as Stephanie told him that she was related to both Hunt sides of the wedding. Stephanie called her mother, Jane Hunt, and she came over and visited for a while.
I enjoyed meeting MANY cousins at the events of the day. Jonathan Albert Hunt is the father of the Bride. His father is Zera (and his grandfather is Zera Pulsipher Terry Hunt – who is a brother to my great grandfather, Elias Franklin Hunt. I liked visiting with him. He introduced me to another of his sons – Andrew. We got a great photo of Jane, Stephanie, Andrew, John, and my sons, Rusty and Keith. This was great!
I liked visiting with many of my posterity – and giving hugs to all of the children. It was nice to be reunited again after the 14-month absence away from them. I visited with a few of Bryson’s friends. It was fun to again see Chase Woodhouse. We got to know him quite well as Bryson’s friend in Maricopa. He recently came home from a mission to Texas.
Lou and I got a photo with our 35 grandchildren (36 with Annie). This was a bit tricky to corner them (and their parents) at once but my persistence paid off. So great to have to many together at once. We were missing Blake Bowles (FSF), thee missionaries – Joseph Stoddard, Abby Bowles, Katelyn Merrill and the four children of K.C. and Celeste. I loved the photo.
Annie and Bryson staged a dance and got many folks (mostly young adults) going for it. It was fun to watch their energy.
Annie and Bryson did the traditional “feed each other the cake” thing. Bryson danced with Kaylea. I told her that was probably the longest time she has had with just him in a few years. She agreed.
After the above activities, the bride and groom (him in different pants) decided (pre-planned) to go jump into the swimming pool. She was in her wedding gown still. This was a fun activity for all to witness. Then many other folks decided to jump into the pool also. Even Kaylea got into this action. She said that the water felt really great after the heat and stress of the day.
Then it was time for the bride and groom to make their exit. All guests were invited to come out near the get-away car. We lined up in two long lines and the couple ran through between us. And to add to the fun, we all were given water balloons and we got to bombard the newlyweds as they made their escape.
And then they were gone. Tomorrow they will leave for a nearly week-long trip to Mexico to “moon their honeys”.
Many people said later that this reception was the best or most fun they had ever experienced. It certainly was a lot of fun.
After the couple departed, our family pitched in to help take down all of the tables, chairs, etc. We soon had the job completed.
ANOTHER GATHERING AT THE BELCHER “EVEY CABIN”
Rusty and Fabriza went off to their Air BandB – as did Jenae and Paul. Jenae and Paul took two of Kaylea’s kids with them for the night. Lana and Spencer went to an Air BandB also. All of the rest of us – Lou and me, Jackie and boys, Kaylea and JD with 3 kids, Keith and Kayla and their 8 kids, Marinda and Mike and their seven, and Larissa and boys (I think that makes 32 people) all went up Provo Canyon to Heber City.
We all spent the night at the Belcher (“Evey’s family cabin”.)
Lou and I rode with JD and Kaylea. We were about an hour behind the rest of the group. We did not get there until about midnight. Jackie had already been able to get most of the kids asleep. We were literally all laid out in every available space. Lou and I had opposite ends of the couch. Jett and Dallin were in very strange places – on very narrow cushions.
JD, Kaylea, and Jackie laid three to a bed. And Lou’s couch was adjacent to JD’s narrow space on the bed. I told him that he ought to be happy being in bed with three women. Keith and their eight children were up on the top floor of the A-frame. Larissa was on a large chair on the lower floor. Marinda and family had the middle floor.
We are grateful that we were able to obtain use of the Belcher cabin. A note about use of the family cabin. Things have changed a bit. There are only a few people who still have ownership in the place. The taxes for the place have become exorbitant. In an effort to save money, those still in, have contracted reservations and use of the place through an outside company called VRBO.
It was like 1:00 AM when we finally got to bed. It had been a grand day … so much fun and so many great experiences with the family. We are grateful that most of our family could be here with us – and we are grateful that we were able to get authorization for us to be here ourselves. We thank the Lord for our family and the blessings of the Gospel that make our eternal family so special.
A SPECIAL REUNION TIME IN THE SPACE AND SPIRIT OF GRAMPS BELCHER
JUNE 7TH – SATURDAY
The crowd awoke this morning at the Belcher “Evey’s Cabin” (which he and other familiy members helped to create). Such a beautiful space! And all of us felt the spirit of gramps Belcher there with us.
There were many stories shared about the evening spent in the cabin. The worst war story was the snoring of Mike Roller – whose z’s rocked the place and reverberated and echoed down the walls. I was happy that I slept well. I did not hear the other noises that others complained of. I was able to get in a shower before the rush. This was good.
My next task was to help facilitate breakfast for the crowd. Mike volunteered to cook pancakes. The ladies decided that it was a bit too traumatic to try to cook the German pancakes for such a crowd. While he cooked the pancakes, I helped to organize all of the rest of the stuff. We had muffins, bananas, mixed berries, milk, small oranges, cold cereal, and more. We had quite a spread of stuff to choose from.
About the same time, Lou and Larissa mentioned the opportunity for kids to dig in the sand with the hope of finding coins hidden in the sand (leftover from previous Belcher gatherings). There was a mad dash to the pile and the digging activity kept the kids very active and enthused for hours. This proved to be a fun activity for them.
Lou and all of the other adults checked their pockets and purses and found many coins that could be buried for the kids. Later, after the pile had been greatly explored, Lou upped “the ante” and said that the first kids to come forth with a penny could trade their penny for a bill (and she found $5.00 bills). She also buried three $5 bills. Lucas came forward first and got the $5. He also found two of the other bills. Samuel, Grant, and even little Rosalie came one at a time later and wanted the bill. Lou managed to scrounge for then ($1 for Rosalie … and she was pretty proud of it.)
A TOUR OF THE BELCHER CABIN PROPERTY
With the meal done, the entire family was ready for more action. I offered to take the crowd on a walk-about around the place. We were surprised at how many folks had not been there for twenty five or more years. This included Jackie, Jenae, Marinda, and Keith. Kaylea, Lana and Larissa have been to the place in recent years.
Just as we were organized to go on our hike, Lana and Spencer arrived with their family. We halted the action and I went in to assist them in getting breakfast. We were ready to head out then – though the arrival time of Rusty and Fabriza, Jenae and Paul was still an unknown.
Above: A bunch of the Hunt cousins at the Belcher Cabin
Larissa (the able family scheduler) had arranged with Lou’s brother, Dave Belcher, for us to go up to his coral or barn to watch him feed his zebra and buffalo. He called and said that the animals had come down from “above” and were ready to eat. He said that we could come earlier.
Above: Dave Belcher telling stories to the family members
Dave was in the height of his glory having an audience to entertain. He loved having us there. I told him that we had 50 members of our family present. He was excited and impressed. (Minus Bryson & Annie, Cambrie, and Maycie from the wedding day.) The kids loved seeing the animal action. Some got to feed the animals carrots and of them cautiously kept their distances.
Lou sent me back to the cabin because she had forgotten to take the Nauvoo Temple brick that she had brought for Dave.
Dave shared with a bit of the history of the acquisition and the development of the Belcher cabin property – beginning with H. Belcher who first acquired the initial property as payment for his movement of some giant building structures. For many years it was unusable since it had no water rights. Later, after the death of Gramps, Dave was able to buy additional property to secure water rights and the right to build two structures – one on his property and the lot where the cabin stands.
Jenae and Paul and kids arrived about this time. Rusty and family came last. Dave let the men cut some of the timbers. The saw is massive.. JD, Keith, Paul, and Mike all tried their hand at using the giant saw – and each was very happy with this opportunity. It was a sure sign of “manliness”.
Dave continued our tour of the place and we followed him around the place – over the woods and through the river. We were all enthralled with his stories. I was quite surprised at how enwrapped with the whole activity that even the youngest kids were. They all seemed to enjoy the activity.
GRANDMA LOU SHARES THE STORY OF THE BELCHER BRICK LEGACY IN NAUVOO
When we got back to the coral with the animals, I announced that Grandma Lou wanted to say something. She had the Temple brick in hand – in the Nauvoo Fudge Factory box. She then proceeded to tell all of the posterity about the development of the new Temple brick and our role in making it happen.
This proved the perfect setting for her to tell the story. It was good for all of the kids to hear the story – and the Gramps Belcher legacy – and us being able to carry on the legacy. She also told of the roles of Kaylea and JD, and Keith in the development of the new brick. This was a good thing and a fun time. Lou had previously created and distributed packages of the new bricks to each family – with enough of the new bricks for all family members (even down to the youngest). I am glad that all of the kids got to hear the story.
Lou then presented the new brick to Dave. He loved the whole scene and also the new brick
MORE REUNION FUN TOGETHER
We all then returned back to the cabin. And of course, all of the kids could not wait to get back into their treasure digging. The fun continued for them. (This is a long-standing tradition – also started by Dave – and has been the tradition in Belcher family reunions for over 20 years.)
Lunch for all was the next item on the agenda. We had meat and cheese left from yesterday. We put out all of the leftovers from breakfast. We also put out cake, chips, fruit, and more. Again there was a great buffet of options. There was plenty of food for everyone – and it was fun to be together.
I think that all of our children were grateful to be at the property. Several said that they felt the power and presence of Grandma and Grandpa Belcher – and others – a quiet sanctity being there. This made us happy. We were so grateful that they had this special feeling.
MAKING OUR DEPARTURE FROM THE REUNION AND CABIN
Then, all too soon, it was time for us all to depart the cabin. I had washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Everyone else worked to pack up their own things. Jackie, and Larissa and even Keith had talked of staying an extra night but they decided also to head out toward home.
Everyone had very full cars all loaded “to the gills”. I had a hard time even finding space in the vehicles for food leftovers.
After the last of the people and gear had departed from the cabin, I swept and mopped the place. This was a bit of a job. It reminded me of the many times I have done this in the management roles in Boy Scout camps through the years.
Someone got the idea to have a “grand send-off” for each family as they were loaded with children and gear and were ready to head off. One by one, we gathered for each family and we clapped, hooted and waved to the departing family. Lou and I were next to the last to leave. Marinda wanted to be the final car – or it just worked out that way. This was a fun way to depart the cabin and our special time together.
Lou and I – again in Dallin’s car – and with JD as the driver, headed down the mountain and Provo Canyon. I thought of Paul’s accident there just a few weeks before he was to marry Jenae. I also thought of my cousin, Christopher Kam Hunt, who was killed in an accident on the same highway years ago. Paul later (tonight) recounted his memory (or non0memory) of his accident experience.
Rusty and family headed home to Maricopa. They made it to St. George where they had a hotel for the night. Lana and Spencer were the first to get home – to Idaho Falls. Keith and family went to visit Kayla’s sister who lives in the Salt Lake area. They also ended up spending the night there. Larissa dropped Jackie and boys off at Kaylea’s place. She went to eat dinner with her mother-in-law. Jenae and Paul came to the Stoddard home with us – and remained there until late. Marinda and Mike drove to Cedar City where they stayed (all of them) with some friends from their mission(s). Larissa came to the Stoddard home later after the evening with the mother-in-law.
So we ended up with another crowd at Kaylea’s place. Paul had arranged with JD to buy dinner (together) for all of us. They barbequed hamburgers as the rest of us sat outside (in very pleasant weather) and visited. The teens – Trevor, Lucy, Dallin, Caleb, Darren, and Jett all went swimming and sat in the 90 degree hot tub.
The hamburgers proved to be wonderful. Both guys know the art of grilling to perfection. The food was all good.
Then we again sat around and visited some more. Larissa returned and she and Jackie and boys also found space to spend the night.
It was way late – again and Lou and I needed to get to bed – since we had to depart at 3:30 AM (tomorrow) for our return trip home. We all had to get more photos of every possible group. Kaylea took family group photos with us in them and then individually with each family member. She is a great photographer (as are other family photographers – Jenae, Lana, and Rusty). She is also the “energizer bunny” when it comes to taking photos. She just keeps going and going. And thankfully, her photos do turn out beautifully.
Jenae and family headed off to their local Air BandB place. They will connect with his folks tomorrow before heading back to Las Vegas.
We finished all of the above and headed to bed about 11:30 PM. Lou and I again spent the night in the bed that will become that of the newlyweds, Bryson and Annie. I dreaded getting up at 2:30 AM.
SUCH A JOYFUL REUNION AND FAMILY GATHERING
But Wow! What a joyful weekend it has been with all of us together. We have had so many special times and activities. All of the adults got along well (and we didn’t even have any arguments). And the many cousins loved being together and just hanging out together. The time could not have been more perfect and wonderful. It was a great blessing for all of us to be together. We were grateful that everything came together as it did. I am grateful for our wonderful family that the Lord has blessed us with. And per my patriarchal blessing that I received years ago, and other church teachings, I believe that we were together in heaven before coming to earth and that we actually chose our families even then. I believe that we came to Earth in those chosen families to grow together, to help and to serve one another.
We are grateful that Bryson and Annie have come together and we look forward to many special family times with them in coming years. They headed off for a week of “mooning their honey” in Mexico. They will then go on a gathering with her family. They will ultimately return to live in the basement of Kaylea and JD in kind of secluded quarters – yet close to the family. We hope that everyone survives each other in this arrangement.
TIME TO HEAD BACK TO NAUVOO
JUNE 8TH – SUNDAY
I got up at 2:30 AM top get ready to leave – and showered even at that hour. Lou had previously showered. She had all of her bags – and joint things packed as I emerged. I quickly finished my own final packing. We had a lot less weight – with the subtraction of the many bricks – but still had the same number of bags.
Kaylea and JD willingly took us (even at the unearthly hour of 3:15 Am) to Provo train “station”. This is hardly a station. There is a nice little ramada and a couple of benches – but no trace of train administration. We visited and I kept checking on the Amtrak mobile app to track the pending arrival time of the “Train #6 – the California Zepher. The train started the day in Salt Lake City and arrived exactly on time to us at 4:19 AM. We got our last hugs and Kaylea took her final photos – even of us through the train door.
THE TRAIN TREK BACK EAST TOWARD NAUVOO
After we got settled on the train, we slept for 3 hours. This was much needed and welcome rest.
After the sleep, I read the rest of the book of Alma. Lou put out breakfast for us. Jenae had bought us many goodies for the “road”. This was so kind of her.
I then read of Iowa Sites in National Parks booklets. The Parks did a fabulous job in their descriptions of the many places along the Iowa Mormon trail. This proved to be great info for the Immersion book. I continued this reading for a couple of hours. Reading this information helped me insert new “chapters” (sites) and to put them into chronological order. This was all great! Again, however, I was “thrashed” with the lack of internet. I had previously (at Kaylea’s place) downloaded a plethora of photos from e-mail messages hoping that I would have enough to proceed – but it did not work out that way. I continued to need additional photos and sent them to myself. The messages came through on my phone but not on my laptop where I needed them. So, again limited progress and continued frustration.
We made a 6-minute stop at Grand Junction, Colorado – where Emylee Patterson lives. We were there at 10:15 AM (20% of trip!)
We met Amtrak “Conductor” (see photo) Cody Muse (German name) and visited with him for several minutes. He lives in Colorado. He was very friendly as he did his seat inventory job. We talked of Nauvoo and our role there. (He said, “Yeah, I saw your nametag!”) He said that he wants to go to Maricopa to visit our train museum there. We told him that we would love to “put him up” if he does get to Maricopa. He was a pleasant young man.
Lou wrote in her journal. She was behind a few days in her writing. Many photos were received from Jenae. Throughout the day, we watched on the family WhatsApp program. It was fun to note the progress of the various family members as they made their stops and progression toward their Arizona homes. At this writing, we have heard from Rusty, Jackie and Larissa who made it safely home. We await news of the others.
We stopped for about 5 minutes at Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This was a place of beautiful scenery and a fun station environment.
Again we enjoyed the grandeur of the mountains, the greenery, the Colorado River, and all of the rest of the beauty of the world around us as we traveled. I worked mainly on my project but did look up occasionally to enjoy the majestic views.
We stopped for almost an hour in Denver. Many people got off of the train and many more on-boarded. Lou and I went walking and found our way to a bar and grill (not bad in atmosphere). We there ordered milk shakes – which we enjoyed on a nearby bench.
We had to be back on board the train at 6:45 PM. We heard the sound of the train whistle and hurried back to get on-board. The train personnel were there to greet us. They do well at remembering their passengers. We returned to our seats – numbers 25 and 26 in our car (I don’t remember the car number). Our luggage was downstairs and seemed secure.
I got engrossed in my journal writing for the past two days and Lou also worked on her journal. We braced for another night on the train – spending the night – and with a projected arrival time of 10:35 AM in Burlington, Iowa tomorrow morning. It is a challenge to sit for so many hours but we do welcome the brief “air “ breaks (refreshing but no so cool with the many smokers who get off and share their smoke with us). We get off anyway and it is good to stretch our legs – and to use the loo again. We get “TB” (tired buns) but it is bearable – and still a great way to travel. It is nice not to drive, pay gas, find stops, motels, etc.
ALMOST BACK TO NAUVOO
JUNE 9TH – MONDAY
I awoke this morning on the train about 5:30 AM and could not get back to sleep. I saw a beautiful sunrise and took a photo of it. Gorgeous. I am not sure if it was Nebraska or if it was Iowa.
We traveled most of the day in the state of Iowa. We stopped at Osceola, Ottumwa, Iowa. We really did not have a major stop.
I spent the morning again working on my Immersion project. I got several photos posted appropriately. I was pleased that I had a period or two where the internet was working.
We talked with a young conductor guy who served us yesterday and today. I don’t know when he sleeps. He said that he works for six days on. Wow. This guy, D.J. Steele, said that this trip is first on the job.
TRAVELING WITH MANY AMISH COMPANIONS AND TALKING FAMILY HISTORY
At Osceola, a crowd of Amish folks embarked. I enjoyed visiting with a couple of young guys – who are cousins. I mainly talked to the guy who was closest to me across the aisle. His name is Chester Yoder. He is age 21. I asked him many questions about being Amish.
Is Amish a religion or a lifestyle? He said it is not a religion
What is your occupation? Carpenter
How long do you go to school? Through 8th grade (then focus upon a trade)
Do you use electricity? No
How do you travel? We drive buggies driven by horses
Do you make your own wagons? There are a few places where they are made and can be purchased.
How many people can fit in them? Mom and Dad in the back and maybe six kids in the back.
Can you choose your own girl for marriage? Yes, we are not set-up
Do you use telephones and cell phones? No cell phones … phones if operated by a battery pack – and not electricity
This guy is age 21 and seemed quite sharp. He had blonde hair and a “bowl cut”. I asked him if he has ever used a computer and he replied that he has not. I told him that I mainly use mine for research. I also told him about my journal and he found this interesting. I told him that the first 101 volumes were hand-written. I showed him how I have scanned all of the volumes and then can open each. I randomly opened one that is handwritten. This is from 1974. He was intrigued with this. I think he saw the year and asked me how old I am. He was probably a bit surprised when I told him “70”.
I also talked genealogy with him. I told him that the phone could be used to do research on the internet. An old guy in the seat in front of Chester heard our conversation. He is into family history research – but obviously does not use a computer to do it. He said that he knows a lady who helps him occasionally.
I told Chester about census records and how they are not released until about 72 years after they are taken. I told him that his grandfathers were probably listed with their families. I got onto Ancestry and tried to look up 2 grandfathers. I was thrashed by the internet that was working only sporadically – and that with a “mobile hotspot” through my phone. This was frustrating. I finally got this to work kind-of. He knew that his grandfather was John Yoder and knew that he died in 2012. I estimated his birth year as 1935. I found the grandfather on Ancestry and was just ready to show Chester what I had found. Then it was time for us to depart the train at our Burlington station.
Knowing that Chester had no phone or e-mail capability, I hurried and pulled out a card and suggested that if he wants me to help him, he can write me a letter with information on how to reach him. (And of course at home, later, I looked up the grandfather and found his line back about seven generations in Pennsylvania. Wow! I hope that he writes me back.
ARRIVAL IN BURLINGTON AND HEADING BACK TO NAUVOO
We arrived in Burlington just after 10:30 AM. This was right at the scheduled time. DJ and others helped us get our stuff off of the train. Lou and I took several photos to document our arrival. We were the last of the family to arrive home after the weekend.
We went to the parking lot and found that our vehicle was still all in one piece – even though it was out in the open – with no one else around. We put all of our luggage into the car and headed off toward our Nauvoo mission home.
We went home via the Burlington “Great River Bridge” because it does not have toll payment (as the Ft. Madison bridge does when heading back to Nauvoo). The bridge was magnificent. This route also put us on a route of about 20 miles that we had never on before. We enjoyed the green countryside.
Wow! We had a great hiatus away from the mission with such grand family times together. We felt a bit guilty about being away but were so grateful that we were able to make the trek. Our family bonds were strengthened and they are just as important as is the mission. Both are important functions and sometimes we have to make a choice between two wonderful options. That is what this hiatus was.
I decided that I could just call this little hiatus another part of the mission. I was glad that we made the effort to go to the wedding and the reunion. Such special memories that tie to and complemented our overall mission experience!
A mission hiatus … such a special time … and then we were ready to get back to work.
On the Nauvoo Trail 