"that's the end of our show...",

Hello :)

This past week has been wonderful and sad and happy and fun and just joyful! I love Nauvoo sooooooooo much. It's going to be hard leaving here, but I am excited to see my wonderful family!! I hate good byes...I''m really bad at them. I've grown to love the people here so much, and that makes it really difficult. I feel like each senior missionary is a grandparent (Although they're not replacing you gpas and gmas :) ). But saying goodbye to them is difficult. This whole past week they would look at us and start crying or say how dull it would be when we leave. Some of the teamsters would place their hats over their hearts whenever they would see us :( BUT!! Life is so good and the reason it is sad is just because it has been so joyful and happy!

The weather has just been perfect for us this past week. Everything has gone really well :) Last week we started doing performances at 3:45 PM in the Women's Garden. We would do a "hymnfest" where we just played hymns. It brings a new spirit to the day and to the garden. I wish we would've started doing it earlier because it really adds to the spirit here in Nauvoo. But it's really a neat thing. Yesterday was the last day of performances. So after that performance, we listened to the stage elders and sisters sing around the balcony in the Visitor's center for the last time. They sang three songs, Nauvoo, Joy, and Invocation. "Joy" is a song the one of the sisters in the stage wrote and it is perfect for us. I'll show it to you when I get home. But it was really hard to hold back tears. It was beautiful and wonderful :) We then did our last show of Sunset. I never thought I'd be sad singing the upbeat song, "that's the end of our show...", but it was tough.

We went to another Synthesis concert last night. At the end, they asked the Nauvoo Brass Band to play "Sing, Sing, Sing" (sight-reading) with them. So we got up there and played. It went a lot better than I thought it would be, and it was fun :) so It was a good way to end our last performance. :)

Today we went to sacrament meeting, then had a testimony meeting in the Nauvoo groves with all the YPMs. It was very touching. What a great group of missionaries we've got here. :) After that, we had a potluck, whatever-you-need-to-get-eaten-before-tuesday deal. It was great. There was so much food. I was completly stuffed afterwards. Then we organized binders for next years YPMs. And after emailing we'll watch a slide show. Tonight will be Zone Conference with the whole mission.

Tuesday morning will be hard because when we get on the bus to leave the seniors will all be there, hugging us goodbye, the same way they did when we arrived.

I hope this letter doesn't sound too sad. The reason I'm sad to leave is because of the joy of the gospel I've found here in Nauvoo. I've changed (in a good way I hope) :) I've become a better person, and I still have much more work to do before I truly become what I want to be. Leaving here is really only the start of my amazing adventure called life :) I've got to apply everything I've learned and grow even more. And I get to do that with you :) My family!!!!

I love you! I'm excited to see you!

Love,

Sister Israelsen

PS I love the picture of Kimmy and the sheep

Introduced to Chiggers

Dear Izzy Fam :)

 Time is going fast. As people from previous years come to watch us perform I think about how that'll be me in the future. I won't be doing it. Just watching and wishing. I'm still in Nauvoo right now though. So I'm going to make the very best of it for this last week!

This week has been packed. So many things happen in a week that I can't even remember everything.

Last Sunday, the band took time looking at some cool sites around Nauvoo. We went to four main areas. The bridge right outside of the main part of Nauvoo (Where Joseph and Emma kiss in the movie).It is a really neat bridge that was actually built in the 1840's by the saints in NAuvoo. There is a little waterfall right next to it. Next we went to David's Cove. It's a really neat looking place where David Smith (one of Joseph's sons) would often go to think or do art. It was a neat area. Then we went to a GIANT tree. It was soooo humongous. We got some pictures next to it. Last of all we drove over to Ft. Madison, across the river. We went to a place directly across from Nauvoo. It was an amazing veiw of Nauvoo. You can see the beautiful temple and imagine the saints there. It was the place that the starving saints were blessed. Heavenly Father sent quail, it drop out of the sky into their camp. Just enough for them to be filled. I know Heavenly Father blesses His children who follow and love him. In the little gazebo there I actually found a quote by Lewis Barney (our ancestor). That was really neat.

On Wednesday, in the parking lot of Walmart a giant truck snuck up behind sister Harmer and I and then honked at us. That was probably the loudest horn I've heard in my whole life. It was like a boat horn. Then he drove a little ways away from us and sat there in his car running in the middle of the parking lot, not in a spot for a whille. It was kind of scary. but not too bad. We also got chased by dogs this week. So now I can successfully finish out my mission, right :) haha

I was most definetly introduced to the chiggers this past week. I itched forever like crazy. Haha! I would even wake up in the night itching. It may take me a while to not be scared of grass. I've hardly walked in it here. It'll be an exciting day when I can lay on it without worries :) hiking and such will probably help with that.

On Thursday one of our teamsters, Elder Lindsay (He's the one who rode Roman Style on the two horses...i told you about that, right?) Anyway, he was our driver for the day, and he wanted to go off course and stop at the sewing room so we could play for his wife. We did, We didn't really have a choice :) We played a swing number and they danced together, it was adorable. Then we played An Angel From On High. It was probably the most beautiful we've ever played it. They blew kisses at each other as we drove away. SO CUTE

I've been running every night, which feels really good. Someone better be ready to run with me when I get home. :)

On Friday, we had a farewell breakfast. our farewell :( All the senior missionaries made food and we ate and talked and then they sang for us and we sang for them. I love the senior missionaries.

I had a drive'n'chat with Sister Ludwig on that same day. It was really good. basically we drove to the river and sat in her car and talked about life for an hour or so. It went really well. She is so smart.

Congrats to Todd and Kimmy for graduating swimmming :) Kimmy looked a little different in the picture. I guess I'll see soon huh? :)

I got to have a blessing from President Ludwig yesterday. Kind of like a back to school blessing, but it's a back to life blessing. It gave me peace. I love serving the Lord so much, and I know I can continue that.

I love Nauvoo so much. I'm going to miss the people and being a missionary and everything. I'm happy to see you all though :) I have just learned soooo much out here. About the person I want to be, or at least the kind of person I want to be. I have also learned to love and want to learn. There are so many things that I can study. It almost overwhelms me and then I remember that I have a lifetime to learn. So slowly, but surely, I'll get there.

I've almost finished reading the Book of Mormon. not forever haha :) but for this time around. I'm half way through Mormon.

I know that the church is true. Today in sacrament meeting (by the way I'm going to miss having giant sacrament meetings were everyone comes a half hour early and sits there and listens to the spirit.),we had our last fast and testimony meeting. It was beautiful. I loved how everyone bore simple, pure, true testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel and everything. Short and simple but true testimonies bring the spirit like nothing else can.

I cannot express enough love to you, family!! To have a family who all loves one another, and is kind and is such an amazing example. I'm noticing more and more everyday how wonderful you truly are. I can go through each one of you and name of a list of things that impress me. I'm so blessed to be in a family like ours. AND It's FOREVER!! That brings me sooo much joy. I love you!!

Love,

Sister Israelsen

Beautiful Nauvoo

Last Day of Pageant

Hi my most favorite family ever!

I love my life right now :) So much fun. It's going so fast and I've got so many things to do before I come home. But I am excited to see all my loved family :)

So much happens in week, and then I don't remember what happened...so I'll try to remember. :)

Yesterday was the last day of pagaent. We went to two Vignettes (where the core cast members perform) One of them was along Parley street (the trail of hope). They would quote and act as people from the time period. It makes everything come to life. The other Vignette was in the 70's hall. They would dress up like John Taylor, Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff and others and tell stories of being missionaries. We also got to go the the actual pagaent again. Which was a surprise. It was so good.

Sister Harmer (my companion)'s family was here this week. It was fun. Her brother actually got married in the Nauvoo temple. It was a wonderful time.

Today we recorded some of our favorite songs that we've played. We also recorded some of the songs we sing with the stage YPMs.

Our sociable went really good. It strengthened me. I think they'll be giving us a recording of it so maybe we can watch it when i get home. Maybe while i get my stinkin wisdom teeth out and sit on the couch for days :) haha just kidding.

My week has been wonderful! it's a little bit less hot, but not a whole lot. It's better though. I did get the notes. I got all the packages you sent. thank you so much! Those made my day. There were the most people ever yesterday (last night of pageant). I think this next week there will not be as many people. I saw Brother and Ssiter Condie a while ago (seminary teacher), I saw Michael Bertolio a while ago...random, There haven't been too  many people I know. But there have been quite a few from Cache Valley that I don't know. Also, whoever Brent Israelsen is... He seems to be quite known...2nd cousin?

I love you!

love,

Sister Israelsen

Sister Ludwig

Katie & Sister Ludwig, the Mission Mom

Goofy Sisters

Pioneering

Answered Prayers

Dear Family,

 

I'll get a little less time to write today because the computer wasn't working for a while :( But I'll try to type fast.

 

Today we (the YPMs), are putting on a sociable (fireside). It's going to be good, but we actually have never rehearsed it...so that will be today from 1 -5. :) It'll be really good though. It is centered on having a zion community. I'm excited to see how it turns out. The trumpets are playing "If you could hie to Kolob", a really beautiful arrangement. All the YPMs are singing, "make us one" and "invocation". you should look up the words to "Make us one" I would write them.. but it will take a while. The words are so good though.

 

I've experienced a lot of miracle this past week. I know the power of God's priesthood is real. I was given a blessing yesterday because I've got a infection by my wisdom tooth :( None fun... It really hurt, especially when eating, swallowing, sleeping, or playing the trumpet. (but don't worry about me, it's no big deal) So...I asked for a priesthood blessing. Elder Brague blessed me that I would be able to keep performing and the pain would leave so I could do my best work for the Lord. He also called to have angels help me. And I know that they have been with me, I've felt it. My mouth still hurts but when I play my trumpet, the pain leaves for me to play. I'm able to play just as well if not better. Although it still hurts, when it matters most I'm able to do what I need to. And I've been able to stay happy. I know angels are watching over me.

 

Yesterday it was raining pretty good right before pagaent. Before it started we said a prayer that included asking for the rain to stop so the performance could go on, if it was Heavenly Father's will. We began to play and the rain slowed to a very light rain during our first song. Soon enough, it had stopped.

 

This week has been our hottest week. Because of the heat we've had afternoon concerts inside each day, and Sunset by the Mississippi has been inside each day as well. I thought I knew what it meant to sweat before, haha :) I didn't. It's been great though. We kind of just laugh about it.

 

I love Nauvoo. I love the people who lived here and who are here now, serving missions and visiting. I love the prophets. I love serving in the homes. This week I served in teh Heber C. Kimball home and the Wilford Woodruff home. I feel like I'm getting to know these apostles and prophets. I love Wilford Woodruff. He was such a wonderful man. He loved the Lord and his family and was willing to do anything for them. I love it here!

 

I'm excited to see you all when I come home because I love you and miss you. But I'm going to miss it here. It is just going so very fast! I'm realizing I can serve the Lord so much more. I'm so grateful for all the missionaries, especially my friends who are out on missions. I know that they are serving diligently and doing their best. I love you all soooooooo much!

 

Love,

 

Sister Israelsen

July 2011 YPMs



Sister Trumpets July 2011

 Click on above title to see Bugler's Holiday,  Nauvoo Sister Style. I'm actually not sure in what venue  they are performing, obviously nothing formal, but it's fun to see them play. Katie's the one in the middle. I have to confess I teared up when I first watched this. We really miss her!  She's working hard and learning so much and having fun! It's been sooo hot. Somedays it's too hot for the animals to pull the wagon and they play inside the cultural hall or go street strolling instead.  I worry just a little, but know the young and older missionaries all really watch out for each other.

Katie's Mom

I actually love the sticky feeling of humidity

What does dry air feel like?  just kidding. It's pretty hot and muggy but I'm getting use to it. I'm also use to just sweating all over and not really caring. Though I'll be excited to have my makeup not be all sweated off in an hour when I come home :) haha. I actually love the sticky feeling of humidity...except the sweat and the hard to breathe while playing.

 

Sister Bjarnson and I started switching off more often so that we wouldn't be as tired. So my lips are feeling better. I'm glad about that :)

The Nauvoo Crud

Tonight we are having an ice cream social with Mary N. Cook from the YW Presidency. I'm really excited for that. She is going to speak to us. :)

 

A lot of the missionaries have been getting sick. (the nauvoo crud) or so they're calling it. I'm not going to get it though. There have been so many senior missionaries sick, so we've had days when we don't ride the wagon so we can work in the sites because there are not enough seniors. I've worked in the print shop 3 times now...so i'm a pro :) I love working in there though. We got to lock up and close the sites. It was exciting :)

Remember

Elder Claudio R. M. Costa came this week. (in the Presidency of the 70). We saw him walking around a lot with President Ludwig. He spoke this morning in sacrament meeting and also in a meeting to all the YPMs and young sister missionaries. So 50 ish of us. He took time to shake each of our hands. He did a question and answer session for that meeting. It was amazing. He basically talked about a bunch of different topics. But I think the top one was Follow what the prophets counsel and be the best person you can be. Continually working to be better.If you focus on that, everything else will work out in the end. He talked about how we are not learning while here, just remember things we've already learned. We need to REMEMBER. We were prepared before this world. I just realized how, more than anything, it is important that in life we focus on becoming closer to Heavenly Father and if we are doing that then we will be fine. I could major in anything, I could live in a teeny little house, It really doesn't matter (I mean I should work my hardest), but in the end it's just what I make out of each situation I'm in.  He also told us to tell our parents thank you for sending us and preparing us. We are noble and choice spirits. And I say that too. Thank you so much for preparing me!!!

 

Street Strolling

Every Sunday we go "street strolling" We talk to people on the street, helping them out, asking for referrals and bearing our testimonies. Last week went really well. We were able to feel the spirit present so strongly. Especially as we talked to a Bishop for Guatamala. He knew very little english, and his translator didn't know much Spanish. (I've never wanted to know spanish as much as I did then.). Although I didn't know spanish I could feel the spirit through his testimony. He has been waiting and saving up money for 20 years to come to Nauvoo. He's also been studying up this whole time.  He wanted to have his testimony strengthened and to see where Joseph Smith lived. He did not consider himself a tourist.

 

I know that this church is true. I love it with all my heart. Please remember the importance of the gospel in your life. Think of people to serve, and try to have missionary experiences. Meet people, share the gospel. The Lord will place words in your mouth, just go out of your way to have those experiences :) I love you all!!

Joy in every Minute!

On monday -  we played for a flag raising ceremony. It went really well, we played a lot of marches that day! :) I also talked to a lady after one of our concerts who seemed kind of stressed. I wasn't sure if I should bother her, but then I did anyway. :) It was cool because I was able to answer a prayer for her. I don't know what I said, but as I was bearing my testimony she started to cry and afterwards she said I had said just what she'd needed. That was really cool.

 

 

I worked in the print shop on Wednesday. When I got there the two sister missionaries working there were already giving tours, and then a group came in. So I gave my first tour without knowing very much. that was funny :) I just compared tools in the print shop to the gospel, bore my testimony and made it work. It was kind of funny though. We were busy the whole day. There were only a couple of minutes without tours.

 

On Friday, a few of the temple missionaries invited us over for breakfast. They're really cute, I'm glad we got to get to know them.

 

On Saturday, Elder Packer (Stage missionary), opened his mission call. A lot of people have been getting them. He's going to New Jersey - spanish speaking. I think I already told you about the others, but I'll tell you again, in case. Elder Loveless (tuba) - micronesia - guam, and Sister Higinbothom (clarinet) - California, San Jose Spanish speaking.

 

Elder Marlin K Jensen (quorum of 70 and historian of church) is here. It's been really neat. We've got to hear from him a few times. Apparently he played cornet. AWESOME! He whispered to the trumpets as he walked past "cornettists are the best kissers" :) That was funny. We've been taught by him a few times...it's been really cool.  I've basically realized there are so many things I need to work on!! I've also learned I need to have joy in every minute!!

 

I love you all so much. sorry my email seems kind of rushed again. It's so good hearing from you though! It makes me happy! :) I can just see you doing all the things you write about! So much fun! :) I love you

 

I know this church is true!

 

love,

 

sister israelsen

Another Wonderful Week

Why Hello there!!

 

It's been another wonderful week!! I've got 10 minutes to write...so lets see what I can do :)

 

I got a new companion. Her name is Sister Hannah Harmer. She also went to BYUi. How about that. She was in the Symphony Band and she plays the trombone. It's crazy switching, especially since we'll be in the same house as our old companions :) But it'll be good. :) 

 

This week we had a mascot. It was a white and black leopard spotted moth. It road around the town with us. It couldn't fly. We named him Tony. Tony Pongo. It's pretty sweet. We put him in a flower pot and haven't been able to find him since. I hope he took swimming lessons a lot when he was young because it's been raining a bit. 

 

Vocal Point came and are performing right now. We got to listen to them on Friday. They are AMAZING. We are going to a fireside with them performing tonight. Afterwards I bet you can't guess what we'll do. :) Another icecream social. haha yep. It'll be great. 

 

The Nauvoo Pageant core cast is here. We had an icecream social with them on Thursday night. So I met Joseph and Emma, Hyrum, Wilford Woodruff and a few others. Exciting , eh?

 

Sister Higginbothom got her 18 month mission call this week to San Jose California - Spanish speaking. It was very exciting. She opened it in the 70's hall which is where the missionaries used to learn. Like a MTC.

 

Wednesday I'm working in the Family living Center.

 

I love you all, I love the church!!! Sorry this is so short. Have a wonderful week

 

love,

sister israelsen. 

The Book of Mormon

This week my testimony has been greatly strengthened of the Book of Mormon. I've always known it is true. I've never doubted it, but I've typically read just to say, ok, I read my scriptures tonight. I would learn from random verses, but I've never exactly understood who is who and where they're from and who's related and who the random people are who pop out of no where. It turns out they don't really pop out of no where and the info is explained I just never focused closly enough. I'd always hear stories of people who would read the scriptures and not want to stop. They would be so into it. I never understood this, I had to try to stay awake. (Don't get me wrong, I loved the scriptures and I knew the information was written for me, but I've never felt this way). I'm beginning to understand more and to love the valiant people from the Book of Mormon. It's coming to life for me. I can imagine them, I can see their story and I can hear them speaking. I've recently read of Abinadi, Alma, Mosiah and I know that they knew. Their testimonies are all centered around Christ and His atonemnt. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has given me this knowledge. He's opened my mind and my heart so that I would be able to understand the scriptures more fully.

What's New

This morning for Fathers day the stage elders sang their version of "I'm so glad when daddy comes home" to elder camp, murset and brague. It was hilarious and really sweet. They threw kisses at them in the end :)

We're playing Buglar's Holiday, we got the music about two days ago and they want it memorized as soon as possible. Good thing I've already played it a few times :)

The BYU Folk Dancers have been here the past two weeks. We got to see them perform on Wednesday.it was fun :) Vocal Point is coming for the next two weeks.

I was talking to one of the Nauvoo visitors the other day. He was telling me about the Ogden temple and how the outside is being remodled. Well, right before he started telling me about it he had been talking about Logan so I thought he was saying that the outside of the Logan temple was being remodled. He was explaining all the changes and I was just dying. I seriously start to tear up a little, I kept telling him that he was a good lier (jokingly of course). When I finally found out we was talking about a different temple it made me very happy :)

I Love Walking down these Streets

Susan Easton Black has been in Nauvoo for about 2 weeks I believe. We had an icecream social with her and she spoke to us a few times. Look her up, she's got church history down. She gave us the history of the 20 days leading to the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. It was very interesting.

This Wednesday I will work in the Lyon Drug Store. I have no clue what that's about, but I will know :) Working in the Wilford Woodruff home was an amazing experience this past Wednesday. Did you know that people have lived in his home ever since he built it? He has 8 fireplaces in his home so that his family would always be comfortable. His wife, Phoebe, is an amazing example of faith. She left her home in Maine, in her 20's by herself to go 1000 miles to Kirtland. Her family did not want her to go, in fact she had such a hard to saying goodbye that she didn't. She wrote notes, and left her family. Later Wilford Woodruff baptized her family. I know so much more about the saints then I ever knew before. It's too hard to write down, but they're examples will forever be ingrained in me!

I know I am meant to be out here. I am learning so much and I wish it wasn't going so fast. Having the chance to walk past the Nauvoo temple daily, and see in my mind the saints working to build this temple and the town. They sacrificed and they served. I hope I will be able to become a harder worker. I want to become someone who serves the Lord and does His will always. I want to always be a representative of Him. I love walking these streets, and being in the homes. I love love love it!!!

Miscellaneous Thoughts from Sister Israelsen

Later today I'm giving tours in the 70's hall, and this Wednesday in the Wilford Woodruff home. That'll be exciting.

Yesterday while we were playing on the band wagon, there was this ADORABLE little kid. He grabbed a stick and pretended to play the trombone with it. He was probably two years old. He would tug on His mom's pant leg and then say look mommy I'm playing trombone. When we started to leave he blew a kiss to us. Later some of the trombones let him hold t he trombone while they got a picture. It was so cute. I love seeing the little kids here.

 I've also made new friends from our daily rides. I love the teamsters (that's the senior elders who drive the band wagon.) They are so fun. they make funny comments. One of them has an inside joke with me. He's from Canada so I said to him, "I haven't heard you say "Eh" yet." He then told me that he doesn't get it Canadians say Eh (A), and Mexicans say si (C), so why don't americans say B. :) now whenever I talk with him, I end my sentences with a B. I also found out his first name is Dee (D), so that makes it even more fun :) It's great!!!

 Every Sunday besides two we have had Ice Cream socials with the president and his wife. If I come back like 200 lbs. that's why :) It's fun though.

At Sunset by the Mississippi there are two ladies who do a piano battle, or basically just play the piano crazy while they bounce up and down and such. EMILY, that's so you and me in 40 - 50 years :) With our epic piano duels. AHHH! It's great. It made me think of you :)

 We helped with a community bible camp for kids of all faiths from ages 4 -12. Every morning we would do a song and skit for them teaching them about Jesus. It was beach themed. So the camp was called "son surf" beach. We sang Surfin in the USA but changed the words to things such as....surfin on the miss-is-sip-pi-i-a. The skits were short 15 minute skits and they were really funny. We had to wake up earlier though which made the week kind of intense. It was interesting because they gave us the script and then we had to follow it. There were some lines like, "yeah dudes, Because of God's mondo love for us sent His awesome son so that we could live epic lifes through Him, forever..." and such... that was interesting but at least their teaching them that God loves us, right? :)

I know that Heavenly Father is ALWAYS there. He loves everyone more than we can possible imagine. He hears our every prayer and though we may feel alone at times he understands every feeling we've ever had. He will strengthen and lift us each moment we come unto Him. All you have to do is get on your knees and speak with Him.

I love you all sooo very much! Be good and happy!! have a fun summer.

Love,

Sister Israelsen

Blessings

I have another story. about two days ago I got two canker sores right where I play trumpet. It is SO painful. Really, I tried to smile about it but smiling hurts. But never fear,I've been blessed by the Lord to still be able to play. We were riding around in the band wagon yesterday when Elder Brague called out the song, Praise to the Man. It is a beautiful song. It pbrings the spirit so strongly, but it also happpens to be high on the trumpet, not majorly high, but yesterday I knew that I could not physically hit that note. I just knew it wasn't going to happen. I turned to the Lord in prayer. I told him that I knew by myself i would not physically be able to hit that note. I knew it wouldn't happen. I asked Him to help me be able to play it in a way that help others to feel the spirit when they heard it. When I played it, it went perfectly. I'm not saying that I played it perfectly, but it came out that way. I know that Heavenly Father answered my prayer. Just as he will answer yours!!! I probably got the canker sores to humble myself and make me realize that i'm really not playing for me, It is for Heavenly Father.

BUGS

This past week we had a big bug problem in our house. It started a little bit last week and got worse this week. Wednesday (on our P-day), we moved almost EVERYTHING out of our house in bags so that they could come and get rid of all the bugs. (I'm sure you're all just laughing because you know how much I love bugs.). Anyway, we left our suitcases there so they could make sure they had nothing in them. So we took ALL of our clothes and anything in our rooms. I learned to appreciate suitcases sooo much. It's hard carrying everything that belongs to you in a bunch of bags.

We split all the girls into two groups. 6 of us took the van. It was still just as packed since we had everything with us. We went straight to the laundromat and proceeded to wash ALL of our clothes. Even the ones that weren't dirty! It was a lot of laundry. I think we figured about 50 for all the girls. CRAZY. We went shopping after that. Everything was still piled in the car :) We went to Walmart and got everything we needed for the week. It went so much faster because we had 6 girls instead of 12. Afterwards we went and got blizzards at Dairy Queen and I met a cicada for the first time. (it's a giant bug that flies around and makes really loud clicking noises and it looks like a giant bumblebee) There were sooooo many. They were flying all around and they were so loud.

After battling with them we got back in the car and drove back to Nauvoo. We went straight to the Nauvoo Inn and Suite where we carried all of our bags up to the Suite that we had. There were two really big bedrooms and one tiny one that look like a little spaceship room. :) I bet you can guess which one I got :) the little spaceship one. I got the top bunk. It was a tiny room but it was fun. Sister and Elder Murset tried to make the whole thing a fun experience by bringing popcorn and pop. haha. We still went to bed on time for the record... The next day we moved back in our house and I must say it is very clean. Not only is it clean but it's organized much better now. So it was a good thing. And I feel that the Lord blessed me to not be as scared as I usually am about bugs.

Historic Sites

Sister Carroll and I walk a lot. A few of the girls tend to always take their time getting into the car, so we just leave a little earlier and walk almost anywhere that's not too far. I really enjoy this time because we can just relax and focus on the beauty that is all around. We also have so much time to talk about anything and we've gotten a lot closer through this.

We worked in the historic sites for the first time on Wednesday. I worked in the Post Office. But we'll be switching every single time actually, so I'll end up learning a lot of the different sites. Today we're doing an MTC-ish thing with the President. He'll be teaching us for a few hours. I have to learn the Brigham Young house info within the next two hours...the sites I will work this week are the Heber C. Kimball and I can't remember the other one.

 

Gross but True

The weather makes it tough. It's hard to play trumpet in this weather! It slides around because of the sweatiness (i know...gross, but it's true). It's also really hard to get a big enough breath. I feel really stuffy when I'm trying to play my trumpet. Sometimes it makes me tired faster. It's also hard staying focused when it's hot and muggy. But I think I've done pretty good at it (not trying to brag), I usually notice when I start to loose focus or something and make an extra effort. It's crazy how playing trumpet is really more of a mind thing. If you're focused you play better.

It's also hard when you feel like those listening don't really care. It makes it tough to make yourself play well and give all your energy to it, when they just really don't seem to care. But then I remember that 1) I could be touching just one person, even if the others aren't catching anything. 2) It's not about me, I need to remember and recognize that the real important thing is that i am playing for the Lord.

The Senior Missionaries

      I love love love the senior missionaries!

     Two of the senior missionaries got us to teach them the frog kissin' dance. They were so cute about it. laughing, and trying to move their feet and hands at the same time!

     The seniors who drive the band wagon have been different each day, but they each have a fun sense of humor. Some of them suprisingly funny. One of the Elders who drove yesterday got into trouble a while ago for climbing up on top of two horses...he was standing with one leg on each. Yep, he's 85.

     It's amazing the way the seniors touch our lives and how we touch theirs. One of the senior elders came into our devotional the other morning. He gave us each pens that he had made from many different trees. My pen has wood from the women's garden (at the visitor's center), the temple grounds, carthage, and other places around Nauvoo. Some of the pens had wood from hill Cumorah I believe. Each pen was beautiful and were handmade with different patterns. We didn't know how to thank him. So we sang to him. We sang invocation. The spirit filled the room. We all were crying as we sang to him. at the end, through tears, the elder said he had been repayed 100 times.

Tornados

We have received directions on what to do about tornados. They went through it all and we should be safe. There are a two girls from Missouri and Kentucky who also know what to do and will be able to help if they need to. We actually had a tornado warning in Nauvoo on Wednesday. Wednesday morning (3:15 AM), there was a CRAZY storm. There was lightning all over. I now know the meaning of the "rolling thunder" as well. It sounded like a stampede in the sky. One of the girls said the angels were bowling :) It was raining very hard too. The rain would come down in bucket loads. Seriously we would get that much at once in one area. It was later in the day...around 4 pm ish that they issued the tornado warning. We checked out our basement area. (It's really just a hole in the floor and I think unless there is a real threat, I am not stepping a foot down there because there are so many bugs and spiders and its dark.) But no worries, the weather actually calmed pretty quickly after the warning and we've been good. It's interesting not hearing any news and then hearing about the crazy tornados though. I haven't heard much, but I've heard it's been pretty devestating.

Grandparents!

Katie's Grandparents, Ralph and Lola were able to visit last week briefly.  They drove all the way to Illinois from Utah and despite some health problems had a nice time. On the way they completed their goal of having been in each of the fifty states! They report Katie is loving the pioneer musician life. She loves her companion and leaders. Lola said the band sounds "really, really good!"

From Katie- I loved being able to eat with them and talk to them. They are so wonderful!! It was fun having them following me aroung :) By the end everyone knew that it was Sister Israelsen's grandparents. Sometimes we would be riding around and we'd stop somewhere for about 2 minutes. They would finally sit down and we'd be off again...I felt kind of bad but it was really fun seeing them.

My Companion is Amazing- and always Smiling!

Sister Israelsen and Sister Carroll

Here Comes the Ox Cart....

Hi Family,

We start performing this wednesday. We'll be doing random performances for those who hire us. We'll start on the wagon sometime soon, and our first performance of  Sunset by the Mississippi is on Saturday. It's going to be GREAT!! :) I'm so stoked. Sunset is really fun. We have most of the acts that were here when Nate did it. such as the "audition" (making eggs...) which is HILARIOUS...the actors are really good. We also are doing a dance number, the stage and band YPMs. it's called frog kissin'. It is a great number. We get to go all out. Another sister and I are doing The Devil went down to Georgia. That's way fun. We push people out of the way and go crazy. That's what you do when your a devil's demon. haha It's interesting as missionaries acting or dancing. Like when they tell the girls to pretend to be in love with the guys or something...yep. it's...interesting haha.

Our mission president asked us not to get up before 6:30. (We'd been getting up at 6:00 to get ready on time, and excercise). So we had to change our schedules around a bit. Now we have to squeeze in excercising or anything like that whenever we can. I'd still be up for running in the morning, but when you have to schedule showering for 14 girls it gets a little crazy!!

We did baptisms in the Nauvoo temple the other day. It was a beautiful experience. I was able to be baptised for Elder Bragues relatives. It was amazing. All of Nauvoo is beautiful. There is always a gorgeous sunset or sunrise, the Mississippi looks great. Either it's gleaming in the sunlight or there are crazy waves during a storm. I saw my first mayfly ) the other day. Woot!

Since the no-waking- up- until 6:30, Sister Carroll and I have been doing companionship study at night or during the middle of the day. A few days in a row we went into the Visitor's center garden and read in the sunlight. It was the perfect temperatue. Soon we won't be able to because there will be so many visitors, but for now we can. It is wonderful studying the scriptures or gospel while in the nature. It's so wonderful outside! The Lord loves us!!

We got our pioneer dresses the other day. One of mine is purple and pink (really cute) :) The other one is a goldish color (semi-cute) I'll get you some pictures some time. Speaking of pictures. I sent some last week, but I don't think they sent. I'll try again.

We have a few different leaders here. The Mursets - They are sooooooooo nice and fun. Sister Murset reminds me of the most amazing young women leader I've ever had. She is so happy and smiley and kind and good. Elder Murset is funny and really organized. They both are terrific. The Bragues - Elder Brague is the band director. He is fun and goofy :) He knows what he is talking about. And he puts up with us :) haha Sister Brague. She is very much a grandmother for us while we are here. She's always looking out for us and giving us advice. ALWAYS. She's got a lot of experiences to tell us about :) She is kind! Then there are the Ludwigs. My mission president and his wife. I'm guessing we see them more than a typical missionary would see their president. Sister Ludwig is our cheerleader. She's always smiling and telling us how we did so great. Think of the stereotypical Relief Society president giving her lesson, this is her. She is wonderful! We all love her :) President Ludwig is a very good leader. He is a little strict, but you have to be as a mission president. He is very kind. I love my leaders!

I've learned that on a mission it's really up to you how much you'll change or what kind of missionary you'll be. You could easily sleep in or not study when you have time. Those who came back from their missions a better person didn't just follow directions of leaders, they had to have so much discipline and a desire to become better.

I love you guys!! I've realized what a wonderful family I've been blessed to live in! Just reading about you makes me soooo happy. I'd love some more pictures of you all, if you want to send some in the mail :) That'd be great. I've also realized how blessed I've been to have the friends I had in highschool and further on. My friends that are serving missions are really inspiring me. I know they are the kind of people who will work so hard as missionaries and become close to the Lord. I also am so grateful for my other friends who are at home and college and anywhere else. I know they are always working to become the best thems. (I know that last word didn't make sense...but I wrote it like that on purpose) :)

In our District conference with the Ludwigs, President Ludwig talked about Urgency and Sustained Effort. He talked about how we need to work with an urgent pace with everything in our lives. (not frantic...urgent). When we are told to do something we need to go and do it right away. Sometimes we may follow something in an urgent matter and it may take months or even years for it to make a difference. That's where sustained effort needs to come in. We need to work hard and endure to the end. I want to challenge anyone who reads this to find something in their life they can work on, and work on it NOW (don't procrastinate), sustain the effort. and keep smiling too :D

As Sister Ludwig said, "I'm going to be better today than I was yesterday."

I love this church. IT IS TRUE!! I know that as we pray sincerely we will feel closer to our Savior. PMG is inspired. READ IT! I love you all soooo much.

Love,

Sister Israelsen

I like Different

Hello family!!!
     I'm exhausted, but happy.... and tired, but still alive.  Today was our third day playing I believe. Every ones chops were starting to get really tired, so Elder Braque (our director) had us finish early. We went on a wagon ride which was really neat!

    My companion's name is Sarah Carroll. She actually went to BYU-Idaho and was in symphony band. So, I already kind of knew her. It's been awesome getting to know her better though. She is an amazing sister :) We have companionship studies in the morning and she teaches me a lot. We are going through the Preach My Gospel book. Sister Carroll is from Idaho. She plays the clarinet and she's always smiling.

When we get back home in the evening, we sing through a few songs we need to know for Sunset on the Mississippi. They're called Frog Kissin' and Invocation. We usually tell a few stories from the day and then we say "family prayer"

    We haven't had it rain yet...but I'll tell you what... It is HOT!!!!! I guess it'll get a lot more so, but really. It's steaming. Especially with the humidity. A few of us go running in the mornings when it's not super hot. When we get back, we seriously cannot stop the sweat. It's kind of gross. Haha! But really, the humidity just keeps it on. You wipe it off and it's still there. I got some sun on my first day here. so yes, the farmer tan is beginning. I kind of like the humidity though. It's different, but I like different.

     My chops = tired. We play almost all day. Luckily Sister Bjarnson (the other 1st trumpet) and I switch off a bit. Plus I think rather than get more tired, my lips are getting use to it. Which is great!

     NAUVOO!!! Nauvoo is beautiful! I love it so much. The sunrises and sunsets are always gorgeous! The people are so kind. I know I'm not a morning person really, but I don't even mind waking up to go running because it's so pretty and it's perfect temperature in the morning, and the birds are singing. I love life :) I love learning about the pioneers. Just sitting and listening to stories, I can feel their spirit present SO strongly. I have felt so close to my Savior and my Heavenly Father. Closer than ever, in these past 6 days or so (I really seems like it's been so much longer. WOW. I feel like I've been here forever.)

    I know this church is true!! I know the Book of Mormon is true. I want to be able to play the music in a way that people will be able to hear the real music behind it. The music of heaven. I love you all soooo much!! Keep working with the sheep, Todd and Kimmy! You can win :) :) Emily, how did AP tests go? Are you so glad they're over? Everyone, tell me how you are :)

Love,

Sister Israelsen

As though I'm living in Pioneer Days

..... The spirit is so strong here.  It's a beautiful place.  I almost feel as though I'm living in pioneer days... with some extra things... like A/C and jeans. But, I don't have any electronics, our enjoyment is playing music or going on a walk. People drive at 20 Mph and say "hi" to everyone. Just like you expected mom, I LOVE the senior missionaries. They're amazing. A few of my favorite things about them:
     *  The lady practicing walking on stilts.
     *  All the couple missionaries stood there in a big crowd as we got off the bus cheering and giving giant hugs.
     *  They have such great experience and their talks in church were wonderful, even the guy who 20 minutes of random stories that seemed to have no point...but they did, they were all stories with his wife. He ended in saying how he loved her. (He seemed like the type of guy who doesn't say much so it was very cute) even when he rambled on about what hamburgers look like when they are cooking :).
      It's such a wonderful place and I'm so blessed to be here!!
      I know this church is true!!  I love you all so much!

Love,
Sister Israelsen

Our House

... The house is pretty big.  It's cute too.  We've got two kitchens, three bathrooms, two washer and dryers, and five bedrooms. It's just me and Sister Carroll in my room.  It's quite small, but I don't mind. Oh, and it's right across the street from the temple, so I can look right out my window at it.
    Wow, there are things that wound NEVER work in a house with 14 girls but they do.  On our 20 minute drive to Keokuk to go shopping we figured out a plan for food.  No one complained or made it difficult, it just worked... ideas just came into people's minds. This is our plan:  We each provide our own breakfast, lunch is provided for us, and then each companionship will do dinner for all 14 girls once a week.  It saves so much money and we don't each have to think of a new meal each night, plus we get healthier meals this way. Genius! :)  We also figured out that the sisters who make the food one night, empty the dishwasher the next night!  It's truly a miracle that it all works and that we figured it out so fast.

Young Performing Missionaries 2011

YOUNG PERFORMING MISSIONARIES 2011
Stage, Band, and Tech Crew
Katie is on the 3rd row back, 3rd from the right

Hello Friends and Family

Hi!  If you found this blog, chances are you know Katie or have an interest in what she is doing in Nauvoo.  These blogs will be posted by her family (alright... her Mom), about once a week.  She can't correspond by email except to family once weekly while she is serving as a missionary, but would love to receive letters at

Sister Katie Israelsen, YPM
PO Box 215
Nauvoo, Illinois  62354

Thanks,

Michelle