Joy for Nauvoo

Dear anyone who wants to hear me express my joy for Nauvoo,

Is this for real? Seriously, I am so incredibly grateful for the wonderful privilege I have to be serving here in Nauvoo right now! Sometimes I just take a look around, along with the other elders and sisters, and just smile, forever, because I can't believe that I have this opportunity right now. Yesterday was our opening day, we have learned so much these past 3 weeks, I owe it all to the Lord. I love Zion! The elders and sisters are really like my brothers and sisters, and we have only known each other for just over 3 weeks. I love everyone. President Ludwigs' wife, sister Ludwig, always talks about not postponing joy, there is so much to be joyful for! Why wait? I know, you couldn't think of a reason, so don't wait! This week I have even found joy in being sick. I've had a cold all week. Basically when one person gets sick, all of the YPM's do. This week I had a blessing from Elder Camp. I love the priesthood. I can't say that my cold went away, although it has gotten better, but my attitude changed and my faith was made stronger. And I still have joy in not feeling well. Funny but true.

Today we walked the trail of hope after church with the YPM's, it was so peaceful, and we walked and read in silence about the Saints feelings upon leaving Nauvoo, and crossing the Mississippi River. They pushed on with faith and never stopped defending what they believed even through their starvation and sickness. I am so grateful. I'm convinced that they are the ones who kept the kingdom of God moving forward. It's amazing to me how long it took them to travel from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley. I took that same trip they did, but in an airplane coming the opposite direction, and it took not even a day. Yep, the early Saints were amazing examples.

Do you want to know a cool fact? So my mission, is the largest mission in the church in the summertime! Cool huh? They have the most missionaries serving here, then any other mission. Well, life is good, keep smiling, there is so many things to find joy in! The church is true. Hurrah for Israel!

Love, Sister Paulsen


Check out the pictures below: 
Look same dress..and same pose! 
We found the outhouse!  What a relief for Sister Johnson and I!
Enjoying the out seating with Sister Carroll and Sister Aramaki.
Standing in front of the crown Jewel of Nauvoo, the Temple!
I just love the dresses we perform in!
Mic check time and stage rehearsals.
The Elders are great to work with!