Week 12: What a Ride

07/31/2016: Well, last night was the last night of Pageant. I am sad to bid farewell to my pageant family, but it honestly has not really hit me yet that tomorrow I will be going home after Sunset by the Mississippi rather than to the pageant stage. I hope that I jump from denial to acceptance without all the stages of grief in between, but we shall see.

I had some awesome visitors this week. My mom and aunt came for a couple of days, and it was wonderful to see them! I am very excited to be able to see my mom again in 16 days and be able to talk to her for more than just a couple of minutes between shows. I also got to see the Stokes Family, including Abby Stokes who is on the way home from her mission in Nebraska. It was wonderful to see a friend I grew up with after years apart.

The "Nauvoo Crud" is going around the Young Performing Missionaries. Some think it is an actual illness, but others think it is the body giving up and dying from how extra-tiring this month has been with the addition of Pageant. In all reality, it is probably a combination of the two. Both of my companions have it, so I have been helping try to get them healthy again (#DaughterofaDoctorProbs) and have been lucky to not yet get ill myself. Hopefully, my luck continues.

Between the end of Pageant, wonderful visitors, and the Nauvoo Crud (the latter making us look like a group of zombies, not missionaries), this week has been quite a crazy but wonderful ride. With how busy and tiring the month of July has been, I have learned the truth of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's words, "You are stronger than you realize. You are more capable that you can imagine."   Indeed, I am through the help of the Lord who has definitely been helping me every step of the way as I have been blessed with the energy and strength to accomplish all tasks placed in front of me with a smile.

 

Picture is of me with Jeff and Aurora Dickamore and their daughter Wilde. They are in the pageant core cast, and he is getting a masters at University of Tennessee (which is way cool because... Tennessee). 

Have a wonderful week! Love you all!

-Sister Sylvestre

Week 11: A Week of Change

07/24/2016:  Friends and Family,

This week was certainly not the usual week.  At the start of the week, I learned that Sister Robinson, one of the tech sisters would be going home this past Friday.  Much of the week was spent preparing to run shows with one less person.  I have taken over backstage right for The Promise and trained Elder Schultz, our technical director on the lights for the show.  I will be in the light booth for Be Still, a show we only do on Sundays.  Sister Harmer has joined my companionship with Sister Young, so us techs are now in a trio companionship, and being in a tripansionship has been great fun!

I was very nervous about taking on a new role the The Promise so far in the season, but once I had successfully done a show on my own, I was able to start enjoying doing backstage for the show.  As much as I love lights, the adventure of being backstage is the best.  It has been great to spend more time with the stage missionaries too.

On Tuesday, Sunset by the Mississippi was cancelled for the first time ever due to rain because we do not have overflow seating in the Visitors' Center anymore to accommodate all those who are here during pageant season.  The rest of the week was so hot that they almost had to cancel a couple more shows because the senior missionaries cannot do shows outside when the heat index is higher than 105.  We shortened one of our shows because the heat index was at the border, and last night, the mission president sent all of the seniors home.  We ended up doing a YPM version of the show because there was a large crowd waiting in the heat that we did not want to disappoint.  It was so fun to mix things up!

This week has been quite a week as our schedule stayed the same while all else was different. With all the change going on in my responsibilities, it is great to be able to turn to the scriptures for strength.  A verse that brought me a lot of comfort this week is Doctrine & Covenants 6:23, "Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?  What greater witness can you have than from God?"  I know that it is God's will that I am here serving in Nauvoo as a Young Performing Technical Missionary this summer, and because of that, He is blessing me to seamlessly transition into performing new roles.

Have a wonderful week! 

Picture is of the 4 tech sisters in our Sisters in Black shirts.  

Left to right: Sister Harmer, Sister Robinson, me, Sister Young

-Sister Sylvestre

Old friends reunited in Nauvoo

Pictured:  Lauren Denton, Youth Leader and former YPM (band), with Sister Ashley Sylvestre.

Lauren once resided in the greater Memphis area, where she attended church and youth activities with Ashley.

Week 10: Where did the time go?

07/17/2016: My Dearest Friends and Family, 

It is amazing how time flies!   We are now half way done with the pageant season, and yesterday marked 1 month until I am home.

At the start of the week, the second (and final) pageant work crew arrived, and they rock! I have really enjoyed getting to know them when the emerge from under the stage. They have carried on the tradition of doing the Highland Fling backstage during the Nauvoo Pageant, which I love. It is so cool being part of the pageant family and hearing how I am missed when my jobs do not magically get done during rehearsal. Even though pageant means there is no time to rest, I will really miss it when it is done. 

Thursday afternoon, we were all told the bad news that Elder Contreras would be going home the next morning so that his broken foot could heal properly. I knew I would miss having him around, but I was surprised to discover that I could feel a tangible void from the absence of his spirit here. Indeed, not having him here is hard, but I am glad that his foot will be able to heal as it should so that he can soon be back dancing.

This week, Elder Camp shared with us a proverb, "Your faith can move mountains, but do not be surprised when God hands you a shovel."  We can do anything through faith in God, but it is important that we put in the work first. Then, God will enable us to do more than we can do alone as we trust in him. "As much as ye shall put your trust in God, even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day." (Alma 38:5)

Pictures:  (1) Elder Wilson (one of the coolest senior missionaries) with a horse that we all think is emo with his hair the way it is. 

(2) Elder Camp loves us tech sisters so much that he designed and ordered "Sisters in Black" shirts for us. You cannot read the entirety of the back, but it is from Men in Black.

-Sister Sylvestre

Nauvoo Pageant

The 12th Annual Nauvoo Pageant - A Tribute to Joseph Smith 

Also featuring the British Pageant - Truth will Prevail 

Pageant dates for 2016: July 5 - July 30, 2016 

Nauvoo Pageant presented on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 

British Pageant presented on Wednesday and Friday 

Performances begin at 8:30 p.m.

Week 9: PAGEANT!!!!!

07/10/2016:  This week has been the busiest, craziest week but also the greatest week!  Pageant opened and has quickly become my favorite thing I do here.  I absolutely love running around "The Village" (what I call the huge backstage area that has literally everything, even a daycare center) getting things done and getting to know those involved with pageant. I am sad to see our first family cast leave (each ensemble group only performs for a week), but I am looking forward to our next cast as well.

Unfortunately, Pageant season always means YPMs getting hurt.  :(  On opening night of the Nauvoo Pageant, one of our elders broke his foot, so we have been having to change all the dances and do some recasting. Thankfully, Elder Contreras has become weight-bearing very quickly, so he will soon be able to be in some shows (just not dancing) and will not be going home early.  :)

There really are not words to describe my experience this week, but it has been beyond amazing!

I came across a verse I would like to share with all of you.  1 Corinthians 9:24 reads, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain."  While life is not a competition, I love the idea that we should all work hard to do the best we can do and be the best we can be at all times, just as we would give our all when running a race.

Sister Harmer and I took pictures in front of the temple in the garden and in a field with the Mississippi River in the background.

-Sister Sylvestre

Friends made and met on the Trail of Hope

Here is a picture taken at Trail of Hope of me with a little girl (Sophia James) who is the daughter of a YPM from 1995 (I think that was the year).  In the picture, Sophia is wearing my daycap.

Her parents write: 

Dear Sis. Sylvestre:

      It was great meeting you in Nauvoo a couple of weeks ago. Nauvoo is such an inspirational place, and the young performing missionaries were awesome! Here’s the picture (attached) of you and our 8-y.o. daughter Sophia.

Best Regards,

Curtis and Elaine James

07/07/2016

Week 8: Here Comes The Rain!

07/03/2016: What a week!  One morning, I saw a lot of buses that said Memphis, TN  on them, and as it turns out, Memphis North Stake had their Youth Conference here! It was so awesome to get to see some familiar faces and friends. Sunday night, Trail of Hope was cancelled because the pageant core cast performed "Our Story Goes On," a music review that they do twice each summer.   Being able to see it was amazing!

Monday was the anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, so we went to a commemoration hosted by Community of Christ at the Smith Cemetery and one hosted by us at Carthage Jail, where they were killed by a mob. The Spirit could be felt so strongly as we recognized their lives and how, like so many before them, they sealed their testimony of the Gospel with their blood. Joseph Smith truly was a prophet called by God to restore the fullness of the Gospel.

Sister Young was asked to try to use the computer instead of the iPad to run sound for The Promise because there were tracks created by the elder who did sound last year on there that Elder Camp wanted to use. Well, being given a new program right before a show was a recipe for disaster and resulted in the big opening song that includes a big dance number having to be done a cappella. Thank goodness for Elder Hasse who sang the music to help all stay together and on beat during the dance. It was quite possibly one of the most entertaining things I have ever seen as the audience was really rooting for them.

Thursday, we got rain for the second time since we got here and the first time since shows opened, which meant that Sunset by the Mississippi was indoors. To say the least, pulling off the show was an adventure, but all worked out really well. We have had lots of rain since then too, which has been awesome because the rain is my favorite (even though fireworks were cancelled last night as a result).

Friday, I was given a job for pageant!  I had asked to be backstage since lights never required more than 3 people, and as it turns out, they were short one person backstage. I am now the final assistant stage manager, which mostly just involves making sure all props are where they need to be at every point of the show. I have loved getting to meet and work with the pageant core cast & crew and cannot wait to continue getting to know them all. They are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Words cannot describe my excitement about my assignment, but I pretty much have not stopped smiling since!


Pictures:
(1)  Our Story Goes On was amazing, and I cannot wait to see it again on the 24th!
(2)  And we got to see Noteworthy this week, and what else would I do while waiting other than take a selfie with Sister Rackham (band ypm... she actually is our tuba player which is way legit) and the other YPMs.
(3&4)  Our resident Canadian, Elder Sykes, gets really into Canada Day... and I did a bit too.


Happy 4th of July to all!


-Sister Sylvestre

Week 7: It's Hump Day!

06/26/2016:  Well, as the subject says, today is Hump Day for the mission, meaning that my time here is half done.

Last Sunday, we toured the part of old Nauvoo owned by Community of Christ.  It was really cool to go inside the homes that Joseph Smith lived in and hosted people in while here and to learn more about the history of those who lived here from 1839-1846.  Our guide was recently called to be part of the "Council of the 12" (an apostle) for Community of Christ, and we all really enjoyed getting to know him and learn about his beliefs and how they both differ and are similar to ours.  It was really a great experience.

On Tuesday, an elder decided to go all out for choreography on a Nauvoo Singers song and got hurt jumping as high as he could in a room with a super low ceiling (less than 1 ft above his head).  He couldn't perform in any shows that day, which led to quite an adventure of actor shuffling.  For Anna Amanda, the elder with his role in the other cast filled in and just didn't do Nauvoo Singers with his cast, but The Promise was not such an easy switch since he has a character in both casts with the same person as the alternate of those characters.  The alternate played the bigger role, and another elder had a couple hours to learn the other role, for which we cut out a less needed scene so that he had less to learn.  Thankfully, the injured elder is well enough now to do all in the shows, so we are back to normal again.

Friday, we had our first day of pageant tech instead of helping with Trail of Hope.  I am not really a technician, and we were only around the light and sound boards, both of which are pretty advanced digital boards.  I basically had no clue what was going on the whole time.

For pictures: Sister Young and I did the carriage ride to Inspiration Point one morning.  It was amazing, and the picture is of Inspiration Point.  And Wolverine (Elder Striplin) decided to join us one morning; it is nice that we still get to take a little time for fun despite being so busy.

-Sister Sylvestre

Mansion House

06/19/2016: Elder & Sister Murset write... "Hi- The Stage and Tech Missionaries were able to take a tour of the Community of Christ (RLDS) tour with their newest Apostle, Lachlan McKay.  The Band will take the tour on Wednesday."

Photo:  Stage & tech YPM's in front of the Mansion House.

Mansion House: Construction of the Mansion House was completed in 1843 and initially used as the personal residence of the Smith family and where visitors were entertained and lodged.  Due to expenses, the Mansion House was converted to a hotel 1844. In the 1890s, the hotel wing of the home was removed. The Mansion House is now a historical site.  Photo above is from the early 20th century.

 

 

Happy Father’s Day!

06/19/2016:   From Elder and Sister Murset...  

"Here is a picture from all the YPM’s wishing you all a Happy Father’s day."

Week 6: Lots of Adventures

06/19/2016:  I wish I could tell you guys about all that happened this week (we have had quite an eventful week) and all that I have met here, but that is simply not possible, especially in the short duration of time I have to email. I really have met so many wonderful people this week and have had the opportunity to run into many of them again after first meeting them. I have been blessed to remember names, and I have found that remembering their names really makes a difference in establishing a personal connection to create more meaningful conversations and letting them know that each is valued as an individual, not just as a group of people who come and leave and are only remembered as part of the tally of people at events. It has been really neat to have such experiences. 

 

On Tuesday, we got to watch the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble perform, which was amazing and definitely one of my favorite parts of the week. They have since left, and Noteworthy is arriving to start their 2 week visit. Another fun thing this week was watching Elder Hasse open his mission call to Colorado Denver North, Spanish Speaking with his family present.

Last night, the door to the basement got sealed shut due to a broken piece in the handle, resulting in Sister Young being trapped for a bit until we were able to identify the problem then have her remove the handle since the screws were on her side. It was quite the adventure for those of us in the Hatch House. (Of course, there are videos taken.)

This week, I encountered a quote from Sheri Dew that I love and want to share. "He rarely moves the mountains in front of us, but He always helps us climb them."  I know that the Lord really does help us overcome our trials and obstacles as we ask and seek for His guidance and comfort.

Pictures:  (1)  Sister Young and me at the Blacksmith shop; she made the horseshoe she is holding. (2)  Some elders wanted to try some new hair for the Kung Fu version of the auditions, a skit in Sunset by the Mississippi. Elder Camp didn't approve of them doing it on stage... for obvious reasons.  (3)  Sisters Young and Hughes and me waiting in the 70s Hall for Elder Hasse to open his mission call.  (4) Sister Young and me at the 70s Hall.

Love you all!

-Sister Sylvestre

Pictures

06/19/2016: Pictures. One is waiting for Elder Hasse to open his call... That's Elder Johnson photobombing and Elder Wilkinson is the other in the background. 

No picture at Casey's yet, but Elder Schultz bought us taco pizza from there last night, so that's the other two pics.

 

Week 5: I can hear!

06/12/2016: Monday marked one month since I got here. It honestly feels like a year with how much we pack into each day though. Overall, this week was the same as last week since it is performing season, but we did have the first of the BYU performing groups arrive, so it has been an adventure to strike the outdoor stage super fast after Sunset by the Mississippi while the BYU folk dance ensemble set up for their show that starts 30 minutes after we end. Most days, we only did one show of The Promise, which meant I actually got to have dinner those days! This week, we had the first of our weekly district meetings. Most in my district have not served another mission, so we do not have a clue how they should be since President Hall (our mission president) isn't giving us much direction in how they should be.

Exciting news!!! I finally have a monitor in the light booth that has mics, meaning I can actually hear the show and my cues!! Being able to hear and not just watch in silence has made the show so much more interesting, and it definitely helps me stay awake better too. For the mornings we do not do Anna Amanda we have (another) new assignment, and it seems like this one will last. Last week, President Hall met with people from the church mission department who came here, and they came up with a plan for us to be stationed at a central point in town and to talk with people who visit here since those in the sites do not really have the time to once it gets busy and people have to wait in line for tours. We will have maps and pass-along cards that list all there is to do in Nauvoo, and we will help people plan their experience. I think the goal to make sure all get the most out of their time here by being aware of all there is to do and through getting to have some personal interaction.

This week, I got to see some familiar faces. During Friday's Trail of Hope, I interacted with Tom Garrett and his wife, people from Memphis who I haven't seen since I was young, and they recognized me by my last name, which was exciting. The other is Michael Morrise who served here as a tech YPM last year and came for a visit with a couple of the stage YPMs from last year. I was beyond excited to see him when I spotted him, and they spent a few days here. It is always exciting to run into people I know.

Pictures: One is of me with Michael Morrise and Sister Grounds (a band sister). The other is of me in front of the tin shop.... I think Mr. Stodard spelled his first name a little wrong though ;)


-Sister Sylvestre

"Ashley Ran into the Garretts at Trail of Hope"

06/10/2016: Photo provided by Thomas Garrett of the Memphis North Stake.

Ashley's mother writes:
Dear Brother Garrett:  Thank you so very much for the photo.  I am certain that it was joyous for Ashley to see some "home folk."  I cannot express to you how much Ashley and I love you and your family... Not just for the beautiful floors that you installed in our home but also for the Spirit that you (and your sons) have brought into our home and our lives.  ... Ashley and I love Nauvoo.   The Spirit is so strong there...

Week 4: So many children...

06/05/2016: Last Sunday, I got to see Becky Briscoe and her family! They used to live in my home ward (congregation), and she was one of my Young Women leaders. Seeing a familiar face was exactly what I needed at the moment to give me a boost and keep me going. 

This week, Mark Lusvardi is here. He has a lot of roles, but he is also one of the writers of Preach My Gospel (and basically has it all memorized by page number). Tuesday, he spoke to us Young Performing Missionaries. He spoke a lot on the power of the Spirit and the ability we have through music to help others feel the Spirit and the importance of following the guidance of the Spirit, especially while serving here as missionaries. Super cool experience! 

Wednesday, we had our preparation morning. Sister Grounds (a band sister) and I stayed in town and had a lot of fun exploring Mulholland (the main road). There is a picture of me with a handcart that is out there. Thursday, stage and tech got to have our first of our weekly temple trips. It was such a wonderful experience to gather in the Nauvoo Temple as missionaries.

Friday, I had the opportunity to be a company captain for the Trail of Hope, the road the saints walked down as they left Nauvoo to go to the West. There were a lot of children in the group who wanted to only touch my lantern from the moment I told them the flames were all real and not to touch. As we progressed down the trail, I noticed they calmed more at each stop and increased in focus on the actors portraying those who walked the trail through journal entries and published words. All the children who come to visit here are the best, and I have loved every moment with them. As I was told I would be, I have been blessed to remember the names of all I meet despite there being so many and names not really being my thing.

Yesterday, two of the elders got mission calls for 2 year missions. It was an experience that was wonderful beyond description to gather in the 70s Hall (the original missionary training center), sing Called to Serve with the band playing it, hear from our mission president, and watch Elders Smith and Johnson open their calls. They are going to Houston, TX Spanish and Charlotte, NC.

For the second half of the week, the techs had companion exchanges until 1:30 each day. I did Anna Amanda with Sister Harmer while Sisters Young and Robinson worked on the Outdoor Stage sound system. It was a lot of fun to be able to work with both casts and Sister Harmer. 

I read a great quote this week from David O. McKay: "True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men."  I love this quote because it is an eternal truth but can be difficult to remember at times. Reading it was a good reminder of how important all are in the eyes of God.

Pictures:  (1) me with a handcart, (2) Elder Smith opening his call, and (3) the Temple at night.

- Sister Sylvestre