It has a gorgeous “Federal Heights” district – in fact more than one.
The parks are amazing. One huge park is in honor of those who have served our country, and this weekend included a display of a model of the Vietnam Memorial in D.C.
Omaha has a lovely riverbank full of exquisite parks, walking paths, and interesting artwork.
The river we are told is higher than it has been in many years and many areas along the Missouri are above flood stage. One of our parks near these pictures is currently closed because of high water and we see fields under water all along the highway.
The bridge in the background is a famous “walking bridge” across the Missouri.
This is Mormon Bridge not far from us connecting Nebraska and Iowa. The flooding is quite evident here with trees growing out of the river. We are not in desperate straits yet and we are most grateful!
We have begun our busy tourist season. Today we had 175 youth plus their leaders from Colorado here on a Youth Conference. They held their testimony meeting in the Pioneer Cemetery overlooking our Winter Quarters Temple. It was awe inspiring and I am sure will be long remembered by these kids and their leaders.
Having surprise friends arrive is one of the best parts of being here. Last week we were visited by Nadine and Dave Hogan's grandson, Greg Terwilliger, and his wife and son who was doing his first baptisms at the temple. Greg spent lots of summers as a kid at Hogan's so it was fun to see him as a successful Dad. Nadine and Dave have good reasons to be proud. We were glad to share the wonderful spirit of the Trail Center with them.
That spirit is the special blessing of being on this bluff that I wish I could share with all of you. Elder Christofferson told us this month after visiting the Pioneer Cemetery twice, that angels surround us here. We will also testify of their presence and effect on our efforts. Every day we have the most amazing things happen. In fact I am preparing a collection of our Trail Center Moments—the wonderful experiences our Sisters have with our guests. Many come not knowing what brought them, and leave with burdens lightened, new knowledge, or a desire to change their lives.
This morning at our Saturday Training Meeting we had the opportunity to hear from our much loved Mission President, Milan Kunz. He taught us about the Godhead in the clearest language I have ever heard. He taught us that the Eternities will be run by families-mothers and fathers, not presidencies. (Once again reiterrating the importance of families.) We are Heavenly Father’s literal children and it is with Him whom we have our primary relationship. We are part of His family. We pray to Him asking for the blessings we desire. Christ is our advocate with the Father to help us get those blessings. If the Father feels it is the right time, He calls on the Holy Ghost to execute his will to provide those blessings as the Holy Ghost communicates spirit to spirit with us. The President taught us much more, but I felt I wanted to share these special insights.
UPDATE
Tonight going and coming from Kanesville/Council Bluffs the river was so high it was over the frontage road in some places--just further down from the picture below is the covered frontage road. The next picture shows the exit road just before the Mormon Bridge. The water is so close to the Main Highway 29 to Iowa that if the water rises much we will be cut off from this end.
We understand that a family in Council Bluffs Stake was evacuated from their home and the stake was asking everyone to get their 72 hour kits and plenty of water. Might be a long battle as it is not supposed to crest until June 16!.
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