Church History Part

After coming home from our long trip, Dave and I both commented on how incredible it was to feel the Spirit in each of the church history sites. Although we felt the Spirit in the U.S. History places, it was definitely more powerful in the sites where the gospel was restored.

First stop, Peter Whitmer Farm.


Sacred Grove--It was such a great experience to be there with Dave for his first time. Dave is so good in his desires to feel the Spirit and this was a powerful place.


Smith Farmhouse


Palmyra Temple


Hill Cummorah


Pageant--It poured from mid-afternoon through half of the pageant. Other people had ponchos and umbrellas...we had trash bags. Each of us used at least 3 bags to help keep us dry--some worked better than others. We even had people asking if we had extras they could use. Despite the rain the pageant was great

(hope you enjoy that picture mom!!!)


Niagara Falls (not church history but sandwhiched in there)


Kirtland Temple



Newel K. Whitney Store--It was wonderful to be in these places where revelations were received and the restoration flourished. Such a wonderful Spirit.


John Johnson Farm


Carthage--this wonderful family was baptized in Colorado while I served there during the winter of my mission. They are INCREDIBLE people. They have since moved to Illinois and were willing to meet up with us in Carthage. They are such a great example to me of faith. I was rejuvenated by being with them again.


My beloved Carthage. I learned so much from serving there, giving tours and bearing my testimony of Joseph Smith. It was so wonderful to have Dave there with me and to tell him all the stories that mean so much to me and has made me who I am.


Nauvoo Temple--another place that I deeply love after being able to go weekly while on my mission. It is the most beautiful temple.


Another beautiful place. If you are ever going to Nauvoo make sure that you eat at this delicious cafe and bakery in Fort Madison--across the river. You have to have a dessert and eat part of it before your lunch--that was our tradition! I was so excited to go back and eat there and I was not disappointed.


Nauvoo



Winter Quarters


On the way home...


We were all ready to be home by the end of our 16 days excursion. We'd seen so much and been filled greatly. My favorite from the overall trip was to be in Nauvoo with Dave. In addition to the touring and showing him my favorite things, we were able to see the Pageant. If anyone has the opportunity to go to the Nauvoo pageant, do it. It is by far my favorite pageant (and not just because I am biased and love Nauvoo)!! It delivers such a powerful message of eternal families, temples, and Jesus Christ. So powerful.

Not only were we able to strengthen our testimony of the gospel, but Dave and I (poor Dave) were able to spend a lot of time with my parents and family in Nauvoo!!! But that's for tomorrow.