Nauvoo

Nauvoo is one of the most sacred places we have ever been.

The spirit is so strong there.

You have this amazing appreciation for the saints that lived in this place called NAUVOO before you go but, your testimony is so deepened by being in the very place they sacrified so much.

One thing that really touched us was the overall encompassing feeling we got about the pioneers and the reason they did all that they did.........They knew their Savior.

What a powerful example of FAITH and devotion.

Joseph Smith .........

.........I can't even find the words to express my appreciation to him. There is so much to learn from his experiences. He is my hero!

Our first day in Nauvoo we spent the early morning with Josh and Olivia in the temple. This was Olivia's first experience in the temple. We had family names that we did baptisms for.

A moment we will never forget.

After a few hours in the temple we headed back to get Jess and Jack.

We had most of the rest of the day to visit Nauvoo.

We didn't leave the area till 10:00 pm. There was so much to do and see.

We did it all.

There was wagon rides through the village, tours of the homes, learning to make your own rope, making a steel wheel for a wagon, seeing how they baked their food, to head stones to look at, and walking down what they call "Trail of HOPE". They even had an incredible evening show put on by the senior couples that served there.

These seniors touched my heart!

Such dedication.

They were having the time of their lives. They had to have been so tired, but you'd never guess it. It was like a senior sorority! We felt so connected to them. It almost felt sad to say good-bye. Truly inspiring......Scot and I both remarked to each other about how fun that time of our life will be. Someday.

The weather was beautiful and the scenery matched.

These two men, Joseph and Hyrum were inseperable.

They loved each other like brothers should. Always looking out for the other. Supporting.

This is the monument that overlooks the Mississippi River. The river that they crossed on their way out in the months after Joseph's death.

I so enjoyed the period pieces in all the homes we went in. The church has done a wonderful job recreating the look. Some of the things are actual furnishing of that home.

Next to the river lay the burial sites of Hyrum, Joseph, and Emma. This was a very sacred place as well.

Reading the journal entries of the saints down "Trail of Hope " street. This too was a wonderful moment to gain a better picture of what was going in their hearts and minds as they made their mass exodus to the Salt Lake valley.

The entries along the way brought you to this. The entry into the river. Looking back- getting a sense of what they left behind. The temple was in sight.

We then headed to Carthage about 20 mins. outside of Nauvoo. The shot is taken from the room where Joseph and others were held. This is the very window that Joseph fell through after being shot by the mobs.

I was a mess in this room.

Our little senior lady described the last few hours, mins, seconds that Joseph spent before his martyrdom. She even played a recording of what it might sound like as the mobs arrived. There was such peace in the heart of Joseph. He was prepared. You could sense all of this.

We then made our way to Liberty Jail. About a 4 hour ride from Carthage. This was all in the same day. Our days were long and full. The kids slept part of the way.

Again, this was a very sacred place. We listened to the sister missionary describe the conditions that these men had to endure while held here for several months. The weather was the coldest they recored. They had no use of toilets, or shower. I can't imagine the smell!

They should have died. But, they didn't. I am sure they each had their own angels. The one brother walked around with a stoop the rest of his life. He couldn't stand fully erect because he was taller than 6 foot.

Our children walked away with a better sense of what it was to be a pioneer. A better testimony and appreciation for the prophet JOSEPH SMITH and all those who followed him.

A powerful trip that made a mark on our lives for good.