The Church History Tour

On August 15-19th we moved from St. George, UT all the way back to Lansing, MI. This time we decided to take some time and have a little family vacation along the way. We have always wanted to see the church sites so we decided to stop along the way to see some of them.

Our first stop was to visit Independence, Missouri. There wasn't a lot to see but it was very interesting to see a few of the sites there. For example: the lot where Joseph Smith dedicated land to build a temple, but was never able to. We were also able to see the temple of the Community of Christ(RFLDS). We also got to see where Governor Boggs house was as well.

Our next stop of Liberty Jail. As soon as you walked into the room where the jail was you could feel the spirit so strong. As the missionaries shared the story of Joseph Smith in Jail it sent chills up our spines. We were in awe, especially to learn a few new things like: they were in that jail for 4 months before being released early & also that previous to being put into Liberty Jail, that Jospeh Smith had always had a spokesman speak for him. After being released from jail he always spoke for himself.

Our 3rd stop on our tour was Carthage Jail. I was anxious to see this site. I had heard and read so much about where Joseph & Hyrum Smith were killed, along with others. To be there was very humbling. As we made our way from room to room I felt myself pondering & trying to imagine myself in their place or even being around during that time. As we sat in the room where the mob came that day I was almost in tears. The spirit, again, was very strong!!!!

Our final stop was to see Nauvoo. Nauvoo is such a cute town, where the church sites are anyway. As for downtown Nauvoo....well, it's pretty old and run down. When we got out of the truck and looked up on the hill we saw the Nauvoo Temple. It was almost as if we were looking at a painting. It was almost like a dream! It's beautiful and reminds me of the movie "Legacy". We are actually going into Nauvoo tomorrow morning to really look at things. We plan to take a carriage ride that gives a tour of Nauvoo, then check out some of the shops around town too.

Although touring has been really hard in a 22 ft. truck + a van being towed behind it...we are so very grateful we took the time out to see these sites. Not many people get or take the chance to exerience these things for themselves. I can't wait to read D&C again and have it come to life as I read it again. I HIGHLY suggest you come see these places if you haven't already.