Nauvoo

We have spent a lot of time the last few weeks seeing places that I have heard about my whole life. It has been a neat experience to be in places where the church has its roots. To walk in places where Joseph Smith walked. Being here opens my mind to a whole new understanding of the things that went on and the things those people has to sacrifice in order to build the church.

The last few days we spent in Nauvoo. It was pageant time, so it was a little crowded. I think I would have enjoyed it more during off season when it would be more peaceful. But then I would have missed the pageant! We arrived in Nauvoo on July 4th. First thing we did after getting settled was to go see the show Rendevous and I really hope I spelled that right. Thanks Marcia for getting us tickets because there weren't any left by the time we got there! So do you see any of your friends in this picture? Everyone knows Marcia here!
Next we went over the river into Iowa to watch them shoot fireworks over the Mississippi. That was fun to watch!

The next morning we were up early so we could get a wagon ride through town. I loved the senior missionaries as they gave us the low down on the town. Now we knew what places we wanted to hit up! Although we enjoyed walking around and looking so much, it wasn't until we were done that we realized that we hadn't taken many pictures! Oh well.

Later that night we went to the pageant. We lucked out and got really good seats. This pageant is incredible. I LOVED it. I understand why so many people want to come and watch it. Of course, I forgot my camera so I had to settle for phone pictures. They aren't the best, but they will do. I love this temple. It stands as a powerful testimony to the saints and all their sacrifices. I think they must have rejoiced to see this temple rise again after they had to leave it so many years ago. Such a strong spirit here. I am grateful to know that because of temples we can have our families forever! And we will see again those who we have lost.

This is my favorite statue. In fact, I had to buy a little one to have in my house. It is Joseph and Hyrum Smith standing together. They stood together in life and in death. Such amazing brothers. I hope my two boys can learn from their example to stand together and build each other up.

Now the sad part of our journey. This is Carthage Jail where Joseph and Hyrum were murdered by a mob in 1844. What a dark and sad place. The jailer here was actually kind to them and he let them stay in the bedroom most of the time.

This is the door that was kicked in by the mob. It is the original door. You can still see the bullet hole from the bullet that killed Hyrum Smith.

And this is the window that Joseph fell out of after he was shot. Two great men lost their lives here because they refused to deny the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were amazing men and my testimony of their purpose has grown just by being here in these places.

Lindsie asked me to get this picture. This is where Joseph, Emma and Hyrum Smith are buried in Nauvoo.