We left the Mount Rushmore area and headed to Independence, Missouri. That was a long stretch of highway but absolutely beautiful. Some of you also may remember that the area was flooding during that time. We had a few detours to take due to bridges having been washed out but we made it.(thanks to John for his GPS)
They have a visitor's center there that was really neat that explained all about the time the saints were in the area. We got to see where they are going to build the temple when Christ comes again. We then headed to Far West to see the place where Joseph Smith and others were kept as prisoners in the dungeon. There was a real somber feeling in that place. My kids were quiet and I think they grasped the magnitude of it. Being able to see it really makes things more real.
We were then on to Adam-ondi-ahman. We made a quick stop at the neatest restaurant called Shae's Place. It was decorated so nice and modern and had great food. We fell in love with it so if you ever are around there, you'll have to stop.
It was a very stormy day and had been raining while we were driving. When we got to Adam-ondi-ahman, it stopped. Only to return with a vengance when we were finished. It was a little miracle just for us.
We were on our way to Nauvoo. When we got there, it was dark. The temple was so beautiful all lit up.
As the day started, we found out that we were there the day that Joseph Smith had died. They had a memorial service going on that afternoon in the tiny graveyard that some Smith family members are buried. We felt blessed to be there on that day and remember the man who made it possible for us to enjoy the gospel we have today.
This was an action packed day. We started by going to the visitor's center where they offer free wagon tours drawn by huge horses that were not Clydesdale's but something else that my mom knew, of course, before the guy even said it. I can't even remember the name of them. Maybe my mom will respond to this and let you all know.
We got to see all the houses of old church leaders and the old buildings. It was wonderful. The part that made us all tear up was when our tour guide showed us the trail that the saints took as they were leaving Nauvoo. She had us look back over our shoulders like they did to look at their precious temple that they were leaving behind. Since the temple is there now, it was quite an emotional site.
While Olin went to do a session at the temple, my Mom and I took the kids around to all the buildings. We got to make a rope and bricks and even got our own prairie diamonds (which are horse shoe nails bent in a circle). As the blacksmith showed us how they made horseshoes, he was making a miniature one. He then said that he would give it to the person whose birthday was the same as his in October. No one had it but Julia was the closest. She now has the little horseshoe.
We did alot of walking going from building to building but it was alot of fun. We then wanted to make a quick trip to Carthage to see the building where Joseph Smith was martyred. Another very sobering place. We all talked in whispers and some had a few tears in their eyes hearing what took place that night.
We drove back to see a production put on by some missionaries and volunteers. It was like a roadshow but since it was in Nauvoo, it was better. Jacob was bored stiff, so he and I went and chased the fireflies. I actually caught one on my finger. They are so cool. That ended our time in Nauvoo. As we finished up the day, Katie exclaimed "It's like a Mormon Disneyland."
The next day, we went to Council Bluffs, Iowa (Winter Quarters, Nebraska). We stopped at the visitor's center and learned what happened to the saints from Nauvoo to there. Times were so horrific for those people, yet they kept a good attitude. They all worked together with the same purpose in mind. It was truly amazing to all of us.
They had a handcart that they let us pull. The tour guide would put rocks under it, starting with a small one and then replacing it with larger ones, to see how it felt to pull a handcart over them. That is some tough work. It only made my testimony stronger in the fact that those people had heavenly help doing what they did.
That was the end of our trip. We drove the rest of the way home. We were all exhausted and ready for our own space.
I can't finish this without giving a special thanks to my mom. She really made this trip the great trip that it was. She has a certain navigational gift that can't compare. My kids all love her to death. We were happy to have her all to ourselves and get to experience this with her. Thanks Mom!!!
I also have to just let you know that we drove 3,377 miles in that week!!!
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