Thursday, May 28, 2009

Rain Soaked RV



After two days of driving in the rain and getting turned around a little bit we made it to one of our stops, the John Johnson farm, in Hiram, Ohio. I was able to get into the house, the doors were wide enough and the floors strong enough to hold me. That in-and -of- itself is a blessing. I wasn’t able to go upstairs, which was expected. But I was able to visit with the host missionary and an older gentleman from England. It was fun to be able to talk with him and the missionary about how special this place really was. (Side note, the English gentleman said, “Cheerio” when he left – like a real Englishman!!!) I have a new found respect for the distances and the places that the pioneers had to travel and also for what they had to go thru, especially the Prophet Joseph Smith in order to build up the kingdom. This was the home the Prophet Joseph Smith started translating the Bible. It was neat to learn a lot about the Johnson family and how much they had sacrificed for the Church. Here also Joseph Smith was dragged out of the home and tarred and feathered. The twins he had adopted were sick and the little boy was left in the cold during the night and ultimately died. It was really special to see where this had actually taken place. I could feel the spirit so strongly there. Just being here in the place where the prophet lived and walked is definitely a special feeling. After the John Johnson farm we headed to New York to see Niagara Falls. It was impressive to see how powerful the water was and how large the falls actually are on the Canadian side. Tomorrow is on to Palmyra.

6 comments:

  1. Hey it's Mike! Sounds like you are having a blast. I have always wanted to go on a tour like that. I'll get more details from you when you get back. Cheerio, Griff!

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  2. Thanks for sending the blog. That is really cool that you were able to be there and especially that you were able to feel the spirit so powerfully. Joseph Smith's life was truly remarkable being filled with exceeding highs and lows. That is also neat that you were able to see niagra falls. Hope you have fun on the rest of the trip.

    Thanks
    Baden

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  3. I showed the picture to the boys and the whole rest of the night they wanted to see the "picture of Ryan by the big water!"...as you can see we are teaching them navajo as well. We love you guys and are excited for you too!

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  4. I love the church history sites! I think you'll have a wonderful time going to see them.

    Niagra falls is fun at night as well as during the day. What a cool place.

    Hope you make some great memories!

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  5. Ryan, I'm so glad you're documenting all these experiences. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you're having a great time so far! I have never been any of these places, so it's great to read what you have to say. Have fun!! Katie

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  6. hope you enjoy the rest of your trip! The sacred grove and Joseph Smith's house in Palmyra is awesome too! I need to take Cami there sometime too.

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