Nauvoo -- Beautiful

June 3-4, 2009

Nauvoo was just like the name describes, beautiful. We really had an enjoyable time learning more about the pioneers and what they had to leave behind; the beautiful temple they had just completed, their homes and probably friends as well as family. We had the opportunity to go to a session in the Nauvoo temple and had a wonderful experience feeling of the spirit and admiring the beautiful restoration. I can’t believe they accomplished what they did over 150 years ago, and us having machinery and the technology to do what they did so long ago. After the session in the temple, the President of the Temple came up and spoke with me and then gave us a private tour of the Temple. We were able to see Joseph Smith’s saber (sword) that he used as the captain of the Nauvoo Legion. We also were able to see some of the clothing that Lucy Mack had worn and a replica of the keys used in the original Temple. We also saw the assembly room that was almost identical to the assembly room in the Kirtland Temple. There must be something to that sacred room because they only use the room with the permission of the First Presidency. The President then took us to see the baptistery and see the font. When excavating for the temple they found the original drain where the font had been. Because this font was originally made from wood it is larger than all other fonts in our temples of today. What a remarkable thing it was to see how the temple was rebuilt and be shone around by the Temple President.

We then saw the statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith that resembled them riding on their horses on spring afternoon, admiring Nauvoo. We then went to a show which was performed by the student service missionaries depicting old Nauvoo. Nauvoo was different than the other historical sites we had been too, it seemed that there was much more entertainment for families! The next day we were able to walk along the Trail of Hope down to the Mississippi River. There were plaques containing quotes from the people’s journal entries while leaving Nauvoo-- preparing to cross the Mississippi river. There was definitely a strong spirit from those who survived and as well as those who did not make it to the Salt Lake valley.

We also, that night, went to another play that was performed by the senior missionaries and the student service missionary; it was about how the pioneers would have entertained themselves with singing, dancing and skits.

The Mississippi river – I can’t believe the convection the pioneers had to have to cross the mighty Mississippi. In rain, snow, or freezing water and ice they did not hesitate to obey the prophet’s counsel which came directly from the Lord. Nauvoo has taught me that sacrifice for something we believe is a must. If they could endure those trials while adhering to the words of the prophet, so must we. The next morning we went to the Joseph Smith home, but were unable to go in because of the timing of the tour by the Community of Christ church. Instead we went to Brigham Young’s home (again I wasn’t able to go inside). Brigham Young must have definintly been called of the Lord in order to lead thousands to Utah. I have a greater appreciation of Brigham Young and the sacrifice he went thru as well.

One of the main lessons I learned from Nauvoo is that we need to follow the counsel of the Prophets and obey the commandments of the Lord. I appreciate so greatly the strength and perseverance of the early pioneers to follow the commandment of the Lord and move to Utah and build up his Church there. It has brought me countless blessings to be a part of this great Kingdom on earth. I know Joseph Smith restored the true Church of Jesus Christ and I know that Brigham Young had to lead all those that believed in order to set up his Great Kingdom.

Next, on to Far West, Adam-Ondi-Ahman , Liberty and Independence, Missouri