After seeing sites in New York and Ohio, we headed back to Illinois to go to Nauvoo. The little town was restored in a way to resemble the lifestyle of how the early Church members lived. We only had a day to walk around and get a few of the tours, so we really didn't have much time. Some people say they've spent days there, but we just didn't have that kind of time. Luckily, we came on the last day of pageant, so we reserved a little spot on the grass to watch it later at night.
We spent the next few hours walking around Nauvoo and learning about some of the buildings and we were able to see the graveyard where Joseph, Hyrum, Emma, and other members of the Smith family were buried. It was a great experience to learn about the people and how much effort they spent into creating a beautiful place!
After visiting Nauvoo, we drove up to Carthage jail, where Joseph and Hyrum were martyred. We toured the jail and were just in awe of what had happened in that same room. After the tour, we left to get dinner. While we were eating dinner, Connor had this feeling that we should go back and read the account that John Taylor had written after the incident. It was a few minutes before closing that we decided to drive back and go. The missionaries were very kind and let us join in on the last tour. So we toured again and I am so glad that we did. Even though Connor had the prompting to go back, I felt like that experience was meant for me. While we were in the room, the sister missionary gave us time to sit in silence and ponder as well as encouraged anyone in the room to bear their testimony.The words said in that room were so simple, so basic, but the impact of those words were so strong. I have had many spiritual experiences in my life, but I have never felt the Spirit so strong. I am so glad that we went back and the experience that I had.
After visiting Carthage, we went to watch the Nauvoo pageant. There were quite a lot of people there to watch the pageant. With the big crowd, I was able to spot a member from my ward back in Modesto. I have pretty good eyes!
After visiting Carthage, we went to watch the Nauvoo pageant. There were quite a lot of people there to watch the pageant. With the big crowd, I was able to spot a member from my ward back in Modesto. I have pretty good eyes!
The pageant was a wonderful experience as well. It was about the early members of the Church and their impact in that area. I really learned a lot from the members of the Church throughout this trip. From learning about the sacrifices from the first members to recent converts; we can't just be members, we have to do something.