Thursday, August 2, 2012

Beautiful Nauvoo

     We arrived in the “Windy City” yesterday afternoon to find that our apartment wasn’t ready yet for us to move in. We didn’t let disappointment grab hold of us though as we decided it would be a great time to take off for Nauvoo, Illinois. Brian’s parents and sister Mandy had been visiting Brian’s brother Mike and his family the week before (We will live about an hour and a half away from them in Milwaukee). 
    All five of us piled in the car and took off for Nauvoo since none of them had ever been there before. (I went with my family back when I was 11-random memory, the 5th Harry Potter had just come out the morning we left for this trip) Anyway, here are some pictures of our wonderful trip! In Hebrew, Nauvoo means beautiful. I certainly find the town, traditions, and the temple to be just that.
    Nauvoo has tours of the little homes and shops which are so fascinating! It was great to learn the history of the church and how these people lived! I got Brian into the Work and the Glory books and it was fun for us to talk about the different things he had read.He kept teasing me that we should look for the Steed homestead.
    We drove a few miles away to visit Carthage Jail where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. It is such a sacred place to be.



    The window where Joseph was shot and killed.

 Cute candid photo of Laurie and Craig!


 Then it was time for the games!



 And then the Nauvoo Pageant!


 Gorgeous temple... absolutely stunning!
 Then of course I had to take a picture of the Mississippi river in the spot that the saints crossed when they journeyed west to Salt Lake Valley.



 Then it was on to the grave-site of Joseph, Hyrum, and Emma Smith.

    How blessed we are for what the early Saints went through to bring about the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Their faith strengthens ours. I love hearing their stories and it was wonderful to learn of their sacrifices and really come to appreciate the gospel and our families. How hard it would be to have built such a beautiful city and then been forced to leave it behind with all your belongings and the things you have worked so hard for. We truly are blessed in our day.
   It is true that we are all modern day pioneers. We don't have the same struggles that these people faced. The physical trials and suffering as they crossed the plains and left their lives and homes behind. They endured much persecution for their beliefs. We face struggles and suffering in other ways today. We can learn from the Saints' faith and dedication to the gospel and Jesus Christ and apply it to our lives and our struggles today. If we can only keep in mind how truly blessed we are each day, we will find that we will be happier and come to enjoy and love life more fully.
   Thank you to our wonderful families who have helped us get out here and have taught us gospel principles and for their great examples to us. We couldn't have asked for better support, love, and people to look up to.

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