Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Palmyra/Niagra Falls

While my parents were here we took a weekend getaway to Palmyra, New York and Niagra Falls. It was so wonderful to visit the church history sights in Palmyra. I was especially happy to go at a time of year when it wasn't very crowded. While living in Iowa we visited Nauvoo, IL a few times and I have to say there is something a little more special about Palmyra. To see the humble surroundings that Joseph Smith was in makes the events come alive. I am so grateful to be a member of this church and grateful to Joseph Smith the first prophet of this dispensation.
Our little family in front of the temple. Sadly we were not able to make a session due to the winter hours. Having a temple in the area really added so much to the experience for me. I think I may have to go back to do a session.
Here we are in the Peter Whitmer home. This is where the church was organized. It is away off from Palmyra and out in the middle of nothing. There is a beautiful visitors center/chapel and the home. I am so glad we found it. It really had me thinking about what those ten years between the first vision and the organization of the church must have been like. We know they were filled with persecution but also with so much amazement as each thing was unfolded leading up to the organization. While in Palmyra we saw the sacred grove, hill cumorah, printing shop where the book of mormon was printed, a house where Joseph lived and the beautiful visitors center.
Niagra Falls is only an hour or so from Palmyra so we made our journey there. We went over to the Canada side and the view was breathtaking. I find water to be one of nature's greatest beauties.
I am shocked to see this picture of Mason smiling. The mist from the Falls gets you quite wet and he did not seem at all impressed.
Overall great trip. Thank you to my parents for coming with us.



2 comments:

DianeM said...

Glad you had fun. I love Palmyra too, you'll have to check out the pageant this summer.

Anonymous said...

thank you for taking us. had a great time. the only good thing about you being so far away, is getting to see wonderful places. niagra falls was great to see. palmyra has a special meaning. loved them both. glad thats were i went. love you all mom