The Reason

The plans for this adventure started a year ago. We were in Utah, visiting our good friends Howard and Zina. The conversation turned to travel and the topic of church history sites came up. I'm not sure who first mentioned it. The idea quickly became a plan. The plan became a trip. The trip became an adventure and here we are!

We have had fun, seen amazing scenery, eaten good food and some not so good food. But yesterday we arrived at Palmyra New York. The location of many early church history sites. This is the purpose of our trip. This is the reason.

We actually stood in the sacred places of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Such as the quiet peaceful grove where God the Father and his son Jesus Christ appeared to young Joseph Smith in response to his prayerful quest for truth.

We toured the replica of Joseph's childhood home. It was built on the original foundation using detailed descriptions of the original, found in Lucy Mack Smith's journal. This was where the Angel Moroni's divine visitations prepared Joseph to receive the golden plates, a very important sacred record.

We saw the places of miracles and trials. My heart was filled with gratitude. I have a greater appreciation for Joseph Smith's courage and devotion to God. My testimony of the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was strengthened.

There's more adventure to come. More fun, more food, more scenery! I look forward to it. But THIS is the reason.