Palmyra, New York

What an absolutely amazing little town this is! We arrived in Palmyra at lunchtime so, we stopped at the visitor's center, drove up to the Moroni Monument and had a picnic lunch right on the Hill Cummorah.

It is impossible not to feel the significance of this site. Two great nations, the Jaredites and the Nephites/Lamanites fought their last great battles here. As we looked down from the hill onto the land below, it was not difficult to imagine the scene.

To think of Moroni returning to that very hill to bury the plates, the LIahona, the sword of Laban, and letters from his father, Mormon, in a stone box not to be uncovered for more than a thousand years. Then, to have the privilege of returning to the site as a spiritual being with the young Joseph Smith to play his part in the ushering in of a new gospel dispensation was so overwhelming.

After lunch we checked inot our hotel, The Palmyra Inn, then went to the E.B. Grandin building. This is the site where the first publishing of the Book of Mormon took place.

I wonder if EB felt the significance of the work he was accomplishing. In learning about his life and career, there is no doubt in my mind that he was truly prepared by the Lord for this very purpose of printing the Book of Mormon.

EB's life paralleled the prophet Joseph Smith's in remarkable ways. Touring this building was not only an educational experience but, a spiritual one as well.

From the printing office, we went to the site of the Smith Family Farm. As we entered the visitor's center there, we could not help but notice this magnificent sculpture

If you look at the bottom left of the picture, you can just see Joseph Smith's head. He is kneeling in front of the Father and the Son. It is difficult to see in this picture however, the expressions on their faces . It brought tears to my eyes. The artist did an amazing job at portraying the love expressed from heaven at this very moment. Weren't we all just jumping for joy?

We were able to tour the log home where Joseph read James 1:5 which led him to ask God which was the church he should join. It is where the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph. It is where the last prophet to walk this land, Moroni, instructed and taught the prophet that would resume the Lord's work in America.

What an amazing feeling to have the spirit witness the truth of the events being described to us as we listened to the sister missionaries.I wonder what thoughts Joseph had in this room when the angel Moroni was speaking to him. I wonder how Moroni felt. Did Joseph realize that his simple prayer changed his life forever? Had such huge eternal consequenses?

We visited the frame home, built by Alvin Smith and occupied by the Smith family after his death. The plates Joseph removed from Cumorrah, were hid several places in this home, including the hearth of this very fireplace.

From here we walked the short distance to the sacred grove. What an amazing experience to be in the very place where God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared on earth. I, however, could have done without the tremendous amount of flying insects! Other than that, it was a peaceful, reflective experience

As you exit the sacred grove, the spire of the Palmyra temple is visible through the trees. The building is gorgeous with stained glass depicting the sacred grove completely surrounding the building. I can only imagine the rejoicing in heaven exceeded the tremendous rejoicing on earth the day this particular temple was dedicated to the Lord

By the time we finished walking the grounds at the temple, it was dinner time. We ate at the Yellow Mills Diner and then returned to the Cumorrah Visitor's center. We were able to listen to the Christus presentation and then spent the next hour or so viewing the interactive media displays depicting different scenes from the Book of Mormon and Church History. This part was particularly meaningful to me because it was self-paced and very individual. The truth of each story was witnessed to me very powerfully. It was difficult to control the tears throughout the day.

How to end such a perfect day? With Ice Cream of Course!!!! The Chill and Grill was the place to go and we were incredulous at the enormous portions and amazing flavors at this tiny little out of the way place. It is a DARN good thing we dont have one of these in Mesa. Id have a hard time staying away.