Where It All Began...

It's official we have gone and seen every Historical Church Site across the country!! What an amazing journey and experience! We may have done it backwards but i can't even tell you how much it has changed me to see the places that were the birth places of one of the most important things in my life. I am so grateful and blessed for such an opportunity! I never thought i would be able to, but it means so much to be able to share it with the people i love! We started our journey by stopping in the cutest little town called Cumberland (not related to the church) but it does have about 200 churches in it's little valley! It's so cute! The next day we headed to Kirtland, Ohio! What an amazing place! This is were the first LDS temple was built, known as the Kirtland Temple! Even though it is now owned by the Church Of Christ (something i struggled with a bit) it still is a very spiritual place. It was so awesome to tour it and to see the different rooms, where so many things happened and were established. We then went to the LDS visitor center (totally different feeling, my own doing though) and learned more about it and, saw the actual town of Kirtland. I left feeling so uplifted and happy! I will never forget the feelings i felt in Kirtland! The next day we traveled to the place were the church began... Palmyra! Cutest place ever, the town was great! We first explored the town of Palmyra and then headed to the Sacred Grove. This definitely was one of the greatest parts of this whole summer. The Grove is such a sacred place and to walk through it, was life changing. To know what has happened there and who has been there before was so surreal. It's beautiful! I just loved taking a moment and soaking it all in, i even took a leave to remember the experience. I love the feeling there! We also saw the Smith farm and all it entailed,  it was an amazing place to see! The Spirit was so strong there! That night we went to the Hill Cumorah Pageant! OH MY what a amazing thing that i think everyone needs to experience! The effects and characters make the stories come alive, it was sooo cool! So powerful! Lightening even started during it but it was crazy cause i swear it would be timed perfectly when something that needed emphasis happened! I loved it! I recommend everyone to go to a pageant! They are amazing! Plus as an extra bonus we got to see a few friends from back home too! The next day we went to the Palmyra Temple which is beautiful, the stain glass is of trees from the sacred grove! Then we hiked up to the Hill Cumorah, so cool to have stood where some many people have! This whole experience has been incredible, such a testimony builder! I am so blessed! Hope these pictures will give you a little taste!

Cumberland

 

Smith Farm

Oh just our friends Moroni and Sam...

The Pageant

Hill Cumorah

Sadly we didn't make it to Niagara Falls but that gave us more time in Palmyra so i am grateful! One day i'll make it there! Anyways i hope everyone enjoyed these pictures cause i feel like i left as a different person! I recommend it to all, to go!! Love you all!!

xoxo