Palmyra
Smith Farm & Sacred Grove
The Smith’s owned a farm in Palmyra, NY when Joseph Smith Jr. received a sacred visitation from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ at the age of 14. Joseph was unsure of which church to join in 1820 and read in the scriptures (James 1:5) that “if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” This resonated deeply with Joseph who then recognized he could ask his question of God. He went into the grove on his family’s farm and prayed. God and Jesus appeared to him and told him that he should join none of the churches because none of them contained the fullness of the gospel. This was the first of a series of visions and revelations that lead to the restoration of Christ’s church. To learn more about Jospeh’s first vision, you can visit www.mormon.org I loved walking through the sacred grove; it felt like we were walking through the temple as if the veil that separates us from heaven is slightly thinner here than in the rest of the world.
The Hill Cumorah
Skylar and I also had the pleasure of visiting the Hill Cumorah in Pamyra. This is where Moroni buried the gold plates anciently ( scripture written by ancient prophets in the Americas) and then revealed the location as an angel to Joseph Smith in the latter days. The church puts on a pageant every year that depicts the restorstion of the church. I would love to see this some day. Skylar as watched it before with his family. I can appreciate church history so much more when I can see and feel the spirit at these sacred locations.
Niagara Falls
Maid of the Mist
When visiting Niagara Falls, the maid of the mist boat ride is a must. So Skylar and I put on the funny blue ponchos and rode the boat to the base of Niagara Falls. It is pretty spectacular. So much water travels down those falls. When at the base, the mist is so heavy and high that you can’t see much and you’re getting soaked. It’s fun!
Helicopter Ride
We took our Niagara Falls adventures a bit farther when we reserved a helicopter ride to take us above the falls. How neat to see the falls from above! This was also my first time in a helicopter!!! Though a short 10 min ride, I loved it. I think I might have started to feel sick if it were any longer since we were sitting in the back. It was still a spectacular view.
