The Work and the Glory

We have been fortunate to be able to go to Palmyra whenever we visit Buffalo. This last time we took Rach with us. It was so wonderful to see the historical church sites through her eyes. It is so wonderful to have my testimony strengthened of the importance of what took place there.

God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in this grove of trees.

Beginning the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ on earth, as we know it today.

We enjoyed walking through the grove. It is quite lengthy, took us about half an hour to get through. Pat was telling us that some of the trees are the originals and they are called the 'witness' trees. I remember being there when we were engaged, walking through the snow, and there was just a few trees, with some benches. The church decided to let the trees grow back to their original state; I am certain that was inspired.

 This is the Hill Cumorah, where Joseph was instructed to find the plates of gold by the Angel Moroni.

On top of the hill there is a monument with a statue of Angel Moroni.

Rach and me 

&

Rach and Pat

Palmyra Temple

a short distance from the Grove

Rach and Pat in front of the temple,

facing the Sacred Grove. 

Usually windows in temples aren't clear, but this one is, as it looks over the Sacred Grove.

See the etchings in the window representing the Grove? They are beautiful.

I wish we had had time to go in.

 The temple as seen from the Smith farm.

Beautiful...and perfect.

The Smith family home;

they lived in before they built the other one.

We were only able to go in one of the homes that day.

Above is the kitchen/dining room/family room.

In the back is the bedroom shown below.

The bedroom upstairs. 

These are the only two bedrooms in the home.

Our trip to Palmyra also included going into the Grandin building.

Rach enjoyed the brief tour we took (Pat and I have been there before, but we enjoyed it also)

What a wonderful opportunity, to visit these sites. I wish our entire family could have been there with us. It is something they all need to experience. As I write I realize that the only one that has not been there is Amy...that should be rectified! Time to start saving up! :)