The following will be a bunch of random thoughts of mine...
On Saturday, August 6, the Nauvoo Summer Study abroad program officially ended as we pulled up to the Provo Amtrak train station. It was sad to part with all of my new friends, but it was soooo nice to be off of that train. We got on the train on Friday in Nebraska at about 10:30 pm and arrived in Provo at about 9:30 pm on Saturday. Sleeping in coach was almost impossible but I survived it just fine. I cannot remember how many generations back but the Johnson's were converted in Denmark and came to Utah by train. So by coming back to Utah by train, I was able to have an experience somewhat similar to theirs. The thing that bugged me the most about the the train ride is that there was not enough room for our luggage. We got on the train and the luggage bins were all full. It took us forever to find seats that we could place our luggage behind and by the time we finished and went to go sit down, our seats had been given away. In the end it all worked out, but it was super stressful.
On Friday we were able to go to Winter Quarters. Winter Quarters holds a special place in my heart and I am glad we were able to go. My ancestors experienced great hardship while there but I bet they were able to grow closer to God from their experiences. I decided to wear my dress that day to help me remember what a sacred place Winter Quarters is. We were also able to see the Winter Quarters Temple. My uncle was married there back in 2001 and I remember coming. It was really cool to come back and realize my memories of the place were pretty accurate.
I forgot which day it was but last week we were able to go to Haun's Mill. It does not take much to get me to cry and the events that happened at Haun's Mill are quite depressing. Our mini-vans got stuck in the mud a couple times while we were at Haun's Mill, so that was a little aggravating. Patrick Wilson gave a site presentation on one of his ancestors that was there during the Haun's Mill Massacre. Super depressing...
I hope to have the time this week to upload the majority of the pictures that I have not had the time to upload yet.
I am very glad I was able to be a part of the Nauvoo Summer Study program. My testimony has grown so much and my love for the prophet Joseph and the rest of the early saints has deepened. I wish everyone could spend as much time as we did at the church history sites. I was also very blessed to be able to learn from so many amazing church history scholars. This was definitely an opportunity of a life time!
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| Winter Quarters Visitor Center |
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| Stuck in the mud at Haun's Mill |
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