Nauvoo

dearest norah-
Last weekend the three of us went to Nauvoo. We met up with two of our dear friends and their little boy: Logan, Sarah and Callum McKenna. 6 years ago, the three of us served together as performing missionaries in Nauvoo. It was so nice to see them again. We laughed, reminisced and caught up. The two of them mean a lot to me and have helped shape who I am, through who they are.
To give you a little background, when I was 11, I received my first strong confirmation that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. However, when I was 19, serving in Nauvoo, my testimony deepened immensely. I walked in the streets that he walked, I read about his history and the history of Nauvoo, I literally felt the spirit burn in that city. Needless to say, I was excited to go back. On a side note, isn't it interesting that we generally say what is "needless to say?" If it is truly needless to say, I shouldn't say it. Or if I say it, I shouldn't say "needless to say." Anyway, I was really excited to go back. I was particularly excited because your daddy had never been there. I was interested to see if he too, felt that burning spirit. So on Friday we set off for the 4 1/2 hr. drive. You were an angel (needless to say.) :) That evening we went to the Nauvoo Pageant which had been moved to take place in the back yard of the house I stayed in 6 years ago. It was delightful. My friends Jeff Dickamore and Brannon Killgo were playing the parts of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, respectively. They were both fabulous.
The next day, we watched "Just Plain Anna-Amanda", one of the shows I performed in and another performing missionary show. We also drove around Nauvoo, as I pointed out sights. Your daddy was a little nervous about taking you out of the air-conditioned car, because it was so hot. Your last experience on a hot day, has scarred us a little.
Sunday was a highlight for us. We went to Carthage Jail, where the prophet was killed. Brian and I felt sobered and grateful for Joseph Smith and his multiple sacrifices to bring forth the Book of Mormon, establish the priesthood and temple ordinances and also the Relief Society. All of these things have greatly impacted the way I think, feel, live and the decisions I make. I love you Norah and look forward to the day that you too, can develop your own personal testimony of these things. My testimony is my guide. God is real, He hears, listens and answers. Christ is our own personal Savior, the Holy Ghost speaks to us personally. The Book of Mormon is a book of healing and teaching; it comes from God. We have modern-day prophets that speak the words of God to us. I don't doubt any of this.
I love you Norah Jane. I thank God, everyday, to be blessed with two amazing angels in my life: your daddy and you.
love,
mommy

The three of us in front of Carthage Jail.

You, Me, Daddy, Callum, Logan and Sarah

Me, Sarah

Me, Daddy and You, in front of the
Nauvoo Temple. We were able to do
a session together (thank you Logan!).
It was phenomenal. The inside of this
temple is breathtaking!