Nauvoo, IL

July 25-28, 2008:

OK. So, I have to say, this has been such a spiritual place for us to be. It was right around Pioneer Day, and we were here in this beautiful city built by the Pioneer Saints so long ago.

All along my drive, I have tried to imagine leaving my home and all I've known in the east and heading to the west...walking a really, really long way...with kids...and everything! I can barely do it with an air-conditioned Suburban and McDonalds for the girlies along the way. How the pioneers did it, I will never fully understand, but my gratitude towards them is probably more full than I have ever experienced right now.

Literally, I felt the spirit from the moment I arrived in Nauvoo. The first time I came here was when I was in school in St. Louis, and I travelled up with a Young Single Adult group. I remember specifically the strong spirit I felt at the temple site when there was no temple there as it has been destroyed in years past. I was elated to drive downtown and see the beautiful temple which now stands. (Yes, Temple #5 on my trip. LOVED getting the chance to do some work here!)

We stayed in a special place: The Nauvoo Family Inn and Suites. The second time I came to Nauvoo was when my husband, Tommy, came out to see me in St. Louis while I was still in school. We had gone to see Carthage, and we were totally shocked when we had the chance to ride over to this place because his mission president and wife (President and Sister Horne) were staying there!! This is a very special memory. I even got to sing for them in the lobby there along with Elder Kikuchi who had been staying there, as well, at the time!

And now, for my third visit to Nauvoo. It was too cool again to have my name up downtown and to get to sing and sign in the Latter-Day Harvest Bookstore. The people here were so kind. I even gained some fans...the guys from The Living Scriptures cheered me on after every song! They were too sweet!

We had the chance to take the girls to see the Nauvoo Pageant. WOW. First of all, Andi and I had so much fun taking the girls around to the various activities they had for kids and families before the show. Jaz and Luseane learned to braid, and we got to play with Pioneer toys. My little pioneers are perfectly precious!!! The Pageant itself was so awesome! The actors and actresses did so well at not only performing, but also conveying the message and truly sharing the spirit of Nauvoo with the audience. You could feel the presence and contribution of the early Saints. I LOVED it.

Then, to top it all off, I got to see the Nashville Tribute Band perform. I am such a Jason Deere fan now. Wow. I love both of the CDs they have put out, but experiencing this live was something I am so glad I did not miss. Jason's testimony was so deep and so touching about these early saints (especially his knowledge of Emma Smith and Porter Rockwell). He has done so much studying, and it has paid off in some truly touching ways for all of us listeners. What a night!

On our way out, we had the chance to stop at Carthage Jail where Joseph and Hyrum had been martyred. I had only been there once before, but the same tender spirit rests here (especially in the room where they were shot). I am glad I had the chance to experience that feeling again. (I also have gained more depth in my respect and love for Hyrum. I think this was enhanced by the Nashville Tribute's song "Brother I'll Follow You."

All in all, this was such a great weekend, one that I will never forget. When we attended church in Nauvoo on Sunday, their opening song was "Scatter Sunshine." I think it is here in Nauvoo that I really felt the depth of why I am out here doing this. I just want to Scatter Sunshine myself. That was my nickname, back in the day, "Sunshine." The Sunstone from the Nauvoo temple was a reminder of that. I am so thankful to have the chance to fill my soul with this light again, and I am more than happy and excited to continue scattering it.

Farewell, Nauvoo.