Church History Sites in Missouri

A picture overload follows but I just had to share all of it.  I don't want to forget this trip!

We had been planning this trip for while and originally Dad and Mom were planning on taking Ruger while we visited as many Church history sites as possible.  We knew the 6 hour drive (it took that long because of dropping off Ruger) wouldn't be the most fun for Ruger (or us!) but mostly, we knew that there would be a lot of places that we were going that we would need to be quiet at.  Quiet and Ruger do not go together!

But just before we were to leave, Mom found out that she had strep throat.  So my sister, Amanda, and her family took Ruger for the weekend.  Having family that you can count on means so very much.  I can say with all honesty that giving of ourselves is one of the best traits that my side of the family has.  I really hope the boys catch on to that spirit of things.  

 Anyways, when we got to the Kansas City area we dropped off David and Hyrum at the hotel while Levi, Brigham, and I went and did baptisms for the dead for our ancestors.

 While we were in the temple and waiting for our turn, Brigham asked me, "Mom, why are you so proud of us when we go to the temple?"  I tried my best to explain my feelings.  I wanted him to know that it was more that I was so happy to know that they were a part of helping their ancestors.  That I really truly believe that if we help our ancestors that they will in turn help us while here on Earth.  That we were in this together as an eternal family.

 On the way home, we almost got in a serious wreck.  And just before we left for Kansas City, someone backed up into our van.  And Mom got sick.  I think it is safe to say that the adversary did not want us at the temple that night.  I said a few prayers that night to Heavenly Father thanking Him for letting this trip happen for our family. 

On Saturday, we had to try to get to as many sites as possible.  It was the only full day that we had on this trip. I have been to Liberty Jail a few times but this was my first time with my boys.  

 We went to the Independence Visitor's Center.  It has changed a lot since I went as a youth.  It was very informative as it kind of took you back in time.

You can't tell, but in this picture David, Levi, Brigham, and Hyrum are each standing next to the stones placed for where the temple will one day stand.  It is a dedicated temple lot in Independence, Missouri.

 This site was the most special to me and I'm pretty sure to David as well.  I had never been to this area.  It is where Zions camp was before the big storm came that stopped the men in this camp from having to go to battle.  It is where Joseph Smith said that, "God is in this storm."

Levi's namesake was a part of this Zions camp.  I have always known that.  But I didn't realize that Hyrum and Brigham's were as well.

This will explain it better:

"The Lord directed Joseph Smith to lead a group of faithful Saints to aid Church members "scattered on the land of Zion"  as a result of mob violence in Jackson County, Missouri. A company of about 200 volunteers known as Zion's Camp departed Kirtland, Ohio, in May 1834 on this rescue mission.

On June, 19 the company arrived between the east and west forks of the Fishing River just north of Jackson County. A large mob intent on destroying Zion's Camp gathered on the other side of the river. The attack was prevented when a fierce storm swept the area and the river quickly rose more than 30 feet, turning the mob away. Joseph declared, "God is in this storm." 

Several days later, the Prophet received a revelation at the Fishing River, wherein the Lord declared that the time for redeeming Zion had not arrived. He explained that Zion's Camp had been "brought thus far for a trial of their faith." The company was formally discharged on July 3, 1834.

Future apostles and prophets, including Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff, participated in Zion's Camp. Joseph observed that these leaders "had made as great a sacrifice as did Abraham." The experience also helped prepare those who eventually directed the 1847 exodus to Salt Lake City."