Palmyra - A GROVE OF OUR OWN

Our journey to Palmyra from Washington DC took about 6 1/2 hrs. And it was a much anticipated journey. As we were drawing closer to the area, we began to recognise place names mentioned in the scriptures and it all seemed a little surreal. Places like Fayette and Rochester, we just couldn't help but become excited. We stayed at the Palmyra Inn on Temple Road. Located on the same street as the Chapel, Palmyra Temple, Smith Farm and Sacred Grove. We were also about 5kms from the Hill Cumorah. When we checked in, we finally felt comfortable in our surroundings.It was like staying at the Temple Accommodations, Like home away from home. So comfortable Hayden actually went swimming. And if you know Hayden...he just doesn't do that.

We went to church at the Palmyra Ward and that was pretty interesting. However, with the sacred grove just down the road all we wanted to do was just go there. But patient as we are, we waited till after lunch to further enjoy the spirit of the sites.

We took a tour at the Sacred Grove Visitors Centre where we were able to go inside Hyrum Smiths home and visualise for ourselves the place where Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith. It was a quaint house but quite roomy. Had everything you'd need including a root cellar to keep your food cold. Walking about 150m you get to the Smith Family Farm. This was alot bigger and had a few more rooms. The sisters told stories about the plates and how Joseph hid them in the bricking of the fireplace and also in the cooper shop.

From here we journeyed to the Sacred Grove. At the entrance, we made it a point of explaining to Haydee the importance of where we were and the sacredness of the area.

We were also encouraged to say a prayer when within the grove.

It was nice even to just walk around the grove.

The closest thing to describing the feelings you have there is like being in the Temple. A Reverence, and a hush over the whole forest. We felt like we were walking with deity. I know that sounds weird but that is how it felt.

As a family our testimony of the first vision was strengthen that day and has certainly been a highlight of our trip. We now have a greater testimony of Joesph Smith and the first vision and as we listen to the stories of the time we can now put a place to the name.