Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Missouri--this is Zion?



We made it to Independence, Missouri later on Sunday. It was a weird experience. The Church owns a lot of property around there and it is just beautiful. They have a really nice visitor's center with great exhibits about pioneer life. We also saw the Community of Christ's Temple that is there. It is an interesting building architecturally. The kids loved running around the temple lot and being just goofy generally. We also went by the Harry S. Truman home and presidential library. It's interesting that these men who went on to lead the country came from pretty humble beginnings.


We couldn't go to Independence without stopping at the old Historic Liberty Jail. It has been restored at its original site by the LDS Church. Scary, sad place. I would never want to be locked up there. The ceilings were low. The floor was stone. It was bitterly cold during the winter that Joseph Smith and his companions spent there. They were rarely fed, and when they were it was rancid and sometimes poisoned. There was even rumors that they were fed human flesh. Can you imagine sleeping on a stone floor? We learned all about his imprisonment there and how difficult it was. Our favorite little bit of trivia we heard: Porter Rockwell alledgedly tried to sneak tools to Joseph Smith to break out of prison through the tiny shafts in the walls. He was a character! Joseph received some very important and beautiful revelations while imprisoned there: D&C 121, 122, and 123. These revelations contain some of my favorite passages about enduring to the end, finding peace in the midst of conflict, and how Heavenly Father is always there for us. I felt the Spirit strongly here building my testimony of Joseph Smith and his role in the restoration of the Gospel.
Well, after the jail we found a hotel in Kansas City, only to realize that Mark had left his wallet at the Red Robin in Topeka, Kansas at lunch. So Mom and I hung out with the kids while Mark backtracked 100 miles to Topeka to retrieve his wallet. By the way, he still claims that it was my fault because I am supposed to be the babysitter of all of his personal possesions. My husband can be counted on for many things--working hard, taking care of his family, and losing his keys/wallet. Gotta love him!!

6 comments:

Todd and Lisa said...

Glad the wallet was found!! (we all lose stuff here) and that your trip was awesome. More pictures please. I will update soon. Lots of Stk primary stuff now. Halloween wont be the same without you all!!

The Gatherum Clan! said...

OK, just found your blog through Jenny's. But, sad you didn't stop at our house while here in Kansas! You traveled right past our house! :( We would have loved to see you and the family!

Unknown said...

Love hearing about the trip. Tell Mark I have a good wallet story too! Just happened to me the other day, while Mike was out of town. Will have to share that with you sometime. Keep the pics coming! Miss your family!

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrew! It's me Brandon! I really miss you alot! Scouts and Church isn't the same without you. You are a great friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Frosts said...

That is really sad that Mark had to go back all that way to get his wallet. Geez Lori, you should take better care of his things. Just kidding. You forgot to tell the story about how Mom fell asleep during the Liberty Jail presentation and almost fell off her chair. I love that woman. She's just, you know.

Cindy Reed said...

Hi Lori!! I'm so bummed that we missed you the weekend you left. But it has been fun to read about some of your adventures as you've made your way East. I hope things are going well and that you're settling into your new home! How do you like it? We miss you here!!