Today we got to visit Independence! We only had to drive a few hours (across Missouri). We checked into our hotel, ate lunch, and then headed out for today's adventures. First we went to the Visitor's Center and got to go on a tour with a sister missionary. They told us about why the Saints moved to Missouri, how crowded it was because they all came so fast, and all of the hardships they had. It is amazing to me to see all that they went through during that early time of the church. Then we headed over to the Liberty Jail Visitor's Center. It started a movie about Joseph Smith and him and his companions being taken to Liberty Jail. Then we went into the other room where they had a replica of the jail (part of the bass was original). It was amazing to see what kinds of conditions they lived with, and during a cold winter too.
Another part that I really liked about the visitor's center was that it told about all of the men who were in it with him. I didn't know who went with Joseph (and i don't remember them now) but it made the story more complete in my mind. It wasn't as much focused on Joseph Smith, but on all of the men who suffered in the Jail. It was definitely a trying time for all of those men and I am so grateful for all that they did.
Our next stop was Far West. They don't have a lot there, but they do have the dedicated temple site with the original cornerstones. It is amazing that the cornerstones have been preserved somewhat even after the Saints were kicked out of Missouri completely. I could feel the holiness of the ground that we walked on, even though nothing was built yet.
Then we went to Hauns Mill. It was kind of out of our way, but we had time and thought it would be cool. To get there we also had to drive on some dirt roads. When we got there, all we saw was a post saying Hauns Mill down it. Needless to say, we were a little disappointed because of how far out of our way we drove. It was still a neat experience to be there.
Next on our list was to go to Adam-ohndi-ahmen. It was a beautiful place! What made the experience even cooler was that we were reading scriptures about it and reading more about what is going to happen there someday. I don't remember all of it now, but I know that it is a sacred place here on this earth. It is not only where the Garden of Eden is, but also where the Savior will come one day.
And our last stop was the Kansas City Temple that is being built. We were able to drive past it and see the progress that they are making it. Even though it is not finished, it was still breathtaking. I could tell that once it is done, it will be beautiful.
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