Palmyra, NY

We are in Pennsylvania right now with my Aunt and Uncle but I thought I would try to catch up a bit before we leave for Europe... TODAY!!! 

After we left Buffalo we went to Palmyra, New York. I know most of you are thinking, where is that and why would you go there. This place is very historic, as it is where the fullness of the Gospel was restored as Christ had taught it, back on the earth. For us this place is sacred and has great meaning. It is where Joseph Smith received a record of an ancient people in the Americas who testified of Christ, it is known today as the Book of Mormon, another testament of Christ.

So what did we do here? Well we went to a pageant that they hold every year in July. It is a bit cheesy for sure but it is a play about some of the stories of the people, found in the Book of Mormon. And it is a huge production! They have a giant cast- all volunteers, their stage was incredible so much going on it and lots of special effects. It is also completely free, so if you don't like it no guilt here. The main purpose of the play is to share about the book of Mormon, which for some reason makes some people really mad. There were lots of protesters there who kept shouting that we didn't believe in Christ (we do, He is kind of the point of everything we do) but to each his own. 

The play starts at 9pm but we got there early to reserve seats, but there are plenty to be had with great views and you can even bring your own chairs to set up if you prefer.

I love Palmyra because of the history here but I was also a health counselor here for a camp and have so many great memories of this place that it was fun to share them with Matt.

On top of the Hill Cumorah where the play was preformed

At the Peter Whitmer farm, obviously we are not standing in front of a farm but a really pretty church building there.

Joseph Smith home in Palmyra

This is where I sang a solo during my time as a camp counselor, So nerve wracking but a great experience too.

In the Sacred Grove, so gorgeous every where you look

We also ran into a friend from my French class back at BYU while we were walking around, wish we had caught a picture together, small world!

The Palmyra temple. I once had the privilege of locking the temple up one night with some friends

This is the printing press shop which printed the first copies of the book of Mormon. I think it took them over a year to print all 5,000 copies.

We also were able to meet up with our friend Jordan!!!

So fun seeing and catching up with him. So many great times were had at BYU/Foxwood with this guy.

This is on top of the Hill Cumorah looking down at the stage and all the seating for the play