Saying Goodbye to Nauvoo

I didn't get any pictures for today.  We left our hotel and arrived early at the Hall of the 70's so we could walk the Trail of Hope.  All are encouraged to make this short walk and read the plaques of those who went before us and sacrificed so much.  The road is on Pratt Street.  It leads down to the Mississippi River where the saints awaited their time to cross with their meager possessions on a boat that would ferry them across the river.  Today we were fortunate enough to end our trip with actors along the way portraying some of those whose names are on the plaques.  Their stories were very touching.  I shed more than a few tears to hear of their struggles and their commitment to stand for what they believed in.  They were driven out of their homes and had to leave most everything behind.  All their hard work, with nothing to show for it.  Their beautiful homes were left vacant, as they couldn't sell them to anyone.  Their temple that they spent so much precious time and gave everything for they had to leave.  Such trying times!  I don't know if I could have had the same kind of faith they did.
As we finished the Trail of Hope and walked to the waters edge, a lone bagpiper started playing.  It was the perfect way to end our trip. 

This was a great vacation to take with my family.  The best part about it was the fact that we were able to share it with our parents and Julie.  I am grateful for this opportunity, and I hope I never forget the feelings I had and the gentle whisperings of the spirit.  Nauvoo truly is a special place.  It is a place of happiness, a place of peace, and a place of hope!  The pioneers left in search for a better place.  They put so much faith in the Lord and their leaders and hoped for a place to finally call their own.  Their stories gave me hope.  They gave me strength,  a greater understanding, and a deeper appreciation for my ancestors.  I can do hard things with the help of the Lord.
This was our last summer with Clarissa in our home.  She is going to be a senior this year.  We made this trip because I knew she would enjoy it, but in reality it was for all of us.
I wanted to leave this post with my testimony.  I know this church is true.  I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and Thomas S Monson is our true prophet today.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  I have read it and have felt the tug on my heart that can only come from the Spirit.  I am grateful for my upbringing, especially my family,  I have a great example to follow, and I hope that I can be half the example my parents were to me.  I have a testimony of the power of prayer, and I know Heavenly Father answers them.  He is always there for us.  Even in our darkest moments, our times of sorrow and despair, he died for us to take away our pain and hurt.  I know that my Redeemer lives.  He loves us so much!  This is my testimony.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen