Palmyra, New York

After Niagara Falls, we traveled to Palmyra, New York, to see some church history sites. First we went to the Visitor's Center at the base of the Hill Cumorah. This is where Joseph Smith found the gold plates (later to be translated into the Book of Mormon), by the direction of the Angel Moroni. The Visitor's Center was really neat; there were a lot of different stations with multi-media presentations and videos to watch. 

We then walked up the Hill Cumorah to the top. I was surprised by how steep it was. 

At the top of the hill there was a monument depicting the Angel Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith.  On top of the monument there was a statue of the Angel Moroni. It was so neat to be there. All the events that transpired here felt very real as we were standing in the place where they happened. 

Here we are at the printing shop where the Book of Mormon was published. 

When we walked into the log home where Joseph Smith grew up, Benjamin immediately ran over to the fireplace, got on all hands and knees, and began prying at the bricks in the hearth. He excitedly repeated, "This is where they hid the gold plates!"  At first I was really confused as to how he knew that, but then I realized that at the visitor's center we watched a movie about how Joseph Smith protected the plates from being stolen, and in the movie it showed him hiding them under the bricks in the hearth. Benny immediately recognized the place and was SO EXCITED, as if he was going to uncover them himself!  

Lastly, we went to the Sacred Grove.  I felt awed that God the Eternal Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, actually condescended to appear to a young boy, in an obscure wooded area on this land. It seems unfathomable and yet I know that it happened. I am thankful for the gospel and how it affects my life and my family. Happiness really does come from following God's plan for us.  Our trip was great and I'm glad we were able to be at these holy places.