July 14, 2014

   We had a first this week.  At the beginning of summer we sat down and started to make a list of the things we would like to do before our mission was over.  We have loved New England once summer came again.  The winter was unique and very beautiful but boy have we enjoyed having it warm up.  The trees are so green and the rivers and lakes are so beautiful it takes your breath away at every turn. 
   One of the things we wanted to do was go to Palmyra New York and see the Pageant.  We have been to Palmyra before and seen the sights, but it was not during the Pageant and we had heard how wonderful it was.  So a few weeks ago we asked President Stoker for permission to leave the mission to go.  We were pleasantly surprised when he said yes.

   The top picture is of Miriam and I in the Sacred Grove.  It was a beautiful day.  Warm, humid but comfortable.  It was such a wonderful experience again to feel the spirit in this special place.  It is just an excellent feeling to know that this is where God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith to usher in the Restoration.  It is so special.
   The second picture is at the Grandin Print Shop where the original Book of Mormon was printed.  That in itself was quite a feat. 
   The third picture is of Miriam and I at the Hill Cumorah just before the Pageant was to start.

   The fourth picture is Miriam and I with some of the actors.  These actors played the Prophet Abinadi and his family.  There were approximately 750 actors in the pageant.  It was wonderful.  We wish that every investigator could see it as it gives such a good overview of the Book of Mormon.  It started at 9:15pm and concluded at 10:30pm.  There were over 6000 people there to see it and I understand there are that many every night is shows.  It was wonderful.  I am so proud of our church and so appreciate all those that gave of their time and talents to put this wonderful show on.

   This last picture is of Elder and Sister Pettingill with Miriam at the top of the Hill Comorah.  We had such a great time with the Pettingills.  They go home from their mission October 3rd and we are sure going to miss them.  They are so much fun to be with.  They had seen the pageant before but went with us to see it again. 
   We got a flat tire at the top of the hill in the parking lot.  A kind man gave us a can de-flat which we used to get enough air in the tire to take us to Rochester New York to get it fixed.  This day and age it is hard to find a place that fixes flats late on a Saturday afternoon.  Service stations don't do it anymore.
   We got home Sunday evening and we loved the weekend we had.  Our testimonies grow and grow as we serve.  We were at church and had Brenda and Phil Frandsen come up to us.  We were so surprised and happy to see them.  They are from our Citrus Heights Ward days.  What great people they are. 
   We love the work.  We know that the true church is here on the earth and we are in it.  We are so grateful for our Lord Jesus Christ.  He lived and died for us and continues to live today.  His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is his kingdom here on earth.  Thank you Lord for allowing us this opportunity to serve as missionaries.