Note: The Nauvoo Discovery Program will emphasize Nauvoo and shorter day trips to other cultural experiences in future semesters, not taking the farther trips to MO, OH, and NY. NDP Participants can visit those places as they wish.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we map out the Nauvoo Discovery Program for success.
This past week, the Nauvoo Discovery Program took a trip to Missouri to visit the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints historical sites and Kansas City. We inadvertently went during days of intense cold, but with jokes of “That’s what the pioneers would have wanted,” we traveled across Missouri.
Adam-ondi-Ahman
Our first stop was Adam-ondi-Ahman. This was my third time visiting, yet I am always impressed by the beauty of this place. It is very much off the beaten path, but the quiet tranquility is reminiscent of heaven, even in the depth of winter. Doctrine and Covenants 103:53-57 indicates that Adam-ondi-Ahman was where Adam blessed his posterity after being cast out of the Garden of Eden. Then, in 1838, the Latter-day Saints established a settlement there.
During our visit, we walked through the snow, taking in the panoramic views at the overlook and visiting ‘Preacher’s Rock’ where Joseph Smith delivered sermons. Then, we walked to the foundations of a home built in 1905. Few remnants of the Saints’ settlement remain, but there is a small spring used for water.
Upon our return to the car, we frolicked and played with icicles. As with all Church Historic Sites, there was a wonderful blend of spiritual impact and fun.
Haun’s Mill
We then drove to Haun’s Mill (also spelled Hawn's Mill). Despite the tragedy that occurred there, I love Haun’s Mill. I feel like the Lord sanctified that place. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. This was a much more solemn site, and we discussed the events of the Haun's Mill Massacre of October 30, 1838, especially Amanda Smith and her sons, Willard, Sardis, and Alma. Sardis was killed in the blacksmith shop with his father, and Alma was wounded. Willard discovered his family there and brought the wounded body of his brother back to his mother. Amanda prayed and was inspired to make a poultice that led to her son’s miraculous full recovery.
Kansas City
From Haun’s Mill, we drove to Kansas City for other cultural experiences. We visited the Crown Center Mall, and the students were given a few hours to explore.
World War 1 Museum
A couple of friends and I visited the World War 1 museum and monument. It is the only museum in the United States that is completely dedicated to that conflict, and it was, in a word, Astounding! Few people understand the impact that World War 1 had on the world. It was a global, modern war that arose from the effects of centuries of imperialism and colonialism. This museum was a treasure trove of artifacts, displays, and history that almost put me in a history coma. I could have spent all day there, but, alas, time drew short. I cannot recommend it enough. The other students enjoyed their time exploring Kansas City.
Independence
That evening, we drove to our Airbnb and had a lovely evening unwinding and watching movies. The next morning, we packed up and headed out to Independence. The Visitors Center is one of my favorite places. It shares the story of the thousands of saints who flocked to Missouri, searching for Zion. Their ardor inspires me to follow the will of the Lord bravely, no matter the consequences and no matter the opposition. At the visitors' center, they share a video about the growth of the Church. Every time I watch it, I am filled with wonder and gratitude. Being a pioneer is difficult. The Missouri pioneers had a difficult time of it. They were driven again and again from place to place, but the ones who clung to the Lord and sustained the prophet found Zion. That is true today.
Liberty Jail
From Independence, we went to the Liberty Jail, where Joseph Smith and five others were unjustly imprisoned for five miserable winter months. Liberty Jail was the crucible that made a prophet. The most profound modern revelation was received here as Doctrine and Covenants 121-123. In Section 122:9, it says,
“Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”
This verse helps me when I am struggling with school, work, depression, anxiety, or any number of obstacles in my life. Nothing on this earth can hurt me in a way that matters, so I will do my best to hold on my way.
Far West Temple Site
Our last stop was the Far West Temple Site. The saints dedicated this ground for the building of a temple but were attacked and driven out before they could begin construction. To me, the story demonstrates how important temples are. Everywhere the Saints went- Kirtland, Missouri, Nauvoo, and Utah- they built temples. It shows me what my priorities should be: worship of God and my temple covenants. The ties that we make in the temple to God and our families are what make life worth living.
I always love going to these sites. They remind me of my religious heritage and the price my forefathers paid for their testimony. It encourages me to give up worldliness and selfishness so I may have the same relationship with God for myself. This trip was a wonderful one and a lovely reprieve from the season’s stress.
NDP Participant Impressions on Missouri
NDP Participant Emmie McQuay relayed, "I went on the Missouri church site trip last semester, and it was a great spiritual experience. I didn’t want to leave the sites. I could stay there all day if I was able, learning the stories about the saints, the tragedies, the miracles and learning about their great faith in the Lord. I think my favorite site was Liberty Jail because of the spirit that was there. I admired Joseph Smith’s faith in the Lord. Knowing that he was wrongfully imprisoned and had many trials, he stayed strong in the Gospel. At Adam-ondi-Ahman, I had a feeling of peace.”
The Nauvoo Discovery Program offers Volunteer Opportunities
"Offering unique experiences, the Nauvoo Discovery Program has provided the perfect foundation for our personal quest to learn more about Church history. From the moment of our arrival, we have felt a strong sense of community, purpose, and direction. We imagine that our pioneer ancestors who came to Nauvoo must have felt much the same way, as they were received by fellow saints. The program includes fun activities as well as educational and service opportunities while focusing on fostering spiritual growth and strengthening testimonies. We’re grateful to be part of this program and love living in this sacred place." ~ Terri Winder
To learn more about The Nauvoo Discovery Program, Contact Us and visit our Website
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Thank You & Have a Nice Day :)
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