Nauvoo

A few weekends ago, we took a trip to Nauvoo, IL. Our main objective was to go to the temple, but since Mike had never seen the sites, we made a little family trip out of it. Normally we drive 3 hours to the St. Louis temple, so 4 hours to the Nauvoo temple isn't that much further.

I had been to Nauvoo as a kid and teenager, but hadn't been there since the temple had been rebuilt. The grandeur of it was breathtaking. To think the early Mormon pioneers worked day and night (without power tools or modern construction equipment) to finish the temple knowing all along that they would have to leave it behind is a sobering thought. What great faith, dedication, and sacrifice!

As we walked together down Parley Street to the where the faithful pioneers crossed the Mississippi to head West, we continued to reflect on the great courage and sacrifice of those early Saints. It was cold outside in October, but nothing like it must have been in February. What strong faith they had to leave their brick homes, their newly built temple, as well as family and friends to follow a man who they believed was a prophet called of God because they read a book and believed it, too, was of God.

The oxen ride was one of our favorite parts. The wagons were much skinnier than either of us had imagined. They made them so slim so that they could maneuver better through the trees and brush. Most everyone walked along side the wagon (one reason why oxen were chosen over horses was because their pace was closer to walking speed). Sometimes the sick or women in labor would be allowed to ride. Riding in a car while in labor is bad enough. I can't imagine riding in a bumpy wagon (and we were on a trail).

When we first arrived, I carried Caleb bundled up in my arms (rather than in the Moby wrap or car seat) as we walked between sites. He felt really heavy and was hurting my back. I got choked up as I thought of the pioneer women who bundled up their babies and carried them in their arms for a whole lot longer. I knew that I wasn't going to die of exhaustion and Caleb wasn't going to die from exposure, but the pioneers had no such assurance. I worry enough as it is. I can't imagine how overwhelming it must have been to be a pioneer mom. Maybe their faith was so strong they didn't worry. Even if they didn't worry, I'm sure their hearts broke as they buried their babies and watched their children suffer.

The pioneers were able to endure with hope and accomplish such magnificent things because of their amazing faith. After hearing their stories, learning more of their lives, and walking where they walked, I decided that I want faith like that. I decided to be more diligent at my daily scripture reading, for starters.