Day 41 - 7/31

Today we spent a nice drive through Missouri to La Crosse, Kansas. On the way, we visited some more church history sites. The first place we went to was Adam ondi-Ahman. This beautiful valley is where, revealed by revelation to the prophet Joseph Smith, Adam will come before the Second Coming. There will be a meeting between him and other priesthood leaders. The entire place is very sacred and has a special spirit in it. The entire valley is a lush green farmland leased out to farmers. The location is also very remote and quite peaceful. While there, we met a couple where the man taught at BYU-Idaho and knew my Grandpa Morgan who also taught there. We also met a guy who knew my aunt in Kaysville, Utah.  Small world.

We also stopped and toured Liberty Jail. This is where Joseph Smith was held for about 6 months with his brother Hyrum and some friends. Even thought the original jail has been destroyed, an exact replica based off actual measurements by a church historian is on display for visitors to view. The walls were about four feet thick and the ceiling was low enough that the prisoners couldn't even stand up straight. The jailer would live on the top floor while the prisoners would reside below him. The jail was so secure that to enter the jail, one had to go through two solid doors that lock from the outside. To go to the bottom level, there was an opening in the floor and a knotted rope to climb. During this trying time, Joseph Smith received many comforting revelations and answers. Liberty Jail was a very spiritual place that really helped me appreciate the trials that Joseph Smith and countless others endured so that we may have the fullness of the Gospel.

When we arrived in La Crosse, we went to the public park where people can camp for free. Even though it was hot and the tent smelled like mildew, the place was nice and quiet. It was also good that we didn't encounter any chiggers or other scary bugs!