The Drive Home

GETTYSBURG

On the way to Ohio, Nick and I stopped for just over an hour at Gettysburg. We wished that we had more time to spend at the park, and hope to go back some day.



We went on a walking tour of the cemetery. There are thousands of Union soldiers buried there. Some are known and others are not. I would give you more information, but our brochures are all packed away and my memory isn't that great.




When they could not identify the bodies, the graves were simply numbered. When they were able to be identified, they were marked with their name (if known), company and rank.


"Four score and seven years ago . . ."
It was just on the other side of this gate where Abraham Lincoln gave the famous Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the cemetery.


NAUVOO

On the second day of the trip, we drove to Nauvoo. We stayed in my old boss's home which was so relaxing--it had even Nick convinced that we didn't really need to go back to the real world after all!

It was the first time that I had been back to Nauvoo in 4 years after attending the Joseph Smith Academy there. What an amazing town! I was afraid that so much would change that it wouldn't feel quite the same, and although some things did change, the spirit of the place was still just as strong and I felt just at home there as I ever did! I would love to serve a mission there someday and hope to be able to visit many more times during my lifetime.


Nick and I were able to spend some time in the Temple. I would have loved to do baptisms and relive the old days, but it was so wonderful to be able to see the rest of the building. It will always fell like it is "my Temple".


I was so excited that as we were driving to Duck's to get some food, we saw Brother and Sister Ivie walking down the street! Brother Ivie was my computer teacher during my semester and was appointed director of the program for the years after I left. He has since retired and he and his wife have moved to Nauvoo. They are some of the most genuine and lovely people I have ever met.


I got to show Nick all around the JSA. He thought the two bowling lanes down in the game room were neat (they are super old--you have to set the pins up by hand and everything!) Here I am outside my old room. Good old 310! I missed you Barb, Nicole and Tiff! We need to go back there together sometime.


Here we are making rope at the Family Center.


Of course we had to take a picture of ourselves with a Mississippi sunset. Pictures just don't capture the beauty, though.


THE GREENWOODS

On our way through Colorado, we were able to stop and visit my good friend Jaclyn and her family. It was the first time since she got married that I have been able to go visit her and it was wonderful to see how her family has grown. I just love them!


Me & Jaclyn


James, Jaclyn, Eli, Jaxon & Aubrey