Photo Tag!

So, I've been tagged. Beware I just might tag you! Lol. As I searched through my pictures folder, trying to figure out which picture would land on picture tag, I thought about how fun this might be. In fact it should be pretty fun, because I have a lot I can tell you about this picture and the story that comes with it.

It was just July 30, that I was loading a bus to Nauvoo for Youth Conference. I had my crutches in hand, with the undaunting determination to go. I wasn't going to miss this, ever! I hadn't been to Nauvoo since I was four and I wasn't going to let four broken toes stop me from partaking of the great testimony builder of a lifetime. I knew what was ahead, and I knew that I would have to rely on those around me for even the simplest things. I was a trooper though.

This picture was taken the last day of our trip. I had be excited for all the weeks events and I couldn't wait for Carthage Jail. I hadn't been to Carthage before, so this was a whole knew experience for me. I waited patiently as possible to tour the jail. By this, time I was used to the funny looks and the "Are you sure?" comments that came with the job description of Gimpy. Haha. I had gone through plenty of other houses and I wasn't going to miss this one!

From the moment I stepped into the jail I knew that it was hallowed ground. This was the beginning of my testimony of Joesph Smith. I mean the beginning of the sealing of my testimony of Joseph Smith. As we moved through the jail, from room to room, I felt the spirit so strongly and I, without a doubt, that Joseph Smith was really there and that his death was a very important part of our church's growth.

As I entered the Martyrdom Room I couldn't help but have the utmost reverence for the events that happened there. I knew, because of the strong spirit, that Joseph Smith did spend time, that he was a prophet of God, and that his death did happen here. I also got a taste of the love he had for his fellow beings. I hope that someday, in the life to come, that I will be able to talk to him as did with those early saints, that I will know him as they did, but most importantly to thank him. Thank him for his courage, sacrifice and endurance that he so faithfully endured and showed in a time of many harsh trials. I am so very grateful for love, his testimony, his sacrifice that he gave to reinstate the true gospel of Christ on this earth today.

Nauvoo was truly a testimony building experience. I was undaunted in my faith and determination to go, broken toes and all, and I am so grateful for that.