Our assignment as missionaries to a branch of the church in MT Pleasant, Iowa was very heartwarming and interesting. The drive is about an hour away and we rode with another missionary couple named Elder and Sister Barth. The average number of attendees on Sunday is about 50. A branch of the church is small and cannot be called a ward yet because of the size of the congregation. It was a very spiritual experience as we heard talks from individuals in the branch tell of their experiences as converts and how the gospel has changed their lives. The topic for all was about repentance and forgiveness. A well worth topic as all of us have to deal with that while we are here on earth.
It was foggy this morning when we left about 7:45 am but when we returned it was clear and the scenery was interesting. They haven't planted their crops of corn yet but the fields....and there are a lot of them, are all tilled under.
When we returned to our apartment we had the wonderful smell of a roast in our slow cooker to greet us. And we were pretty hungry so the taste and smell was most enjoyable. Of course a Sunday nap was in order but once we awoke we bundled up and went for a walk around "the flats" where the historical buildings are and where our apartment is. We are right in the middle of it all. In fact, a great great grandfathers restored home is around the corner from us.
We walked down Parley Street or as it is otherwise called "Trail of Hope" where the great exodus from Nauvoo started in February 1846 to go west to the valley which is the Great Salt Lake. At the time of year the Great Mississippi River was frozen and the wagons made their way across the river. Even though it was very cold, the early saints left with hearts toward a new Zion where they would not be bothered by mobs and could live peacefully without worry.
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/07/the-trail-of-hope-exodus-from-nauvoo?lang=eng
Elder Al standing on Parley Street - Trail of Hope
Looking back from the river to Nauvoo and the restored Temple.
End of Parley Street towards the river at Sunset.
Statue of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young looking West
Grave sites of Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith and Emma Smith
It was a lovely day and a great way to start a new week.
