Final Stops in Nauvoo- Day 6 Part 2

After a packed lunch in the shade, we set off to see the rest of Nauvoo...at least all that our energy allowed for.  Bekah had tons of bites and the humidity was taking its toll.

Shoemaker--one of the few renovated rather than duplicated building. The process of making shoes is fascinating and they look uncomfortable.	Brigham Young's home. Here is the room he used to plan the exodus.
Lyon Drug and Variety Store--Apothecary and goods lost three of their children, but were comforted in the heaven's arms. I imagine that helped many families	like cloth, barrels, etc. The couple that ran the store knowledge that the little ones were better off in along the way.
The Seventies Hall was a mini MTC. Upstairs was a	collection of items recovered years later. Including this piece of a star from the temple.

Heber C Kimball's home. This place started the whole process of recreating Nauvoo. His grandson purchased the home and after multiple requests to see a pioneer home, he created a corporation to purchase and display homes. He bought Brigham Young's and another before the church stepped in and finished the project. All throughout Old Nauvoo are homes like this--red brick/black shutters--private residents.

One part of Nauvoo that struck hard was Parley's Street or the Trail of Hope. We traveled it two times today. The first time we drove down the street, past signs that quoted pioneer experiences. At the end is the Mississippi River, along with a sample of how the wagons were ferried over, a statue of Joseph guiding Brigham and a memorial to those who died before the trek.

Pooped and needing sustenance, we headed into "town" shared a dinner (the kids got a free desert and Dave and I shared a yogurt. For those of you who eat chocolate, the fudge in Nauvoo is popular). Then we scouted out souvenirs and rushed over for the nights performances.

Once we got parked, the rains descended, literally. It was like a cloud was wrung out right on top of us. We had seen the gray clouds and came with ponchos (of which I thought Dave had his so I got a tad bit drenched). We sat in the front row and patiently waited for the rain to stop. On the stage the performers rallied on--some swept water onto expecting children, the brass band played partially covered.

Just like that the sky cleared and the sun shone. Things began with a parade of children. The whole performance was fun--a variety show with both young and old missionaries. Dancing, singing, goofing off.
Then we dashed off to the start of Parley Street. There the young missionaries, dressed in pioneer garb told us a story. We had a guide who led us by lantern as it was pitch black to each sign. The actors would portray pioneers with such clarity that tears came easily to my eyes. Amidst the stories and songs, in the background was the temple shining like a beacon. I can easily picture the saints leaving behind their beloved temple as tears streamed down their cheeks.

It was a perfect ending to our experience. Nauvoo is beyond just a historical visitor center. You leave with a greater appreciation for life and the simplicity that assists us. I have a deep respect for our pioneer heritage and a love for Joseph Smith.