Day 11

We drove to Carthage Jail. Mike, the tour director told the story of the martyrdom and sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" which put us in a somber mood. The room where they first were put was dark and claustrophobic. It was sad to think about. Afterward Robin wanted to sing "Praise to the Man" on the bus, which we did. Mike then talked about how we are willing to die for the gospel, but an even more difficult question is, are we willing to live for it!

We drove back to Nauvoo for lunch. They surprised Eldon with a birthday cake. The kids got him a book called "Bones in the Well" about Haun's Mill from the Community of Christ bookstore.

Eldon and I went on a carriage ride. The driver reminded us of Eldon's Dad. 

 Then we spent some alone time in the Women's Garden.

While Eldon paid a visit to the blacksmith shop, I went in the post office with Sheryl and Jonathan.

Then we walked the trail of hope down to the landing where the Pioneers got on the ferries to cross the Mississippi. On the way we said goodbye to the beautiful temple on the hill.

On the bus to Garden Grove I read a part about how the Saints were moving to an unknown destination to establish an even better place where they could gather in peace. Sheryl led us in singing "Come, Come Ye Saints."

At Garden Grove the Community Club had prepared supper for us. They have named their high school the Mormon Trail High School and their mascot is the Saints! There are no Mormons there, but they are proud of the Mormon Trail and how their town got its beginning.