Harmony, Pennsylvania

(Note: I wrote this last night, but our hotel internet decided it hated me so you can have it now. Enjoy!)

Dragged from the depths of unconsciousness all too soon by a text message I didn't even entirely understand but had something to do with my trip to Palmyra this weekend--that's how this day started. Which was pretty convenient for me because I needed to get up in time to get ready for my family's trip to New York City today. And hunting down all of my travel junk proved to be interesting because I'm still scattered all about from my trip to Harmony, Pennsylvania.

The YSA conference in Scranton was great, but I have to tell you right now that I probably won't be talking much about my experiences at the Harmony church history sites. I imagine they get overlooked a lot, but the ground upon which I stood was some of the most hallowed ground I've ever visited.

The experience I had was sacred, and I'm grateful for the truth and insight I gained from having gone to those sites. I now see that there is SO much more to church history than pioneer trekking and martyrdoms. That which goes on living is the truest, resounding testament to the power of this work.

We were only back for a day before it was time to make the next trip. New York City!

I have quite a lofty goal of seeing as many temples as I can in one lifetime, so I decided to try to spend part of our two day trip in New York City at the Manhattan temple. It's on the agenda for tomorrow, and I couldn't be more excited. I called ahead and everything, and so far everything is going without a hitch. They're prepared to do baptisms and we can show up at any time. The subway runs really close to where the temple is. Aside from the whole Satan-trying-to-get-me-run-over-by-cars thing, it couldn't be easier

I know the General Authorities look down upon flip flops at the temple, but I haven't quite decided yet what I'm going to do about the fact that I'm going to be wearing sneakers tomorrow. I brought a pair of shoes I could take with me and change into, but now I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to fit them into my bag. I'm sure I'll figure it out. I get the sense that this is something I really need to do--perhaps in preparation for this weekend.

I'm happy to say that Palmyra did actually come through for a few of us, and well be leaving Friday--the day after I get back from New York City. I'm hoping to do as many church sites as possible while we're up there, but the one that sticks out to me in particular is the Sacred Grove.

I have no idea what to expect from it. Considering some of the things I've experienced lately, I can't say I anticipate it being--shall we say, innocuous? And I'm really hoping it won't be. I really hope that I won't just walk through it like it's any other wood, but that what happened there will go through me in some way. Some way meaningful, powerful, and lasting. It has been my blessing to enjoy such manifestations of the Spirit before, and I can only hope and pray that I'll be blessed again with whatever my Father in Heaven deems fit for me to receive.