We decided to take advantage of the four day Memorial Day weekend to go on an adventure. We know that our time of "someday we'll go" is here and now. Our "someday" is upon us so if we really want to go somewhere we need to go. We realized Kansas City was only an 8 hour drive from home. We decided to would be fun to see the church history sites and to explore a new area.We packed our bags and headed out.
Our first stop was the Independence Visitors' Center. I know these centers are mainly to share our beliefs with those who are not of our faith, but they also serve as a good reminder for all of us as to why our beliefs are so important.
Sister Rogers, a sister missionary, spent most of the day with our family. She got to know us all by name. She shared personal stories with us. We shared personal stories with her. She handled our teenage boys and pre-teen girls with the greatest of ease. We had a wonderful day with her. The kids were all delighted when she predicted where they would serve their missions. We have her email so we can let her know where they are going. It is amazing to me how fast you can build a relationship with a complete stranger. It feels as if she was part of our family for the day.
I loved the exhibit about families. It portrayed a family whose children were growing up and leaving home at the same time that they lost a grandparent. With Aaron's mom still sick in the hospital and facing the reality of one-more-year before Este leaves and our family changes forever, it was really personal for me. I am so grateful for the knowledge that there is life after death. I am grateful to know that our family bond will last forever. I know it is part of Heavenly Father's plan that my children grow and eventually have their own children. I will ever be grateful for the things that I heard and felt during this presentation.
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is very real. I know it is the answer to all the sadness and problems in the world today. I know the members of this church are not perfect, myself and family included, but I know that the gospel helps each of us who follow the teachings to be better people. I am happy to be reminded of just that.
