This phrase has new meaning for me since being in Nauvoo. Saturday was the “Exodus” walk down to the frozen Mississippi, in commemoration of the Saints who were driven out of Nauvoo. Lots of preparation has gone into this weekend and it was a once in a lifetime experience for me to participate in. It also happened to be pretty realistic considering it was biting cold. It was in the low 20’s and the wind was blowing!!
One of the stories shared talked of their relatives starting out with seven children, five of whom had no shoes…………………
Most of the people here have relatives who were in Nauvoo. Working at Land and Records, we did research and put together cards for people to walk on behalf of their ancestors. Richard and I walked for Brigham Young and for Elizabeth Young Ellsworth. He was part of the Nauvoo Legion.
Interestingly enough I have been learning some more about the legion. It was the largest armed force in the state, (compared to our National Guard today. ) It was sanctioned by the state of Illinois when they filed for their city charter. They could have fought their way out of any confrontation, easily. They willingly laid down their arms at the request of Joseph Smith before he went to Carthage……….
Followed by those of us carrying flags to represent the countries that our ancestors came from.
I was supposed to carry the Irish flag, but Brother Buchanan begged and since he served his mission in Ireland I let him. I understand that this is the flag of the rebellious sect.
Richard got to post the colors!
Our friends, the Christensens’ who are going home this week, were chosen to be Brigham and Mary Ann Young and lead the procession in their carriage.
What an appropriate tribute to them. They are certainly my heroes.
It’s hard to explain the sense of reality that you get here as you participate in these re-enactments. How could I have done this? These people didn’t have a real choice except to denounce their faith. As I was walking along side one of my friends we were discussing many things. Then the thought came to me, I could do it if my family and my friends were walking beside me. I could try to do it. I don’t know how they buried their dead at the side of the road, how they watched their children walk with bloody feet and no shoes, how they starved and froze to death, other than to say, “They walked with Faith in every footstep…..” They walked with people they loved and whom they had depended upon. They walked with the fire of the covenant and the temple ordinances burning in their hearts. They walked with a conviction of following a prophet of God. They walked knowing that they were following and being disciples of Jesus Christ. Can I do any less under the conditions that we have today?
We started off with a breakfast in the Family Living Center.
Sister Christensen and her 6’9” son, Brian. He brought his family to help get them home. I have to say that all of us will be in mourning when they leave. They have made such an impression on us that can never be dimmed. I had them all over to dinner on Sunday evening.
Set the table for her four little grandchildren. I have stolen many hugs and kisses! I miss my grandchildren so much………………………………………………….
Then this evening, the Exodus Sociable was put on. Elder Openshaw and the Allens were in charge and it was wonderful. It celebrated pioneers and their stories, both old and new. I represented my mother in the presentation. Of course, I cried through most of it, but my mother’s picture was up on the screen for all to see. I was so grateful and proud of her at the same time. She is my “pioneer,” and my life would be totally different without her choices those many years ago. So here is to my blessed Mother. I am trying to walk in her footsteps of faith and to make her proud. Thank you Mother. You are my pioneer hero!
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