Nauvoo Trip

This was a week of discovery. For example, we discovered that Nauvoo is only about an hour away -  by car.  Nauvoo, Alabama, that is.  

There are a lot of pictures and two videos to share this week that will prove to be very educational. 

Nauvoo Town Hall

Of course Nauvoo, Illinois was founded by Joseph Smith and has strong ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, so how did Nauvoo, Alabama get it's name?

From the Encyclopedia of Alabama:

"The town of Nauvoo began as a small agricultural community known as Blackwell's Crossing. The construction of the Northern Alabama Railway through the area in 1888 led to increased exploitation of the area's abundant coal and timber resources. Coal mining, in particular, became the driving economic force behind the town's growth. Though the area had been known unofficially as Blackwell's Crossing for a number of years, local citizen Joshua Blackwell declined to have the town officially named after himself. Resident Tom Carroll reportedly suggested the name Nauvoo because he had admired the town of Nauvoo, Illinois, in his earlier travels through that state."

See, we told you it would be educational.

Apparently there is a car show here in June every year, but whether it happens this year or not remains to be seen.  

Another amazing discovery was this road just south of Nauvoo.

 This has to be one of best road names in the US. Imagine telling folks you live on Slicklizzard Road, Alabama. 

Not far from Nauvoo is Natural Bridge.

On the trail to Natural Bridge is a rock formation called Indian Face (for obvious reasons), 

and the Natural Bridge itself.

With the water coming down from the roof it was a cool and refreshing place to be. It would be wonderful on a hot summer day.  

On the underside of the arch are some really neat patterns in the stone.

There is also a nice picnic area by a stream where we broke out the portable barbecue and cooked hot dogs. The surprising thing is that we have yet to see a mosquito here (hope I don't regret saying that).

 

It was nice to get out for some sunshine and fresh air to a really beautiful place with no crowds. On the way home we passed an area on the freeway where a tornado came through not long ago. It gave us a sense of awe, respect, and gratitude that we weren't driving by when it happened.

It was so impressive that we drove back by to capture a video showing how localized and complete the path of destruction was. Impressive indeed.

Mission Miracle:

"The amazing thing with the isolation is how many less actives have reached out to us to see how we are; which has turned into amazing lessons and discussions. It's amazing how we have had more success with the less active members isolated than when we could drop by and see them. We are excited to continue working and learning. This time in isolation has not always been easy, but we both agree how much it has been worth it. I have grown so much. The master truly knows what we need. I'm also excited for the new facebook initiative and our mission wide devotionals."