Winter Walk in the Sacred Grove - New Years Eve, 2010

This photograph was taken as we walked from the Smith Family Frame Home to the Grove.

This is in the sacred grove at sunset.  It looks so different than in the summer.

Another part of the Sacred Grove after sunset.  It was so nice.  This picture was taken by a young man named Elsworth.  He and his wife moved to the area about 5 months ago to manage the recently built Palmyra Inn located on Route 21 a little north of the Hill Cumorah.

Visit to the Smith Farm -New Years Eve - 2010

This is the Joseph Smith Cabin.  It is not the original cabin, but an exact replica.  It is built using logs from near by forests, using the same construction styles of the day.  It is located on the exact location of the original cabin, give or take a few inches.  I have never gone in this cabin with out feeling the spirit, especially in the upper room where the angel Moroni appeared to young Joseph and told him about the Gold Plates, among other things.

 This is Elder Caton.  He was our tour guide.  He told of his conversion to the church.  He said he received a witness that the things he was hearing were true while standing in this very room, listening to much of the same tour he was now giving, years earlier.  He is a great disciple of Jesus Christ. 

This is the room from which Joseph left early on a clear day in the spring of 1820.  He went to the near by grove and asked God which church he should join.  In answer to his prayer God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him and said that he should not join any of them, but at some future time the Church and Kingdom of God would be restored in its fullness to the earth.  I know this event happened.  By the power of the Holy Ghost, I have learned for myself.  It is true!

Christmas Day

After Reading Luke Chapter 1 and 2, and Mathew Chapter 1 we opened our gifts.  This is the wonderful generous gifts we received for Christmas.  Thanks to all who remembered us!  We talked to E. McVea's Parents for a bit, and after this we spoke through Skype to all of our children.  We feel so blessed to have such wonderful children who love us and love the Lord. 

This is one of Elder McVea's favorite yard decorations.  Santa's Sleigh being pulled by a John DEERE Tractor.  Get it John DEERE.  Like Rein Deer!!! Oh well, thought it was cool.

Guest Book of John Young Home

Bob & Eileen Havens are neighbors of ours.  Eileen and her family used to live in the Large John Young home.  The home was built by John Young, President Brigham Young's Father.  Eileen's mother  kept a guest book of the many visitors who had stopped to see the home over the years. The book was passed to Eileen by her mother for safe keeping.  Bob and Eileen now live about a 1/2 mile south of here.  We visited them tonight and they showed us the book.  Although there were many pages, I will post only three.  These three pages show signatures of people most of you will recognize. The one above has a business card of Harold B. Lee when he was the president of the Eastern States Mission.

  This was signed by Elder and Sister Spencer W. Kimball.  Note the messages he added.

Elders N. Eldon Tanner, Richard L. Evans, and Marion D. Hanks signatures are at the top of this page.  There is such rich history in this area.

This is Sister Ryals (in the Red) with her daughter and grandchildren who came to pick her up from her mission.  We were so sad to see her go.  She served for 18 months as the financial secretary.  She is from South Carolina and has a wonderful southern accent.  We wish her well in the next phase of her life.

This is Sisters Stone and Carter.  They stopped by to pick up some supplies and we put them to work decorating our office Christmas tree.

This is the Hill Cumorah Visitor Center at night.  We were here for a Church Historical Site Missionary Meeting that is held every Wednesday night at 6:30 pm.  We gather for instruction, special music, talks and testimonies.  There is always a very strong spirit in these meetings.

Preparation Day

Today, December 18, 2010, was our preparation day.  On our way to Marion, New York to have Sister McVea's hair cut, we gave two of our missionaries a ride to where they had decided to tract.  As we dropped them off, Elder McVea snapped this photo.  This is Sisters Egan and Morrison.  They are two of the most powerful sisters we have in the mission.  We pray for their success.

This is a home near Marion New York.  One of Elder McVea's  favorite homes in the area.

Marion, New York

Many homes have long icicles like these.

2010 Thankgiving Day

This is the Couples Thanksgiving Dinner we enjoyed held at the Smith Farm Welcome Center.  It is just a stones throw from the sacred grove and the reconstructed log home.  Sister McVea is about half way done the right side of the table and I am behind the camera.

Another Shot of couples at the dinner.

Elder and Sister Hales some of our dear friends who server as site missionaries.