In Adam Ondi Ahman . . .

Nearly 80 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri, lies the valley of Adam ondi Ahman. Here, we believe, Adam called his posterity together three years before his death to bless them. At an unknown future date we also believe Christ will gather in this same valley with the righteous before His official Millennial reign.

Last week we had the very wonderful experience of being able to visit this valley. Our good friends Lloyd and Donise Price are serving a mission there and they very graciously allowed us, and our two youngest daughters, to spend two memorable nights with them.

This was actually my third trip to the valley and each time I am impressed with the sacredness of it. Noisy children and loud adults all seem to instantly fall silent as they gaze at the valley below them. This time was particularly touching for us, as we not only were able to view the valley, but also take a truck through the back woods over much of the land owned by the church there. At each place Elder Price taught us about the events that transpired there and future events yet to come. Here Wes, Elder Price and my daughters are standing at "Preacher's Rock", where Joseph Smith himself stood and taught the saints many years ago.

One of my favorite views was of Spring Hill. Spring Hill is the highest point in the area and where is believed to be a dedicated temple site. When we arrived the sun was just beginning to set over the hill. It was a beautiful sight to see.


Looking down from the top of Spring Hill you can see the long road that traverses the property lined by white fence posts. Each of these posts were lovingly painted recently by the missionaries.

One of my other favorite sights on the property is this graveyard. It is very likely that buried here are some of the local Missourians who drove the saints out of Missouri. Yet when the graveyard was discovered, the missionaries began to tenderly care for it. Headstones have been cleaned, silk flowers placed at many of the graves, grass has been mowed and a large wood sign erected with the name of the cemetery.

The following morning, while Wes went off with the men to whack weeds, and after Sister Price finished her computer work, the women climbed in the truck and headed to Jamesport, Missouri, a small Amish town. We traveled there through the back roads to get a better view of the Amish homes. I loved this one below. If you look carefully you can see the horse and carriage waiting to transport the family to town. Notice also the orange lilies on the bottom left of the picture. These grew wild all over the sides of the roads, adding a touch of country beauty every where we went.

In town we stopped at the local store to pick up a few grocery items--like apple butter and homemade jam (yum, yum!) I got such a kick out of this sign on the outside door. It tells you to get a cart before entering. Notice what is under it. A hand cart!!

After two nights of visiting, we left Saturday morning to visit the church history sites around Kansas City and then head home to Arizona. We loved our stay with the Prices and were sad to say goodbye. Here Elder Price held out his arms in a virtual hug for all the people back home. He and Sister Price wish you all well, and want you to know of their love and appreciation for you.

And of course, no trip to Kansas City is complete without a stop at one of the famous Kansas City barbecues!!

It was such a wonderful trip. Later this week I will post about our visit to Chicago and what we now lovingly refer to as the "Death March". In the meantime, may you always find . . . joy in the journey.