So....even though I mainly started this blog to record my first year teacher experiences, I couldn't resist talking about the amazing experience I just had at the Hill Cumorah Pageant.
It was held in Palmyra, New York where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. Being a cast member at the pageant, I, along with about 750 other individuals, aided in depicting scenes from the Book of Mormon & the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith. It was an amazing experience, & even playing such a small role as a harvest worker (who celebrates the arrival of Lehi's family to the promised land) & a Nephite campfire dancer (preparing for the final war Mormon & his son Moroni engage in), I could feel the Spirit every night. And of course, my favorite scene was "the Descension scene" which depicts Christ returning to the Americas after His death in Jerusalem, as a resurrected being. One cannot help but imagine what it will be like when He comes again; it is a very emotional & spiritual experience.
If anyone has ever considered doing the Hill Cumorah Pageant, or other church pageants held during the summer, I would strongly advise that you apply to be in them! Especially because this past time at the Hill Cumorah there was an even stronger focus on missionary work than the time my family did it before (in 2007.) Elder Cook of the 70 actually came to our first Sacrament Meeting & set us apart as missionaries; we were commissioned, just as the full-time missionaries, to proselyte & invite others to come unto Christ every night before performances (and even at other points, such as our service projects & visits to the Church historical sites.)
I love this gospel with all my heart; the Book of Mormon is another testament & witness of Jesus Christ & it has changed my life as I read & apply the teachings found therein. Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, called in his young age as he saw God the Father & his Son Jesus Christ in a grove of trees. He translated that marvelous book, the Book of Mormon, by the gift & power of God. Jesus Christ is our Savior & He lives today; I know that He loves us all & He is constant & reliable from day to day. What a blessing it is to have this truth & knowledge in my life!
