Dear Friends,
In May I got a phone call that made me decide to get on a plane a few days later—headed for a home away from home—to my very own
Brother Tom Bales picked us up and took us to
I thought that going back to the sites I would have this nostalgic trip and think about all my memories there. What stuck me was how much I was grateful for what happened almost 200 years ago. I am so grateful for the Smiths. I’m so grateful for Joseph; for the Father and the Son who appeared to Him and showed their love for all of us, and I’m so grateful for the spirit (the Holy Ghost) who still testifies so powerfully in those sacred places. I visited the Smith’s today—and I felt right at home.
I was grateful to have Buddy there. I had prayed that he would be able to come that he would be able to feel the spirit there. The sisters asked me to bear my testimony of the Book of Mormon as we were there in the Frame Home. All over again, I discovered the love I have for that precious book. I got a bit choked up.
We walked around the Sacred Grove, Brother Tom Bales, Buddy and I. Tom was just a joy to be around. It was paradisiacal to be in there again…simply Celestial.
Greg and Sarah Rupprecht came to Palmyra just as the sites were closing and we walked to Alvin Smith’s grave and afterwards ate dinner together. Sarah is as beautiful as ever, it was so good to see her and Brother Rupprecht. They both seem to be doing so well.
The reason for my trip to NY was to attend Jamie Nessel’s memorial service. I had been so surprised to hear of her passing. It was quite a blow. I was grateful that I had work off on the two days that would allow me to attend the service.
I saw so many people from the Fairport ward at the memorial service. It was so good to see them and hear their voices. I served 9 months in Fairport and those it will always have a massive hold on my heart.
The memorial service itself really was wonderful. It was touching and personal—perfect for Jamie. It was so good to see Mr. and Mrs. Dingman (Jamie’s parents). I was glad to get their address so we could stay in touch—a lot of good memories there.
Sister Helen Bancroft was at the service and it was so good to see her! It was also so good to see the people I loved talking to my brother. I just couldn’t help but think that they were touching him—like they had touched me. I wonder if this is what heaven is like. :o)
Kathy Richardson was there too—I sure love her. She was the one who had told me about the service itself.
Brother Bales took us over to see Helen and Steve after the service. We just chatted for about an hour and I loved it. They are so great.
Next stop was the airport. Our trip had come and gone so quickly. On the way there Tom told us his big secret. It was his birthday! He really is amazing—I’m so grateful to have him as a friend.
I want to testify that God does fulfill all His promises. He is so good to me. I have been richly blessed with such real friends. I am just so grateful—my heart is full.
--(Sister) Nikki Nelson
June 2008
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