Hill Cumorah Pageant 2008

This summer went to New York and was in the Hill Cumorah Pageant! I have never been to that part of the country and I loved it! I applied for the pageant last october, not really thinking I would get in. I was so surprised when I got the acceptance letter. So was my family. Sarah laughed and asked if I even sang, danced or acted. I do none of the above. haha! I really did not even know what the pageant was like. I thought it was a singing thing, boy was i wrong!! It is all acting, and dancing. For those who don't know it is a pageant in Palmyra, NY about the Book of Mormon. There are 700 people in the cast, and over 200 staff member. Everything was done on the hill. I was not in air conditioning for two weeks!!! That was a trial in and of it self! haha, new york is so humid and there are a LOT of bugs! 

I was casted as an Alma convert. Basically i sat on the stage and listened to Alma preach for about three minutes and then ran off stage. I was a HUGE part!! This is a picture of my costume , i had to wear this heinous wig!! sadly people thought it was my real hair! 

I met people from all over the country and the world. I made the best friends, and learned so much about life. Some of the members of the case who I got to know well taught me a lot, and helped me realize how I want to live my life. As i talked with people I just kept thinking how blessed I am. My problems and trials feel like nothing compared to some of the things these people have gone through. It was a wonderful experience. Every night we got to go out and talk with people in the audience. Some were members and some were not. I met George Straight's accountant, the gossip columist for the Palmyra newspaper, students, youth groups...so many people!! it was seriously fabulous. I got to bear my testimony multiple times each day. 

My family came and visited one day. We went to all the church sites around town. There is the Joseph Smith Farm, Sacred Grove, Palmyra Temple, Martin Harris Farm, Peter Whitmer Farm, and the Grandry Press. All of the sites are unbelievable. The feeling and spirit at each place is incredible. There is just no way to doubt what I believe in surrounded by such great things, and all that history. I was strengthened each day as I walked where Joseph Smith walked!

All in all it was amazing, there is so much to tell, it cannot be written. But i loved it! Oh and I almost forgot one of the best things!! Guess who was on my red eye flight from Salt Lake City to New York City?? NICK LACHEY!! Can you even believe that? Well you should, although I did not get a picture he did smile and nod at me as he walked by me to his seat. I was freaking out to say the LEAST. He is even more beautiful in person!! It was a great trip!