Palmyra, NY

Just got home from another week of hosting a youth conference. I spent the week in Palmyra, NY with 37 teenagers. It was a wonderful week. Palmyra is where Joseph Smith and his family grew up and where Joseph experienced what is now referred to as the First Vision, where he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees.

Many of the youth that come to Palmyra know the story and know the history of Joseph Smith but few really have a strong witness of their own to what took place in this special place. Spending time each day in the Sacred Grove helps solidify the truthfulness of the historic event.

I am always grateful for my dear wife Tasha, and her sacrifice while I am away hosting the youth conferences. She may never really know the impact of her sacrifice on so many youth.

J.D.