A Chat with Parker about Visiting Palmyra

Parker is from Georgia, USA. He recently took a trip to Palmyra, New York, USA. We asked him some questions about what it was like to visit where Joseph Smith lived.

Tell us about yourself.

I am nine years old. I have a three-year-old sister named Madelyn. My favorite food is cheese pizza. My favorite color is black. I like to write stories, play games, and draw.

What was it like visiting the Sacred Grove?

Even though it was cold outside, I felt a warm feeling and knew it was from the Holy Ghost. I thought about how Joseph Smith prayed there and saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that I can pray too, and my Heavenly Father will answer me.

What else did you see during your visit?

After the Sacred Grove, we visited the Hill Cumorah. The Hill Cumorah is where Moroni buried the gold plates for Joseph Smith to find years later. We also went to some other Church history sites in the area where we learned more about the translation of the Book of Mormon.

How did learning more about Joseph Smith’s life help you?

I learned that Joseph didn’t have much of an education. I have had a hard time learning to read. My mom and I decided that I would read a verse out of the Book of Mormon every day and we would pray that Heavenly Father would help me learn to read. My reading has gotten so much better! I know that when we pray and ask for help, just like Joseph, our Heavenly Father will answer.

How did this help your testimony grow?

I am still working hard to have my own testimony. I like how similar Joseph Smith is to me. When he was 14, he also wasn’t quite sure what was true. I pray every morning that soon I will have a testimony like his. I do know that the Book of Mormon makes me feel good inside when I read it, and I can feel my Savior’s love for me.

Parker visiting where the Book of Mormon was first printed.

Parker holding a replica of the gold plates.