Name

Tour

Excerpts from a few of the many letters received

Butterfield, Carol

B99A

“I have been on many bus tours.  This was the best ever!”

Hadley, Kay

B99A

"Thank you! Thank you! . . . I wouldn’t have traded the Nauvoo trip for anything.  For me, it was perfect in every way."  PHOTOS ENCLOSED, STILL IN ENVELOPE

Murray, Norma & Fenton

B99A

“We so enjoyed the trip with you.  We are very happy to have seen so many site of church history in such a scholarly fashion.  May the Lord Bless you.  I doubt if you actually know how much good you accomplished by shepherding this tour”

Nelson, Ron & Louise

B99A

“We really had the greatest spiritual trip of our lives.  We cannot express our gratitude but will try with ‘Thank you so very much’”

Parry, George

B99A

“Please keep us on the list for future tours"

Reid, Gwen

B99A

“This note is long overdue.  I was so excited about the trip and knew I should write a note last Tuesday, but just didn’t know where to start.  I was so overwhelmed with all we saw and did and the feelings I had could not be expressed in words – and still I don’t know if those feelings can ever be expressed in words."

THANK YOU CARD SIGNED BY ALL

B99A

Thayne, Ron & Ideal

B99A

“Thank you so much for the wonderful tour you took us on. . . We appreciate all you did for us.  I shared some of my experiences with the Young Women yesterday in church.“

Ferris, Afton

B99B

Words cannot express my appreciation to you for the wonderful trip and experience I had.  . . Joseph Smith seems more real since I have seen where he lived, worked, played and died.”

Lambert, Fern

B99B

“Words really cannot express my sincere thanks to you for such an inspirational tour.  I shall never forget it.  The tour was perfect.  I am so grateful  “

Bouck, Ron & Nancy

M02

D"one with excellence! We enjoyed every arrangement and the sites and vignettes were exceptional!"

Bigelow, Don

M03

“From the first song and prayer on the coach in Kansas City before going to independence, I could tell this would be a wonderful experience.  The next five days proved to be one of the greatest experiences of our marriage.  Even though the European tour was fun, the Nauvoo tour was great – and more memorable than Europe.  It was a spiritual feast from beginning to end.””

Brockbank, Roger & Leda

M03

“It was a life changing experience” 

Eccles, Carol

M03

“Two weeks ago today we were with our wonderful friends in the Kanesville Tabernacle sharing the special spirit of love that pervaded that building and meeting.  . . . Truly this was one of the spiritual highlights of my life – and at a time when it was most needed – and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Kasteler, Carolyn

M03

“I just wanted to thank you again for organizing such a marvelous trip last week.  It’s now been 2 days since I’ve been home & I’m still, like you say ‘floating.’  It was a wonderful time for me to focus on the lives of the early church leaders and on Jesus Christ, too.  ‘We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ!’  We really did and the blessings were many-fold to all of us.  Our spirits were lifted, our vision expanded, and our friends multiplied.  It was just wonderful. . .”

Mather, G.R. & Jean

M03

“Just a note to express our appreciation for such a grand, spiritual experience.  

Roberts, Dan & Sheila

M03

“With much gratitude we reflect on our remarkable ‘Adventure in Faith’ as we struggle to acclimate back to our work-a-day lives.  No monetary value could be put on the enrichment and enlightenment we received this past week – It was priceless.  It was a life changing event.”

Stoker, Don & Marge

M03

“Today is the day you leave with the 17^th ward for their trip to Nauvoo.  I hope they will realize how special this trip is like Don and I know it was the greatest.  We have never had a trip so organized, informative and spiritual.”

Wilson, Gayle & Rand

M03

“It was a wonderful experience – we learned so much – and enjoyed the sweet spirit of an Heavenly Father every day.

Taylor, Mindi

M04

“. . I have never felt the spirit so strong in my lifetime that I have felt in the last 3 days.  My testimony is so strong.  I now can honestly say that I know without a doubt that this church is true & Joseph Smith was and is a true prophet.   . . During the song in the Red Brick Store, I felt the spirit so strong tears came strolling down my cheek.  I have never had that happen before.  It was wonderful!”

Holt, Joan

M05

What a great experience.  . . .We had wonderful spiritual experiences that helped our testimonies really grow and gave us a greater appreciation for Joseph Smith and the early saints.  It was a wonderful trip and great opportunity to share the experience together as a family.”

Adams, John & Marilyn

M05

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for the most inspiring five days of our lives . . We will long remember independence, standing in front of the painting of the second coming and reading the scriptures you assigned to us.  Far West was a most humbling experience, one could not help but feel the presence of our heavenly father, especially in your supplication in the prayer that the rain would stop until we had finished our meeting.  We could see rain all around us and blue sky overhead.”  GREAT DEAL MORE. LETTER IS 3 PAGES LONG!

Ainsworth, Braden  (16)

M05

“The overcast and with the breeze (at Carthage) just slightly blowing created a picture I will always remember. . . I also loved the things we talked about at the Far West Temple Site.  I would like to thank you for asking me to bless and administer the sacrament to all of you.  It was peaceful there and very sacred . . “

Ainsworth, Brent

M05

“It was not only informative, but very spiritual. . . I will never forget the prayer you offered at Far West to “calm the storm.”  No question, your prayer was heard and answered.”

Ainsworth, Carolyn

M05

“Thank you in arranging our adventure in appreciation.  The pioneer spirit has continued to be a part of us.”  Today I read my daughter’s thank you letter to an aunt . . she bore her testimony about the Lord’s hand in controlling the rain so we could proceed.  My son bearing his testimony was the highlight of the trip for me. . . “  ALSO RECOUNTED MIRACULOUS RETURNING OF HER LOST SCRIPTURES IN RESPONSE TO FASTING AND PRAYER

Ainsworth, Kelsie (15)

M05

“Really strengthened my testimony.  It was an awesome experience.  I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet”

Behunin, John & Linda

M05

“What a wonderful experience . . We will never forget how the rain stopped at Far West but we could see around us where it was raining and the spirit we felt there and also at Adam-ondi-Ahman…"

Breedlove, Emily (17)

M05

“Today I was picking up and I found my photo album from our trip.  And it brought back all of these incredible memories!  I wanted to write you and tell you how grateful I am.  Thank you so much for letting me come on this totally awesome trip.  You wouldn’t even believe the impact it has made on my life.  I am completely in love with this gospel.  Plus I feel as though I know Joseph Smith personally.

Christensen, Evah

M05

“I want to thank you for the opportunity I had of going on this wonderful tour.  I especially enjoyed seeing the Carthage Jail . . . . and feeling the strong spirit there.  I’ll not forget singing in the upstairs room of the Red Brick Store . . .”

Gehring, Dennis and Nelda

M05

"Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your testimony with us.  Your willingness to exercise your faith and priesthood at Far West was wonderful to have been able to experience.  We look forward to a future experience with you."

Gehring, Greg & Jessica

M05

"Thank you so much for your testimony, example, and knowledge.  We have enjoyed this trip and hope to join you on others in the future."

Hendry, Dick & Marilyn

M05

Very nice.  [Nearly two pages. Profound positive effect on two teenage sons]

Hendry, Marilyn, Dick & Steve

M05

“The trip was wonderful”

THEY ENCLOSED AN INSPIRING ACCOUNT OF THE CONVERSION AND COMING TO AMERICA OF THEIR ARMENIAN GRANT PARENTS

Hendry, Dick & Marilyn

M05

XMAS card 2000. “..It was a fabulous 5 days and one that we will never forget. . . There was so much that happened back in this part of our country and it was a great experience to be able to see first hand some of the areas that we have read and heard so much about.  We could spend four or five pages telling you of the spiritual experiences that just kept coming, one after another."

Moseley, Jeremiah

M05

"I am so glad I received such an awesome privilege to guided on such a great tour. . . Thank you so much"

Moss, Mark & JoAnn

M05

Excellent letter. Loved sacrament meeting at Far West and Red Brick Store hymn

Seron, Melissa

M05

“It really meant a lot to me to be able to actually be in so many places where such miraculous things took place. . . Thank you once again for making this trip possible for me.

Warner, Eli

M05

[15 year old from single parent family.]  I want to say thank you for the wonderful experience you gave me in Nauvoo.  I have learned so much and my testimony has grown even stronger than I thought.  I thought it was so awesome that our prayer of good weather was answered at Far West.  I also loved the song A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief on your tape.’

THANK YOU CARD SIGNED BY ALL

M05

Anderson, Allen and Barbara

M06

‘. . Everyone we’ve talked to thought it was incredible! . . makes us realize just how precious our membership in the Church is, and to cherish our testimonies of the Gospel even more. . . . these are very special tours.”

Angelos, Pearl

M06

Just a week ago now, we were enjoying our wonderful trip with you.  Your love for everyone, your knowledge of the gospel & church history was expert and the spirituality you added to the tour will always be remembered and appreciated by me.

Barnes, Lee &Evelyn

M06

“How does one adequately say thank you for a most wonderful church history tour.  It was one of the nicest experiences of our lives.  We loved every minute of it and we learned so much.  We gained such a greater understanding and love for those early saints.

Mensel, Fred & Jane

M06

[Nice card.  Offers help in promoting]

Mensel, Jane

M06

“I want to take a minute to thank you for the fantastic church history tour. . . .I learned so much and came home excited to share everything with my family. . .”

Robbins, Dale & Helen

M06

Everything went off so smoothly.  The plane back and forth, the meals, the lodging, the areas we attended, the coach and especially the comradeship of all.  . . What a faith promoting trip all the way A+’

Robbins, Dale & Hellen

M06

[Very complimentary.]  “A most enjoyable and faith promoting experience

Arave, Janis

M07

[Email.  Very nice.] “Deeply spiritual experiences”

Shepherd, Dianne

M07

"I must admit I learned so much on this trip.  The spirit was overwhelming to me. . . .I was amazed how in just five short days, a group of 56 people could become like one family.  Having no family in the gospel, it is wonderful to feel part of such a great family!!”

Draper, Kathryn

M07

[Xmas card note] "I discovered a treasure in 2000 when I experienced your church history tour this past September.  It was a dream come true to visit the sites where early church events took place.  I have never felt the spirit so strong for so many days – emotional tears appeared very often and my testimony was strengthened.  I also want to thank you for the opportunity to read as Emma Smith.  I now have a greater love and appreciation for the wife of the Prophet Joseph.  My photographs and travel log will help me remember the tour and the special people I met."

Snowball, Mary Ann

M07

"Thanks, again, for your tedious preparations and experience in hold all of us together, including every detail.  Most of all, thank you for sharing your love of church history with us in a way where we truly could learn."

Wagner, Jean

M07

[Very, very nice letter.  Sister of Pat Sorensen.  Started major family genealogy project as result.]

Miner, Lorraine

M07

“How can I thank you enough for the beautiful experience you provided us on the Mormon Heritage Tour.  It’s hard to put into words the deep & spiritual feelings I felt & still feel.  You are doing a great work & truly are inspired.”

Miner, Martha

M07

“It has been a month since the memorable trip to Nauvoo . . .and I still feel the glow.  It has lifted my spirits and like the others have expressed; it was truly a change of life experience.   . it has brought Loraine and I closer together spiritually.. .”

Wilson, Sarah

M08

“. . I just wanted you to know that Lise and I had so many wonderful experiences on your Missouri tour last year.  We learned so much about the Church and our testimonies  and each other.  It was truly an amazing experience."  [Sarah and Lise were 17 year old girls.  Sarah on Bountiful High swimming team]

Clark, Dave & Denise

M08

"I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for the incredible experience we had on the Missouri Trip.  Our testimonies were once again strengthened and our knowledge increased.  The spirit of the trip is still with us.  It improves our relationship with our family and reminds us of what’s really important in life.  It had such an impact on our 12 year old son, Scott.  We talk about it a lot.” 

Farrer, Hal

M08

“. .chances are that you have no idea how much my family & I appreciated, enjoyed and benefited from participating in your Missouri/Illinois tour, last week!  Our testimonies were strengthened immeasurably.”

Fowers, Sam

M08

“Many thanks for the wonderful church history tour last week. I enjoyed it immensely and learned a great deal.  I was so happy to have five of our children on the tour and to have all of them bear their testimonies at the Kanesville Tabernacle.”

Rodriguez, Steve & Julianne

M08

[Lengthy, nice letter and card]

Fowers, Summer

M08

“I have gained an increase of appreciation for the pioneers and my own ancestors & my testimony was greatly strengthened.  Thank you”

Fowers, Karley

M08

“Thank you so much for making this trip possible & so enjoyable.  Now I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet.  Thank-you again.  I hope you have many more fun trips.” [9 years old]

Fowers, Jillian

M08

“Just a note to thank you for that wonderful trip.  It strengthened my testimony more than I could imagine to see all those places.  Now it all seems so real to me.”  [teenager]

Palache, Al & Joyce

M08

“We learned so much while on the tour in Missouri & Illinois”

Irish, Effie

M09

“Thank you for a great tour”

Condie, Howard & Karen

M09

“Words cannot adequately express the gratitude we have for being able to participate in the Mormon Heritage tour with you”.

Mumford, Lyle

M09

[letter of thanks, very nice]

Ellisor, Cecil

M09

“Thank you for the trip.  My younger brother always said I ask too many questions.  That is why I am a Mormon because I asked until I found the truth.   . .I know your mother is proud of you”.

Webb, Jan

M09

“I want to express my gratitude to you for the incredible blessing this trip was for our family.  We will remember this trip forever.”

Oscarson, Kathleen

M11

[Not part of the tour.  Live in Liberty.  Husband is stake pres.  Joined us at Far West for presentations.  Card of thanks]

Martin, Jan

M11

“The glow of Nauvoo still lingers with me as does each special site we visited.  We loved this trip and want to express our gratitude for all you did to make it so choice.” 

Gottfredson, Shawna

M11

"Don and I want to express our utmost thank you for the experience we had on the church history tour this past week.  We loved every minute of it!  It was one of the most thrilling times of our lives.”

Dunford, Fred & Collene

M11

“How can we thank you enough for the wonderful experiences?!! Your tireless efforts, your knowledge & testimony made the tour all that it was and more!  Hope we can do it again!”

Haslam, Ron & Ruby

M11

“While we are basking in the memories of your wonderful “participation trip” a few days ago, we want you to know how thrilled we were to see, hear, and feel the history of our dear pioneer ancestors!”

Jones, Joyce

M11

“It is hard to express in words my appreciation for having had the opportunity to participate in your tour.  It was wonderful.” 

Trauntvein, Helen

M11

“As I constantly ponder each moment of the day, the intense deeply spiritual experience of my past 5 days on your tour, all I can say with heartfelt gratitude is – Thank you so much.”

Hess, Ken & Lona

M11

“We would like to thank you for the wonderful experience we had on our tour last week. Far West was a spiritual feast that will stay in my memory forever.  Our spirits were lifted, our knowledge was expanded, and our testimonies were strengthened!  We are so grateful.”

Rencher, Roy

M12

“We really enjoyed that trip.  Last night Barbara said it was one of the highlights of her life.” 

Preslar, Carol

M12

“Just wanted to thank you for all you did to make the church history tour a worthwhile experience

Brown, Barbara

M12

“We want to thank you for the lovely, fulfilling, spiritual experience that we enjoyed on your Mormon historical tour.  We truly appreciate all of your efforts to make the tour so enjoyable.” 

Peterson, Pete & Janice

M14

“We have so many fond memories of our wonderful trip.  You made it all so special.  There are no words to express our thanks.”

Winters, Susan

M14

“I was touched as I never have been before by the magnitude of personal sacrifice that the faith of the pioneers required.  I came home with renewed determination to do all that my faith requires of me.”

Hooper, LaRoy and RaNae

M14

“The experience was a spiritual feast – along with the special social activities and the friends we made.” [Sealer in the Manila Temple]

Rohloff, Walter

M14

“We want to thank you for the wonderful trip.  It was a great experience and so much fun.”

Sommer, Frank & Deanna

M14

“Franklin and I would like to thank you so much for a wonderful tour.  It was so well organized and the material outstanding.  I know you must have put in many, many hours to make these tours so informative and exciting.”

Barlow, LaMar & Margaret

M14

“Thank you all for the delightful and informational tour which we appreciated being part of.   . . .Thank you also for the clean accommodations and excellent meals provided.”

Alsop, Mel

M14

“We sincerely wish to thank you for the special events and plans you arranged.  We loved the spirit we all shared.” 

Holt, Melba

M14

“Thanks for the photos”

Preston, Marian

M15

“It was one grand experience!  . . you brought those events to life for each of us.  How incredibly organized you are and were from the delicious food in the park to the luxurious bus.  Not one thing was just ordinary.”

Malouf, Sharyl and Ray

M15

“. . .heart felt thanks I feel for all you did to make our tour to Nauvoo so wonderful  I still have vivid memories of every day.  I don’t think things could have been any better.  I felt so much love and help from the whole group.”  [Very restrictive arthritis]

Crofts, Bob & Jan

M15

“We loved our trip to Nauvoo with you.  It was a spiritual high in our lives.” 

Holt, Jeannette & Ed

M15

“If it hadn’t been for the Temple, the highlight of the tour would have been singing ‘Praise to the Man’ in the upstairs room of the Red Brick Store.  If the windows had been open, I am sure they could have heard us up at the Temple.”

Hardcastle, Blaine, & Larna

M15

“Thank you so very much for making our first tour such a memorable one.  We truly enjoyed every minute.”

Hill, Dean & Virginia

M15

“It was excellent.  The more I think about the tour it becomes even more special in my memory.  We have told many people about our choice experience with you.  I can’t think of anything I would change.”

Poulton, Marcella

M15

“I’m getting to the important matter of letting you know how very much I enjoyed our wonderful trip to Nauvoo.  Everything was so beautifully arranged.”

Pulsipher, Frenchie & Marilyn

M15

“. . thank you for the wonderful trip you made possible for us.  We truly enjoyed every minute of it.” 

Larson, Arden & Joyce

M15

“  It was disappointing to have our tour cancelled last September (9/11!!), but it couldn’t have been as special as the one we took the first part of June.  Thank you for all your hard work.”

Simmons, Bea

M15

“. . We all had fun and a spiritual experience.  A wonderful church tour. “

LeFevre, Loraine

M16

“. . I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for (the tour) experience.   . . it has been in my thoughts each day since.  . . magnificent temple. . . I was touched as we entered Carthage . . . to stand in that sacred place where the Prophet had stood before being martyred touched me for the rest of the day.  . . .I could go on and on. . .

“The company delightful, scenery beautiful, food delicious, overall a wonderful experience.”

Spencer, Bob & Laurel

M16

“. . tour was great.  Even though we had seen most of this before, we now have a much better knowledge of it.”

Murdoch, Mike & Connie

M16

“We enjoyed the whole experience so very much – from beginning to end.  . . your ongoing commentary tied all the vignettes together so masterfully.   . . (the) wealth of information enriched our whole experience”.

Fiedler, Kurt & Erna

M16

“. . .wonderful whirlwind . . .We are still feasting on all the special spiritual moments . . . What made this tour so unique was reliving part of the pioneers history by reciting parts of their journal entries, their hardships and trials.:”

Colton, Alice & Sylvia

M16

“It was a life-strengthening experience. . . enlightening and beautiful trip.”

Carling, Blaine & Faye

M16

“Please know that we enjoyed every minute.  It was truly a testimony builder.to learn of the sacrifices of the pioneer saints.  We look forward to going again.”

Laub, Suzy

M17

“I wanted to thank you . . . There were so many times I was touched by and felt the presence of the Spirit.  What an amazing experience.”

Belnap, Pat & Vaughn

M17

“We are thoroughly pleased and well edified -  both physically and spiritually.  We look forward to Palmyra”

Lonnie & Carol

M17

“Thank you for the trip of our lives.  We expected much and we got much more.”

Gledhill Family

M17

“We will forever be touched by and never forget the great heritage of faith we have been given by the early saints.   . . . my children have felt “the spirit of God like a fire burning” because they actually were where their ancestors lived and walked.  It’s a wonderful thing”  

Campbell, Mary

M17

“I appreciate so much the work and effort you put into making your tours so educationally and spiritually fulfilling.  Our tour . . . was a fulfillment of a dream . . . to return to Nauvoo and see the temple.  It was a privilege to go with you.”

Diane

M19

“It was an experience that we will always cherish in our hearts.  Your tours are everything people say they are.  Your attention to detail at every stage maximizes each experience to its fullest.”

Eccles, Dave

M19

“. . . organization and planning skills, . . knowledge of the scriptures as well as the history . . . are the qualities that make these trips what they are.  I thank you!”

Ward, Brent & Eddy

M19

“The experience was one of the great highlights of our lives.  Thank you for all the extra effort“

Roberts, Scott

M19

“Thank you . . . for such an incredible tour.  It was a life changing event being part of that. . .  Our family is stronger because of it.”

Figuerres, Cyril & Aileen

M19P

“ . . . thank you for a most memorable trip. . . We loved learning about the Prophet Joseph and the early saints.  (It) was extraordinary for us.”

Wood, Barbara & Bob

M19P

“It was the trip of a lifetime, and we loved being with you”

Webb, Diane & Mark

M19P

“What a rich and memorable experience we all had”

Anne

M19P

“Our hearts are full of gratitude for the experience that was ours as we toured. . . We . . . have been so blessed.”

Derrick, Royden G. & Sis. Derrick

M19P

“We are extending our commendation to you for the excellent tour!  Words cannot express the feelings we had.  The best part was the beautiful spirit that prevailed throughout the tour.” 

Spencer, Donnell & Carolyn

M20F

“Words can’t express how much we enjoyed the trip.  We had a beautiful experience in the Nauvoo Temple.  Really, the whole trip was fantastic.”

Stingley, Shauna & George

M20T

“Our family . . . went on the Nauvoo tour . .  In fact, my husband and I got sealed in the Nauvoo Temple on the tour.  We’ve made a scrapbook of the trip.”

Vance, Allen & Norma

M20T

“. . . much greater and inspiring than we ever imagined . . .  How does one describe special feelings . . . Who can forget the serene feeling . . .  Where do benevolent feelings come from . . . Why did our eyes fill with tears . . . ?  (I) clung to every last minute . . . We cant express our thanks deep enough for the rich experience we received that historic week.  It was wonderful.”

Wissler, Liz

M20T

“What a great trip – I learned and felt so much.  . . . I have my film back and will be able to relive moments that were shared with good people . . . thanks for a great spiritual feast.”

Petersen, Britt

M20T

“I hope to express my sincere gratitude to you for making those five days the best five days I have had in quite some time.  Each and every day . . . was never without a good thought or a message that reached some level of thought or made a memory.  I would love to be a part of another tour . . . “

Summerhays, Jill and Craig

M20T

“We had a marvelous time. . .  It was wonderful to actually be in the places we’d only read about – to learn more and feel the spirit in each place.”

Edwards, Charles & Merle

M20T

“. . . a BIG THANK YOU for such a marvelous tour.  It was delightful from beginning to end.

Kennington, Helen & Craig

M20T

“ . . . how very much we enjoyed the recent tour . . .  We truly felt we were walking on holy ground much of the time.  The readings and the history . . . added very much to the overall tour . . .

Smith, Mollie

M20T

“I am making a souvenir book, complete with photographs, and re-living all the things we saw & heard and feeling the same euphoria each time I take it up.  We did so much in those few days, yet never felt rushed at all.  It was worth all the effort”

Russon, Margaret

M20T

“The tour was well organized with wonderful food, beautiful music, great stories, friendships, pleasant bus driver, inspirational messages, fine guest presenters, wonderful and spiritual places of interest.” 

Bowen, Verna

M22T

“Thanks for the wonderful, informative trip to Nauvoo.  It was everything we had hoped for and more.”

Clark, Day & Ruth

M22T

“ . . . one of the great experiences of our lives.  It was a spiritual experience we will always treasure.   . . . the trip was so delightful.  We are recommending you to everyone we know because we feel the trip is extremely reasonable and within reach for most people.”

West, Vicky and Zwahlen, Gay

M22T

“Thanks.  This has been a wonderful and very informative tour.  . . . thank you for the work you are doing.  Everything has been great . . .

Bezdjian Family

M22T

“We have thought of. . . your tour often since we have been home.  Thank you for providing the opportunity to learn church history ‘on location.’  It was such a spiritual experience for the whole family.  We appreciated your warmth and openness to having children on the trip.  It was an experience we will not forget and will draw upon frequently for strength.”

Hall, Gwen

M22T