Each summer, families all over America load their cars and take off for a much-needed vacation. Will you be one of them? Permit me to share a few vacation ideas with you.

Sit in the quaint country church in Washington, N.H., and imagine Rachel Oaks eager to share the Sabbath truth with Frederick Wheeler and the congregation of Millerite Adventists looking for the soon coming of Jesus. Walk the beautiful Sabbath Trail and trace the Sabbath throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation.

Stand in the quiet maple grove on the William Miller farm in Upstate N.Y.; picture him wrestling with God about his conviction to "tell it to the world" after study of the prophecies led him to understand it was time for Jesus to return to Earth to claim His trophies for eternity. Sense the bitter disappointment of those faithful believers who expected the heavens to split open as their Friend Jesus appeared in a cloud of angels, as you gaze into the beautiful blue sky above Ascension Rock. Worship in the historic William Miller chapel and ponder the beautiful script on the front wall that proclaims, "For at the time appointed, the end shall be." Visit the Miller cemetery where "angels watch the precious dust of this servant of God" and determine to be ready to meet Jesus when He comes.

Linger in the granary of the Hiram Edson barn near Port Gibson, N.Y., and contemplate the heart-felt longings for an answer to the big question, "Why?"

Climb the steep narrow stairway to the second floor bedroom of the Wood Street home of James and Ellen White at Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek, Mich., and experience the thrill of being where angels communed with Ellen White and where the first edition of The Great Controversy was written. Join in singing the early Advent hymns in the replicated 1857 Meeting House and appreciate anew the dedication of the humble pioneers who allowed God to use them to build His last days’ church.

Enjoy the beauty of Napa Valley, Calif., as you visit Elmshaven, the final home of Ellen White. Spend time in her big corner writing room where angels were frequent visitors as she labored to pen the counsels of God for His people.

You may obtain more information about these historic Adventist sites by checking the following websites and/or phone numbers:

Washington, N.H.: (802) 875-3741; www.tagnet.org/washington

Adventist Heritage Ministry: (269) 965-3000; www.adventistheritage.org

Elmshaven: (707) 963-9039/(707) 963-0861; www.elmshaven.org

Alice Voorheis, Adventist Heritage Ministry past president