Happy 13th Anniversary to Josie and Tom! We enjoyed our day of service here in Nauvoo on your behalf! We hope you had a great day and that Emma is healing rapidly!
We had the early morning assignment to open the Handcart Station at 7:00am for the young sister missionaries. That meant that we were there just before 6:30am getting the handcarts ready to go. It was an absolutely beautiful day for the two 3 mile treks we had scheduled. Instead of the storms that were forecast just a day or so ago, the day was perfect for the adventure.
Mom and I were both up before 4:00am this morning. I took the time to take a shortened walk while mom was getting ready for the day. We had our morning devotional and prayers and then my walk took about 30 minutes. We were both ready to report to the Handcart Station by 6:15am. Here are some pictures of the two trekking groups;
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| The morning breaks at the Handcart Station! |
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| Contrast 1850's transportation with the 21st century! |
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| Let the trek begin! The sister missionaries going 3 miles |
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| 4 of the 24 young sister missionaries just finishing the 3 miler! |
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| Really! I was just resting my eyes.... (nice hat!) |
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| Our 10:00am 3 mile trekkers - The Hammond's on their honeymoon! |
We have enjoyed getting the trek groups off and running. I love asking the question, "what was the best part of your trekking experience today?" The consistent answer is that the relationship of working together is strengthened by selfless acts of serving each other. The 3 mile trek is pretty level around the fields and through the woods. But it does take extra efforts as the people work together traversing the hillsides. Many times we hear the approaching trekkers singing the pioneer songs as they come into the station after completing the trek. This is a great experience for families, youth groups, and newly weds!
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| A view of the Handcart Station from the road |
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| Some thunderheads forming early this afternoon |
We had the last trek newlywed couple come into the station at about 12:15pm this afternoon. They cleaned off the mud and dirt on the handcart, from the trail, and then we secured the station. We then took a short walk along the fence lines and made sure the first three gates were closed and secured. We then headed home and enjoyed a very quiet afternoon. We had no meetings or assignments tonight so it was great to just enjoy our afternoon meal, and nap, and read, the rest of the day!
I thought the handcart trek was a neat experience- especially going with the family. Glad you had time to relax and read today! Not many more days like this coming up.
ReplyDeleteI wish we would have known about the hand cart site when we visited! I sure LOVE you guys!
ReplyDeleteWe want to do the handcarts!!
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