May 7, 2016 - Saturday in Nauvoo

Mom and I had a change in assignments today.  We were headed to the Blacksmith Shop and the Seventies Hall, for an early assignment, when we were reassigned last night to the Handcarts.  There were two scheduled treks this morning.  The first trek was at 8:30am and the second trek was scheduled at 9:00am.  Both were about 10 minutes late, but it all worked out.  Here are some action shots of the trekkers; 

A little "selfie" action!

The power behind the wheel!

One of the handcart trails

Some of the country we get to see all day!

Our assignment was until 12:00 noon today.  We take trekkers up until 12:00 noon, and, at that point, they can only take the one mile course.  There are three courses on the property.  The one, two and three mile trek.  Each mile takes about an hour.  If the temperature is above a certain humidity, the trek is canceled for safety reasons.  But the final trek for the day has to be completed by 1:00pm.  This was a great morning activity and we had two enthusiastic families who participated!

Since we had to be at the Handcart Outfitters station by 8:15am this morning, we got an earlier start on our morning walk.  We left the house at about 5:30am and the sky was just getting light.  The temperature was in the low 60's.  It was a marvelous morning that started off with our morning devotional and prayers.  Then we got ready for the day and headed off to our assignment!

One of my favorite stories from the histories of the handcart pioneers is one of the James G. Willie Handcart Company that involved Agnes Caldwell.  Agnes, who was 9 years old, traveled with her mother, her three brothers and her two sisters.  Her father had been lost at sea many years earlier before they joined the Church in England.  At the point of near death from the cold, and the rationed food, she recorded this story;

 

This is one incident that took place shortly before we got to Salt Lake Valley: “Just before we crossed the mountains, relief wagons reached us, and it certainly was a relief. The infirm and aged were allowed to ride, all able-bodied continuing to walk. When the wagons started out, a number of us children decided to see how long we could keep up with the wagons, in hopes of being asked to ride. At least that is what my great hope was. One by one all fell out, until I was the last one remaining, so determined was I that I should get a ride.

“After what seemed the longest run I ever made before or since, the driver, who was William Henry “Heber” Kimball, called to me, ‘Say, sissy, would you like a ride?’ I answered in my very best manner, ‘Yes sir.’

“At this he reached over, taking my hand, clucking to his horses to make me run, with legs that seemed to me could run no farther. On we went, to what to me seemed miles. What went through my head at that time was that he was the meanest man that ever lived or that I had ever heard of, and other things that would not be a credit nor would it look well coming from one so young. Just at what seemed the breaking point, he stopped. Taking a blanket, he wrapped me up and lay me in the bottom of the wagon, warm and comfortable. Here I had time to change my mind, as I surely did, knowing full well by doing this he saved me from freezing when taken into the wagon.”

Sometimes, there are some folks who comes into our lives, who seems to be the meanest people alive!  I can understand that from the many initial impressions I have had.  But then, they do something that ends up being life changing, like making Agnes run alongside the wagon!  This is such a great example of the perfect rescue...  

It may not be a run alongside the wagon, but it could be a kind word, a thoughtful meal, an offer to watch the children, perhaps lending a hand in a work or service project, or even sharing a message or lesson that finally brings "understanding" for that particular principle, and, maybe even handing an unsuspecting person a check to help pay future mission expenses.  I am convinced that there is more I can do to help with the rescue, and with the preparations, for things to come.  This is a great time to be alive!  Let's go do some good!  

Thank you William Kimball for this wonderful example from the pioneer histories!  Just think, mom and I get to work this Handcart site all summer long!  Sweet!  We are soon off to our Sunset practice at the Visitors Center, and then, we will prepare for celebrating Mother's Day together tomorrow....