July 8, 2016 - Friday in Nauvoo

Oh what a great day to be assigned to the Handcart Station!  We had over a dozen groups with a variety of families and youth groups!  The total count for the day came to 310 trekkers.  That was more than took wagon rides and just 70 short of the audience for the Sunset play tonight.  The smallest group was 5 and the largest group was 220 split into 110 at two different times  There was a great deal of enthusiasm from all of the groups to have, "the best day ever"!

The pioneer experience that changes families!

Setting up for the 220 Burly, Idaho Stake Youth

My little friend from Rendezvous last Wednesday

Bambi running through the Handcart Station .....

Mom and I were at the Handcart Station at 5:30am to get things set-up for the first family group scheduled for 6:00am.  The Burly, Idaho group came at 7:00am and 9:00am.  It is always interesting to pick out the youth who are holding back or seemingly indifferent to enjoying the trek experience.  Then, when they come back after 90 minutes with their peers and their leaders, they are fully engaged and enjoying the adventure.  It is such a privilege to be a part of this trek experience for so many people!

Our morning was rushed but we enjoyed our morning devotional and prayer time before heading off to the Handcart Station.  Mom and I have made it a matter of prayer to ask for some help from Heavenly Father to assist us to know what things we are doing that we need to stop doing, and what things we are not doing that we need to start doing.  It is time to step up our preparation to make sure our lamps are fully trimmed at all times!

The Sunset Play went very well tonight.  The temperature was very cool and we had a nice breeze throughout most of the show.  We went straight home and are ready to rest from our missionary labors until tomorrow morning when we report to the Handcart Station at 7:15am!  Thank you for joining us tonight!

And our family photo of the day?  Our precious Levi at four weeks old, with his cap on to keep him from pulling his hair!!  Imagine that?!?! 

Granny when are you going to give me hugs and kisses?