August 3, 2016 - Wednesday in Nauvoo

Wednesday training meeting today!  It was, again, interrupted with a 7:30am trek scheduled by our Guest Services.  I was there at 7:15am getting it set up.  Mom was already at the meeting where I had dropped her off.  Before I knew it, it was 7:45am and no 7:30am group.  Come to find out, the group was part of one of the senior missionaries family, and they had scheduled the 7:30am trek not knowing there was a weekly training meeting.  So, the senior missionaries told them not to come before 9:00am because of the meeting.  One small step was eliminated.... telling the trek coordinators!  What is that saying???  "There is no let up in the follow-up"!

Oh well, it really turned out to be a great day at the Handcart Station.  When we worked at the Visitor's Center last night, I spoke with two families about coming over to have this experience with the handcarts.  And they both came!  I was especially pleased with this one family that arrived around 11:00am.  There were four sisters between about 7 years old and about 13 years old and one brother about 16, along with mom and dad.  They were a sharp looking family and were anxious to have this experience, together, after they had attended the temple with the older children earlier this morning. 

I went over the usual explanation of "staying on the path", and holding to the "iron rod", and we had prayer together and they were off.  About an hour later, they came back into the Handcart Station with lots of smiles on their faces.  However, both mom and dad indicated they had all had some challenges with patience with each other, a little contention, and a few opportunities for repentance.  As I listened, I could tell this was a significant experience for the parents with their children.  I found out a few moments later just how significant.  The only son and brother wanted to share with me the best part of his trek... (remember we start these trek experiences with "best day ever", shouts)... 

Well, he told me that he had gotten angry with one of his sisters.  He was frustrated that she was not, "pulling (or pushing), her load".  After he yelled at her, he felt very bad and quickly apologized to her.  This was so significant to him that this action led to the best day ever experience for him when he savored the feeling he had of saying he was sorry to his sister!  

Then, his father confided in me that he learned a lot about himself.  And he was especially anxious to make some changes in the way he was fulfilling his responsibilities as a father.  As they were walking back toward their car at the Visitor's Center, I could see him, and his son, with arms around each other, having shared something very personal and sacred on a handcart path in the rolling hills of Old Nauvoo.

Now, why do we participate in this mission, serving in the Handcart Station, being so far away from our precious family, working with some challenging people, and having some challenging assignments?  Because of the results, and the effects, of a one mile trek, like this one, on precious families!  And yes, there is probably no better feeling you can have when you sincerely "feel", and "say", I am sorry, to a brother or sister, or a mom or dad, or any other individual that deserves a humble apology!

Elder Fjeldsted's drum solo is awesome!

 

One of my favorite parts of the show with Elder Fjeldsted at the drums!

 

Getting ready for the Children's parade!

Let the parade begin!

Now, here is a picture of Levi.  That precious boy is growing up so fast!  Mom and I are so looking forward to meeting him and Macie and seeing all of our family members again very soon!

Mom, tell me again about Granny and Grandpa missionaries!

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