8 May 2018 - Tuesday

8 May 2018 - Tuesday

Oh, what a day we have had today!  Our schedule to trek Sixth Crossing arrived on our calendars today, and we drove to the Sixth Crossing Site this morning to begin that orientation.  It was physically demanding for both mom and me, and mom was very anxious about being able to make the full six miles around the trail.  But she passed the test with flying colors!  

She was able to borrow a walking stick and I wrapped her ankle with an ace bandage.  The combination was perfect and she felt no ill affects after 8 hours and six miles on these sacred trails.  Now, this is not to say that we weren't super tired, but we both made it, and feel to rejoice together for having done so!  We started at the newly finished Sixth Crossing Visitors' Center this morning at 9:00am.  

The Visitors' Center looms big and inviting along the highway, but does not have a significant road sign,  It could pass as a prairie steak house, and has been mistaken for a restaurant a few times!  However, it is a beautiful center and we took the tour that the missionaries here at Sixth Crossing give to all visitors.  

District #1 in front of the Sixth Crossing Visitors' Center

Inside the Visitors' Center is a wonderful interactive and self guided display tour.  We were given the opening video explaining about the Willie Company, and then walked through the center.  I was really impressed with the information shared and especially this map shown below.  The dotted lines are miniature lights that show the trail of the struggling pioneers heading for Salt Lake and the anxious rescuer's coming from Salt Lake.  It explains perfectly where they first met!

The two separate trails taken by the Willie Company going west and the rescuers going east.

Our next adventure was to head to Jamerman Camp and get outfitted for the six mile trek.  We had about 30 senior missionaries, and we pulled 3 handcarts.  It was a great way to jump start our involvement and understanding of the handcart pioneers.

Grandpa and Granny are 21st Century Pioneers!  Ask your parents what that means!

Hitting the trails through the camp grounds

Let the six miles begin!  We are on the National Historic Trail.

Granny was trekking right beside me and we spoke with a variety of missionaries along the way.  It is such a great way to get to know people, and to help with getting to know our strengths and weaknesses, so we can help each other.  We are walking along the National Historic Trail paths and many of the wheel ruts are still noticeable along our way.

We are looking over to the Wind river Mountain Range

Can you imagine the handcart pioneers walking along these trails?  All they wanted in life was to gather to Zion, and build their religion, and strengthen their relationship to Heavenly Father.  They were following a Prophet of God, and for these handcart pioneers, nothing was impossible.  They were willing to lay down their lives for the Gospel's sake in their quest to come to Zion.

A picture depicting Elsie and Jens Nielson

Jens collapsing and Elsie seeking God's Help 

A dozen "rescuer's race to help Elsie 

This story of Jens and Elsie Nielson is touching.  Jens had spent his energy at this point in the trek to Zion.  Elsie would not let him die on the trail and helped him in the handcart and gave her best efforts to pull the handcart forward.  Then a dozen :angels" run to assist the struggling Elsie.  

This is what Josie and Tom represented on their trek in 2014, and they will never be the same for their experience together.  You see, Elsie, (Josie), could not pull Jens, (Tom), very far at all without the "rescuer's help and dedication!  

If we EVER needed a definition of "ministering", it would be this story.  Helping someone who has done all they can to help themselves, and fallen short, is unlike any other feeling in the world.  I know that President Nelson is an inspired Prophet to call us out and emphasize ministering.  It is the way of the Savior, and I want to be just like Him! 

So absolutely peaceful out here!

A view toward the direction Captain Willie came with Joseph Elder with the rescue wagons

Our day ended back at the Sixth Crossing Trek Center with some closing directions for our one week  assignment at Rock Creek.  (Mom and I are assigned there on August 2nd through August 9th).  

We were tired and still had an hour drive to get back home.  Mom did some laundry when we got home, and we had some dinner together.  Now I am trying to paint the picture here of the hearts and souls of these handcart pioneers and their rescuer's, and how this is related to ministering.  We will come closer to our Savior if we can practice these precious principles.

Now for anyone thinking about a visit here.  We have two bedrooms and a double size hide-a-bed in our trailer.  I think you should plan on the second two weeks in August and/or the month of September to come and visit us.  Please let me know what days might work for you and we will try not to overbook our living quarters.  But, if you all come together, we will make room!

We will also know our P-day schedule that varies each month from Saturdays to Mondays.  We are so looking forward to your visit!  For your information, our release date is October 16th, a Tuesday.  

We love you!!