13 June 2018 - Wednesday - Happy Birthday Zac!

13 June 2018 - Wednesday

Today we had a marvelous experience with a group from Arimo, Idaho.  When mom and I were assigned to this group last week, we thought they might be the ward that some of our Nauvoo Senior Missionaries might be in.  Elder and Sister Hatch were some of the nicest missionaries we served with in Nauvoo, and we were not disappointed to know that this was their ward!

They had scheduled this trek as a ward, and had over half the ward participate.  Unfortunately, the Hatch's did not come, but they were well known by most of the trekkers we talked to.  I was very impressed with the trek leaders and all the adult leaders, as well as the youth ages less than one year old to the Priests and laurels age group.  Here are a few pictures;

Four Priests serving the Bishop's wife to the top of Martin's Cove

The reverent river crossing

Along the trail after the river crossing

Trekking quietly along the trail to the rescue statues

This group was very well prepared with a variety of vignettes.  They shared different stories along the way, and they had the youth do them!  At one point I was asked to share some insights at the top of Martin's Cove, and at the monuments on the west side of Martin's Cove.  What a privileged it was to be asked to participate!  I was able to share some sacred pioneer stories and relate those stories to these precious youth.  

I was especially impressed with the youth who pulled the Bishop's wife so she could be a part of the experience.  She had knee replacement surgery but was fiercely independent until the Priests told her they would not want to be there without her participation.  That won her over and she was so emotionally appreciative!  

And the Spirit helped me to tie those stories to the call from President Nelson for these youth to "rise up".  Several stories were so well fitted to this group.  Isaac Wardel, Francis Webster, and George Padley and Sarah Anne Franks were just a few!  Mom and I were tired, at the end of our trek with them, but invigorated with being a small part of the Arimo Ward today!

Here is a picture of some of our neighbors here at Ranch 66, or the Missionary Village.  They like to dart across the road after they stare you down for a few brief moments....

Mama and Tiny Tim

Maybe I will move, and maybe I won't!  (Future head bull)

I wanted to mention that when the Martin Handcart Company had that storm on September 3, 1856, they lost most of their Oxen to pull their wagons.  They had to hitch up their milk cows to the wagons and try to get them to pull the weight.  This, the cows, could not do, so they had to unload the 100 pound sacks of flour and distribute them one to each handcart.  

This was really the first day that trouble began for them and the challenges kept coming.  Isn't it amazing how these precious pioneers persevered through all these challenges and then testified how grateful they were to have these experiences that helped them become better acquainted with God?  

I know that we can do hard things and that pulling together as families and wards and stakes, we can be better prepared to see and participate in the miracles coming before our Savior returns!  This has been a good day for these two, tired, senior missionaries!  One has already beat the other to begin a restful nights rest!!  Thank you for joining us tonight!  We love you!