7 June 2018 - Thursday

7 June 2018 - Thursday

What a physically exhausting day!  The temperatures were in the high 80's and the wind was nice and steady, to help keep us cool.  It also helped keep the mosquitoes away!  But boy are my feet tired after being on them for the better part of 9 hours.  We had a great group that we helped along the way who came from Sioux City, SD.  They really did not come for the history portion, but their theme was all about feeling the Spirit.  They relied on mom and me to supply stories.  In my opinion, understanding the stories facilitates the feeling of the Spirit.  The sacrifices were too great to avoid the stories!  They traveled 13 hours to get here in three buses!

However, I was able to make a few suggestions on various parts of their trek.  They were very agreeable to these suggestions, and the Spirit was with us for most of the day.  The river crossing was especially spiritual, with our group doing a silent crossing of the river with their carts.  Several of the youth crossed with their carts, and then quietly came back and helped others cross.  And others in their group carried people across the flowing river in about three feet of water.  It was very special.  

The families coming across the river

Trekker rescuers helping to bring the pioneers across

Bishops and other leaders helping them up the bank of the river

This was especially memorable because we did not expect to cross the river with the carts,  Every one of the youth crossed the river.  As I spoke with various youth, this was the best part of the trek next to walking through Martin's Cove on another silent walk.  And having the ward and branch leaders help them up the opposite bank of the river brought back the memories of our 2008 trek!

Coming in from the quiet walk through Martin's Cove

The group, full of energy, beginning their trek this morning

Mom and I work so well together as a great team.  We both got to share some special pioneer stories. And mom was with the medical folks as we had some who needed a little extra help.  All-in-all, we had a great trek and we are looking forward to the next assignment!  I am beat!