TREK

"Walk With Me"

 was the theme of the Pioneer Trek that the youth in our ward went on for youth conference this year. Brian was able to attend because anyone turning 12 during the year was given special permission to go. He had an amazing time. It seems as though many miracles happend during those 3 1/2 days that they were gone. There were approx 67 youth and about 35-40 leaders who went. It was an overwhelming site to see everyone at the church getting ready to leave. Already just with them dressed and loading the buses there was a special spirit there.

I have to admit that when we said good bye to our "little pioneer" I was a bit nervous. However I knew the exeprience he would have there and the things he would learn would be things that I couldn't teach him here at home.
For the remainder of Trek, Brian became: George Dove age 14 born 1842 in England...he was a memeber of the Hodgett Wagon Company.George Dove along with 3 other men saved many pioneers on October 18/19 from the North latte River. There were some pioneers that were so weak and as they began to cross the waters (which were freezing) they couldn't go any further. George and others went back and forth several times into the river to save the saints. There were 13-18 people who died that day, but many were saved because of the heroic actions of 4.
Here are a few short comments from Brian's journal:
Day 1:
Bus ride to Wyoming.
Walked pushing/pulling carrs 3 miles
Arrived at camp and set up
Had dinned and did some square dancig
Day 2:
Took down camp
Walked to Martis Cove and Dan Jones Cove
Heared stories about Pioneers from Martin's Cove
The spirit was so stong!!!
Day 3:
Took down camp
River crossing
Woman's pul
10 mile Trek
Testimony meeting-almost all the youth bore their testimony about Trek
The spirit was so strong and the testimony meeting was great.
Day 4:
Took down camp
Packed our stuff
Came home

Here are some pictures that Brian took

We were told after of stories about how the wind was blowing 50-60 mph on Friday night and the leaders didn't know if they should end youth conference then  and come home or stay. After a lot of prayers and divine inspiration Bishop Chipman felt like they should stay. Once the choice was made the winds died down and the night was calm until in the morning when they were all packing up to come home then the winds picked up again. I really think the Lord wanted for them all to witness that miracle, along with so many others.
Here are a few arrival photos.

Even though Giovanni and I didn't go on Trek, we have been so moved by the expieriences and stories from others. We feel so blessed to live where we do and to be among such strong saints.
We have been told by other's of the testimony that Brian bore on Friday evening...here is a line from it:
"I am here on Trek being a pioneer and my brother, Robert, is on his mission in Italy, doing his own Trek and bringing the gospel to people there..." We never know how the things we do say will influence another.
So thankful for pioneers' and especially for my two sons!