Catching up!

Our internet has not been working for about a week so I thought I would give everyone a little update now that it is up and running again. The last week of June JR went on the Willie and Martin handcart trek in Wyoming. He had an awesome experience and has a new appreciation for our pioneer ancestors. I would like him to type a little about it but He is so darn busy He probably won't get a chance! Anyway here are a few of the pictures He took. The first one is an antelope that was standing on the path.

Each person that went was assigned a pioneer name and story of someone who was in one of the handcart companies. Along the way they would stop and tell their story to everyone. JR was what they call a rescuer. He had already made it to Salt Lake and was sent to find the groups that were stranded and starving. He was Brigham Young's son. I forgot his name but maybe He can write about that later.


This is one of the few spots where the river is OK to cross. They usually just have you pull the handcarts across the bridges they have built. When the Willie and Martin companies crossed there were huge chunks of ice that would hit them in the legs. Many froze to death after river crossings because their clothes would not dry out and many that survived had frost bite.

This is a spot where 13 pioneers, including men women and children, were buried after a particularly cold night. They were buried in the shape of a wagon wheel with their legs facing out. There is a small amphitheater next to it where they held a testimony meeting.
Some of our ward members pulling their carts. No pictures of JR darn it! Some of the other people on the trek have pictures of him they are supposed to give us so I'll post them when they do. JR had a really good time and has a lot of stories to tell. Everyone who went was profoundly affected by the spirit of the pioneers and I think it definitely changed our youth's perspective on their lives and the challenges they face. Everyone who gets a chance should go. I know I can't wait to!