TREK began very early in the morning...So the girls quickly fell asleep on the bus. I was too excited to sleep! Actually I tried, but ended up taking pictures and chatting with Dan.
A little later on, the kids were "well rested" and ready to have some fun! Here are bunch of the kids on our 9 hour bus ride to Martins Cove.
Here are some of us ladies...From 8th ward: Noelle Taylor and Emma, from 7th ward: Kristin Perry, Amanda Bishop, myself and Kenna, from the Stake: Mare Davis
Heading up the trail into Martins Cove. I forgot to mention that one week before TREK, McKenna broke her foot. She wasn't able to walk, but all of the leaders and friends were more than willing to help push and pull her!
McKenna's friends, Taylor Davis and Gavin Schmalz, were total gentlemen. They held the rickshaw she had to ride in, on their shoulders as the missionaries were talking to us.
This was taken by the "SweetWater" crossing sight. These are all of the kids from our old ward (8th ward) and the kids from our new ward. (7th ward)
Dan carried McKenna through the SweetWater River. It was an incredible experience for both of them. The Saints that had to cross this river in the winter, with pieces of ice floating by them, deserve our deepest respect.McKenna loved sharing this experience with her dad!
Here are some of "the guys": Cody, Elijah, Colton, and Connor. They are so tough!
Taylor and Gavin, pulling McKenna. A copy of this picture will be in the visitor center at Martins Cove. The missionaries wanted a picture of these amazing boys pulling McKenna.
McKenna being pulled by Bro. Perry and Bro. Bishop. This rickshaw was scary!!!! It was really high so it could go through rivers easier. Taylor and Gavin named it Kenna's "Throne of Awesomeness". She couldn't wait to get out of this thing!
This picture is of a mass grave in Rock Hollow. Included in this grave is Bodil. She was a 9 year old girl who's family could only send one person at a time. She was an amazing little girl. I couldn't help but think about my little Courtney. I can't imagine sending her to a foreign country all alone...where she doesn't speak the language... with only an older sister waiting for her at the final destination. What the Saints sacrificed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ! She had such a strong testimony at such a young age. This was a very sacred experience and hallowed place. (Which we found out means the Savior was actually there...)
When we arrived at the Stake Center, we were greeted by Jonah with this sign welcoming us home. We couldn't wait to see our Courtney!!!! This was an experience that changed all of us...and so many of the things we felt and saw just can't be written down. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to go and have this experience with my family and friends. It certainly strengthed my testimony...and gave me a greater respect and love for my ancestors that came and sacrificed so much for all of us.
A little later on, the kids were "well rested" and ready to have some fun! Here are bunch of the kids on our 9 hour bus ride to Martins Cove.
Here are some of us ladies...From 8th ward: Noelle Taylor and Emma, from 7th ward: Kristin Perry, Amanda Bishop, myself and Kenna, from the Stake: Mare Davis
Heading up the trail into Martins Cove. I forgot to mention that one week before TREK, McKenna broke her foot. She wasn't able to walk, but all of the leaders and friends were more than willing to help push and pull her!
McKenna's friends, Taylor Davis and Gavin Schmalz, were total gentlemen. They held the rickshaw she had to ride in, on their shoulders as the missionaries were talking to us.
This was taken by the "SweetWater" crossing sight. These are all of the kids from our old ward (8th ward) and the kids from our new ward. (7th ward)
Dan carried McKenna through the SweetWater River. It was an incredible experience for both of them. The Saints that had to cross this river in the winter, with pieces of ice floating by them, deserve our deepest respect.McKenna loved sharing this experience with her dad!
Here are some of "the guys": Cody, Elijah, Colton, and Connor. They are so tough!
Taylor and Gavin, pulling McKenna. A copy of this picture will be in the visitor center at Martins Cove. The missionaries wanted a picture of these amazing boys pulling McKenna.
McKenna being pulled by Bro. Perry and Bro. Bishop. This rickshaw was scary!!!! It was really high so it could go through rivers easier. Taylor and Gavin named it Kenna's "Throne of Awesomeness". She couldn't wait to get out of this thing!
This picture is of a mass grave in Rock Hollow. Included in this grave is Bodil. She was a 9 year old girl who's family could only send one person at a time. She was an amazing little girl. I couldn't help but think about my little Courtney. I can't imagine sending her to a foreign country all alone...where she doesn't speak the language... with only an older sister waiting for her at the final destination. What the Saints sacrificed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ! She had such a strong testimony at such a young age. This was a very sacred experience and hallowed place. (Which we found out means the Savior was actually there...)
When we arrived at the Stake Center, we were greeted by Jonah with this sign welcoming us home. We couldn't wait to see our Courtney!!!! This was an experience that changed all of us...and so many of the things we felt and saw just can't be written down. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to go and have this experience with my family and friends. It certainly strengthed my testimony...and gave me a greater respect and love for my ancestors that came and sacrificed so much for all of us.
3 comments:
Alex had a great time at Trek. It also helped build his testimony. One of these days I want to be a "Ma" and go on the Trek experience
It looks and sounds like an amazing experience! How awesome is it that the picture will be in the visitors center!
It was awesome to attend the Fireside with you all and hear McKenna speak. She did a great job and we were grateful for the experience! And so it was fun to again see the pictures. McKenna is awesome!!
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