Spiritual Experiences on the Trek

There were several places on the Trek where the missionaries asked us to be still and quiet as we participated in various activities and in certain places.  It is amazing how much we can learn from the spirit when we are quiet and open to those promptings.  Here are some photos of those special, sacred places and activities that made such an impact on us and on the youth. . .

These are the statues that are situated just before you enter Martin's Cove.  I love how the artist caputred the heartache on the faces of the statues. . .

This is the actual cove.  The day that we went to the cove, the wind was terrible.  Several tents in our camp had been ripped apart from the stakes in the ground and several had snapped poles.  However, when we went into the cove, you could not feel the wind at all, you could not even hear it.  What a blessing that spot was for the Martin Handcart Company to get out of the blizzards and find peace and shelter.  How like the temple this spot is.  The winds may howl outside, but inside, you can find solice, protection and feel the spirit of the Lord.  This spot was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinkley as sacred, hallowed ground.  You can definitely feel the spirit here!!!

This is the crossing of the Sweetwater River.  This was the river that many of the handcart company were afraid to cross because they had lost so many people to death from their crossing of the North Platte river.  Several of the rescuers carried the saints across this frozen, icy river for many hours so that the saints who were not in good physical condition would not suffer from exposure and die. 

This is the women's pull.  The men are asked to stand on either side of the steep, sandy, rocky incline and watch in silence as the women pull the handcarts up the hill.  There was so much respect shown to us.  Not one man or young man had their hats on during this event.  Their hats were off, many of them were misty-eyed and you could see how much they wanted to help, but could not.  I am so proud of the girls in our family who, after pulling our cart up the hill, went back to help others. 

It was a fabulous experience and we would highly recommend it to anyone who has not been.  It was an incredible testimony builder on the sacrifices those early saints made for the gospel.  It makes us ponder what we are willing to sacrifice for God's kingdom and how strong is our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ!