Here is the journal from the trek that I spoke about in my last post. Keep in mind that it was composed by two different girls. Sorry it's so lengthy.
July 25, 2011
(Brindy) Sitting on a bus, that feels every bump in the road, with a bunch of socially active teenagers at around six o’ clock in the morning on the way to one of the hottest states in the country to live on the wildlife and sacrifice good looks and hot showers(showers period), isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. The whole, “being no clean” thing isn’t as enticing an idea to me as being at home, but having a good time on this trip? No brainer, it is going to be awesome!
It’s now about seven o’ clock. Still on the bus, still getting jostled around, and still in the midst of teenage talk, but it’s slowed down a little. We put a movie in. It’s called Sons of Provo. Never heard of it, but by the way everyone is excited to watch it, it must be a big hit among the BYU fan clubs/Mormons. The speakers were broken so it was a silent movie.
Sun is coming up. Its light is most welcoming to these sleep-deprived hyper teenagers. Yes, most welcoming.
9:10 pm
The bus ride was super long, but we finally arrived in Wyoming. We got unloaded, which took maybe a couple of hours, (exaggeration), until we finally got to relax and talk. (After setting up tents and sleeping quarters).
Tonight, we played the mafia game. The game was cut short by the call of dinner. It was delicious; sloppy Joes made by the Kidds, with corn on the cob and fresh watermelon. With dinner like this, who needs a fancy restaurant? Well maybe not that classy…
A famous old pioneer called Ephraim Hanks came to talk to us about his life filled with adventures. He was very entertaining, but what was most entertaining was everyone swatting at the mosquitoes flying around their space.
The mosquitoes are horrible, the blood-sucking demons. (Satan is having a right good laugh at our trials with these pests). It’s like we were all filled with sugar in our blood, what you would call Mosquito paradise. “Come and get it!” I could barely contain my laughter at the sight of all of us looking so ridiculous. I’m not sure we picked up anything from the devotional after the swarm set in. The couple that talked didn’t move at all to shew away the mosquitoes, which was pretty amazing. The fireside ended and everyone ran to their tents, desperate for insect repellent (not quite sure it helped at all). I’m not sure anyone can get to sleep; too much energy. Goodnight.
(Jodi Lewis) It is now the end of the day and everyone is trying to get settled in for the night, although it’s taking forever because we’ve all got way too much energy. On the bus, the kids sitting in the back kept opening the bathroom door; that let out some pretty scary fumes. They played a few different movies although the speakers were broken so it was a silent movie. Some kids lay out in the isle to sleep. It was crazy hard trying to get to one side of the bus the other without hitting someone. Overall everyone seemed to have a good time.
After we got off the bus, everyone helped set up tents then played Mafia. For dinner we had sloppy Joe’s and the ladies got to go first. Once dinner was done, that’s when the mosquitoes hit hard. Bug spray was passed around but that didn’t seem to keep them away. Missionaries came, Ephraim Hanks and Feebie Hanks and talked to us about their lives. It was very heartfelt and spiritual…if you ignored the mosquitoes that everyone was slapping at. The couple that talked didn’t move at all to shoo away the mosquitoes which was pretty amazing. In our closing prayer, we prayed that the bugs would go away and later, they were mostly gone. It was a pretty exciting first day.
July 26, 2011
(Jodi) Our first trekking day just ended and it was so amazing! All the girls were dressed up in their shirts and bonnets and all the young men were dressed in their dressed in their jeans and cowboy shirts. For breakfast we had pancakes, a ton of bacon and eggs and muffins. After breakfast each family got their handcarts ready to go. Once everyone was ready, my group, the Royal blue group, parented by Greg and Jen Callis was set as the lead group. The speed we set seemed to be too fast so we had to slow down and stop a bunch so others could keep up. All of the YM leaders in each group went back to grab a sick wagon and to pick up those who got left behind.
Once we got going again the women’s pull came up so the boys and girls split up. The boys went to the top of the hill and had a lesson about the importance of woman (I think) and the girls stayed at the bottom and had a lesson on the priesthood. It was very spiritual and helped me to realize how important the YM are. After our lesson ended, we started our trek up the hill where the YM were waiting. Half way up, Sis. Tippetts was having a hard time so then we had 3 people in the sick cart that we were pulling up. YM were sent down as angels which Nicole loudly refused any help from. The YM were lined up on either side of the trail at the top. Some cried, which was very sweet and touching because it shows that they really do care. Some of the girls also cried from exhaustion or the spirit, I don’t know. The women’s pull was a lot harder than I expected but I definitely would do it again. Yes, it was extremely tiring but once it was over, I felt very calm and accomplished.
We started up again and eventually came to the water crossing. There were 3 that we went through. The first one Brother Callis told about 3 teenage boys who had gone back and forth through freezing cold water to bring those who couldn’t cross themselves to the other side. It was very spiritual and I could tell everyone was touched by his sotry. Seth Wright, Marshall Calley & Porter Hansen were chosen to carry a girl from every group across the river. They did a great job and those they carried didn’t get wet. The second one was the same except boys who had their real families there were suggested to carry their sister or mother across. On the third one anything went nad a ton of leaders and YM got dunked and tackled. Some came out soaked from head to toe. It was fun and a lot of laughter was shared.
We kept going and finally got back to camp, some carts raced and some people fell but overall no one was hurt, thankfully. We had free time for about an hour and then we had dinner. Afterward we went to the school house and got to hear entries out of Levi Savage’s journal during their trek in the winter. Then we went square dancing! It was a lot of fun! And everyone got rid of some bottled up energy. We learned 2 different dances that lasted for like an hour. Then it was bed time.
(Brindy) There was a fierce storm last night. Not quite sure if it rained, but the wind blew at all our tents quite hard. Lucky for us, we had a firm foundation; stakes. Everyone is starting to get up. Rise and shine lovelies, it’s going to be a long day.
Around 10:00 or 11:00
This is our second stop today since we started our ten mile hike. Everyone seems to be getting along well, no faints or major injuries. A handcart fell behind, along with some girls who had been toughening it out this whole time. Some teenage boys were sent back to retrieve them, namely one girl, our own dear Liz Feist, who got to ride in the handcart to join us.
We had stopped the first time to recuperate and to read the journal of Levi Savage. These journal entries were the hardest times for the pioneers; less food, many deaths.
We started walking again after a while, our ward being led by a group of teenage boys pulling Liz and Britney Howard, in the handcart.
We have stopped again and are listening to a couple of missionaries talk about the Willie Company. Mosquitoes aren’t so bad now, but the sun came out finally, after hiding behind a cloudy sky this morning. Out comes the sunscreen.
We are back at camp, changing out of our wet clothes and talking about the exciting day. Where I left off earlier, we continued on very, very, shortly, until we stopped again. The time had come for the Women’s pull. The men left us, and we sorrowfully watched them go. A power, the priesthood, had left us all alone, with no one to rely on except God and his mercy.
A sister missionary talked to us about the importance of the education and Sis. Durrant talked about the priesthood and what a blessing it is in our lives. It is a blessing also to the men to be blessed with this power and all the marvelous things that can be done with it.
The discussion over, the Laurels in our ward, Renae Feist, Malia Peck, and Bronwyn Bastow, passed out letters to each girl in the ward that they had written to make this trip special, since we didn’t get to have girls camp this year. Hugs were shared as we all assembled to our carts. There were four girls to a cart as we started up the slope, to where the men ahead on the trail waited for us.
Not soon after we began, Sister Tippitts grew faint, close to passing out. Our pace had been too fast and on top of that, we had been singing hymns. Her breath had come harder and she knew she couldn’t go on much longer. We tended to her, drenching her in water, (I bet she was REALLY appreciative of that), and giving her a water bottle. We then helped her into the sick cart along with Liz and Britney. We started up the hill once again.
It was a solemn procession as we passed the men and boys who stood on our sides in two columns. No one spoke as we trudged by, except for Nicole Francis, who upon seeing some boys coming to help her and her cart, called out, “No! We don’t need any help!” Afterwards though, she learned that they were angels and was more than willing to admit she wouldn’t have minded their help.
Continuing onward after the momentous occasion, we soon walked a mile and a half, before we had lunch. The sandwiches were pretty good.
We were walking again and didn’t stop until we reached a hill that looked over the Sweetwater River. A pair of missionaries that had not yet spoken to us was there, and we stopped to listen. They talked about the crossing in winter and how cold the water must have been. Dreary thoughts. Then they sent us on our way.
Everyone changed into water shoes, before we trudged through muck before reaching the first crossing. Brother Callis told us a story about 3 teenage boys who helped everyone in their company cross the ice cold water. We were going to relive that situation with Marshall Calley, Porter Hansen, and Seth Writer as the boys.
The rest of the group watched silently from the other side after crossing, to see the boys carry the remaining girls across. No one spoke.
We were moving again and soon reached the second crossing. Loved ones could carry their own across. The procession across the river began again, but something really humorous happened this time.
Cirq Hainsworth was carrying his sister, Sierra, across when he tripped and fell. He got dunked completely under and Sierra got the front of her soaked. Everyone watching laughed. That is a memory no one will forget.
We walked along until we got to the 3rd crossing. This one was more casual and everyone crossed without anyone being carried. However, a dare of who could get Brother Hansen completely under was up for grabs, and a few boys jumped at the chance.
Brother Hansen went under, but not without pulling in a few others. Bishop Tippitts was the next victim and Brother Durrant would have gone under too, hadn’t it not been for his devices he was carrying.
We walked back to camp, completing our ten mile trek, some of us cold from the water and the air picking up. The youth were allowed to change out of their wet clothes and many were glad to relinquish their stiff, uncomfortable clothes, for comfy sweats and good old fashioned pants.
Sister Durrant and Brother Durrant talked to us about Trek and about how important the woman is. It was nice.
We also had a contest for the best bucket and the best flag. For the buckets, Sierra Hainsworth was 1st and Jordyn Dawson 2nd.
For the flag, the dark blue team won. There was also a special award for whoever did a special service. Seth got it for carrying strangers across the river on the 2nd crossing. Dinner was served soon after free time, where people enjoyed themselves with talk and games; a whole group bonding time.
Dinner was spaghetti with macaroni salad, regular salad with ranch and rolls. Mmmm…
There was dessert after; cookies and ice cream, the sugar on top after the hard day.
We traveled to the old, memorable schoolhouse on the grounds to listen to missionaries talk more about Levi Savage. He was an amazing man, a hero to many, now and then.
The fun part finally arrived after; Square-dancing! Half of us didn’t know what we were doing, but everyone had a laugh and was clapping excitedly by the end. We had a prayer, and it was off to bed.
The wind has picked up greatly, the tent doors flapping wildly in a crazy dance. Lights are supposed to be out, but that doesn’t stop the talking. Oh boy, here we go…Goodnight.
July 27, 2011
(Brindy) Today was an exciting, yet extremely tiring day. The morning was filled with sunshine and mosquitos, the normal for this trip. Breakfast came and went before we loaded the bus and headed out to Martin’s Cove.
The place was PACKED. There were so many youth groups there; it wasn’t easy to keep track of one another. The reason was, because it was the busiest week of Summer. The last, but hottest week of July? Who comes up with these things?
We were led to the church in the place, where we talked about the trek to Martin’s Cove and watched a little show that involved, guess who? The Pioneers.
The meeting ended, soon afterward then led to everyone grabbing handcarts and beginning the journey up the trail, a good one or two miles before we would reach Martin’s Cove.
After about a mile, our company halted and left our handcarts behind, the trail up ahead only reserved for people walking, with a few exceptions, like Britney and Liz who got to ride in a little human cart with seats. Lauren Peck was also put in one, because she was appearing to be sick. She complained, saying she wanted to walk, but our bad influence, overcame her, and she wearily agreed.
Along the mile path to the Cove, the sun beat relentlessly down on our backs, sweat rolling down our skin. It was kind of gross, but we all reached a shady place, where we waited for the missionaries.
They weren’t there after we waited for a good two minutes, so Brother Callis volunteered to run up the trail farther to see if they were at the Cove. Man, he must have been in pretty good shape, to do that, because I know if I tried, I wouldn’t have been that fast or my feet that willing to carry me while I sprinted up a small hill. He returned to us, and it turns out, they were waiting for us farther along the trail, so we all got up from the nice, cool shade, and resumed our really hot, sweaty walk to the Cove. Hey, it was better than tramping along in snow in a blizzard. I think everyone was pretty grateful for the seasonal differences, no matter how hot the temperature was.
Our group reached the top, where we rested while listening to another unknown couple that were missionaries, to teach us more stories, or rather the same ones we had already heard, about the pioneers. We had to wait a few more minutes, because of the replacement missionaries that were late to come talk to us. Oh, well, the rest was most welcome, before we started walking again.
We traveled back to where we left the handcarts, where by this time, a million people had showed up to leave their handcarts and walk along the trail. The same people we had saw earlier. It was again, PACKED.
The Red team, my group, was serving lunch, which was more delicious sandwiches. A good half hour passed by, before we yet, again, started walking to who knows where.
We halted once we reached a group of three statues. They were the four men who helped everyone in their company across the river. On all their faces, was a kind of strength, an inner glow of service and love. At least, that’s what I saw. With one statue, each color of team, took pictures, then with another statue, everyone got into the view of the camera. They’ll turn out good, I could tell.
7th ward was once again on the move, passing by the river crossing and finally stopping at another women’s pull. It wasn’t easy, partly because of the steep hill and the sand around our feet. If anything, this pull, was probably the same or harder than the former one, even if the first one was longer. This tested our strength, not our endurance, and help was gladly welcomed when it did come.
Walking continued until we came back to the Martin’s Cove “headquarters.” We loaded ourselves onto the bus then traveled to Independence Rock. Many of our group climbed it, except the thing was; it had just rained, so the rock was a little slippery. That didn’t stop us, though. Most of us reached the top and started looking for relatives that had engraved their names. It was a fun experience.
We reached camp around six or seven o’ clock. Dinner was dished out, and then soon after we were able to go square dancing. It was fun, just like last time, and everyone enjoyed it, except maybe we were a little more tired than usual. Bedtime came after a short talk and many were more than happy to oblige. It wasn’t that windy that night.
(Jodi) Today we went to Martin’s cove which was an hour and a half away, so it was back to the bus! We were split up: boys in the back, girls in front. Cameron Francis started the beer song so Brother Durrant and Bishop tried to calm them down by threatening to give out talks. So half of the YM were yelling BEER and half were yelling JUICE. It was very amusing. Once that was over a few people told stories about times in their life when they felt scared and that also was funny.
When we arrived at Martin’s Cove, there were like 10 other buses that showed up so the bathrooms and water lines were backed up so it took us awhile to get going. The first thing we did was go into a chapel and watched a movie. A missionary gave a talk on a 13 year old pioneer boy. It was very spiritual and I think the thing that stood out the most was the quote, “Neither tongue nor pen can describe such sorrow.”
Once that was finished we started our trek. We went, about 2 miles in and then left the carts and hiked up t the lower cove. Missionaries were supposed to meet us but they were not there so Greg Callis ran up to the next cove to see what was up and then came back and told us that we needed to hike up to them and the missionaries there would teach us. One of the ladies talked about a little orphan girl named Anna. She was around the age of 7 when her parents had died of some disease, leaving her and her brothers parentless. All of her siblings got split up and sent with different groups to get to Zion. The family that Anna got put with couldn’t care less for her or her well being. During the trek, her legs began to turn black from the below freezing temperatures. She would sit in the cart and her legs would bounce up and down, each time dead flesh fell from her legs. Once she was finally reunited with her brothers, they wept for her because of the pain and her now amputated legs. Although she did not understand why they cried, she simply asked then, “Why do you weep for me brothers? For when I am reunited with my Heavenly Father in Heaven, I will be perfect.” (This could be off) At age 7 she had the wisdom and faith of those who have gone through a lifetime building up. We got to hear that story twice that day, both very spiritual, but the different times they were shared made it have more meaning. We heard it the second time, right before the second women’s pull this week. For me, it meant so much more than a story. It helped me to more appreciate the men and all that they do for us. Before the YW started up the hill, Brother Callis came up to me and Nicole & put his hands on our shoulders and said, “I kow that you can do this because the power of the lord is with you.” When he said that, I started to cry because it helped me to see how much faith it must have taken for the pioneers to cross all these rivers and walk all those miles. It really touched my heart and helped me believe and have more faith that we could do this. That the power of the Lord will be with us.
On the bus we were told that we were having a half of a cup of flour for dinner tonight so some were worried. Although when we got there Brother and Sister Kidd started making tacos, so there really was no flour for dinner. We all went square dancing again except there werent’ as many people, although it was still fun.
That night we had our devotional by Bro. & Sis. Hanson and then afterwards had some peach cobbler and played games. Very fun day.
July 28, 2011
(Jodi) On our last day up there we started the day out with a service project. We could clean up a visiting center that was being built, clean up the camp ground, or make a quilt. Everybody split up their families evenly between the three then set to work. Quilting was a lot of fun. A few people swept around and mopped and then others provided “music” by playing the piano. Then the rest quilted. Those that cleaned up camp played in the river afterwards until we were ready to go on a hike. We walked for about 4-5 miles then got on the bus and drove to Rock Creek Hollow. We went to a grave where 13 pioneers were buried. On the the grave stone it had names and ages written o nit. The one that stood out to me most was the 6 year old child. It’s so crazy such a little child had survived that for so long and still some make it through to Zion.
Before we went to the grave, we sang a few songs and had a lesson by the bishop. Bishop Tippets is such a great man. He is so calm and peaceful all the time. I wouldn’t want any other person to be my bishop. I’m dreading the day when Bishop tippetts gets released. We received 4 oz. of flour in a little bag to put in perspective how little food the pioneers received to last them all day. some were asked to come up and say a few things and one of them was Gabbi Callis. She said that she thought some people were be selfish for complaining or wanting to go home because the pioneers didn’t have that choice and they were in a way worse situation. They had to continue on through the freezing snow and winds, leaving behind those who they loved who died. The flour they had to eat tasted disgusting. I don’t think I would have been able to survive that long trek. We walked through the willows in rock Creek hollow where the pioneers camped to get out of the wind. Afterwards we walked to the amphitheater where John and Mark Durrant sang A Child’s Prayer. It was very pretty and meaningful. I had forgotten all about that song so after they sang, when we all got to go say our own personal prayers, I could still hear the song in my head. Some came away crying from the spiritual that moment was.
There was a flag pole built by scouts in memory of a boy who died before he could finish his projects for scouts. We gathered around that while missionaries told us stories of the pioneers. Some we had already heard but each time they were told differently.
Everyone got letters from their parents and got time to go and read them somewhere by ourselves. I know that a lot people cried because of the letters. I know I did. After everyone came back from reading their letters, we had a testimony meeting. I was surprised at all those who came up and bore their testimony cause some seemed like they wouldn’t. It was very cold but very spiritual. I had a great time and was very thankful for all those who got up and shared their thoughts of the gospel.
We were all told that we were staying one more night, but little did we know that we were driving home that night. Some pulled an all nighter and they were pretty crazy from lack of sleep.
Trek was an amazing experience and I can see that everyone grew from it. I wouldn’t trade that week for anything.
(Brindy) Today, we were doing a service project. They are building a visitor’s center on a hill that overlooks the Sweetwater Valley. It’s a pretty nice view. We got a tour from a sister missionary, who explained where certain rooms were going to be and what was going to happen. I hope I get a chance to come back and see it when it’s all done. The framework of it looks pretty neat.
Anyway, we got separated into three groups: 1st group stayed at the construction site to help out, doing odd jobs. 2nd group went back to the campsite and helped clean up and take down everything, because we were moving to another campsite for the following night. The third group was sent to the humanitarian aid place to help make quilts. Surprisingly, a lot of young men went with that group.
I, myself, was on clean up camp duty. We picked up all the buckets and garbage bags and loaded them into a trailer, and then we picked up litter. Even Mormons get a little dirty…
We just got back from walking maybe three to four miles. We weren’t supposed to have gone on a walk, before we left for our new campsite, but we were a little rowdy and temperatures were high among the adults, so Brother Durrant, sent us out to walk, saying that it was the best time to think. I felt like it was time-out, but the walking wasn’t too bad. It was rather fun, since a little group next to me played a game.
However, our walk ended, when Cameron Francis kept calling out, “A FROG! A FROG! GIVE ME AN F! GIVE ME AN R! GIVE ME AN O! GIVE ME A G! GUESS WHAT WE CAUGHT?!” Yes, it made the leaders realize we had walked far enough, so we turned around and headed back to the bus.
The ride to the campsite was about an hour or so. We arrived at the place, just when the group that was staying there, returned from their trek. They were hot, dusty, and wore out, so we let them be.
For some time, we sat in a quiet place and talked more about the pioneers, but we also practiced our song. Each of the youth got a bag of flour, about four ounces; what the pioneers would have eaten on their trek. I tried some plain. I don’t recommend it.
We also saw a rock that Prophet President Hinckley had made built. It was to remind anyone who passed of the thirteen people that had died in this area. A solemn, but sacred place. Our procession after that was silent as we stopped in the area’s amphitheater and listened to Mark and John Durrant sing, A Child’s Prayer. It was really nice, beautiful you could say. Many people congratulated them on it afterwards.
After the song, we each separated into our own little space to say personal prayers. I was sure I wasn’t the only one, feeling the spirit of the Holy Ghost around me.
Missionaries once again talked to us afterwards. What they didn’t know though, was that we had already heard these stories at least once before. We didn’t mind though; it’s good to have repeats. It means you’re less likely to forget it.
Tonight was testimony meeting, so we had dinner, which was of course; delicious (By the way, we had dinner before seeing the missionaries. We had homemade scones after the missionaries. They were really good).
Everyone slowly trickled into the campsite, where the meeting was to be held. Bishop Tippitts introduced the Pony Express Man, who gave us all a letter, from our parents, or our loved ones. In the letters, was a strength that everyone needed, that renewed us for what was to come.
Testimony meeting was a silent, yet spiritual atmosphere. The fire crackled loudly, and even the mosquitos weren’t that bad. I was pretty sure that every single youth bore their testimony, including mine. Most were about what they had learned on the trek and others were about the blessings that received from coming on this journey. They were all amazing and unique, each one, filled with the Holy Ghost.
The darkness came on us, pretty fast and by the time the meeting was over, there was no light to set up tents or do anything else. So Bishop Tippitts, I think he had already planned this ahead, told us to grab our things and get on the bus. We were going home.
The bus ride home was the worst. We traveled through the night; yet, a LOT of the youth was on sugar or energetic highs and was jumping around like crazy, while others tried to sleep. There were certain points where the adults, mainly the Bishop, had to tell us very strictly to calm down. The youth settled down.
Another point that made the ride home, really unpleasant, was the fact that everyone was tired, dirty, and smelly, the worst mixture to put into a crowded vehicle. Uughgh…
Around eight thirty, we entered Boise and around nine or nine thirty, the bus stopped on the pavement on the side entrance to our church house. We were finally home! Hot showers! Plenty of food! Civilization! Whoooo!!!!
This experience has been a complete eye opener for me. I had never given much thought to the pioneers, always knowing what they did, but never knowing how they did it. There were plenty of miracles and trials to behold on the Saint’s journey to the Salt Lake Valley. The trip was excruciatingly painful for all, but the rewards were worth it.
I may not know everything they went through, or the tough times they had, or the hard experiences, but I got a taste of what it was like and I find that I couldn’t be more grateful for their sacrifices. I know many of our group felt that way. Whatever I was expecting out of this trip, well, I got it and plenty more.
There is a saying that goes like this, “Life’s about the journey.” The pioneers had one amazing journey for their life, and it was totally worth it. The spirit was felt so strongly on this adventure that I know the Lord was with all of us through it all, and I know he was hoping we could learn from this experience. I certainly did. It was great to be the historian, and I’m glad of all the fun times we had. I wouldn’t change a moment of this Trek, not one second. ~End
I saw a picture of this statue on the net before and it really inspired me to got on trek. I wasn't sure I was up to the task of having the responsibility of taking care of all the medical needs we might encounter. This statue is amazing to me. There truly was a special Spirit amongst the pioneers.
This picture of Sage was taken at Rock Creek Hollow. I love that she is some contemplative. It was a very spiritual experience.
Posing with the handcarts!
Amazing! It's like Heavenly Father was smiling at us!
Grease bomb!!!!
Sage and some of her buddies!
Sage actually loved the square dancing. It was fun and the missionaries were so cute as they'd call out the dance moves.
I'm thankful for the very wise soul who decided we should have watermelon everyday. It was delicious!
Sage doing what she does best!
This little baggie is 4 ounces of flour and represents and adult ration for a whole day. It's very humbling to me to think that these pioneers traveled so long and so far and ate so little. I've heard that the men would burn up to 3000 calories a day pushing handcarts. This little bag of flour is 100 calories. Astounding isn't it? I try to remember that anytime I think that my life is hard. I have no idea what hard it.
Me and Liz. I love this kid! She is truly my hero and I'm thankful to know her.
At the start of the women's pull.
Crossing the Sweetwater River.
Sage got a little carsick on the bus ride there (like 2 hours in). It's ironic that she wanted the cold water on her face but was freezing and had to steal my sweatshirt.
Our beautiful church building at 5am.
The hill from the women's pull. JJ didn't think it looked that hard but it was.
