The storms are here but the Rescuer is sending the wagons

"Blue Angel" painted by Julie Rogers

March 21, 2012
I went to a stake YM/YW Fireside tonight on Trek. If you've never heard of Trek, basically we dump our youth groups in the nothingness of Wyoming where the Mormon pioneers walked and experienced horrific trials, heartache, and loss for a few days to give them a sense of what their ancestors went through to come to Zion. They wear pioneer attire and leave all worldly possessions behind, get grouped into families, and walk the trail. I missed out on Trek when I was in YW so I've never experienced this myself. But I've heard AMAZING things about it.

Anyway, I went tonight because all leaders and youth were supposed to go, even though me and the Beehives won't be able to participate because they have to be 14 to go. The speaker, Jolene S. Allphin, wrote a book called "Tell My Story, Too" which tells of stories of Mormon pioneers in the Martin, Willie, Hodgett, and Hunt Emigrating Companies of 1856. She talked about some of the pioneers in the book, sharing the "Blue Angel" story from the picture above and of an 11-year-old boy named James Kirkwood who died carrying his five-year-old brother across Rocky Creek. Among other stories. I really need to do some reading and researching... we must remember these stories.

But her last words struck me. She said, as she'd described in some of the stories when the wind and snow storms came trapping the pioneers and then rescue wagons being sent by the Prophet Brigham Young, "The storms are here and more are coming. But the Rescuer (our Savior, Jesus Christ) is sending the wagons."

Then our Stake President spoke about the importance of going to the temple. People often question why the pioneers gave their lives to reach Zion, especially in the ill-fated handcart companies which this book was written about. Pres. Martin said it was because of the temple covenants. The temple was in Zion. He then talked about his walk to the temple from his house very, very early this morning. He told the youth, making temple covenants is what's it's all about. We must focus on our personal worthiness and the blessings of the temple. If we do these two things, not only will those going on Trek be spiritually prepared for their experiences, but we will receive blessings for the rest of our lives.

I walked to the temple from my house about six years ago. It was exhausting but the reward when I touched the temple gates and breathed a sigh, "I'm here. I made it." was incredible. I think I'll be getting up very early tomorrow morning.