Youth Conference 2011

Pioneer Trek 2011

Believe. Hope. Endure.

Their marvelous adventure...

Natalie (green) with her ma & pa (the best =)

& her 'True Blue Church' family before leaving the church on the buses

From Independence Rock to touring the Visitors' Center,

Natalie (pink) with her family

On the trail

Faith in Every Footstep

They learned about courage and faith and strengthened their testimonies

Natalie (left) with 2 of her 'sisters'

"We have a marvelous heritage received from great and courageous

people who endured unimaginable suffering and demonstrated unbelievable

courage for the cause they loved." President Hinckley

Natalie's family on their way to the campsite

They walked in the footsteps of the handcart pioneers

Martin's Cove area

"It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future.

Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for each of us."

President Hinckley

From the silent walk into Martin's Cove,

They felt the Spirit as they walked on sacred ground

They made breakfast with 4 oz. flour & water (followed by a 'rescue') Natalie's reaction to mosquito bites (her arms, fingers & legs looked like that! =(

From tug-a-war and Rock Creek Hollow,

Tug a War by individual families (Natalie in front)

They strengthened relationships and bonded with their families

Trail to the Sweetwater

From crossing the Sweetwater and the women's pull,

Natalie by the Sweetwater/Two of the 4 Rescuers statue

Natalie (front pink) with her family

Natalie walked in memory of: Mary Barton (also 14)

"For some must push and some must pull,

As we go marching up the hill" The Handcart Song

And handcart pulls and firesides,

To the Pioneer Express and the sunrise testimony meeting,

From the Dan Jones Cove to devotionals

"Come, come ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way, Though hard to you

this journey may appear, Grace shall be as your day."

Natalie (right) with 2 of her 'sisters'

"I hope too, that it will inspire my posterity with fortitude to stand firm and faithful to the truth, and be willing to suffer and sacrifice all things they may be required to pass through for the sake of the Kingdom of God." Elizabeth Horrocks Jackson

To a shower/pool stop before a surprise visit to SLC;

Temple Square/Visitors' Center/Joseph Smith movie & visit with Elder Nash (our former Stake President! =)

our youth had a remarkable experience!

Natalie 4th from right in back

The 'True Blue Church' Family in the SLC Visitor's Center

Natalie (front white/purple) with her 'family' in SLC

and their adopted brother for the evening (Elder Nash's son)

An emotional 'Welcome home'!

We can only imagine how the Saints felt in the SL valley

awaiting their brethren as they came to Zion!

All 4 of us (Natalie, Sheldon, Annaliese & I)

earned our Trek Achievement Award;

a medallion presented at the Stake Trek Fireside in August =)