Trek: Knoxville, TN Youth Conference

Ten years ago, I attended a wilderness youth conference, where we night hiked into our camping area, set up camp, and lived church history for two 1/2 days. On our first day, we built rafts like Nephi in order to cross to the promised land (we crossed a lake on makeshift rafts); on the second day, we were pioneers. That day, the mobs came and drove us out of camp.

(Youth conference is a camp when youth 14-18 years old get together to learn, socialize, and spiritually strengthen themselves by learning more about the gospel of Jesus Christ; this particular one simulated the dedication of the Mormon pioneers who helped in restoring The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the earth; hence, the pioneer clothing and handcarts.)

These pictures depict my life ten years later. At this Trek youth conference, the youth, assigned to handcart families, came in and "lived" as pioneers, with the exception of food. I was part of the kitchen crew, captained by my mother. That was my ticket.

As I looked at the youth, I thought back to my conference and realized that when I was in their shoes, the youth were at oldest four years old. I thought of all that they would do in the next ten years.

In that time for me, I survived high school, served a mission, and graduated from college. I couldn't help but imagine that some of them would be married and be parents; some would serve missions; some go to college. I could not help but also think about the temptations in the world, hoping that they would not weaken and fall away. This weekend they were sitting in a grove of Tennessee trees, feeling strong. Oh, how much they have to accomplish afterwards.

This weekend my testimony grew by seeing them. My commitment to stay close the Lord and do His will has deepened. I know that He has a plan for those youth, just as He has had a hand in my life. God is in control and provides opportunities for us.

Memory Lane

I found this picture today on our piano. When I was little, I wanted to be Belle for Halloween so my wonderful mom sewed me this costume. I LOVED it, though in the picture, my face doesn't show it. Unfortunately, it was so cold that night that I had to wear a jacket while trick or treating, but I didn't care because I knew that underneath the jacket was my dress. I played dress-up in that many many times for years to come. Whenever we'd play pretend, people would always want me to be Cinderella because I had blonde hair, but I wanted to be Belle or Aurora (Sleeping Beauty).

Camping In Tennessee

NINJA!!
BEST OUTFIT EVER!
ZIPLINING!
OUR ISLAND

Imagine this:

It's beautiful in Tennessee. My family and I have our own hide-away island in the middle of Douglas Lake (the big lake near us-not to be confused with the giant lakes up near Michigan...). We set up five tents, returned to our fire built many years ago, and made camp. We strung up two hammocks, created a kitchen area with some tables, and even a bathroom area, though I still prefer running water and electricity. We played for five days, boating, tubing, and jet-skiing.

Because of the storms hitting lately, the water is higher than I have seen it in years. The lake covers farmlands from yesteryear; they flooded the area with a dam so that they could create a power plant, which means that when we're swimming, we're really above old farm fences and such sixty feet below. The sunsets were great. We need to find a good spot to see sunsets in Provo. Maybe Utah lake?

I'll admit that I'm tired of the spiders.

I am only moderately sunburned! (Sweet! That means I'll turn brown!)

I read two books.

I swam a lot.

I jet-skied!!

I played tetrus.

I think I decided on the I-Phone, unless Ashlee tells me her (speak to text) is worth it.

I beat my Mom at a game (usual).

I have since showered.

I slept on the ground for five nights (with three bed rolls...)

I sweated my body weight off (oh. wait... the s'mores put it all back on; it's still there).

I built a fire.

I killed spiders.

I saved spiders that weren't in my tent.

I played "Ninja" with my nieces and nephews.

I talked with my older sisters.

I relaxed on a tube with Grace.

I discovered how much I depend upon electronics.

I swung in a hammock.

I stared at the fires flames and red coals; this never bores me. They're fascinating.

That probably covers the last five days.