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.
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