Rise Up & Take Your Place

SO...I have a new adventure coming my way in about 3 weeks where I'll be joining our youth in going on a Pioneer Trek at Martin's Cove in RawlinsWyoming!

  Our Stake has been planning this trek all year and just a couple of weeks ago I was asked to be on the "Activities Committee" which is the committee that basically plans EVERYTHING we do on the trek! 

 (I'm a planner of fun in every way shape and form so this calling is a perfect fit!!)

I feel like I am in a unique position in this treks planning process since I am also our Young Women's second councilor so I feel like I can see and feel what the needs of our youth are in preparing them for this historical pilgrimage.

  I never went on a trek as a youth so I feel very blessed to have this opportunity now as an adult to learn about those pioneers who had faith in every footstep.  I have been feeling a strong and unique spirit every time I have helped plan for this experience, unlike anything I've felt before.

 I have a feeling that I'm going to come back from this trek with a renewed and enriched testimony, a new found closeness with those faithful pioneers who's spirits and memories still dwell in Martin's Cove, and a gratitude for this gospel.  I hope and pray that the youth going will keep their hearts and minds open to the spirit because I know that if they do, this trek could change their life and their testimony forever.

Our theme for this trek is

 "Rise Up and Take Your Place"

A couple of weeks ago we took our Young Women's group on a little two mile hike in our neighborhood to help prepare them for some of the hiking they'll be experiencing on trek. 

(see below)

When took a break half way into our hike and had Megan, the only leader who's gone on a trek, talk about her experiences and how it's affected her life and testimony.  It was a beautiful and peaceful moment to hear her share her story and thoughts.

When we got back to the church the girls were already feeling closer to one another...spiritually and literally!

I love these girls more than I fully realized until today and I look forward to seeing their beautiful faces every week at Church and mutual.  They probably have no idea what amazing examples they are to me. Their faith and love of the gospel is truly a power unto itself and I feel blessed to bask in their growing spirits and testimonies, it's an honor. 

 I LOVE these girls and I can't imagine my life without them in it.  Look at how silly they make me! (see above)  I love that they are in that whirlwind, crazy, adventure filled, hard at times, memory making phase of life where they are grabbing life by the horns and not letting go!  They help me to love life a little more and I love them all the more for that gift.

XoXo to all my Young Women,

and to the Young Women's leaders I work with who inspire me DAILY,

Love you,

Kelly

P.S. If you have any trek advice for me, PLEASE leave me a comment!