In an effort to partially identify with them and what the other handcart pioneers shared in crossing the plains, I accompanied our Wind River Branch youth and other leaders on a two day trek going from 6th Crossing, the Willie Center to Rock Creek Hollow. While their journey through the area was in the freezing cold and snow of an early winter, mine was the rather pleasant July weather. Clouds and a gentle breeze proved helpful as temperatures were generally in the upper 80's. One of the acts attributed to my forebears was that they offered their help to weary travelers, putting poultices of stale bread and water on swollen feet too inflamed to go on. While I didn't have their help on my trek I did have the sweet and compassionate assistance of my companion to bless me as I ended the first day with large blisters on both feet (two large ones on the right foot and a large one and growing second one on the left foot.) She endeavored to lance the blisters and then cut and place moleskin around them. Our branch president gave me a blessing with the promise that I would be able to finish the trek and my feet would be OK. How marvelous it is to have the gospel and the Lord's authority restored in these latter-days to bless all mankind who seek it.
The next morning one of the medical staff offered us some corn patches which are thicker than moleskin. Carla applied those. Then I put on my better hiking shoes and began the hike over Rocky Ridge. Most of the first day I had pulled or pushed the handcart. The second day I did well to be able to walk. I made the climb over Rocky Ridge and then chose to ride in the medical wagon with Bro. Twitchell from our branch who accompanied us with his mule team pulling a wagon (my feet felt like they were on fire as I came into the rest area past Rocky Ridge.) After lunch, I again set out on foot with the handcart and finished the remaining six plus miles. A blessing fulfilled.
Today (the day after), I think I am more bothered by the aches of tired muscles and joints than from the blisters. I am thankful for ancestors who made that long journey across the plains because of a firm commitment to and testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and His latter-day work. Even with this experience, I am barely able to comprehend the tough conditions of their daily lives. What I can relate to is the testimony they had that gave direction to their lives. I am most thankful for their dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ, their witness of a living prophet, and the personal revelation they received of our purpose here in mortality and the joy to be experienced in Eternity as we accept, understand, and keep God's ordinances and commandments.
