We survived our first Trek on a spiritual high.

Monday June 6th started out wonderful with a special visit with Nancy, Al. Elspeth, Tanner, and Ashton Young. They have The Young Studio in Orem, Utah. They are all wonderful artists. She has painted many painting for the church and Temples, along with her dad Al. They also publish a magazine The storybook Home Journal. They presented a wonderful fireside that is going to be hard to top with there talents of painting. Gaylene went to school with Nancy, and reconnected with them after over 40 years.

Nancy Mass Young

Elspeth Young

Al Young

Young Family and Elder and Sister Call

Tuesday was super busy with preparing for our first trek. The water buffalo's are filled and tested that there is no contamination, The planning with the other missionary couple we are with on our route. The practicing of hoe down calling for the last time. Learning fun ways to deliver the mail to the trekkers, and packing our buckets and backpacks and making sure all the details are finished up for the big day on Wednesday. We had a fun BBQ with Elder and Sister Hutchings.

Wednesday is the big day. Preperation meeting starts at 7:00 now and we get back each night about 10:00 pm. So a start of a wonderful week with little sleep, lots of walking and a spiritual feast. Our first trekkers come and the nerves are setting in. We are with the Cowens who are the trek directors. I turn the Elder Cowan as the first truck arrives and I say here comes our first victims, Elder Cowan laughs. The second car comes and out steps Andrea Carter Phillips. Her and her husband were in our young single adult ward at BYU, she is the medic for the trek. All the butterflies disappear after that. Then we start meeting all the ma's and pa's and kids and it is so fun. After all the packing of carts and getting all ready they have their opening song and it is the song that we are singing as a Missionary Choir. "To those who came before Me" So many tender mercies like this every day.

Andrea Carter Phillips from our YSA Ward at BYU

The week was wonderful with perfect trekking weather. Sun, breeze, and a little rain on Saturday walking out. We walked 7 miles  the first day, and then 7 the next day and 6.8 the 3rd and 5.8 the last day. We were with American Fork 27th ward with 51 people. They had not been on a trek for 13 years. We had the best port-a-john drivers that kept them so clean and smelling fresh. When at preparation meeting we get that recognition.

The second day we hear that one couple found a cattle prod and the missionaries at the gate found a tote full of marijuana and took it in to the police department and they said it was about $500.00.

Saturday night we had a fun weekend with my Sister Linda and my niece and family, Tammy and Michael Miles and there 3 children. They loved playing pickleball. We drove part of the ranch roads and they were able to meet all the missionaries. Monday morning Zachary, Michael Miles and Elder Call made a handcart.