Trek, part 2

Trek was in early August.  It was super windy, as expected from Wyoming.  I brought these ridiculous goggles for my eyes and I looked stupid but I was the only person not having problems from the wind.  One day the wind was so strong that it knocked down a bunch of the tents, including making it impossible for the dinner staff to work on dinner.  It was hot and miserable and everyone was really hungry so the bishop took all the snacks and we loaded the kids up and took them to the visitor's center where there was shade, bathrooms, and drinking fountains.  It was amazing how quickly that lifted everyone's spirits.  The kids relaxed in the shade and played pioneer games.  I was asked to be the photographer, and I'm convinced I had the best job out of everyone.  I slept in a tent with a few of the kitchen staff and they woke up at 4:45 every morning.  I usually woke up with them and then helped make breakfast or took photos of camp as everyone woke up.  I also helped make dinner or pack lunches for the next day.  Mostly, I just took photos.  I had been struggling with plantar fasciitis for months and was really concerned I wouldn't be able to walk that many miles but I had faith that if God wanted me to go on trek and take photos, I would be able to do it.  It wasn't easy on my body but I was able to do the entire trek.  I counted it as a miracle.  The last night was actually terrible because it got down to 28 degrees and no one was expecting it to be so cold.  We were told to only bring a light jacket and I honestly can't remember being that cold.  I shivered all night long, putting every layer of clothing on that I could, and barely slept at all.  I was ready to pack up and go home when the sun came out and I think everyone else was too. These aren't necessarily my favorite of the photos but they are the ones that Eli and Piper are in, for the most part, and since this is a family blog, those are the ones I want to include. 

I've never been to trek before and wasn't convinced that I needed/wanted to go but I am grateful I said yes and that I got to experience this with Piper and Eli. There were many opportunities to feel the spirit and I am grateful for every chance my children have to have their testimonies expanded and it's a blessing to be a part of that with them.  I also felt grateful to use my talents in this way.  I haven't been hugely inspired by photography since moving back to the states and it felt like a way to use my talents and express my love to and for God through photos.