Walking on Sacred Ground

"The Mormon Pioneer Trail is "a trail of tragedy, a trail of faith, a trail of devotion, a trail of consecration, even the consecration of life itself..." We stand here (Martin's Cove) with bare heads and grateful hearts for their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of all who were with them along this tragic trail...May this site be visited by generations yet to come, who, like we, may bow their heads in reverent remembrance of our forebears who paid so costly a price for the faith which they carried in their hearts." - President Gordon B. Hinckley

"It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. It is good to look upon the virtues of those who have gone before to gain strength for whatever lies ahead. It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored so hard and gained so little in this world., but out of whose dreams and early plans so well nurtured has come a great harvest of which we are the beneficiaries. Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for each of us, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life, often in his own family, and many of us pioneer daily in seeking to do God's will and lift and serve those around us." - President Gordon B. Hinckley

Eric and I recently had the awesome opportunity to walk on that sacred Mormon Pioneer Trail. We were photographers for our Stake's Youth Pioneer Trek at Martin's Cove, The Sweetwater River, and Rocky Ridge. It was a special four days of looking to the past and gaining appreciation for my Savior, my family, my ancestors, the youth, and all that I am blessed with today. It was an honor to walk where my ancestors walked who paid so costly a price for me. I am a beneficiary of their tremendous examples and faith and I will always carry this experience in my heart!