Treking Along!

Hey Everyone!

This past couple days have been a blast! The missionaries in the Eagar Stake had the opportunity to go on trek! This was probably one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done. 

For all who don't know what Trek is it is when we dress up as Pioneers and push a handcart for 4 days in the wilderness. Just like how Pioneers back in the day pulled handcarts across the plains for many months with their families. My Family that I got was so awesome. My Ma and Pa was Justin and Alesha Walker. Justin is a very big dude. Built like an Ox. They shared how they went on Trek the last time and how it had changed their lives. Before the last Trek they were not very active in church, but during the Trek they realized what was really important in life - Church, Family, and the Temple. They realized that they needed to go to the temple and get sealed for time and all eternity. There story really touched me and how even grown men can care about their family and be involved in church. He cried while sharing his story. 

What I personally learned on Trek was that our trials are only for a small moment. The trek was hard and we had to really push ourselves. During the Trek and likewise during trials we never know when they end is. We think that it could go on forever, but if we keep enduring and having faith then we will reach the end. When we reach the end and look back at what we went through we can feel accomplished and see how this trial could help us in our own lives.

Another thing I learned is just what the Pioneers had to endure. I gained a greater appreciation for what they actually went through. I know that they wouldn't walk thousands of miles and many months for something that was not true. I know that they were completely converted to the Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel because many of them actually died while crossing or lost family members. We only had to endure 4 days of what many had to endure for months. I don't know if I could have made it. 

While on Trek I became really good friends with a young man named Dallin Ashcroft. He has had a very hard life. I was able to become his friend and help him reach out of his comfort zone and see that he is a child of God. He is probably one of the coolest guys I have ever met and I hope to continue to be his friend for a very long time. 

Before Trek one of our investigators Lea McNeil had a mini stroke during one of our lessons and almost died. Luckily we were their and were able to call the ambulance. She is probably one of the funniest people I have ever met. She is about 90 years old and has had a very hard life. She has been told by her husband throughout there 30 years of marriage that she is stupid. Her self esteem is so low. Ever since she met with the missionaries and came  in contact with the church she has had a light shine in her that wasnt there before. The Bakers an senior couple were the ones that first met Lea and introduced her to the Gospel. They are leaving in August so they are trying to find, with our help, some people to fellowship her and to be her friend. Since she is in the hospital a lot of people from the church have been stopping by and visiting her. Most of her doctors are LDS. When we went to visit with her yesterday at the hospital she told us that she is seriously thinking about being baptized because of all the fellowship she has. This goes to show how important members are in getting involved in missionary work. When investigators feel welcomed at church they feel comfortable and their hearts open up to the gospel. Please keep her in your prayers as she is going through a hard time right now in her life. 

Well I love you all and thank you all for your support. Have a great week.

Love Elder Kennedy