#65 Slowing Slightly

We found ourselves doing just about everything last week.  We would many times do outfitting to help when they were the busiest, then take a short trek leading a group to their campsite, a 3 mile hike.  This was a stake from aurora Colorado of about 200 youth.  The next day we would be opening the visitors' center and then heading to the trek center to show the opening film and give them a pep talk and vignette.  We would then return to the visitors' center to do the late shift until 9:00 p.m. Long and busy day!  One day we found ourselves in the office in the morning and then doing the closing "Remember" video and talk in the trek center.  This was an 8 am  to 6 pm day. We had another morning at the office and then spent 6 more hours up at handcart parking.   Most days this week were long like this.

Trek Coming in from Handcart Parking Gathering at Veil Crossing Bridge

We only have 11 Treks this week.  It should be a little easier, the explosion is calming, but still busy.

Sister Smart is leading the Trek from Nibley 12th Ward with Sister Taylor this week.  Below is their schedule.  They will be assisting them through their activities on Wednesday. 

Sister Smart's Trek This Week

One of the joys of serving in the Visitors' Center.

View as We Sit Quietly at the Visitors' Center

View again with Devil's Gate

One day we were assigned to work crew in the morning. Sister Smart was assigned to take apart an old wooden display but save the original antique hinges. She really had fun with this assignment.  That afternoon we changed into our pioneer attire and took a small private school group around the homestead.

Work Crew Assignment

We had a big hail and rain storm this afternoon.  It looked like it had snowed with everything white outside.  We also had a river running down our driveway.  Didn't get a picture but 2 hours later when most of the "snow" was gone we went outside and found the "snow" still in the back of our rover.

Snow in July?

Last week we shared about our experiences with the missionaries at Whiskey Gap.  The pictures we posted showed the missionaries around the campfire.  Since we took the pictures we were not in them.  Another missionary also took pictures.  They sent us this one with us in it.

Whiskey Gap with the Smarts Captured this Time

Donna Having a "Big Day"  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

July is over this week and August will begin.  That gives us two months more to serve here.  Our Mission President thinks our release will be about Oct. 1st.  We have mixed emotions about this mission ending.  We are so anxious to get home, but there is nothing like the spirit we feel here and we hate to leave this place.  

Love you all,

Grandpa and Grandma, Dad and Mom, Paul and Annie, Elder and Sister Smart