Reid the Missionary

(This is Reid just before reporting to the MTC in Provo. That is the Temple right across the street)

It is expected that young men in our church will serve a 2-year mission at the age of 19. Ed served in Chicago and spoke only Spanish. My oldest brother, Jim, served in Denmark and learned Danish. My other brother, John, served in North Carolina. Ed's brothers served in Denmark (weird coincidence), Argentina, and Vancouver (speaking Chinese).

These mission experiences help to build the foundation for a lifetime of service and commitment. The timing is perfect as many 19 year old boys are a little unfocused, need time to mature, and need practice staying committed. It is also a time of learning and growth. Two years dedicated to studying and teaching about Jesus Christ allows these men to really gain a strong testimony of their Savior.

We are so proud that Reid is carrying on this tradition for a new generation. He is the oldest grandson on my side of the family and the first to be called on a mission. He will be serving in Denver, Colorado after spending three weeks in the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT. I can't believe he's already 19 and that Dallin will be following in his footsteps in a few short years.

The whole family (almost) gathered together to attend the temple with Reid and wish him well on his mission. We can't wait to read his letters and hear the stories of the people he will teach. We love you Reid!

Cheryl, Reid and Jim at the Temple doors.
I just love the glass work that depicts the sacred grove - beautiful!

Both sides of the family in front of the temple.

In front of the Palmyra Temple.

Just for fun, I decided to dig out a few pictures of Ed on his mission (now over 20 years ago:)

This is Ed with his MTC companion, Elder Whitmer

This was his Mission President, Pres. Neely

As you would expect, kids loved Ed then too. Almost half of his mission pictures show him playing with or holding a little kid. One of the kids in this picture played wide receiver for BYU in 2007 and 2008.

Alvin Smith

Ed taught Seminary the year they were studying church history. He spent a lot of time reading stories about early church members and particularly Joseph Smith. Joseph's oldest brother, Alvin, was one of the most supportive people in his life the first years after his experience in the Sacred Grove. He was what every big brother should be. Alvin tried to help his parents, rallied the siblings together, and wouldn't let Joseph feel discouraged. He died in 1823 before the church was officially established and was greatly missed.

While we were in Palmyra, N.Y. visiting my brother's family, we took time to find where Alvin was buried. We knew it wasn't on the Smith farm and found it in town across the street from an old church. We had just finished Trek and were feeling especially appreciative to all those early pioneers and enjoyed paying a small tribute to a wonderful big brother.

Trek 2010

Ed, Dallin, and I had the opportunity to go on our first Trek this year. Trek is basically a re-enactment of the pioneer exodus west - only a lot shorter. Every four years teens aged 14-18 pull handcarts over a rocky, hilly terrain in Michaux State Park for 3 days. They are grouped into "families" of about 10 with a "Ma and Pa" assigned to each family group. This family must work together to travel the 14 miles, cook meals over an open fire, and figure out how to set up camp with only a large tarp and bedroll for each person. Along the way the groups are given challenges and encounter people with stories about real pioneers. Everyone involved wears pioneer style clothing (can you say too many layers:) and brings no phone or electronics of any kind. The experience really pushes the kids (and adults) to their physical and emotional limits. It gives a kind of perspective that can't be gained any other way.

The early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were severely persecuted. They were repeatedly driven from their homes, had businesses and land stolen from them, and in many cases were killed in cold blood. The governor of Missouri passed a law stating that Mormons could be shot on site. All this because they believed that God had established his church on the earth again through a man named Joseph Smith. The amazing thing that you learn by studying the pioneers is that they had such a desire to live and worship freely that they didn't mind the hardships they went through. Their faith carried them one step after another until they reached a place where they could live in peace. People of many faiths have endured similar hardships (some much worse) and can understand their journey.

I have to admit that Trek was really hard for me. No... I mean REALLY HARD. It was over 100 degrees every day and there were no bathrooms or showers. I was responsible for 10 children - many from the inner city who have never even thought about doing anything like this. I wanted to have a spiritual experience and gain an appreciation for those early members of our church, and I wanted to make sure the kids in my "family" did as well. I won't write about all the hardships, high points, and experiences, but I will say I'm glad I went. It's not something you really look forward to - I knew it was going to be challenging. But I do believe that it gave me a chance to gain a little understanding of what the pioneers went through and it made me appreciate the freedoms and comforts I enjoy. I also enjoyed getting to know my "kids" and they jokingly call me "Ma" when they see me at church activities. I know it strengthened many of the teenagers in a way they really needed. I will be glad for Taylor and Cami to have a similar experience when they are older.

Ed, Casey, Dallin, Ian, Hayley, and Me

There were three professional photographers following us along the trail and we are promised pictures at some point. I'll post them when they arrive. For now I have our clean, pre-trek picture and a few links to local articles about the experience. The boy interviewed in the newspaper article, Dan, was in my family.

Especially For Youth

Dallin was able to attend EFY at Southern Virginia University the beginning of July. This program is for Mormon youth ages 14-18 and offers a week of religion classes and scripture study as well as group activities like games and dances. The theme this year was based on Joshua 1:9 and was "The Courage to Stand Strong". This was Dallin's second year and he really loved it. He had a huge group and really enjoyed getting to know kids from around the country during the week.

Ian, un-named cute girl, and Dallin

The guys from Dallin's group.

Dallin's whole group.

His EFY Counselors.

Final Pictures from The Outer Banks

We did see a lot of horses while at the beach. Here are a few pictures we managed to get.



We spent an afternoon with someone Ed works with having ice cream and touring the light house.



Ed found this creepy house on a bike ride. Heads on sticks is a little too weird for me.



They came across this huge sand castle while on a walk one night.

Photo Shoot Week 2

This photo shoot included a lot more people. I have so many pictures that I'm going crazy trying to sort through them. I'll just try to post a few of each family.

Cool shades Talmage!

They are wearing their birthday beach crowns.

Here with our six children:)

Fun Times! We love you all!

Birthday Girls! (and John too)

Jenna, Haley, and John all have birthdays the beginning of July. We celebrated while we had everyone together. It's just not a beach house without a big fish on the wall;)

Sparklers