LIFE IS GOOD

After we had arrived here in the mission, I began to hear about our ward's young men's high adventure trip that was being planned for the Black Hills of South Dakota. Since it is only about 800 miles and 4 'missions' away, I figured there was little chance I could go with the young men, but it sounded like too good of a trip not to at least try to get permission to go. 

One day, we happened to see Sister Vest at transfers and asked her if she thought her husband could be 'bribed'. She said that she used to make whole wheat bread, which he loved, but she has been so busy that she hasn't had the time. I immediately called his secretary and made an appointment to see him. I also made sure to bring some of Robyn's freshly baked bread, butter and lilikoi jam to hopefully butter him up. :-) 

After pleading my case and offering weekly deliveries of home made bread, President Vest said he would do what he could. He said that he would need to run it by Elder Martino, of the Seventy who oversees this mission. Within a short time, I received the above text from President Vest. Life is good. 

The Kaw River ward is blessed with some amazing youth leaders. Bishop Scott Miller, Mike Albrechtsen and Paul Nielson put together this great trip. They are all serving from other units in the stake, but love these boys as if they were their own. They are wonderful examples to us of Christ like love and charity. I feel honored to have been able to watch them in action this past week.

DAY 1

We left Kansas City at 4:30 am on July 4th and headed for Stockade Lake in Custer State Park in the Black Hills. After arriving and setting up our camp site we drove over to the city of Custer to watch the fireworks. 

Stockade Lake

DAY 2

Mt. Rushmore

Carlos, Jayro, Zach, Andres, Jesus and Noe

Stockade Lake

Jayro Silvan

Carlos Mera

 hay ride with chuck wagon dinner

Day 3

mountain bike riding on the Mickelson trail

the Mickelson bike trail follows the route of an abandoned 1800's railroad track
the tracks have been removed and a bike trail was constructed on the route
the old bridges and tunnels are part of the trail

 Rock Climbing

Day 4

More rock climbing, kayaking and Mt. Rushmore after dark

Day 5

Badlands, South Dakota

Andres Molina

camped Friday night at Mormon Island, Nebraska

DAY 6

Winter Quarters Temple

Pioneer Cemetery