Ugh. When I first saw this picture it felt like someone huge sat on my chest and my eyes started to fill with tears. I can't help but think of my little brothers when I see this picture. I love them so much.
I LOVE reading stories about the early saints from Europe and America who traveled MILES and MILES (no planes, no cars. Just feet, wagons, and handcarts... and a little boat ride for the foreigners) to be united and away from persecution. I am so blessed to have family members who heard the message of the gospel and believed it and traveled from various parts of Europe to be joined with people who shared their same beliefs. The trials and persecution that they went through to keep the gospel in their lives helps my testimony to grow. I am eternally grateful for those strong, courageous people who left everything behind so that I can have the gospel in my life today. I am also so grateful for a husband who shares my same beliefs and who is such a good example and strength to me. Ugh. I am just really grateful. And I need that picture.
That picture gives me the same feeling. Did Steve ever tell you about his (and my) ancestors? Jonathan Harriman Hale was a bishop in Nauvoo. He had four kids. Just as they were all readying to cross the plains, he and his wife died, leaving these four orphans. The orphans crossed the plains and settled in SLC. Pretty freakin' awesome.
ReplyDeletewow, that is an awesome picture.. i know what you mean about being grateful for a husband who shares the same beliefs, it really is such a blessing! you guys are adorable :)
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