As our trip drew to a close, it was time to start the long drive back home. We were glad we were in a car and not a handcart. After leaving Winter Quarters we drove as far as we could before it got too late. We made it through Nebraska and a little ways into Wyoming before stopping for the night at a Walmart.
The next morning we continued our trip through Wyoming and back into Utah. Before we left Walmart though, Russell discovered he had a tick in his leg! We have no idea where it came from because there were so many bugs everywhere on our trip. Russell finally got it out but the whole way home we were worried about getting Lymes disease or something worse.
Another crazy thing that happened was that we ran out of gas! We had been filling up anytime we got to a half tank but this time we thought we could plug along to the next town. Well the town we thought we would fill up in ended up not having any gas stations... We were pretty worried by this time because the gas light had come on and the next town was 20 miles away. We drove about five more miles and the truck just lost power and we barely made it to the side of the road. We didn't know what we were going to do because Kimmer, WY was still 15 miles away. Colby instantly said "We should say a prayer!" So we did. Just then, some utility workers drove by on their way to check some power lines right next to where we were stuck. We asked them if they could give us a ride or if they had gas and they said they would help when they got done checking the power lines. When they came back a few minutes later, they brought 5 gallons of gas! We were so grateful and tried to pay them for the gas but they told us not to worry about it. That much gas was just enough to get us to Kimmer. What a blessing and answer to the prayer and faith of a child.
We finally made it home safe and sound. We had a great trip and one we will remember always.
Since coming home, the kids have been talking about the trip and even playing like they are pioneers in Nauvoo.
Here they are with their covered wagons trekking from their rooms to the front room. They pretend that was their trek to Nauvoo.
And here is their Nauvoo settlement. With log homes and barns. They are so funny but I love that they learned so much from the trip and are reenacting it at home.
Since coming home, my focus has turned to church history as well. There were many stories that I recognized but a lot more that I didn't. I realized that I really need to learn more about the history of the church and its roots. So lately I have been reading church history Institute and Sunday school manuals and even started reading the Work and the Glory series which is a historical novel based on church history. I am loving all of the new facts and stories I am learning and reading about. I definitely have a greater appreciation and understanding of church history since going on this trip and studying on my own. Now we need to plan a trip to Palmyra and Kirtland and some other places further east.
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