I'm a survivor!

I got back from Girls Camp this past Saturday with these amazing young ladies!

I had such a remarkable week.

I could go on and on about all the fun ~

there was plenty of it!

I need to record a testimony strengthening experience for me. If you have followed my blog for awhile, you may remember this post from when Shannon and I went up to Camp Lo Mia to find a place for our ward hike. I knew that that occasion had been special and an answer to prayer but I didn't realize the impact of that blessing until our hike experience took place last week. We have a Mia Maid in our program who has some severe health problems. Hayden was born with these serious health issues. Mostly lung related, she deals with this as part of her everyday life. Because of Priesthood miralces in her life, she is able to be a part of our YW's ~ and she is a gem!! Always a smile on her sweet face and a shining example of faith, courage and hope. Before camp she became quite sick and was advised by her doctor not to attend camp. Never one to miss the annual event, Hayden asked for a priesthood blessing that she would be able to make it to camp with our ward. Hayden's blessing was granted. Although she was not feeling 100%, she was well enough to attend - with certain restrictions. Hayden's physical exertion really had to be monitored. Our girls always made sure she had a piggy back ride up and down the trail from the lodge to our campsite. They really take such good care of her. When the morning dawned of our hike we realized that this might cause a huge problem for Hayden. More than likely she would have to be excluded from this part of our activities. As part of the hike, we had planned an experience where the girls would search the area for some objects and we would come together to discuss them. Unbeknownst to the girls, these would be the FOUR CORNERSTONES of the gospel. Before camp I had asked Hayden to participate during this hike and bear her testimony about the cornerstone of the Priesthood and the impact it had in her life. She was prepared and now she might not be able to go on the hike. While the girls ate breakfast, Shannon and I broke away to post signs and set up our hike experience items. We realized that the place we had found three months earlier was the perfect spot for Hayden. There was road access the entire way. Hayden could be driven to the "doorstep" of where we were going to be. Hayden was able to bear a powerful and heartfelt testimony of the power of the priesthood to our Young Women. As Hayden was driven back to the main camp the rest of the girls hiked back, I was overcome with emotion. The Lord knew that this was the experience our girls were to have. Had Shannon and I picked ANY other spot, Hayden would not have been able to be there with us. Heavenly Father was watching over Hayden three months earlier when Shannon and I decided to try the path less trodden. Truly, oh how lovely was the morning!