Faith through it all

If this trip has taught me anything, it has taught me the power of faith..., 

So we the 4 bros of the apocalypse were finally on our way to Harmony PA where the Holy Priesthood was restored! As I'm driving I see out my left a sign that read 

               "scenic overlook" 

The explorer and photographer in me decided impulsively to go down the dirt trail to the location. There were signs reading "warning" and "posted no hunting etc". I disregarded the signs and went down a hill to the Lake. I think once we rode over the massive mound of snow going down, it hit me this might be a bad idea..., 

We get down the hill and the views are legit perfect! 

Just simply perfect! It looked like the area I dream of building a Lake house on when I retire some day! 

Well of course we're right outside Ithaca NY, and it's cold! A storm starts coming in and we decide to get back on the road. I start the car up, and start driving up the hill when the tires start spinning... 

"We're screwed"I thought to myself! I kept try and nothing was happening. So we decide to get out and start pushing, putting David in the driver seat, meaning Jason, Jared and I to push. I decided to go into beastmode and push.... Beastmode failed me... The van wasn't going anywhere. I was getting pissed off and frustrated. 

Eventually I calmed down and Jared came up with the idea to use the perfectly placed gravel mound on the property to build traction tracks for the van. The two of us in the 20 degree wind and snow got to work. On the property we found a wheel barrel and a little shovel and one of those farming rakes. Mind you the gravel mound was pretty rock hard! 

We chiselled away filling the barrel with this gravel to build the track! Countless trips up and down the hill I begin to get frustrated! I'm blaming myself and virtually chewing myself out because no one else was seeming to do it.

Jason chimed in between my rants, "there's no point in complaining, we're here now. Have faith" 

He said faith..., something in the midst of my anger and fear had become clouded. After that moment we all had our own silent prayers throughout the building of the trail. 

We were still facing trials. We had one shovel, three dudes outside the car and a lot of work to do. I prayed to my Heavenly Father that we could find another shovel and that the storm would calm down.

So first off the storm began to slow and I could feel the temp raising! I was so relieved. After that, I felt the need to go to the lake house and look for another shovel other than the small one we had... Jason found a smaller shovel and even them, I rejoiced. I felt compelled to check more and then I found a real shovel! I shouted in joy! This would indeed expedite the process! 

We got to work, Jason, Jared and I began clearing snow and laying gravel! David over and over again tried to get up the hill, each time getting an inch closer! 

Again I grumbled and complained, and again Jason checked me for my faith. I stopped being stubborn and gave my hope to God. We had given it our all! We had done as much as we could, and Jared gave a vocal prayer! It was in Heavenly Fathers hands now.... 

David got the signal to drive back up the hill, we were worried about the ice mound as he raced up the hill and our makeshift trail... HE PUSHED THROUGH!!! We all shouted and cheered as he made it up the hill, exchanging high gives and hugs and shouts of joy! We returned everything to the way it was and walked up the hill to him! We got in the car and now we are on our way to Harmony PA! 

 

Back in the car and on the road we all mutually agree that this is the best vacation ever! 

So I'm sitting here now recollecting the event! Everything happened for a reason. And it couldn't have been a better spot to get stuck. At the location there were three shovels, a massive mound of gravel and a wheel barrel. Everything we needed was there. Most importantly faith was there! Faith that no matter what Heavenly Father would take care of us! 

I'm so grateful for  my bros and our collective minds and strength, and I'm more thankful for a Heavenly Father that loves and cares about me at all times and hears my prayers! I say that in the name of Jesus Christ our saviour Amen..,

Right now we're out of Ithaca and the storm is gone and it's sunny roads ahead! Such an amazing experience!

The Artist-

The feel of the grove

Words can barely do justice for how much peace I feel in the sacred grove...

My body and mind feel at peace. I feel completely away from the outside world! It's beautiful. The heavy cloud cover has slightly broken to show a bit of blue and radiant sunlight! 

I can feel the spirit as I walk these trails and kneel in prayer off the beaten path. The stressors of the world have no voice here. Only the serenity of God's creation reside. I know I was heard out here in prayer. 

I know my father in heaven walks this path with me here in this grove and outside! I know Joseph Smith to be a prophet. I know there are prophets and inspired leaders on earth today as in ancient times... I can feel it in my bones everyone one of us is here for an eternal reason and I know Heavenly Father has a plan for me. And I say these things in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen 

The Artist 

We finally made it!

We made it to Rochester! After 6 hours of traveling from Maryland up here, were safe! I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds! I'm so stoked to walk historical sites and learn more about my faith! 

Stay tuned 

Goodnight 

The Artist- 

Times like these!

I know no matter what these dudes got my back! Just the ride up is legit!! Def a good time! 

Thoughts on the way....

As we enter Pennsylvania state lines I sit in the passengers seat contemplating the importance of this trip. 

As all of you know I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, almost 2.5 years ago. It has long since been a dream of mine to go to Palmyra which is essential where my religion began. Looking back at the last few years especially the last few months, it's no wonder why The Lord decided to hold me from going on this trip until now! 

I go not with expectations. I go with hope I'll be able to feel the spirit at the sites of some of the most powerful and historical moments in my church's history! I hope to learn history and information to share with those who may not know a lot about my faith. I go with faith that three of my best friends and I will grow closer and create memories that will last for ages! 

That's. my thoughts, and I can't wait to explore tomorrow! 

The Artist- 

And we're off!

Packed into a Kia Sedona the 4 bros  of the apocalypse (myself, Jason, Jared, and David) head to Palmyra for spiritual enlightenment, and adventure! 358 miles stand between them and their destination! What adventures await? Stay tuned! 

This is gonna be awesome! 

From left- (Jason, David, Jared, Myself)

The Artist-

My morning commute

I stand all amazed at our 21st century style. As I maneuver  my way through the dc metro area through public transit. 

It's 545am when the MARC train arrives. Countless people pack in to the vehicle built for speed. There are students, soldiers, business men and women, a couple of random individuals just traveling and then there's me, an observer on the way to work this morning. 

I take notice of the exits and any suspicious activity. A mindset I got from wanting to become a cop... Everything is safe! 

I turn my music on and sit back. The train starts to move.... I look around and everyone is linked into their personal devices, streaming music, reading emails or news, it's apparent to me we're all one step away from becoming cyborgs. There are others sleeping... I sure hope they don't miss their stops! 

Once at Union Station there's a hold up... 

"Passengers there is a delay, there is a train in distress" says the conductor. 

You can feel the increased heart rates as contemplations of lateness to destinations begins to rise. It's like ten minutes later. I start even considering the thoughts. 

"Did I miss my metro?" 

"Do I have any late forgiveness left?" 

"I wonder if I can still run to the cafe for breakfast?" 

"Will we get out of here?"

The questions run through my head, as indie electro sub genre pumps into my brain from white headphones that act as transmitters from my 4 inch world connecting device! 

The wait gave me enough time to notice a regular on the MARC train who likes to sketch photos of people... Not gonna lie it's a little weird, but at least he's good at it. No real difference from the word sketch I'm doing of my commute here in this post. 

We're set free and the mad dash towards the metro begins. Union Station is a madhouse! There's no peace here. Everyone is in their own world. I notice a person giving change to a seemingly homeless lady; hope in humanity restored for the day! 

It's back to the race against time to the metro. Being a novice rarely taking public transit i pause my music. and I ask someone a question referring to my stop. He kindly instructs me and I then thank him and return to my music with my metro card in hand. 

I get on the metro and it takes off! I sit in my seat thinking of my Friday night plans! I get excited knowing there's only like ten more hours until the weekend. Stops like "Gallaudet", "Takoma" and "Brookland" pass before I reach my stop in downtown Silver Spring. 

Getting off there's a problem with my metro card. 

Get it fixed; check! 

As I trade a smile with the cute girl coming towards me. The moment passes of attraction for I'll never see her again. 

It's cold outside... Everyone bundled up. My peacoat holds warmth but forgetting my gloves as I type this narrative has become an apparent struggle. 

Still I type... 

I sit here waiting for the bus, still semi impressed a sheltered boy from the suburbs has managed to maneuver DC metro at ease so far... 

Still waiting and it gets colder. More linked individuals start to file in the stop. Buses come and go, I wait for mine

I see a bus stop and run to it! A nice older lady stops me from getting my hopes up for it is the wrong one. 

Finally my bus is here and I can get warm! On Facebook I trade dialogue with an old friend about how we're mid 20s in the professional world as compared to childhood dreams of wanting to become power rangers... The struggle is real. 

I return to reality checking the clocks.... I hope I make it on time! 

It becomes apparent in our society, we're obsessed with this obsession to get "there" on time! Stops pass and go, much like the trains. It's amazing to me to see how many older people are managing smartphones and not looking a bit confused. 

I dose off... Only to be awoken by Spanish singing... His happy tune is a change of tune from this grey friday. 

We are nearing my office building. The rather spontaneous energy I possessed at 6am is now diminishing as the Romanticism of riding public dies and the realisation I'm nearing a dreadful 9hrs builds.... 

I arrive at my office packed into an elevator. There's a track playing from my workout/gym playlist as I make it to my desk giving me a little energy before I sit in my seat... 

Lets start the day..... 

The Artist-