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-