A challenge was made...

"In the strength of the Lord we can do hard things"

Sister Proksch, President of the Relief Society in the Craig Ranch Ward, gave a lesson on ways we can come closer to Christ and reminded us that this requires effort and action on our part. She also reminded us that some of these things are hard to do, but as in Mosiah 10:10, we can go forward with the strength of the Lord, doing our part, exerting our faith and energy. Our strength sometimes comes from our struggle. So, it's time to get up, get out and give our best effort.

And so the challenge was made: "The Relief Society Presidency of the Craig Ranch Ward would like to invite all Relief Society-aged sisters and non-members to walk with us from our building (Hammer/Goldfield) to the temple on April 16th, 2011."

In short (of what we were asked to accomplish):

1. Walk to the temple April 16th, 2011 (13 miles)

2. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke or memorize The Living Christ

3. Physically take a name to temple by preparing a family name or thinking of a mentor/example in your life

4. Prepare to attend the temple for first time or renew temple recommend if not current

(Thank you to whomever for letting me copy most of the above info.!!!)

I do have a confession though... I did not have many opportunities to train for this but I know my kiddos keep me active. The longest walk I ever did before this was about... umm, 5 miles or so. I figured I would walk until I was done and would be proud of what I achieved. DID NOT think that my body would carry me all the way.

I can tell you that I do have a testimony that I CAN do hard things if I find strength in the Lord. I am so very thankful for this opportunity.

The back of our shirts.

The front.... too cute!

Along mile 4 or something...

Half way! (From left: cousin Georgia, me, Shannon... I mean my mom-n-law!!)

I made it half way... Stopped to check the sugar levels and we were off!

I saw a lot of this.... That's Bishop and Tami ahead of us...and someone else, (can't remember who!)

Just a wee bit sunburned and hot. This was about mile 9.

At the corner of Owens and Hollywood... About mile 11 to 12-ish... So cool to see the valley and knowing how far we had come.

All at once I looked up and there it was! Just like that! I survived!

We made it to the end!

The family that walks together, stays together.... literally!

Who me?

So proud of me! I rock!

Can you see the pain in my smile... I was sore but my hip held up!

This crazy video was at mile 11-ish and I was so thankful to be there at that time. I was waiting at the last relief station for the last of our group to come around the corner. Almost there... All of a sudden there were truck and car loads of women and some on foot that came back to walk the last mile, AGAIN with the remaining sisters. What amazing women they all are.