Sweetwater River @ Martin's Cove

It is Sunday morning and we have just finished having our church meetings in the Gathering Room in the downstairs of the apartment building we are living in. We weren't able to have it in our little branch building today because it was 45 below zero with the wind chill this morning. It was warmer here in our building and closer for everyone. This picture was taken on the little bridge that crosses the Sweetwater River at our compound.

Going right to left the building farthest right is called the Trek Center. In the winter they store all of the handcarts in it. In the summer it is where everyone gathers to pick up their carts and have meetings and gatherings. The next building is our apartment building where we are currently living. The white buildings on the left are the Visitors Center and the office and another apartment. We will move to this apartment the first of January. It is connected to the office and the Directors usually live in it but Elder & Sister Freeman prefer living in the one we are in and so we will move when the retiring Directors move.

The picture on the left is looking down into the Cove. This is where the Martin Co. took refuge in on November 4th, 1856. Before entering the Cove they had to again cross the Sweetwater River. The Saints were weak and starving and the temperatures were below zero. This is where the four young rescuers from Salt Lake City carried so many across the river. The four men ages ranged from 16 to 24. When Brigham Young heard of what these young men had done they said he wept like a baby and said they have earned a place in the Celestial Kingdom for their sacrifice for others.

The Saints were in the Cove for 4 days at which time the storm ceased and they were able to start traveling again. During that time many died. The bodies were moved farther around in the cove and covered with rocks as best as they could as the ground was frozen. As the burial group would leave they could hear the wolves fighting over the bodies.

We are so happy to be able to be here at Martin's Cove and to feel the spirit here. It is such a sacred place. We are loving our mission and the other missionary couples are so good to us.