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Show 19 used as a makeshift podium. In the grove they handed us T-shirts that said, "I'd Rather Be Trekking" with a picture of a handcart underneath. Kristina gave the first testimony. She recounted everything that had happened so far, and then talked about how beautiful the mountains were, but how you couldn't fully appreciate them without the Lord. "Without the plan of eternal salvation, they're just dirt. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Most of the testimonies were about the spiritual place of happiness that could only be found by sacrifice and trekking. "In life we each have a handcart of sorts that we i pull. Some of ours as overloaded with physical stuff and some carry a lot of emotional baggage," said Sister Chester. Brad leaned over and whispered, "Give me a break." Jill stood up next. She said she wanted to thank everyone for accepting her so welcomingly in the ward. She wanted to thank our family, in particular. "Especially Brother Brad," who "kept the trip fresh" with his "interesting comments." She described the rest of us as "honest and hard working." I'd had enough of being thought of that way. Jill didn't know me yet. She didn't know about the stolen melon. I hadn't given my testimony since a few mother-prodded trips to the podium during sacrament meeting when I was younger, but I felt like doing it now. I steadied my feet and stood. It was time for Jill and the rest of the congregation to know what kind of person I was. |