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Show Nettie, Page 22 "I will not deceive you into believing it will be an easy thing. This land is dry and no water will be available for farming until the canal is completed. Every man will be expected to work on the canal. The stock may be exchanged for acreage when the canal is complete or as the work progresses. "The way will be hard, but I assure you that President Snow is aware of the Lord's hand in this. You are being called to be a part of this company who will settle the Big Horn basin. Those who respond to this call need to ready themselves at once to meet at Ham's Fork. I know I will see many of you there and I leave the Lord's blessings with each of you for your faithfulness and courage. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Excitement caused Nettie's blood to stir--moving! She was sure Papa would respond to the prophet's call and though Mama's face was rather grim, Nettie knew Mama would support Papa no matter what the cost. In this case the cost was the home they had known for the past twelve years. Mama had been born in South Africa, one of the people known as Boers. Upon her family's conversion to the church, most of them emigrated to the United States, seeking Zion--the gathering place of the Saints. She was married to Papa in Utah at age 15 and was mother to Annie before she was 17. They had moved several times in Utah early in their marriage until at last they had seemed settled in Almy. A woman finds it hardest to give up her home, especially a place where seven of her children had been born, and two buried. But when the prophet speaks, good Mormons listen and respond. |