Days 55 and 56

Council Bluffs, Iowa...After Joseph Smith was shot and killed, the Mormons were not safe in Nauvoo. In February of 1846 they loaded wagons and later handcarts and started across the plains in search of a safe haven to call home. The trip was harder and took longer than expected. Brigham Young stopped the group in Council Bluffs and they made preparations for the winter.Thousands of Mormon pioneers gathered here. They needed a meeting place so they built the Kanesville Tabernacle. It was here that Brigham Young was sustained as the second president of the church.

They made an agreement with the Indians which allowed them use of the land on the west of the Missouri River (Winter Quarters) for 2 years.

After their arrival, the US government recruited them to help with the war with Mexico. 500 men agreed to march in what was known as "the Mormon Battalion." The remaining men started building homes. 500 log homes were built within a couple months. 2 families shared each home and they said it felt like a palace.

It was hard for the pioneers. Many got sick. They ran out of fruits and vegetables and some got scurvy. But they stayed focused on the goal to find a safe home land. Within 2 years they were arriving in the Salt Lake Valley.

It is really touching to hear the stories about their struggles and the saddness. But when you hear how positive they remained, and the trust that they had in the Lord, it is such an inspiration to me.

We went to the Temple in Winter Quarters. It is beautiful. When I look at how blessed I am, and all of the opportunities and comforts that I have, I know that I really should not complain about anything. These Pioneer women were tough, hard working ladies, and survived with very few comforts.