Heber Valley Camp Mission: Hailey

Time is flying by this summer and on our mission. We have had 7 weeks of girls camp with only 4 more to go. We enjoy the Young Women coming each week. They bring a beautiful spirit to the mountain and we learn from them every day.

We have had many afraid, and many that are just adventurous. A week ago we had a beautiful little 12 year old name Hailey. Hailey has had many challenges in her life and has the mentality of a 3 year old. She only speaks single words, not sentences. She wanted to do the zip line, but her mother didn't think she could climb the pole. But miracles happen here on the mountain and there are angels all around us. Sister Duerden was in the nest and Elder Duerden was belaying Hailey. Somehow he was able to talk Hailey all the way up the pole and on to the wire. Just then, there was lightning and they called us off course. We needed to get Hailey off the wire. I did everything I could to talk Hailey over to me, but without success. So, I had to do a rescue. When that happens, you don't really think about it, it's pretty much automatic and you know there is a lot of help from above. When I reached Hailey, I went to take the belay rope to pull her over, and she said "I want you to hold me." So I did, and away we went. Hailey was able to go down the zip line quickly, and I belayed off the wire quickly.

Her mother was in tears. She was so excited with the success Hailey had that day. Each day is a blessing with Hailey as she has seizures and they never know how long she will be here on earth. She bore her testimony that evening and all the words she spoke were from the Young Women's theme. Heavenly Father loves every one of His children.

We thank our Heavenly Father each day for the wonderful experiences we are having on our mission. Neither one of us had any idea what a blessing this mission would be for us!