On October 11,2010

The Moore family and two dogs set off on a little journey that day. Mom & Dad had planned a family hike. Like, many others who have done similiar times before. We headed out our back yard approximately 11:15am to be exact w/ bottles of water and a few bars for a snack along our hike up the backside of Mt. Tzouhalem. 502 m heigh. We had lofty desires to reach the top and perhaps explore the multiple trails that spread Overlooking Maple bay. We might admit that we didn't start out so good, because some of our family members felt they were decieved into thinking it would be a "fun" & "quick" hike so they could quickly return to their wii games and movie watching on their thanksgiving holiday monday. Others, were adventurous and it would not be a stretch to say we ask them over 30xs to stay with the group and not to wonder to far ahead out of sight. It was tiresome not from the steep trail walking, but from the complaints of the slowpokes threatening to return home and constant questions of "are we there yet? or How much further?" or my favorite "okay, I am not taking one more step". I soon discovered that it wasn't in the destination that was going to be the reward that day but that we could manage to keep everyone's feelings intact and no murders to occur on Mt. T. If we sang a song that would annoy one person, and if we hurried too fast we'd leave someone dragging behind, it seemed a perfectly miserable Moore moment and It took the good part of 1 hr before we weren't getting on everyone's nerves every second and that actually maybe a happy normal family outing was seeming to emerge from the sweat and effort. At one point we even lost 2 members of our family that had gone ahead as little eager beavers do, we were upset that it took the good part of 15mins after calling for them at a fork in the trail, that we reconnected. But, after a few mins of rest and snack, Spirits started to lift and kindness was beginning to burst forth. We laughed at jokes, told stories and even made a few wishes. We had been walking for 2 hrs by now and brothers were bonding and encouraging one another. Sticks were no more war weapons and we were pleased by making it to the top, even getting lost and never finding the cross, stopping for a family prayer in those woods,heading home before dusk and getting an individual to work with 1min to spare to 4pm. Things weren't perfect and we had a few flare ups but It was a great accomplishment for us that day, Not that we walked 10km for 4hrs and made it home all in one piece b/c those were very good perks, but that we had transformed on that very mountain and forgave and loved each other more. I secretly, vowed we might stay up there until we learned to get along and be loving, as any mother would wish. But, it was the lesson the Lord had for the Moore family that day that was even better:

It is all about the journey.

Alliance Oxygen~ Port Alberni work party

270 West Eagle Drive~ Salt Spring Island June 2010

Clara's grade 2 field trip~ 2010

TYC~ Temple Youth Celebration

I was so in love with TYC for the youth. They practiced 8 weeks with over 1200+, leaders and production crew coming together to perform for the Temple Dedidcation and the Prophet. It was an amazing experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmMJxwmZtpg&feature=related

Dear President Monson,

I have thought several times about writing a quick note to you. Over and over I would say in my mind or out loud what I would tell you. I know you are incredibly busy man and have a whole church to worry about. However, since you traveled to Vancouver and we were so close to you in proximity, I feel I can approach you like a best friend. Haha! Oh, Canada!

In our little corner of the

world you have touched us personally. See my husband and I are both converts of 21 years, we married 20 years ago this summer. Only members in our families. We have had six beautiful children, 5 boys and our last a girl. We have clung to the gospel and found peace, refuge and happiness serving the Lord and trying to be Disciples of Christ thru many of our experiences. Our testimonies are strong and even stronger through many trials we have faced with Jesus Christ as our rock and redeemer.

Three of our boys performed at the Vancouver temple TYC. My husband is the branch president of the Salt Spring Island branch. A tiny branch but thick with the spirit and faithful saints. I prayed hard that my children would all have an experience with the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. Since this was probably a once in a lifetime experience. Our oldest Son almost 19 had just returned from BYU- Idaho and wasn't involved in the TYC. He was able however to work in security during the temple open house and during the corner stone ceremony. He stood 5 ft away from you and was touched so much. He and his younger brother 17yrs old were able to come into the celestial room during the last dedication of the Vancouver temple and sit and experience being in the presence of the Prophet. My husband and I sat with our 13 yr old son in the instructional room right behind the Celestial room. We watched as you passed our room to commence the final dedication ceremony. We also were touched when you came in our room afterwards and kissed the widows and pointed to our 13 yr old son to stand and told him he'd go on a mission. Well, that was so sweet. This mom here is now guaranteed one son will serve a mission. There is no question of weither he'll serve a mission after a Prophet of the Lord tells you so. Our 15 yr old son sat 9 feet away from you when you came down to talk to the youth before the TYC performance. One of our friends snapped a photo of the group and there he sat completely enamored and devoted to every word you spoke. As well, our 17yr old son was coming out of the washroom ,as you walked into the Langley event centre and was able to shake your hand. I am so dearly touched that the Lord blessed a simple mother's prayer for these experiences. We love you and pray for you all!

Now, I am helping prepare our soon to be 19 yr old son to head out on a mission. Marvelous callings that I have seen transform young men and miracles occur to change their lives forever. Right now as I write his papers are in Salt Lake City. Gives me goosebumps thinking about it! I wonder if any other mother has had these mixed feelings, where this next step in our family will last 10 years. See, we had 5 boys in 7 yrs and who knows when we'll all be together as a family again. I am sure that all mothers have these tender feelings. I love our boys, I know joining this church has been one of the best choices in our lives. I don't need to ask you to look after them because I know that Heavenly Father, concourses of Angels and loving Mission presidents will guard after these fine young men that serve as fulltime missionaries. I just feel at this moment that this is one of the biggest sacrifices I could make to build up the kingdom of God. I am willing, ever since they were little this was our goal and talked about often. I just ask if you could pray for our little family.

Forever faithful,

Debra Moore

Salt Spring Branch, Victoria Stake, Canada

I would do it all over again, every ferry ride/1-2x a week for 8 weeks. I love our youth!