Blessed, Honored Pioneer...

It is the morning after a sacred, spiritual event for me. I am still afloat in the aftermath of a show I did for Kamas Valley Fiesta Days Celebration. The story of the settlement of this Valley is enough to bring one to tears when thinking about the tenacity of the settlers. The difficulty of early life while settling the prairie and the sacrifices made, which we are the benefactors of, is story enough.
There are so many unbelievably, talented individuals in this community who willingly gave their time to come and participate in the show. Craig Goodwin and Darrell Shannon took a song I wanted to use, but didn't have the written music, and found the cords and turned it in to a beautiful piece! Natalie Young and Marissa Wilde came on board very late in the game and unselfishly added a professional touch with their violin and bass. The group of ballroom dancers soon became youth at the Kamas Fort square dancing and having a wonderful social! Great job! Little Tess Butikofer and Luke Gunnerson acted as Sam Gines and Ellen Elizabeth Russell playing together as children, who noticed during their youth their attraction to each other -- played by Giselle and Noah Rasheta. They married and created a beautiful life together -- played by Doug and Betty Gines--all while Luke Gines sang a touching love song lamenting heartfelt emotions.
Kyle Mayo as Thomas Rhoades, Holly Shuppy as Ruth Pack, Sterling Draper as Cal McCormick, Josh Gerlach as John Pack, Matt Thompson as James Woolstenhulme, Uncle Marvin as Daniel Lewis, Sean Lambert as John Lambert, Ali Querry as Ann Gines, Kathy Gordon as Mary Jane Turnbow, Jim Gilgen as Alma Warr, Kevin Hoyt as John Hoyt, and Nathan Miles as John Turnbow, all gave great thespian performances.
I owe the musicians -- Rod Maxfield, Rick Gunnerson, Jace Cannon, Lisa and Bart Olsen, Jenica Adlard, Ellli and Tess Butikofer, and Luke Gunnerson -- all huge kudos for unbelievably beautiful performances! Amazing talents!
Ther were around thirty choir members who sang as well as any professional group, giving a stirring performance under the direction of Melanie Mitchell. Of course, Darlene Clegg never disappoints with her ability on the piano. Hoyt Atkinson made everyone project their sound perfect to the audience. Cindy Mitchell had everyone in perfect lighting to be seen just right on stage. There are always those who do work that no one ever sees and Jeff Lewis fits that category. He made special efforts to unlock and lock and have everything just right at the auditorium. Julie Woodard made the stage truly look like the Kamas Prairie!
It is good to take a moment and look back at the past so that we might be able to see where we are going in the future. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to research the history of Rhodes Valley and learn about those marvelous saints who gave so much! I am moved beyond tears at their labors and accomplishments, just as I am moved by the contributions of time and talents to make last night a memorable, stirring event! Thank you - to so many - but above all, to my Father in Heaven for creating this beautiful place and giving us life and the opportunity to partake of it all!