Starting the next book

As school starts to wind down, I know that you have a lot going on.  Please finish up your reading of Mormon Thunder, so that you will be on target to start the Emigrant's Guide.  Remember that posts will go to Dr. Sessions for verification of your participation and effort for credit.

A couple of my own personal observations from the text:  I am awed by Grant's commitment to missionary efforts.  He relies on the generosity of others for shelter, food, and, in many cases, transportation.  I am of the opinion that this would not happen today in America.  Some other countries, perhaps, but not in most of America.  I think what we see in his writings is a self-improved man.  I assume that he had very little formal education, but as he read and studied his skills grew with him.  As teachers this shows us the value of having our own students consistently read and write.  This practice certainly will bring about understanding and improvement.  Having just lost my own son, I can relate to Grant's pain and anguish in the death of his wife and daughter while crossing the plains.  It is sorrow like I have never known. I am grateful for the support system that I have with my church.  Likewise, I think Grant had a large support system to help him through those terribly difficult times.  I loved the statement on page 181 - "If I wished to find the best men in the world, I should go to Zion to find them; if I wished to find the biggest devil, I would look in Zion for him..." The passage of time doesn't erase some things.  I hope that you are all doing well with the assignments.  Happy reading.