On October 31, 1847 Wilford Woodruff returned to Winter Quarters, Nebraska after spending six months blazing a path to the Utah Territory. He had eaten prickly pear, and buffalo, he had tasted of waters that run into the pacific after he crossed over the great divide. He had numerous encounters with native americans, had seen the Great Salt Lake, had bathed in natural hot springs, and had given 100 percent every step of the way. On this day he recorded:

“I drove up to my own door & was truly rejoiced to once more behold the face of my wife & children again after being absent over six months and having traveled with the Twelve & the Pioneers nearly 2,500 miles. Mrs Woodruff had been confined with a daughter 3 days previous to my arrival. Mother & daughter doing well, all were cheerful & happy & we felt it a blessing to meet again.”

Wilford Woodruff sacrificed much in order to fulfill his calling as an apostle of the Lord. He could not have done this without the love and support of his wife, Phebe, who was willing to take on the role of provider and protector for her family while her husband was away- she did this while she was pregnant, she did this during some of the most difficult days the saints experienced. And she did it full of Faith and Fortitude.

What sacrifices are you willing to make for your family, for those you minister to, for the Saints, for the Lord?