Description

I am Ready

Curtis and Rebecca Bolton arrived in the Salt Lake Valley October 8, 1848. That first winter Curtis taught classes in French, but, as money was scarce, he received nothing for his efforts. His family survived that first winter in the Valley living on herbs that they could forage. Curtis says,

Though I managed that my beloved family should have a little bread every day, almost, none can judge my anguish but those who have been similarly situated. I shall never forget the half bushel of new wheat lent me by Brother Busby which I had ground and carried into my family who were waiting for it for breakfast.

Curtis soon learned that the lot he had drawn to establish his farm was an old alkali lakebed. All the precious seed he sowed in the ground was lost and what little did come up was taken by a heavy frost. President Brigham Young appointed Curtis a new lot nearer himself. Curtis wrote this in his diary:

Thus on the 1st day of October(1849), I found I had worked all the spring, summer, and fall, and had not earned a dollar. I had devoted my time to my land, living six weeks on greens, and here at the commencement of winter I found myself without a house, or materials to build one, without provisions, and not much clothing. Very much disheartened, I moved my family upon my new lot.

Then, just a week later, Curtis and Rebecca went to meeting. Curtis described what happened as they walked in.

On entering the door, President John Young beckoned to me to come up on the stand as he frequently did. When I took my seat by his side, between him and Brother Reynolds Cahoon, his first counselor, he asked me how I liked my appointment. I answered it depended on what it was. He and Brother Cahoon were astonished I had not heard and after much questioning told me I was appointed to go on a mission to France. This intelligence gave me such exceeding joy that I almost danced with joy. I next inquired who was to go with me. They replied, Elder John Taylor of the Quorum of the Twelve. I then inquired when we were to leave. They answered, “Next Thursday”. “Well”, I said, “I’m ready.” On the way home I opened the matter to Rebecca. At first flush, she thought it hard that I should have to leave her in so destitute a situation as she then was. But a few moments after, burst into tears and said, “Go in the name of Israel’s God and prosper and I will take care of myself.”

Curtis would not complete his service to the Lord and the French people until October 1853—four years! If we have ever wanted to know what it means to be a consecrated saint—this is it! I stand in awe of their faith and courage.

Source:

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/memories/KWJ1-R32