It was cold—the kind of cold that makes packed snow squeak beneath your feet; the kind of cold that freezes the hairs of your nose as you breathe. And as the sun went down, it turned into a calm, dark night that could easily claim the life of one left unprotected.
One boy, his hands wrapped.....
Please follow this link https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/1982/12/come-come-ye-saints?lang=eng to read the rest of this amazing story from The New Era to help you prepare for trek. Also Read D & C Section 136.
And, why did they choose to leave their homes, to suffer, to follow?
All because of their testimony in Jesus Christ and their desire to follow Him.