On Friday and Saturday Travis and I had the opportunity to drive out to Martin's Cove with 2 other couples from our ward to be trained for our youth conference trek. We will be going in June of 2009. At first I thought that being trained more than a year before we go was really early, but as we learned all of the things that need to be done ahead of time I understand the wisdom in getting an early start!
My YW secretary graciously took care of our kids so that we could go. We left around 5 am to drive the 6 hours to central Wyoming! When we got there we had about an hour or two of training and then we got to Trek about 5 miles to the Cove and back. What a special and spiritual place! I was so grateful that I was able to experience it with Travis by my side. It was a long walk. The wind blew, the snow fell, and we were freezing. I got a small glimpse of what it might have been like for those poor pioneers. They had no food, in feet of snow, with little or no protection. Some didn't even have shoes! I was so touched by all of their stories of faith and courage. Click HERE to read some of the pioneer journal entries.
When we returned from trekking we had a wonderful dinner and then opted out of the square dancing and went right to bed! The next day we had a wonderful breakfast. All of the food was prepared by the cute couple missionaries. Then we had about 4 hours of more training. Then we drove the 6 hours home!
I am so excited that Travis and I get to be a part of this neat trek! We will be making pioneer clothing to wear while we are there, learning how to square dance, getting in shape to walk the 17 or so miles while pulling a hand cart, taking on a pioneer name and sharing their story, and becoming Ma and Pa to a family of youth! I can't wait!
4 months ago
7 comments:
Wow you're a trooper! See my reasoning is this I was born at this time because I'm a big baby. I would have given up before the wheels in the hand cart had made a full turn! Yes I know you're trusting me to come up with a hike for the girls and yes I'll find one that meets the requirements.
One of my giid friends did TREK a couple of years ago and had an amazing experience, even with all the walking there's a tiny part of me that is jealous.
What a great experience, one you will never forget! Maybe you could go again when the children grow up!
We are so lucky to have someone like you who care so much about the YW in our ward to be in charge of helping to make the trek a great experince for them. I was a beehive leader in our old ward as they prepared for their trek and even though our girls were too young to go it was amazing to watch them learn and grow as we participated in the activities.
You'll have so much fun with your girls!! I'm seriously jealous...Adam and I went with my family and their ward a few years ago. It is awesome! My favorite part was the Mormon Battalion part -- where the women get to do "Heart-Attack Hill" by themselves. Such a faith building experience! You should totally check out the Trek CD by Jason Deere -- it's called "Trek: A Nashville Tribute To The Pioneers" It has a lot of different stories and experiences and some great songs. You'll have so much fun!
How fun! What a unique experience! Growing up in NJ I never have done the trek, but I SOOOO want to!
My sister and her husband were able to experience this trek last summer. They absolutely loved it! I was jealous about all the fun things they learned and the many stories they had to share. Our ward youth will love it!
Heather, that is so cool you and Travis get to go next year. Jason and I are going next month and are so excited. I too think it is so neat to be able to share this experience with your husband!
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