Trek Adventures

It is time to dust off my bonnet! On Sunday, I was given the assignment to be the Pioneer Youth Trek photographer and historian. And let me tell you, I am beyond excited about it!

I am not sure all that the assignment entails, yet. There should be a meeting here in the next month, or so. It takes way more than a year to put Trek together, it is a HUGE undertaking for those who are in charge. I do know that I will be going on Trek with my camera in hand, and my job is to record the whole experience, including the activities they hold before Trek.

Trek, my camera, and record keeping? Talk about Heaven for me!

Eek!

I am so, so, excited!

Oh, and to add to the loveliness, both Sammi and Daniel will be there too! What a tender mercy to be able to go and watch them participate in something so special. They are also extremely excited about it, and super happy I get to go. It is probably comforting to know mama will be there with extra Cortisone cream, and a hug if they need one. They certainly don't need me to be there, but I am glad they are happy about it.

After participating last time, I learned a few things, and should be even more prepared this time. I was lucky not to chaff or blister at all (I prepared for those things by training in the heat with my double stroller), but almost everyone else did, and it was a challenge. Even my tough and manly Charles was in severe pain from the intense chaffing that occurred because of the heat and clothing. He had to bathe and load up on creams to survive. Blisters were also a huge problem. Hopefully, I will be able to help my kiddos to prevent those issues. If not, the pain just draws them closer to the Pioneers and what they went through.

I was in Heaven on Trek. I felt like I was in my element. Being a Ma and Pa with Charles was perhaps one of the most meaningful experiences I have had in my life. It was life-changing, it truly was. The Spirit was so thick you could see it in the air. The love that filled my heart during that time was overwhelming, and intense, and I could not get enough of it. It was hard to leave, and I cried like a baby the next day when it was all over; Charles did too.

I know it is a year away, but they will start preparation activities way before that. In the meantime, I am going to work on my photography skills, and find out what else I will be doing, so I can prepare and be ready.

I will not be pulling a handcart this time, I will be lugging around a bunch of photography equipment, so I will need to figure out some new things. Last time we had a base camp, and we would go out different directions then return. But from what I understand, this time it will be a journey of traveling to new locations each night, so that will be more exciting. It will also be in a more tree covered and hilly area, so that should be nice. My mind is already spinning, and thinking of the things I will need to be ready.

It is making my brain happy.

Pioneer Trek 2016! Woo!

Here are a few pictures from last time...

We had buckets we had to fit all of our stuff in, it is amazing how much you can stash in those things! We also had to select a Pioneer that we wanted to walk for, and I chose Elizabeth Steele, because she introduced the gospel to her husband James Steele, and he converted my family in Scotland. I have a special love for her. She traveled to America with Wee Granny, Mary Murray Murdoch.

I drew a picture of the three of us on my bucket back then, because I wanted them to be with me on the journey. One of my Trek daughters also "happened" to be Wee Granny, so that was special. What is extremely profound now is that all 3 of us are/were widows.

Wee Granny (Mary) lost her husband in a mining accident at a young age, leaving her to take care of the children. Elizabeth lost her husband very young on the journey west, after he gave all his food and clothing to Elizabeth and children, she finished the journey on her own. And then there is me. Yeah, it makes me shiver a little. I draw strength from their pioneer blood flowing through my veins. I draw strength from all that they endured, and yet they kept moving forward. I love these women of faith.

 This is how we are connected.

 This little picture is way more profound to me now... That is supposed to be me pulling the handcart alone, with the help of Elizabeth and Wee Granny. Just FYI, widows are NEVER alone

 The river crossing...

 Dinner time

 Blisters

 Heading out in the early morning, had to get going early because it was over 100 degrees in the afternoon.

 Stopping for a break

 Charles thought to bring a tarp to attach to the cart, and it was such a blessing, there was no shade out there.

 Duct-taping blisters

 Everyone was exhausted at the end of the journey, it was super hot

 Charles looking extremely handsome, he was an awesome Pa. The kids loved him.

 The day of trials... barefoot walking, wearing blindfolds, and other ailments helped the children connect to the pioneers.

 The girls in our family

 The boys

 The massive amounts of food

Best time ever!