Trek

We got home from trek 2 1/2 weeks ago, yet the experience seems a world away---almost like a dream. We left home to visit these historic sites, dressed in pioneer clothes and away from our little kids. Instead we were responsible for 8 teenagers. Imagine! I know most of you are thinking that there is no way that Reed and I are responsible enough to handle 8 teenagers, but I have to admit that in some ways it was much easier than 3 rowdy little boys---although obviously the kids were away from their normal every-day pressures, and they were all on their best behavior. Thank goodness! I'm sure it won't be quite so uneventful once our boys are in high school. Reed and I both felt so lucky to get the group of kids that we had. They really got along well and had a good time together. (We even had a budding romance going on, which has resulted in a Homecoming date!) We did have one wanderer who wasn't thrilled to be on trek, but her attitude greatly improved the second day, and I think even she had a good experience. Reed and I were both suprosed to find out on the last day that several of our kids did NOT want to come on trek. In fact, one of them got his papers in on Saturday night, right before we left. We never would have guessed, because they all were fun to be around, had great attitudes, and were willing to help. I can't tell you how much of a relief that was! I haven't had much experience working with the youth, and I was nervous, but I have to say that I was so impressed with all of the kids on trek. They were reverent when they needed to be, and it really helped encourage the spirit to be there. With all of the youth, leaders, and staff, there were probably around 450 of us. When we trekked we had to break into groups of about 200, and even that was quite difficult because the walking was slow going sometimes and the potty breaks took forever! I was so impressed with the trail boss and the planning committee that pulled all of the details together for a really great trek.

We had several themes for this trek, but one of them was, "You Can Do Hard Things." Let me tell you, this was hard for me! I think proabably the hardest thing for me was just being completely exhausted. Which really is the story of my life, unfortunaltely! After repeatedly being up late, the night before trek we got into bed about midnight, and then were up around 4 AM so we could shower and board the busses by 5. I'm pretty sure I've never set my alarm that early, and I'm pretty sure it won't happen again! We stopped that afternoon at Martin's Cove, and then later got back in the busses and drove to our camping spot for the night. We rolled in late and set up camp in the dark---and decided to sleep under the stars rather than dealing with setting up the "tent." By the time we hit the sack it was at least 12:30, and then we were up again by 6 AM. During the night I could hear wolves howling and for awhile I was delusional enough to think it was a girl crying/screaming on the other side of camp. I kept thinking, "I am so glad none of my girls are screaming right now!"

We trekked a total of about 35 miles in three days. I was blister free the first two days, but I got several blisters first thing in the morning of the third day, and it was so painful to walk the 16 miles that day! I think the hardest part for me was the women's pull. It was a very steep hill to climb. I had three girls in my family. One was having problems with her asthma, one had painful arthritis in her hips, one had Scholiosis, cramps and blisters, and I had all kinds of back problems going on! It was so hard to keep going! My lungs and thighs were on fire, and I was so grateful for added help as we got closer to the top. We were hot and out of water, and we were so happy to see the guys come and take our cart once we reached the top! I was really proud of my girls, and I could tell they were proud of themselves.

The leaders had a lot of really great reinactments, devotionals, and spiritual activities planned. The speakers were all amazing, and we were so lucky to hear from President McKay numerous times during those four days. We were able to visit Martin's Cove and the Sweetwater River and trek over Rocky Ridge. The land was so much more beautiful than I imagined, and it was neat to be able to actually see the places I had learned about. There was really a strong spirit during the entire trek. I'm sure one of the main reasons they push you to your physical limits is so that you can be more receptive to the spirit---much like fasting. Thank goodness they didn't make us fast too! I will spare you all of the personal details and save those for my journal, but it was a refreshing time for quiet and reflection that I don't get very often! Definitely a growing opportunity, and I definitely gained a much greater appreciation for the pioneers who came to build up Zion. I'm so glad we went, but I'm aslo so glad to be home!