We have returned! After 3 wonderful days of being a Ma and Pa over five youth, ages 14-18, we are back home and excited to share our adventures...
The Trek experience began by sorting the large group of pioneer-clad youth and the other Ma's and Pa's into families. We spent time getting to know each other and creating a family cheer and flag. Our team chose the theme "Power Up!" and we used this phrase throughout the entire 3 days as it applied to pushing handcarts, helping out within our family group, and also in spiritual applications.
After breaking the ice and creating our family vision, we set off on a 6 mile hike, pulling loaded handcarts through hilly terrain, thick with ankle-deep mud in many places. Our youth teamed together and were not afraid to use their muscles to power through the difficult spots. How wonderful to see these youth working together, strategically placing their strongest members in various spots on the handcart to keep moving along.
We stayed hydrated by spritzing each other with spray bottles and drinking water by the liter. Occasionally, we stopped to view vignette scenes of real life pionner stories acted out by stake leaders to help us understand the true pioneer experience.
After a long day of hiking, we were ready to set up camp and prepare our dutch oven stew with cobbler for dinner. Our boys were so polite and everyone worked together to make the preparation enjoyable. Why does food seem so delicious when eaten outside?
We concluded the first day with a spiritually uplifting FHE and chatted for a while before settling into our tents for the night. Perfectly clear sky with no clouds in sight.
We awoke on Day 2 to breakfast and a visit from Brother Brigham, who issued mission calls to each young man in our family. The boys packed their lunch and belongings, and left to report to their leaders for their service mission. Meanwhile, the ladies were left to pull handcarts alone that morning - the Woman's Pull, as they called it. We ladies walked, pulled, and chatted, working together to help each other. We stopped for a devotional and to eat fresh oranges along the trail.
Later that morning we met up with the young men who returned from their service mission of clearing bushes and briars from nearby trails. After lunch we trekked back to base camp and enjoyed an afternoon of pioneer activities. Stake leaders planned workshops on wool-spinning, leather-branding, orienteering, and rope-making. As evening approached, we enjoyed sack races, watermelon seed spitting contests, and other fun games.
After another yummy dutch oven dinner, we walked to the nearby pavillion for a skit showcase and hoe-down! Michael and I, along with another Ma and Pa couple, taught the Salty Dog Rag to the group. Much to our delight, nearly every young man and woman participated and seemed to be enjoying themselves! We retired late that evening, tired from a full day. Another perfect, starry night.
Morning of Day 3 began with a quick breakfast, breaking camp, and a Silent Pull, where we were asked to pull the handcarts one last time through the steepest terrain yet - all in silence. After the quiet struggle up the steep hill, the Spirit was especially strong and at the top the youth were handed sealed envelopes from their parents and asked to find a quiet solitary spot in which to ponder, read their letters, and write in their journals. We were so moved by the example of one young man in particular, who kneeled in prayer for about 20 minutes on the shore of the nearby lake. Such a powerful moment.
We concluded the youth conference with a testimony meeting and farewell lunch. Most of the youth expressed their initial reluctance to come on the trek, and how surprised they were by the life changing experiences they had.
A true experience of a lifetime for us as well! What an honor to spend three amazing days with these valiant young men and women.
Pictures...
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