We Survived!

Back from Trek and almost done recovering (pedicure later today will just about do it!) It was such an amazing experience. I will admit that I was not the most enthusiastic Trekker when I first decided to go. All I could see was the hard work to get ready and the physical challenge of doing it. Believe me, it was all worth it. Seeing how much fun the kids had, plus how they worked together to meet every obstacle; I loved it. Mark and I had a great family of 8 kids who pulled that handcart so fast we could hardly keep up! We really enjoyed spending time with the other adults who went, as well as getting to know all the kids better. Definitely a bonding experience for our two wards.

If you ever get the chance to do a Pioneer Trek....do it! You really get to experience just a glimpse of what it was like to cross the plains. I can't imagine how those women did it, walking all day and then having to feed and care for their families at night. After our first day I was so exhausted I felt like I couldn't take another step. Thank goodness we had wonderful cooks doing our meals. There were moments when the spirit really let me feel the emotional trials those women went through, especially when all the men and boys left for the Mormon Battalion and when we had to leave two children behind who had "died". Absolutely heartbreaking...I don't think I could have gone on. The unwavering faith that pushed them forward is such an inspiration and I hope to never forget the lessons I have learned.

I'll hopefully post some pictures later because I'm sure you'll want to see us in all our pioneer glory!