We returned this weekend from Trek. For those of you who don't know, Trek is several hundred youth heading out into the middle of nowhere for three days to try and experience a little of what their pioneer ancestors faced. They get grouped into 'families', dress in period clothing, camp in primitive conditions (except this campground had really nice bathrooms!) and get really hot, dusty and tired. And spiritually fed.
These kids were amazing. So strong. I kept waiting for them to complain, slack off, or just plain sit down in the middle of the trail and give up. None of those things happened. They were cheerful and constantly in awe of the pioneers who came before us. They really got it, and understood that the people 150 years ago walked across the plains because of their religion. We all agreed that all the gold in California couldn't have made people pass through these trials with their faith in God intact. It was a blessing to be able to spend three days in 98 degree temperatures with sore feet and stinky clothes with these faithful kids.
Just arriving at the trail. Such clean white shirts!
We said goodbye to our own Eliza and sent her off with her Trek family
Our transportation. These things were big. And heavy.
Our sweet daughters
The men of our family
Our baby, William George. Who we all became strangely attached to!
The Owyhee Desert. So very, very hot this time of year!
Pa Colby
The beautiful Owhyee River. We thought we would be happy jumping into it until we did, and it was so icy that our muscles cramped.
How these kids had the energy to Square Dance at the end of the day is beyond me. Did I mention that they are incredible?
The fam
Not only did the kids become great friends with each other,
but they made a few other friends as well.
One of the more touching moments was when the kids realized that the little sack of flour they were given represented what the adults in the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies ate in an entire day toward the end of their trip. It was really unfathomable to us. The bracelets had the names of the pioneers who they were walking in honor of.
We ended the trip with a giant tug-of-war and you wouldn't know by looking at them, but most of these kids had blisters that would alarm any ER doc. Like I said, they are incredible.
2 comments:
How great that you could go with them! You'll have to tell me more about it.
Glad it was awesome-I know these feelings!! There really is nothing like it. I too will have to hear more! And have fun on your trip and we'll catch up when you return!
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