JUNE 2016
Our stake thought it would be a great idea for the youth to participate in a mock pioneer trek in a valley near Provo, Utah. There would be no amenities, muscles would be used, and memories would be made. It was sounding like a good experience for the youth, something that would build character. The only problem was that these kids needed "Ma's and Pa's" to guide them on their journey and Jason and I were asked to participate. Not exactly my idea of a fun weekend but we decided to go for it. It was a smidge hot, the walking could get tedious, and there were no fountain drinks with caffeine- but we survived! We had a great group of kids and the lessons learned along the way were invaluable. I can't say that I would do it again, maybe I would consider, but I am happy that I got to experience the trek at least once. I think Jace enjoyed for the most part as well. I think my favorite part would have to be the river crossing. I loved seeing the young men step up and carry the young women across the water. Most frustrating part- the womens pull. We totally could have pulled the wagon on our own, except they had us do it on a hill with about five extra inches of sand. The handcart wheel sank into it and spit it out, constantly kicking up dirt into the air. I know they wanted to make it harder to prove a point and I suppose it made surviving the half mile a greater accomplishment for us, but it was torture for a few minutes!Overall, it was a great experience for all that participated and I'm happy that we could be a part of it.
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| Jason, me, and our "kids" for the trek |
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| Jace and his french braid |
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| Jace and Erick |
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| Brooke braided my hair |
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| Jace pulling the cart with his pioneer family |
