Pioneer Trek

In the last two posts you were probably thinking, "Wow, Levi's growing a beard, that's uncharacteristic of him." and you're right! It was all for our trek. 

I know that not everyone who reads this blog knows what 'trek' is. Every four years or so the youth in our church spend about 3 days pushing hand carts to commemorate and appreciate the sacrifices of early Mormon pioneers when they traveled from Illinois to Utah in the 1800's. Generally, its purpose is to build faith in Jesus Christ by learning about the faith these pioneers had when faced with trials and difficulty. They had to rely on the Lord to help them make the journey.

We went to Hume, VA and stayed at the 5-Star Marriott Ranch. Which leads me to one very important point: Sleeping on 5-Star pasture is equally uncomfortable as sleeping in your back yard.

Emily and I were Ma and Pa, respectively and were given a family:

 

Our family "mano carro t" (learn some Spanish) first had to learn to pack the cart:

 

 Tie down the cart:

 

And yes, even push the cart:

 They pushed up mountains:

 Across prairies:

and through streams:

 The kids would agree that Pa always had an 'encouraging' word. (My favorite encouraging phrase was: "If you want some water, then get it yourself") Fortunately, they caught on to my joking and occasional sarcasm.

 While Ma carried the worry of the family.

Our pioneer neighbors even lent us some stakes for our shelter:

(they also happened to be our real neighbor)

The first day and night were HOT. I know 90 degrees (I didn't really have a thermometer) doesn't sound hot, but it was muggy and sweaty and hot. We also took away their deodorant and other smell-good products. We just don't understand what Air Conditioning does for us.

 

The second day we learned a few things about packing a cart. We were all pretty impressed and so were the other families.

 Yes, we had the perfectly balanced cart. Put that didn't prevent tragedy:

I didn't quite understand their joke because one of two things would have to happen 1) they take a picture right before he is ran over (not likely) or 2) the backed up over him to take the picture. The last picture is indicative of our trek though; our family had fun and they never (and I mean NEVER) complained. There was always a chore to be done and they would simply say, 'okay' and get right to it.

Well you're probably wondering if the girls ever got a chance to pull the handcart

 

 They did...

 We laughed, we worked, we sweated, but mostly we just walked.

 Until we finally made it. 

(Sorry no picture of Zion, it was a poster taped to a fence)

But after cooking,

 

Setting up our sleeping quarters:

  

And bathing

 (We actually didn't bathe, it was just really funny that 'daughter A' accidentally fell into the water onto her back)

 We then played some pioneer games

I would have to say that my favorite moment was when we all ate dutch oven peach cobbler and visited. I am amazed at the capacity of our 'family' members to live the standards of the church when they are one of only a few Mormons in their school. Some are the only Mormon in their school and they handle that responsibility to well. It was also humbling to realize that most families that crossed the plains didn't have 9 strong, healthy children to push the cart. We all agreed that we got the easy version of a handcart trek.

 

After 2 1/2 days of pioneering, we said "good bye" to our adopted family and headed home.