Trek

Last week, JR and I were able to go on our stake's Pioneer Trek. We were able to pull handcarts and gain an understanding of what early church members experienced as they made their way to Utah to be able to find peace and a place to practice our religion.

Here's our ward ready to head out for Trek.


Our spirits were high. We knew hard work was involved, but I think we under estimated the toll the heat and constant need to be doing something would take on us. We all worked very hard and did our best.

After two days of pulling handcarts through the dust and sand we celebrated with a Hoe Down. My Friend, Claudine, is celebrating having a place to sit and shake out the dust.

My friend, Nicole, was in charge of teaching and calling the dance moves. Rock it, Nic!

Some of the youth from our ward having fun! :)

This is some of our Trek family enjoying dessert after the dance.

The Team Z trek family: 3 girls, 5 boys, Ma and Pa

Pa Z taking in a the beauty of the morning before we start out again.

Oh ,Zion! After 3 days of trekking in the desert we reach our destination. There was green grass, shade, running water, and a hair washing station. Paradise! JR with our friend, Scott.

Trek was a great learning experience. I learned that sometimes everything does go wrong, and worrying that it might doesn't stop it. I also learned that it's okay for things not to go as planned; there are still many wonderful experiences to be had. I also know with even more certainty that God is watching over all. He is aware of His children no matter where they are, be it at home, on the plains, or else where. I know I am His child and He loves me.

This is my favorite pioneer quote I have discovered from this Trek:
"I have a desire to leave a record of those scenes and events, thru which I have passed, that my children, down to my latest posterity may read what their ancestors were willing to suffer, and did suffer, patiently for the Gospel's sake. And I wish them to understand, too that what I now word is the history of hundreds of others, both men, women, and children, who have passed thru many like scenes for a similar cause, at the same time we did. I also desire them to know that it was in obedience to the commandments of the true and living God, and with the assurance of an eternal reward -an exaltation to eternal life in His kingdom- that we suffered these things. I hope, too, that it will inspire my posterity with fortitude to stand firm and faithful to the truth, and be willing to suffer, and sacrifice all things they may be required to pass thru for the kingdom of God's sake." -Elizabeth Horrocks Jackson Kingsford