Hughie looking out on the meadow.
It makes one pause to wonder why Hugh and I were asked to serve as a Ma and Pa on the trek. We were older and me heavier. We both felt we should go when asked. We had six months to prepare and during that preparation Hugh had a bad bout with his knee and I with my back, but we made it. We exercised, we walked. I also went to my chiropractor and allergist to be ready. We felt prepared, but in spite of our preparation we know God helped us. It's the only way we could have done it. We only did four days, nothing compared to what the Saints had to travel and endure. We were happy to serve and prayed we'd be able to do it and we did.
Hugh and I were both inspired by the youth. They had such good attitudes in participating in this event. No doubt they gained some understanding of the pioneer Saints and what they went through. I feel my life is so easy in comparison to the pioneers. I woke up that first morning after walking ten miles and prayed with such earnestness that I could endure yet another day. I did. I thought about my prayers at home. I'm certainly not earnest in my pleas like I should be in my everyday living and I have had plenty to be earnest about in gratitude and help. I think my prayers are better because of the trek experience.
I couldn't keep up with my family on the trail. I felt like I turned into some pioneer ornament on the trek. Surely they had the infirmed who lagged behind, but I just kept going just like I'm sure those of old did. I lost a toenail and have had a necessary week of recuperation. I've started exercising again and I notice that I'm stronger than when I left - physically and spiritually. The benefits have definitely been worth it. Maybe I need to go on another trek? I'm sure I have more to learn, but then I've learned my life is a trek. Here I go! Forging onward!
Hugh and I were both inspired by the youth. They had such good attitudes in participating in this event. No doubt they gained some understanding of the pioneer Saints and what they went through. I feel my life is so easy in comparison to the pioneers. I woke up that first morning after walking ten miles and prayed with such earnestness that I could endure yet another day. I did. I thought about my prayers at home. I'm certainly not earnest in my pleas like I should be in my everyday living and I have had plenty to be earnest about in gratitude and help. I think my prayers are better because of the trek experience.
I couldn't keep up with my family on the trail. I felt like I turned into some pioneer ornament on the trek. Surely they had the infirmed who lagged behind, but I just kept going just like I'm sure those of old did. I lost a toenail and have had a necessary week of recuperation. I've started exercising again and I notice that I'm stronger than when I left - physically and spiritually. The benefits have definitely been worth it. Maybe I need to go on another trek? I'm sure I have more to learn, but then I've learned my life is a trek. Here I go! Forging onward!
"They, the builders of the nation,
Blazing trails along the way;
Steppingstones for generations
Were their deeds of everyday.
Building new and firm foundations,
Pushing on the wild frontier,
Forging onward, ever onward,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!"
Hymn #36 - verse 1
Text: Ida R. Alldredge
Music: Alfred M. Durham
Trek makes a big impact on everyone who participates. Glad you were able to experience it!
ReplyDeleteI have loved reading all your post about your Trek. Ben and I were Ma and Pa on a trek a few years ago and we loved it! I always love the spirit that is in abundance when the Lord's youth are gathered in a common cause! Thanks again for posting about this--it has been inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your posts Martha, about the trek! It was fun to read them and see your photos!! Thanks for taking care of my "baby"! (-: She loved her trek family!!
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