I survived my first trek!!

WARNING!!! Do I even dare post pictures of this experience? Let me give you a little background before you think I am completely crazy. An important part of my church's (Mormon) history, is the westward journey of Latter-day Saints. In the state of Utah, there is an actual holiday dedicated to celebrating the early Mormon pioneers entry to the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. Just as we honor and learn from past leaders of this great nation, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrate and express gratitude to our ancestors who trekked many miles, and endured unthinkable hardships in their journey westward. The sole purpose of this westward movement was for the Saints to find a land where they could settle in peace, and worship how they wanted. A modern day Apostle, Dallin H. Oaks states, "It is not enough to study or reenact the accomplishments of our pioneers. We need to identify the great, eternal principles they applied to achieve all they achieved for our benefit and then apply those principles to the challenges of our day. In that way we honor their pioneering efforts, and we also reaffirm our heritage and strengthen its capacity to bless our own posterity and “those millions of our Heavenly Father’s children who have yet to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ." We are all pioneers in doing so."

So there you have it. Crazy? Maybe a little (I am referring to the dressing up part, and trekking in the DC heat and humidity)! However, such a neat opportunity, and one I would definitely do again. I was a "ma" for a family of 7 youth. I absolutely loved getting to know each and every one of them. I love their energy and excitement for life! Aside from pushing a handcart for miles, we participated in a hoedown, played in the lake, cooked tin-foil dinners, and challenged other families to beat us to the end. My family was a little competitive with the other groups...does that surprise you?? A little healthy competition never hurts anyone :) I am sure that is one of the characteristics we learn from the early pioneers. Meet my pioneer trek family:

Allison and I pre-trek. We actually look somewhat decent at this point.

Sleeping under the stars with other "ma's" on the trek. It was so beautiful there!

We are looking pretty rough at this point.

There you have it. I survived my first trek experience. I am grateful for modern conveniences provided to us today. I am grateful for the hot shower I took as soon as I walked in my door. I am grateful for deodorant, and make-up. I am grateful for access to antibiotics in the event I get Lyme disease. Yes I found a tick on my upper leg when I got home (I am feeling A-Ok). I am grateful for an experience that renewed my faith, strengthened my testimony, and inspired me to share more with others the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.