Pioneer Trek-July 2013

Greg and I had the opportunity to help plan and participate in the pioneer trek this year for our church (LDS).  Every four years, people in our church plan and prepare to take the youth out into the wilderness so they can experience and come to know of the trials many early LDS church members faced in the 1800's.  It is so humbling for these teenagers to leave all electronics behind in order to sincerely come to know of our church's history. 

Greg was in charge of getting all the necessary equipment for the whole trek.  I had no idea how big of a job this would be for him and a few other committee members.  He was coordinating, picking up equipment, and packing everything in multiple trucks for weeks.  I was in charge of clothing.  I made sure that everyone knew what to wear and where to buy it/how to make it.  I'm so glad I was able to do that job.

Greg took two days off work in order to make this happen.  He drove a truck around with two water barrels in the back of it so people could stay hydrated.

The first day (Thursday 18th) the heat index reached 122 degrees!!!!!!!  I could not believe my ears when I heard that on the news as I sat in my air conditioned house.  I was only able to go on Friday night and Saturday morning.  I count my blessings that I was not there on Thursday.  I guess a couple of youth had to go home, some had to cool off in a hotel, and some even passed out!  The weather forecast indicated that the temperature was only supposed to be around 100 degrees with the heat index; well, it was off by 22 degrees.  If anyone would have known the seriousness of this heat wave then Trek would have been cancelled.  Amazingly, the youth made it through that day without any serious injuries. 

I made it up there late Friday night and it was very cool and perfect temperature! :)  I was so grateful.  I did miss the dance though.  Greg said he would dance with me if I made it in time, but I was too late.  (I'll take a rain check on that one). 

Saturday morning we had a yummy breakfast cooked in dutch ovens.  We then had a testimony meeting and then headed for home. 

Saturday morning breakfast.

This is what the youth had to sleep in.  I was extremely grateful for my tent!

We were so glad our friends, the Neville's were on Trek, too!

Greg taking a break.  Poor guy was so worn out.

Me & Somelea

Getting ready to head to the cars to go home and SHOWER!!!

Many of the youth had a great experience on Trek this year.  I'm glad that they could learn about our church's early members and what trials they endured.  This Trek made me think back when I did my Trek back in 2005.  It was such a wonderful experience in Wyoming.  I'm so grateful for all the sacrifices the pioneers made.