Four years ago, I missed the deadline for those who were able to go on my stake Trek just by a couple of months. I was so upset. Heaven knows why but I imagine it was because two of my brothers and my parents were able to go and I was left out. It wasn't fair. Haha friends, I contemplated it many a time those days of Trek this year on why in the world I was sad I couldn't go with my family. I couldn't really find a reason other than I was a loony pants.
I tried so hard to get out of going. I tried the "there were no Asian pioneers back then so this is historically inaccurate", or the "I just don't feel like it", or even "I can't take off any more time off work." I'm glad my parents didn't listen to me...again.
So It Began.
The morning came of the day of Trek and I was ready to get the thing over with. Again, I wish I hadn't taken it so lightly. We got ready and headed to the church and checked in. More than anything I was nervous as to who would be in my "family" for the next few days.
Once we got to the actual site of where we would be left to trek, I started to get nervous for what we were about to accomplish. I hadn't really prepared mentally, physically, or spiritually. But I knew since I had made it there, God would provide a way.
We are family! Even though you're whiter than me!
Sheesh. They were quiet ones at first. And I thought I was going to go insane if I heard myself speaking the entire way. But eventually, the Boom Squad warmed up and we were on our way! We had a lot of laughs, sweated a TON, pulled and pushed our cart Clinton like there was no tomorrow, and even made a few bets. We had a grand 'ol time. The fam girls tent was definitely full of laughs at night with constant inside jokes.
Hoedown time! All photos courteousy of my awesome dad!
Silence.
We had this time called the "Silent Pull". It was about two miles of trekking with our carts were we were silent and contemplated the letters the stake had our parents write each of the youth-even the parents and leaders received one. We were also prompted to contemplate our ancestors and the reason why we were on Trek. Not going to lie, I thought it was completely ridiculous at first, but I'm glad that I'm not in charge of the plans God has for me.
I couldn't shake the feeling throughout the silent pull of peace that I had felt. I heavily contemplated the choices my ancestors had made that effected me today, as well as the choices I wanted to make to make my future posterity proud. I'm glad my perspective isn't always mine, and that even when I don't want to do what I feel like I should and still do, it always works out. The silent pull was definitely worth it.
Both in Unity.
Wowzers. I did not think that the Women's Pull would end up being my favorite part of Trek. I heard many a time of those who said it was their favorite and most difficult part.
Before the pull even started, about a mile before it was the part where the women would begin to pull, they asked the men to take the carts and the women walk beside so we could rest a bit before we had to pull.
Then it hit me. I'm crazy enough to get my mothers eye plumbing--meaning I cry. A lot. Something typically triggers it, and this time the thought of my brother bearing his testimony after his Trek four years ago and bearing his firm testimony of it. I clearly remember him talking about the women's pull and choking up at the thought that had anything were to happen if we were to live in the pioneer times, and my brothers and father were to leave, it would leave just my mom and I to trek across the plains and push and pull a cart ourselves--certainly not an easy task.
After we got to about a mile in after the men pushed and pulled, they had the men leave up the path we would soon take. (Signifying when the men left to serve in the Mormon Battalion or leave for missions, leaving their wives, daughters, and sisters to make the trek themselves.) It was difficult to watch the men go. Tears swelled up in my eyes, realizing that this was a difficult task that lay ahead of us. That we would, as sisters, have to face.
Sister Fowers talked to us about what the Women's Pull signified and why we were doing it. She said it would be hard. I started to get uneasy about it, and grew more and more nervous. But she did point out something I wasn't expecting. She talked of how the men leaving was like the Priesthood in our lives. It's difficult to imagine the influence of the Priesthood being non-exsistent in my life. I have a father, five brothers, and countless young men friends that are worthy of the Priesthood. It's an every aspect of my life and it terrified me to imagine my life without it.
As we prepared to make the trek up the hill, my mom was able to come on the same cart and push behind as I helped pull up front. We said a word of prayer before, and we were ready to-quite literally- climb this hill together.
Not too far in, I was at the end of my rope. I felt like I couldn't make it any longer and I somehow was making each step. I was trying my best to encourage the women in my family to keep going. But it hurt. Everything seemed to. But in that moment, a sweet lady in our stake came up and offered to help our cart. I thought I was going to cry more. God doesn't leave us in our times of need. He sends people precisely at the time He knows we need it.
I thought throughout the entire hill, how much Heavenly Father loves us to put us through things. How much he loved those pioneer women when they felt forsaken and alone. How much he loved those men who diligently left their families to do His will. How much he loved me. Something I forgot.
It was hard. Yes, physically it tested every muscle I could use. But it effected me more so spiritually. I couldn't shake the thought of not having that Priesthood power in my life. I wanted to keep going because I felt that empty feeling inside of me. The power of God given to man. Every step I don't even know how I took each one.
I ached. I ached for that emptiness I felt when I didn't have that Priesthood power. I truly saw how much man and women work together in God's eternal plan. It is and was clear to me and I cannot take it for granted. Man is no greater than women, nor women than man. It was not created that way, and it never will be that way. It's not part of God's plan. We are both created in unity and complement each other in His plan.
Grateful for Trekkie Lyfe.
I don't think I can even convey my deepest feelings about Trek. It was an experience that was trying on my entire being and spirit. But I know that even in those moments when those pioneers felt they were alone, they were NOT. I know in those moments when we feel alone, we are NOT.
One thing that connected very easily and simply from Trek for me, can be explained quite simply; Girls camp, EFY, and other church things can and will bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and brother Jesus Christ. However, Trek brings us closer to our ancestors, ourselves, future posterity, and even understand that everyone goes through their trials in a different way.
Trek was very worth it.
Also, a HUGE thank you to my aunt Jen who made all my Trek clothes! Skirts, aprons, and bonnets! She's truly talented and saved my life! Thanks aunt Jen!!
Also, a HUGE thank you to my aunt Jen who made all my Trek clothes! Skirts, aprons, and bonnets! She's truly talented and saved my life! Thanks aunt Jen!!
Trekkie Tips!
Now through the hot, hot sun and silent moments, I thought many a time tips I could offer to those who want to know about what to do/what to bring on Trek. So here I shall attempt.
No joke. I'm pretty sure spray bottles full of cold water saved my life. They had leaders actually assigned to going around and squirting youth in the face with water. Sounds ridiculous, but seriously is the greatest thing in the hot sun.
2. Baby Wipes are also life.
Oh gosh. Those things felt so flipping good after a hot, sweaty day. So good. Be sure to bring a big pack! I had a pack of about 100 and I went through at least half of it. Baby wipe baths become life after those few days of being smelly and sweaty.
3. Place what you need for the day in your bucket.
It depends on what your ward/stake allows, but we were able to bring a duffle bag (that was placed in the trailer) and a bucket. I suggest bringing what you need for the day, and put it in your bucket. Put it in a logical order in your bucket and it will make your life easier.
4. Wear sunscreen!
You will be in the sun. A lot. So suck it up and wear some sunscreen! I personally am not a fan of wearing sunscreen, but you will be burned if you don't wear it!
5. Bring sunglasses.
They will save your life! They keep most of the dust out of your eyes, shield your eyes from the sun, and are just fab.
6. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!
Often times, they would have to make the youth stop to drink. It's hot and you sweat off what you drink so it's important to hydrate so you don't get dehydrated and get sick.
7. Wear thick hiking socks.
The biggest issue of our trek was blisters. A lot of kids got blisters because they didn't want to wear thick hiking socks or didn't have their shoes broken in. I was lucky not to get any blisters, but I did wear some of my dads thick hiking socks and some broken in Saucony tennis shoes from gym class. It makes the world of difference.
8. Yoga pants are life savers.
Many women wear bloomers, but my awesome aunt Jen told me to wear the breathable yoga pants. Boy was she right! They turned out great, and my legs were completely covered between my yoga pants (from Old Navy) and my long hiking socks. I didn't worry as much about ticks that way, and my legs weren't hot.
9. You're going to feel gross, get over it.
Sorry friends, but being in the hot sun, walking in a dusty area, and no showering leads to you feeling gross. Yes you will want to complain constantly about it, but it just part of the Trekkie Lyfe. Keep as good of hygiene as you can, but you can only do so much.
10. Be happy. It's hard, but be happy.
Trek is hard. You'll want to complain, I did! But I found it much easier to have a positive attitude about it. You can be unhappy, not learn anything, and have a bad time, or you can be happy (even fake it!), learn something, and have a good time. The choice is yours. :)
Aren't they just the cutest? Here's to who I call "The Hoedown King and Queen".
I love my parents.
~Mostly Marissa~
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