Katy Stake Trek Spring Break 2016

Curtis and I were asked to be a ma and pa for Trek this year.  Our stake puts on a Trek every 4 years so each teen gets an opportunity to go once.  This year everything was set.  So much work had gone into the preparation for this event.  Then it started raining.  And Texas received record flooding.  The areas where we were supposed to hike were under 8 feet of water.  There was talk about cancelling.  Then it went down to 4 feet and then 2.  Our fearless leaders decided we should go ahead but change the route a bit.  

Preparing was a lot of work, even for us mas and pas.  We had to get our gear together.  We spent a lot of time worrying about shoes but in the end just wore tennis shoes and brought an extra pair and lots of socks.  This worked perfectly.  We were also supposed to hold activities and get to know our kids.  We had 13 of them, which is a little larger than ideal.  Our group was amazing.  Honestly the best kids ever.  We loved them all and just had a great time getting to know them.  They were kind to each other and patient.  No complaining at all and lots of singing and friendly roasting.  And yes we had a rice bag baby.  It was actually quite tiring holding that little baby.  We all took turns- wish I had thought to bring one of my old slings.  :)  Each baby was based on a real baby who traveled with the pioneers.  Some did not make it.  Ours had a miraculous story of dying but being revived.  

Another special moment was the women's pull.  The boys and men were called away during the most treacherous parts of the trail.  It was a silent pull so there was no talking.  Some of the girls from our family went back to help another wagon that was stuck.  There was a steep hill where only 3 of us were pulling (plus carrying the baby).  We almost went backwards but managed to hang on.  Curtis said it was very difficult to watch but not be able to help. 
One afternoon we had games and a square dance.  So fun!  There was a bull ride and archery and a hair washing station, taffy making and races.  We all had a great time.
The weather could not have been more perfect.  Not too hot or cold.  And no rain, except for a little right before we left.  Roughing it is a great reminder about how much we have to be grateful for.  It also gives us a small amount of empathy for the early saints of our faith.  We heard many powerful stories of faith and fortitude.  In a day when college students can often be found in footed pajamas and arrested development is pretty much a pandemic, I think fortitude is a trait we could all work on. 

















There was great music (including an awesome rendition of "Down to the River to Pray" and "Come Thou Fount") and we all enjoyed singing together. Jonah was in a different family but in our same company so we got to see him. He had a great time.  I honestly didn't hear any kid say anything other than they loved it.  No one complained about it being too hard either.  I think these young people enjoy being challenged.  They feel respected when they face a difficult task and rise to it.  I'm so thankful we went.  Curtis and I were definitely blessed to be a part of it.  I love my church.  There are so many inspired programs and activities that I get to participate in.  I wish everyone had access to this kind of network that we Mormons have.  

I'm grateful for faithful early latter day saints who were unwavering in their belief and constant in their obedience.  These are not traits that are admired today.  Words like sheeple and blind faith get thrown around whenever you talk about obedience or submission.  But they've missed the whole point of Christ's message.  He submitted to the will of the Father.  He said again and again that the servant is the greatest and the first would be last and vv.  He could've confounded those who put him on trial but remained quiet.  His humble birth and life was no coincidence.  He was always teaching us how to be.  Reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures:

Alma 37:6
"...behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise."

And a Tolkien quote that I LOVE: