When President Hafen called Robb and I to be Ma and Pa a few months ago, we had no idea what we were getting into. They didnt have Trek where we grew up so we really had no clue what it was. We read and re-read and re-re-read the handbook. I walked. I read every entry of the Martin handcart journal. I walked. I researched my pioneer heritage. I walked. Robb and I prayed and talked about what an impact we were going to have on these kids lives. We heard other Ma's and Pa's saying that they're trek kids still call them Ma and Pa when they see them in the store and they have remained close to this day. Quite a scary thought that these kids will be looking up to us. I feel like we're still kids ourselves. Oh, and I walked.
We had pre-Trek trainings. We were taught words like "processing" and "family hugs". All things that Robb absolutely loves to do. After months of preparation, we actually thought we were pretty ready for this.
Bring it!!
Oh, how the Lord has a sense of humor.
Oh, how the Lord has a sense of humor.
(The pictures are all scattered, sorry)
Day 1. Before the kids arrived. Robb and I pulled our handcart into place.
Day 1. Before the kids arrived. Robb and I pulled our handcart into place.
This is Jasmines Ma and Pa. They were a perfect fit for Jazz.
Jazz's Ma and Pa doing their skit. The Mas and Pas each made a skit to call out their family members. Robb and I also used it to make fun of our kids. (We figured that they might as well learn right off that thats was how things were going to be because that's how our family works.) There is Jazz on the end, totally humilitated.
I think this is day 3 or four. Not sure, but our kids dont look to well. So this, is a good as time as any to talk about how really difficult this was. For 2 reasons: 1: physically, this was the toughest thing I've done in my life. I am not athletic and I've really never had any reason or desire to be pushed physically. The heat was excruciating. Robb and I both carried spray bottles and would continuously douse the kids. We got tons of thank you and I love yous as we did this. Also, when you thought you just couldnt take the heat anymore, there would be a cool breeze rip through the valley. There were many small miracles that occurred that helped us make it to the end.
But, the hardest part for me, was, we were not supposed to help the kids. Our theme this year was "We Can Make it Together", and the stake wanted the kids to learn that there are going to be difficult times in their lives but if they have something to look back and reflect on when they were able to accomplish something hard, then maybe they will realize that they can get through it. Robb had to tear me off the back of the handcart a couple of times and one time I just broke down watching the kids struggling.
But, the hardest part for me, was, we were not supposed to help the kids. Our theme this year was "We Can Make it Together", and the stake wanted the kids to learn that there are going to be difficult times in their lives but if they have something to look back and reflect on when they were able to accomplish something hard, then maybe they will realize that they can get through it. Robb had to tear me off the back of the handcart a couple of times and one time I just broke down watching the kids struggling.
This is Jazz and her sister, Victoria hugging on the ice blocks. Jazz had trouble coming out of the gate. Before we even starting walking, she went down. She turned pure white and was shaking. She ended up getting an IV later that day, as did 16 other people, including Robb. She is a trooper, though. She never quit. At one point, on the second day, we were climbing a pretty tough hill. We were one of the last to finish that day and some of the other kids who had already arrived were coming back to help the other families that were still pulling. Mostly, it was the big brawny boys, but as we were struggling up the hill, I look up and there is Jasmine coming to help. My heart swelled with pride and tears welled in my eyes. I was so proud to be her "real" ma during Trek. We've raised an amazing daughter.
I sure love this man.
This was another one of my favorite parts. It was this gorgeous gorge. It was very rocky and the kids worked together great. It was also the only part that was shaded. We walked in 100+ weather everyday. Always going at least 8 or 9 miles a day.
This is our family on the first day. We lost one girl within a couple of hours on the first day. We talked and talked and talked to her about trying to finish but she just couldnt do it. And then the next day, we lost another girl. We knew up front that she would be leaving, though.
This was another of my favorite parts. At one of the stops on the second day, which was my hardest day, there was a huge cooler filled with pickles. As you can see, 100 kids had reached in with their dirty hands and I believe that is a fly floating in the water, but those were the best tasting pickles we'd ever had.
Jazz enjoying some sparse shade.
Me looking very sexy in my bonnet.
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Our girls. We went from 5 to 3 girls and let me tell you, these girls were awesome; tough as nails. They worked harder than the boys, and they looked good doing it. They also did not complain.
Our boys. . . Robb and I would lay and laugh at the night time conversations these silly boys would have as we were trying to wind down from the hard days work and sleep on the rocky ground with no pillows. At one point, Robb said, "I don't think we ever talked like that when I was that age." Then after contemplating a few seconds, he said, "Yes we did."
Robb has a way of making even the most horrible times fun. Did I mention how much I love this man?
At one point, we stopped and played pioneer games. It was a good release for the kids.
Jazz helping the other families up the hill. This was the most emotional part for me. Not only was my amazing daughter coming back to help, but the other families that had already made it were on the top cheering and singing hymns. I was sobbing by the time we made it to the top.
As I said before, this was the toughest thing I'd ever done. I had probably 12 blisters and an infected big toe, but it was nothing compared to those pioneers who came across years and years ago. They fought the cold, most walking barefoot, leaving a bloody trail in the snow. My love and admiration for those strong men, women and kids is more than I can even put into words.
Another picture of Jazz and her family.
This is called "Angel Hill". They had all the kids sit up on a hill about a mile away. They then talked about how sometimes the men in the family had to go away to wars or died on the journey and they then sent the boys away. All of us girls sat there looking at this steep, steep hill wondering how in heavens we would be able to accomplish this without the men. Some of the girls were crying because they didnt know if they were going to do it. As we started pulling our handcarts, the boys started coming down the hill to help. It was such a relief. I think it was a good thinking experience for the girls, though.
My girls and I after accomplishing Angel Hill.
All the Ma's and Pa's on the first day.
Robb and I doing our call out skit.
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I am so thankful for the opportunity Robb and I had to experience Trek. We do have a bond with these kids. At the reunion breakfast, our family were the only ones who sat together. I am excited to see these amazing kids grow. I know they will accomplish great things. It also brought Robb and I closer as a couple. We did have our struggles during the trek, but that's what makes a family stronger. Overcoming your obstacles. And We Made it Together!
