TREK 2009

As you all know we just returned from what the LDS people call "The Trek". Some of my non-LDS friends don't quite understand the concept or what it is all about. To be honest after attending it I still have a hard time putting it into words. I will post some pictures and share a little of my thoughts with you.
In the beginning I was scared to death and really wasn't sure I wanted to go. Eric and I were asked to participate in October. We began preparing, attending classes, and just trying to figure out what it really entailed. I had no idea how much time and preparation went into it. I think for me it was more the physical. Camping no biggie, and it would do me good to go without food. HEHE
Basically, we took teenagers 14-18 up in the middle of nowhere and had them reenact the life of the pioneers. We dress like pioneers, pull a handcart like pioneers and eat like pioneers. Depending on how many kids go they put you into families. Eric and I, or as the kids called us Ma and Pa Janda, had 10 kids that we had never met before or actually knew anything about.



You then live together as a family for the 4 days you are gone. Eat, sleep and work together. It was amazing to me how quickly we all bonded and worked together. We had no fights or big issues as some families did. We were lucky and really got the cream of the crop. Our boys also participated but were all put into different families.

DAY ONE: We walked and pulled a handcart 15 miles over rough terrain. We started around 10:30 and walked until 9:30. We started out with a good breakfast but then did not eat the rest of the day until 9:30 that night when it all ended. We then ate a cup of broth and a roll. We also had a time right after dark that just the women pulled the cart while the boys watched. It was very hard, but looking back I think it was tougher on the guys. This was to show how it was when the men went to war and the women had to do it alone.

DAY TWO: We started off at about 9:30, and went 5 miles. We arrived at base camp at 12:30. This was a fun day and the kids had a lot of workshops and different things to do. Make candles, candy, shoot black powder rifles, make butter, get our hair washed and other things. A great day after the day before. For breakfast we made cornmeal mush. Lunch consisted of an apple, roll, and a piece of jerky. For dinner we made an awesome chicken stew and made rolls in the dutch oven. You would think we ate like kings. Later that night we made ashcakes. This was dough that we stretched out like a tortilla and threw on the ashes. They were quite good to be honest.


DAY THREE: This was our sabbath. We had meetings, quiet time and just visited. Talk about a strong spirit. I have always said I feel closer to my Father in Heaven in the mountains/deserts and this was no exception. This is a day I can't put into words but one that I will not soon forget. To eat we had oatmeal for breakfast, roll, orange, and jerky for lunch and chili and scones for dinner. Can I tell you that was the best orange I have ever eaten.
DAY FOUR: Last day and time to head home. We were up early, packed and ready to head out. It did take some families longer than others which made some families quite antsy. We did make it back to the beginning after 5 more miles and just in time for the feast the stake had prepared. Hamburgers, hotdog, chips, PBJ's, cookies, licorice, salads, oranges, apples, nachos, and whatever anyone had said they craved along the trail.



WOW, what an experience. I learned I am stronger then I think. That I can step out of my confort zone and survive and most of all that I have the most amazing husband in the world.
I think the most amazing thing is that if you talk to any other Ma or Pa or any of the 200 teenagers that went we all had fears in the beginning. In the end anyone of us would say it was one of the best experiences we have ever had and we all learned something about ourselves, our families and our lives. Not one person had the same experience.
I want to say thanks to my niece Megan for coming down and staying with Courtney. I know it was tough on both of them. Courtney did survive and I think Megan got one full night sleep but a friendship was made that will not be soon forgotten. Thanks Meg you are AWESOME!!!
I have made a slideshow with a few more pics. I hope you enjoy.