We have been called to be a Ma and Pa for our stake's upcoming pioneer trek. I have vague memories of when I went on trek when I was 16 years old. Beef broth and a roll for dinner, the women's pull, cooking a turkey over the campfire, and just memories of it being very hard! My sister claims that when she went on trek they had to chase, kill, and pluck their turkeys! Well, times have changed and from what I hear - this trek will be relatively tolerable - especially when it comes to food (sack lunches on a pioneer trek? Whoever heard of such a thing?). But don't get me wrong - I did not sign up for this hoping it would be easy or that we would be well-fed. I know it will be a growing experience mentally, emotionally and spiritually for me and for Wes - and for us as husband and wife. But to be honest I am a little nervous. I need help!
First, I would like to prepare by reading about the Willie and Martin handcart companies. Does anyone have any good recommendations? Or any other reading material about experiences on the trail to Zion? I know there are stories from my own ancestors. Mom? Help?
Second, I need ideas. I am not positive yet what my responsibilities will be as a Ma but I am pretty sure it will involve family home evenings and skits (trying to keep a good attitude about that one) and other activities to help make the trek meaningful to the youth. So all you youth leaders out there - lend a hand! I have never served in mutual and I can't just depend on Weston's scout camp experiences .
Email me if it would be easier.
Much appreciated!!
painting by Cloy Kent
9 comments:
Wow! Intimidating!!! Sorry I don't have any good tips for you.
Do you get to wear Nikes?
Although we helped prep for a Trek in our Colorado ward, I gave birth to Lucas instead of going (whew). This blog: http://beginningsnew.blogspot.com/
is covering her experience getting ready for Trek. I like the tone of the blog, generally: it focuses on the real meat of Young Women's instead of the fluff, so it may work for you.
Good luck. Glad it's you and not me :)
The Gathering of Zion by Wallace Stegner is very good. He's not a Mormon, but seems pretty interested in them.
I honestly think that sounds like fun! I have never been on a trek, but have always wanted to. They asked Spencer and I to be parents on the trek, but we said no because I had no interest in giving birth on the trail. Anyway, I think you will be great!
We've been called as a Ma & Pa in our stake! Share all the info. you get!! :) You are welcome to follow our stake trek facebook page as it develops: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=62554696030&h=Mjd9o&u=SN9DJ
Also, have you checked out mytrek.org?
This is also a cool website:
http://www.musicforthetrail.com/
Easy, fun, powerful story--Fire of the Covenant by Gerald Lund, about the handcart companies. That's where I would start.
For sure read Fire of the Covenant. VERY powerful and insightful. I read it before we went to Martin's Cove for a family reunion. I felt like I got so much more out of being there having some sort of background and knowing the stories about that area. I have it if you want to borrow it. Good luck!
Good memories. Can you believe you are old enough to be a ma? You guys will be great!
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