This year 3 of our kids were able to participate in a life changing experience. July 22-July 26, JJ, Jenica, and Korbin all dressed up like pioneers to trek across the plains at Martins Cove. Being able to go through a little percentage of what the pioneers did made them all more appreciative of what they have and what others, like the pioneers, did for them. They all left early Tuesday morning to ride the buses up to Martins Cove, Wyoming. The first day wasn't too bad they just rode the buses all day, and only had to push the handcarts for 3.5 miles to reach their camp site. On Wednesday, they woke up and went through the usual morning ritual preparing themselves for a very spiritual day. The first stop on the trail was the Sweetwater Crossing. Here President Henry told the story of the 4 heroes: 4 18 year old young men sacrificed their lives to save and carry many of the pioneers across the river. It was dead winter on this day and there where chunks of ice floating all around them but they still did it. Jenica was able to be carried across by President Henry and feel just a little of what it felt like, it truly was an amazing experience for the both of them. After the crossing they continued to trek up to Martin's Cove and were able to walk on hollowed ground and see where the pioneers had to hide out, keeping themselves as warm as they could with the harsh conditions they were under, waiting for the rescue to come and find them. They heard stories of pioneers losing their lives and loved ones because they froze to death, and even hearing the wolves tearing at the dead bodies was very unbearable. Some of the pioneers even gave up clothing so they could use it to wrap their loved ones bodies high it the trees so the hungry wolves wouldn't be able to touch them. Thursday was Pioneer Day back in Utah. This was very cool for the kids to be going through what they did, on a day where we honor the very men and women who crossed the plains also. Waking up knowing they had to trek 13.5 miles, they knew they were in for it. Not only was this one of the long days, it was one of the most difficult. Thursday was the day the experienced the women's pull. When they reached the biggest hill on the trek they were all hoping that wouldn't be it. But sure enough it was the hill...Korbin had to leave all the girls behind and walk up the hill with all the young men. When they were at the top, the men learned about the importance of women in our church and how they should be respected because without them the priesthood and the gospel couldn't be whole. While the boys where waiting for the girls at the top, they had their own devotional at the bottom. Sister Anderson told the story behind the song
As Sisters In Zion They then continued on with singing the song, which brought the spirit in so strong and tears to each young women's eyes. Then finally the young women used all their might to get up the hill with the young men standing right next to them on the trail, hats off in honor, watching them suffer and go through something so strenuous it was unbearable to see the looks on each girls face. After the pull, JJ had found out that Jenica and Korbin were both very dehydrated. This is a time when the three kids had to pull together and be there and show love for one another when it was most needed. Friday was the finally day. The went 15.25 miles mostly uphill on Rocky Ridge, another difficult task but well worth it. It was filled with huge sharp rocks that they had to pull the handcarts over and at the same time keep themselves balanced so they wouldn't fall and get hurt. Several families had to bury their babies along the trial that day. Again, many pioneers lost their lives when they treked this in the snow, without shoes, stubbing their feet on all of the rocks until they were cut, bruised and bleeding. After when they were finally almost to the last campsite They were given a bag a flower and told that was all they were going to get for dinner that night, supplies were low and that is all they had. But when they got there, the "rescue team" was there waiting. Our stake gave the parents of our youth an opportunity to meet the trekers at Rock Creek Hollow and participate in being the Rescue Team for our trek. The parents met the youth at the opening of the camp site cheering for them as they came through. They brought them their meat they were in need of (a huge barbecue feast) That night the parents were able to participate in stories, laughing, games, and the fireside to wrap up the trek. It was really awesome be there for our kids supporting them and being there for them especially after everything we had gone through that week. Especially seeing how four days could impact their lives and make their testimony grow so strong.
Greg and Shelly Wootton; These two people have touched our lives for last nine years, we have been privileged to watch there daughters since then. They were called to be a Ma and Pa on the trek. Even though they were not our children's Ma and Pa they touched their lives extremely with there awesome examples, by the way they live their life. They were there everytime our kids needed them for this we are for ever grateful. We love you Greg and Shelly
