Trek 2009

I feel honoured and blessed to have been given an opportunity to go to the Youth Pioneer Trek. We dressed, walked, camped, sang, played and sometimes ate like the pioneers may have. I truly thought we had the best family. I couldn’t have chosen better. I know that the plans and preparation for Trek were inspired and done with a heart full of love and goodness for the youth and leaders. From the planning stages in the beginning to the last vehicle leaving the church and clean up still yet to be done I know that Heavenly Father is very happy with how this time went for the Youth in the Nanaimo Stake which now includes Duncan. Some of the youth were a little apprehensive about joining the activity because they didn’t know anyone and I feel sad for those who chose not to participate because it truly was a great pivotal moment in time for a lot of us that took part in the 4 days activities together. We have wonderful youth! Youth who are as courageous as the pioneers were. They choose the right each day as they go to school in amongst a large body of non members. They serve in their wards and branches and attend church meetings. They love and support their families. They take opportunities to use their talents and challenge themselves to learn more about them. They have faith in the Lord and continue to share their testimonies of the gospel verbally and by the good lives they live.

At the end of the trail we went to the train station and before we boarded the train we had an opportunity to hear from Pres Van Horne. He spoke to us and let us know at the end of Trek of his love for all of us there but most especially for the youth! He mentioned to us that his father in law who is not a member keeps llamas at the farm where we camped for 2 days was in town talking with someone when he mentioned there were about 60 youth camping at the farm. His friend asked aren’t you worried, you might go back there to find it all burned down? Pres Van Horne’s father in law assured his friend he was not worried. Such are the youth in our Stake! Pres Van Horne went on to tell us of 5 good things that come from Trek from his view.

It was
a time to strengthen our testimonies,
a time to gather together and meet with other Youth,
it was a challenge both physically and spiritually,
a time to be a part of a new family where possibly the youngest at home in their family now becomes the big brother or sister of a family,
and a time to remember our ancestors and the pioneers who laid a foundation for us.

One of the youth admonished us that we need to keep moving forward or die on the trail. The faith of the pioneers to keep moving forward was inspiring. We can take their example and apply this to our spiritual lives. We need to keep doing our part by attending church, reading the scriptures, praying and serving to keep spiritually going forward or spiritually die on the ‘path of life’. There were stories shared of the sacrifice the pioneers made to travel west and establish a home for themselves and for their families. Some perished trying and others suffered great losses but the one thing that they held firm to was their faith in the Lord knowing they were doing what was right. This motivation was the same for the youth and leaders who took part in the Trek experience. I am pretty sure there were some pioneers who really didn’t want to walk the long 3 month journey to the Salt Lake valley but they knew in their hearts that it was the right thing to do and exercising faith they went forward. It was the same for some of the youth and leaders of our stake’s Trek. As I looked around at the youth and leaders at the end of our journey together I saw tired but happy faces. Faces of our youth who have met new friends, strengthened their testimonies, learned new things about themselves of their abilities and possibly weaknesses, and a new appreciation for their families both the family they currently live with and their ancestors.

I learned a few things from Trek.

1. There are things I can do to be a better parent. It is how you ask and with the right attitude – simply will you…and for those who may not be so willing giving choices of this or that….our family was very cooperative and supportive. It takes time to get to know our youth and the time is well spent. As I took time to get to know each son or daughter I learned they were all great youth with a love of the gospel that they carry with them. I learned what they liked or didn’t like and a little of what their families were like. We are all a part of a family and each one may vary in size or style but families are all a part of our lives.

2. I learned to be a better wife. Again it is how you ask and when. I was reminded that we as a couple need time together to study and play. Fathers have a great responsibility to their families and Mothers have the ability to see the needs of the family. Together they can be a great team that through love and cooperation can have a strong family. We had one younger brother that would have pulled the hand cart until he fell over with fatigue but as I watched and paid attention to his body signs I informed Pa that he needed to have a rest knowing there was a long way to go. The son said I’m fine but still listened and obeyed Pa when asked him to switch out and have a rest from pulling the handcart.

3. I learned that truly is wisdom in getting up early. I love sleep and was pleasantly surprised that I could keep going and going and going with so little sleep. I did manage to catch up on it last night. But the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 88 states that going to bed early and arising early is a good thing. I will be working on this, as I have, for a very long time struggled with the ability to get up early.

4. I was reminded of the importance of attending all of our meetings and accepting assignments and invitations to serve whenever they are presented. The Lord will bless us as we serve in ways we would not have known unless we experience it and actually do it!

5. I was also reminded that we need other Saints in our lives. By spending time together serving or attending meetings we gain strength to move forward and we are thus better able to resist and recognize temptation when it comes our way. The other saints in the Nanaimo Stake are great people!

I would like to thank my family for their support and understanding. I love them and sometimes mess up but I Love the Lord and want to keep moving forward together!