Parleys Trek 2012: Trek in 2 minutes...

Parleys Trek 2012: Trek in 2 minutes...: Here is a fun way to see what we did on trek in less than 2 minutes.  The following video is a series of 1,500 still photos combined togethe...

My Trek Experience - Denice Long (3rd Ward)

(Thank-you to Denice Long from the 3rd Ward for sharing this beautiful experience with us!) 

From the first time I ever heard of “A Trek,” I knew I wanted to go.  I have always loved the stories of the pioneers and found great inspiration in their sacrifices and their faith.  I was beyond excited when I was called to be in the Young Women’s program last August and I heard that this was the year for Trek.  I silently prayed that I would have the opportunity to go.  Unfortunately, I had just undergone complete knee replacement surgery.  The chances of me being ready less than a year later AND being asked to participate were pretty slim.  None the less, I kept the date in the back of my mind and pushed myself physically to get my knee ready so I could go if I was offered the opportunity.

Discouraged was a word I used often as I struggled to get my knee in shape.  Recovery was slow and teaching all day on my feet didn’t help.  When I was asked by Tim Hatch and Ruth Todd to be a part of the organizing committee, I knew this was my chance!  I had to prepare even harder.  I began walking more and charging up hills and pushing myself until I developed plantar fasciitis in my heel.  How could I walk when each step created a shooting pain in my heel and up my leg?  Maybe I wasn’t meant to go. 

Tim Hatch, in one of our trainings, asked us if we had had experiences that were trying to keep us from going.  I knew he was talking about me.  I didn’t lose hope.  When the committee asked me to be an Aunt, I knew I was meant to go and I was going to go, no matter what!!

I was anxious as the first day of trek arrived.  How would I be able to handle the constant pain?  Could I walk as far as I needed to each day?  The questions caused me great fear.  We only trekked about 3 miles the first day.  As I feared, each step sent stabbing pain into my heel and up my leg.  I limped to avoid the pain but that only created pain in other parts of my knee, leg, and hip.  How could I walk up to 10 miles in one day?

I started to feel a real sense of humility.  How did the pioneers do it day after day?  They must have felt pain each day.  There had to have been blisters and bad knees and plantar fasciitis.  I began to really relate to these people.  Maybe that was the lesson I was to learn.

As we trekked the next day to Martin’s Cove and crossed the Sweetwater River where one of my ancestors is buried, the spirit burned within me.  I knew that these pioneers had faith beyond what any of us could imagine.  I was touched over and over that day, but really felt the message I needed to hear by Sondra Bennion that evening.  She told us she was trekking for her grandson, who had passed away from cancer.  When he was struggling near the end of his life he prayed for strength, courage, and peace.  He didn’t pray to live or to have the pain taken away, just the strength and courage to deal with it in peace. 

The next day as we approached the woman’s pull, I was anxious that I would be able to help my “adopted” family make it up the hill.  I didn’t want to be a burden, but wanted to contribute to the success of our women.  I kept reciting the words, “strength, courage, peace,” and kept praying to play my part.  I experienced my own little miracle that day.  I felt NO pain.  There was no pain in my knee or my heel as I pushed the cart up that hill.  It startled me at first and then because it was so noticeable it made me begin to cry.  I knew that I couldn’t break down and cry right there so I thanked my Heavenly Father with great joy!  We pushed to the top and all I could feel was sweet rejoicing in my heart!  The pain returned as easily as it left, but it made no difference to me.  The Lord had answered my prayers and I couldn’t deny it! 

I understand what the pioneers who made it meant when they talked of the strength they received along the way.  Mine was such a simple thing, but it strengthened me and my testimony.  It was a hard ordeal for me, both physically and emotionally, but it was one of the most profound experiences of my life.  I will ever be grateful for our pioneer ancestors and their legacy and for my personal miracle near Martin’s Cove.

Over the next few weeks, we will be adding blog posts from some of the individuals who were an integral part of Parleys Trek 2012. We know that the thoughts and feelings that they are able to share will help those of us who were at "home", tap into the beauty of this incredible experience. Enjoy!

As you know, callings in our Church are often more fulfilling, than helpful to others. The calling to be a "Ma" on Parleys Trek 2012 was an extreme example of this.  I will admit the thought of walking around the high Wyoming desert in the summer heat, did not inspire thoughts of happiness. However, the opportunity to spend time with the youth of our Stake overcomes all qualms. It was so inspiring to watch youth, adults and leaders work, struggle, laugh, whine, exult and learn together. This Stake is full of the most incredible people I have ever known.

The adventure began as the leaders and youth gathered starting at 5:00 a.m. at our own Stake Center. 18 months of planning and hard work were about to pay off. The youth arrived and were immediately separated into "families" that they were supposed to bond with to share the experience. From these simple beginnings, the Trek family was born. It is fascinating how quickly the bonds start forming. As the week wore on this was one of the most rewarding parts of Trek. The love and connection formed allows teaching moments from Mas and Pas to "kids" and in my experience even more teaching comes from "kids" to Mas and Pas.

Your children taught me to work harder than I knew was possible. I was taught to fall to knees in gratitude to our Heavenly Father. I witnessed kids having patience, learning with simple faith, looking out for each other and helping without being asked. We are in very capable hands with the youth of this Stake. They are well on their way to being the leaders, missionaries, mothers, fathers, and faithful Saints of tomorrow.

Teri Lyn Baucom

Stake Relief Society

Parleys Trek 2012!!!

The recently completed Trek was fortunate to have four extrememly fine photographers along for the walk. Paul Bradley, Ben Haslam, Kami Hatch and Craig Jensen have willingly shared their talents with all of us. The photos that they took are spectacular and everyone should enjoy them - and share them! Click on the address below and go to:

parleystrek.blogspot.com 

to enjoy all 2000 photos. Just click on the words under each of the three photos to go to a different album. Enjoy!

Summer Continued...

If your ward was anything like ours, last Sunday's Fast and Testimony meeting was generously seasoned with testimonies from Pioneer Trek. What an amazing experience our youth had as they were able to experience the journey of the 19th century pioneers. Thank-you! Thank-you to the foresight of our Stake Presidency to take our youth to Martin's Cove and thank-you, thank-you to all of the leaders and adults who put time, effort and testimony into the planning so that the experience could be so powerful. If you want a little flavor of what they shared, check out their blog:

parleystrek.blogspot.com 

Other events coming up…If you've been out of the country for the last few months you may not be aware of the fact that our Stake has produced an entry for the 24th of July Parade!! Becky Richards and Brett Okland of the 3rd Ward have been spear-heading the efforts, with generous help from Martha Farney and other members of the Stake. The completed float will be on display Tuesday, July 10th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Stake Center parking lot. Come see what has been built and enjoy the "Scoopalicious" root beer float party with the rest of the neighborhood. (That way, you'll know which is "our" float coming down the street as you watch the parade!)

There will also be a "Parade Preview Party" at the South Towne Expo on July 16th and 17th. Each day all the floats for the parade will be on display from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is free, families are welcome and you can vote for your favorite float - OURS!!!