TREK 2017

When the Bishop called me to see if Jon and I were an option to be a Ma and Pa on the stake Trek coming up, I knew we just had to do it. Mainly because I knew the thought of all the youth going through that experience and me not with them would be so hard! I accepted on that call. Jon was on board, of course. We had to chuckle because this is something we've mocked a little in the past. If you think of it, the whole idea is a little crazy, and a little strange. It was not a "thing" during our youth, I think it started a couple of years after our time and I always thought I was glad to have dodged that bullet. So we found the humor in us going as a Ma and Pa.
There were many meetings and supplies needing to be gathered and paperwork from our assigned children. I had to put Jon in charge of all of it until Girls Camp was over and could switch Trek to the front burner. I got on board quickly! I sewed myself two skirts, we started breaking in our shoes,  (my Nike's were all ready to go) ordering wool socks, checking our camping gear etc. I borrowed a bag of Trek clothes from Abby and was able to lend out some pieces to gals in need. We had our "kids" over to decorate our Family Flag, check buckets and go over necessities on the camping list. I finally found us some great hats which relieved us both. Not too floppy, brims to cover our face, with straps. With so little items we were allowed to bring (only what would fit in a 10 gallon bucket~ yikes!) We sure did a lot of shopping and packing and fretting. I kept thinking it wouldn't be that big of deal- it's just walking! But then people from the ward would tell me stories of how hard it was. It started to freak me out! But I knew it would be so great. And it was extra neat to have Jon with me to experience. It really calmed me.
The day finally came. We got up before the sun and gathered all of our supplies and headed over to the church. There was such excitement in the stake as we all gathered with our families!

Ma and Pa Geertsen

The Geertsen family: Sadie, Aubrey, Zion, Thomas, Bryce and Justin.

The bus ride was long (five hours) but everyone did great. We stopped once and soon made it to the church museum where we could hear stories and watch video of the pioneers. From there we made it to camp and set up. No sooner had we set up our tents then a rain storm blew in. It was nice to stretch out on our beds and relax for a bit. That night we had a sloppy~joe dinner and then square dancing. It was so HOT~ like sweat pouring down our faces while we danced, hot. But so much fun! It really was! We were all excited to get trekking the next day!
We awoke bright and early and started on our way. I gave a big whoop as we started moving and everyone joined in. We were a very long line of pioneers!

 Waiting in line to start heading out.

This experience was truly amazing in every way. I loved hearing story after story of families, mothers, fathers, children and what they endured. I imagine it was hard to be a youth at that time, like I imagine it has been hard for many generations at their time, for various reasons. They were on my mind the whole time.  I asked myself, Would I have gone? Would I have risked my family's health and lives to ensure our future generations would have peace, freedom to worship and be among like-minded people? It helped me better understand their decision to move forward, even through the hardships.
It was so special to sit in the Willie Meadow and picture that cold, snowy morning when help arrived. And to hike up to Martins Cove and think of the sorrow that those experienced there. It was such a beautiful landscape with such a big sky. The sunsets were amazing. We sure slept hard each night! One night we were having cobbler and even ice cream everyone was excited for. I got all ready for bed and thought I'd just lay down for a bit until it was ready. The next thing I knew the sun was coming up. The weather was so beautiful. It was extra special to be with the youth and hear their thoughts and experience it all with them. I'm grateful for this experience, it helped me understand better the sacrifice that took place and my love and appreciation for this gospel has grown.
I couldn't believe it when the buses pulled up in the church parking lot~ we were home, Trek was over! It was all just so amazing.
We came home to this, wouldn't expect anything less:

Paisley, the doll...

I was asked to speak in church the following Sunday along with five youth and share our experiences. We were all to take around 5 min. or so. I don't think one of them took more than 30 seconds which left me around 35 minutes! I somehow filled the time, but I'm sure no one needs to hear me talk any more of it. So, I suppose that is all I have to say about that.