I survived...

What an awesome week this was. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to go on Pioneer Trek with the youth of our ward this week. Although words do not adequately express just how very thankful I am to be home to my own bed, my husband and most importanly a warm shower....it was an incredible and humbling experience. I really loved it! We were able to go to Wyoming and trek actual sacred historical sites along the Mormon Trail. We trekked through Martins Cove, Sixth Crossing and finished the week at Rock Creek.

Each of us were asked to walk in honor of an ancestor or pioneer. I chose to walk in honor of my great-great-great grandmother, Ann_Jewell_Rowley who was baptized with her husband in England and after being widowed came across the plains to make it to Utah with her 7 children as part of the Willie Handcart Company. I have learned so much about her journey and struggles and have gained such an appreciation for her life and legacy. Despite the struggles of the Willie handcart company, she and her 7 children all made it to SLC alive. She did have a step-daughter who passed away along the trail. She was an incredible woman with tremendous faith and determination and I was proud to walk in her honor.

What a great experience this week was for me....the entire week was amazing and our youth were awesome!

We *smiled* and really did have a lot of fun...

We laughed as we brushed up on our square-dancing skills!

We learned a LOT and I was very humbled on many occasions...

We {walked} until our feet hurt and we were exhausted...then we walked some more...

We made ash cakes with our 4 ounce ration of flour...

...and despite the smiles, we were {grateful} they weren't all we had to eat!

We witnessed amazing sunsets...

...and even had a full moon to light our camp!



We camped in Rock Creek Hollow on the final night and I was able to visit and pay respects to my great-great-great-great grandpa, William James, who died on Rocky Ridge and was buried along with 12 others who died the same night. His death left his wife Jane as a widow to fend for herself along with their 7 children. They faced many hardships and many suffered through all their years, but they all made it to Salt Lake. I am so grateful for my heritage and for the many things that I learned this week.

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Now...

I am off to soak my piggies! I think I've earned a pedi!