Rancho Cucamonga Stake Trek

Tried, Tested , True. . .

Well, this past weekend David and I were Ma and Pa's at our Stake Trek. Trevor also went on the Trek. Well as I was laughing, talking, working, helping, very tired, and struggling at times it was great! One of the best experiences I have ever had. As we finished this Trek and were all back together at the end, our Stake President made a comment to remember to write about our feelings and thoughts about our experiences. As I sit here and think about what I felt and the emotions that came, it is truly hard to put into words how it went. There were times you felt tested, times you were happy to see the end of the day, excitement to see someone do something they didn't think they could do. Compassion for those struggling now and the realization of the struggles our Great Pioneers faced. Knowing there would be an end in three days made it easier. I can hardly believe that our pioneers went on day after day knowing that the end was not near. They sacrificed so much, all I gave up was a couples of days. Which I feel blessed to have given up. I meet some amazing Youth and Leaders that I didn't know. I struggled along side my husband which personally made me love him more. I truly didn't think that was possible. The days were long and hard, but when you witness small miracles daily and realize the presence of the Lord it will last a lifetime. I grew more on this Trek than I thought possible. I knew my Savior and I knew the gospel was true before I stepped foot on the dirt road we would travel for three days. I knew that the men were strong and the woman had courage before I watched my own Husband and son be taken away to join the Battalion. I knew that the presence of the Priesthood was powerful and felt blessed to have it in my life before it was taken from the women and we were without it. I knew that I would do what ever I am asked to serve those around me before I was asked to help those get their Hand Carts over and down that steep hill. I knew that I could make it to Zion if I had enough willpower to get there before I was asked to go 1/2 mile straight up to the top to get there. I knew that the women were strong and knew they could take care of things before that Trek of Sisters and Hand Carts went off on our own. I knew I trusted in my husband before He carried me across the River. I knew that the Young Men were Strong, Valiant and Courageous before I watched them carry Hand Carts across a ravine and across the water. I knew that the Young Women were brave, strong and could serve and helps others before I watched them go back and forth, up and down pushing and pulling those Hand Carts. I knew that the Lord granted strength to all who asked, before I watched Men and Women go up and down after making it the first time to help those who were behind that day. It is truly hard to put into words what I gained on this Trek. But I am Thankful to have had the experience and Thankful for those miracles that I witnessed and that gave me a appreciation for those that truly Treked 2000 miles to Zion to bring the gospel. I think that if you are unhappy with life's situation then you should think about what you truly have and what you would have to give up. Decisions we make now will effect the future. I have sadly watched to many women walk away from a temple marriage and leave children without a whole family. I have watched Friends I love and care about try to put a Marriage back together and can't control the outcome. I have watched the sadness in their eyes when they face that it is over. We have to be strong, we have to put our children first and our families first. We have to look within ourselves and wonder what things we could do different to make our homes what we want. We all have struggles, ours are different then those of the pioneers, but one thing is the same. The adversary wants to destroy the family and if he can destroy a temple family he's even happier. We may not have to fight the cold, and the elements to get our family to Zion. But we have to fight the World and their definition of the family and What and Who Women are, And what a Good Man is. We will all have trails and things that will change us. But its up to us to decide what that change is. I know without a doubt that the Gospel is true and that Joseph Smith died knowing and believing in it. I know that My Savior lives and loves me and died for me. I know its up to me to show it in how I Live and Love my family and Live and Serve in his Church.