Trek Day Four

I never wanted Trek to end, but - sadly - it did. And it ended on a great note :)

After breakfast, we sat down for one of the last times as a stake. And the speakers, of course, were amazing and thought-provoking.

"What changes testimony to conversion is the doing." Service, loving others, putting your shoulder to the wheel - that's when things change. Fantastic, life-changing experiences don't happen to you unless you let them. Doing nothing and then getting hit by lightning just doesn't happen very often - and if it does, it's a sign to get moving ;)

"Just do it." Don't pass up opportunities to serve. God already knows what's going to happen in our lives, and we can always trust Him. So if He gives you a prompting, don't ignore it and regret it later. Just do it.

"Oh, how the world needs pioneers today." The world needs examples. The world needs people from this generation who will be remembered for something besides evil.

Many of us girls were already worried about the future: the women's pull. But when they called out for the guys to leave, the camp suddenly felt very empty, and I didn't feel cool with it - at all. I wanted my brothers back, my Pa, and all of the other awesome men I know. But they were gone, and it was time we ladies stepped up to the plate and climbed that hill - pulling a handcart.

I know the Spirit was with us in this. Earlier, I'd told the girls in my family that we had to go in singing - even if it got hard and we couldn't breathe. Sounds a little crazy, maybe stupid, but it helped us. It helped us a lot. Even when I felt like I was singing a solo. There's just something about music. It uplifts and gives the courage to keep going.

Seeing the men appear beside the trail was like seeing a band of angels. And the power of the priesthood was almost overwhelming. No wonder camp felt so empty. We were missing that. And that is a big deal.

When everyone was safely to the top, we had our reunion, and my brothers and Pa came to hug us, as well as a few leaders. :) The stake presidency then spoke for a while - specifically about 'Hosanna moments' - the times we'll all have eventually where we know why we're here and what it's all about. I had mine at Rocky Ridge. <3

After that, we took some pictures :)

And then our men pulled our carts back down the hill ;)

The end of Trek came far too quickly after that. We left camp, singing and heading towards home. Pulling the handcart for a few more priceless moments.

Our family by the trail :) I miss them so much already!

We knew we were close when everything started to turn greener. Soon, we were gathered before a 'water crossing.'

The crossing in itself was Heaven. :) Water! I tripped a little on the way over, but I didn't complain to getting a little more wet. We were all pretty tired of the dust of the trail - and brushing it out of our teeth at night ;)

And then, with only a few more yards to go, we were in Zion. And oh, how beautiful it was :)

Green grass, sprinklers, port-a-potties ;) We emptied our handcarts, hosed them off, and then were off to change and have lunch. PJ's felt real good :) Some of us played in the sprinklers for a while, just enjoying the time we had together and reflecting on the amazing experience. And getting on the buses home was definitely bitter-sweet.

Empty handcarts

Trek was an amazing experience! And I'll always be grateful for it :) When the seven hour ride home was over, and I was reunited with the real world, I realized one simple thing: nothing would ever be the same. And it still isn't. Trek changed everything in ways I can't explain. It humbled me a great deal, and reminded me that so many people have suffered and made sacrifices for what I have - what we have - right now. And we should never forget them. We wouldn't be where we are without them.

Long live pioneers. And long live Trek.

Bonnie Gwyn