I've never done Trek before. The last time our Stake did it was 9 years ago in 2015 when I had four very little kids. But this time, my kids are older and Lacey and I both decided to go. Lacey went as part of a family and I went as Medical Help.
Pioneer girls
Lacey and her friend Josie
My beautiful girl
We divided into six families. Each family had a "Ma", a "Pa" and several children ages 13-17. Each family had a handcart.
Lacey was assigned to this family with Ma and Pa Lukowski and quickly got to work packing their handcart with supplies and provisions for the three day trek.
Almost ready to go.
Pre-trek communication
And they're off!
We finally made it to our lunch spot.
Pulling a handcart is exhausting!
For some must push and some must pull....
Time to get wet and push through a creek!
This was a really neat experience. I stayed very busy treating people for blisters, bee stings, twisted ankles, charlie horses, heat exhaustion, stomach aches, mottled skin from walking in wet socks/shoes, etc. One of the neatest, most memorable experiences was the "Women's Pull."
The Women's Pull is designed to test the strength of women working together. Before the pull, we divided by gender. The women had a devotional speaking of things unique to us and how we need each other to make it through this life. And also how strong we can be when we work together and help and support each other. Then, we went to our six carts, loaded with supplies, each cart so heavy and started to push and pull them up a very steep, muddy (it had just rained) hill. It was by far the hardest stretch of the entire three day trek. But we were assigned to do it on our own without any help from the men. They stood by in silence as we toiled. There were tears and grunts and words of encouragement. Nobody wanted to give up. Everyone wanted to make it to the top. And when people did make it to the top, those that were able came back and helped those that needed it. It reminded me of childbirth. There are some really hard things that we as women are called to do without the help of men. And when we do them, it feels good to know that we can do hard things. And help others do those hard things too.
And yes, we women got ALL SIX handcarts, filled to the brim with supplies, up to the very top of that hill!
8/28/24: I just got a hold of some other pics that were taken on Trek, so I'm adding them here:
Setting out on Day 1 (Lacey in the blue and white on the right).
The Women's Pull
Me helping to push up hill in the mud - it was hard work!
You can see the strain on my face.
Women headed back to help others.
We got this!
The men watching the women's pull.
Lacey on the left.
Going through the stream.
Me trying to make my way across without getting too wet.
Lacey on the right making her way across with the handcart.
The sunset after Day 1
Pioneer games
Lacey Lu on Day 2
Day 3 - We made it!
