Wilson, party of 6

I debated posting about Trek because it was such a personal experience for me but since I have long given up on traditional journaling I figured I had better record my memories somewhere while they are still rather fresh. Most of this will probably be pretty boring, but I still get chills when I reminisce.

Ok, I'll start back in January when I went in for a weekly meeting with Bishop. My friend Haylee had asked me to mention to Bishop that she and her husband would like to be Ma and Pa's for Trek this year. So, I told him. He was grateful to have volunteers, as they don't often have people who are willing to go. As I was leaving he asked, "Would you and Chad like to go?"
Keep in mind that this was 3 months after my surgery and I was still in a lot of pain.
"Uh, sure I guess."
"Ok I will let the Stake know."
A few weeks later we received a call from the Stake President asking if we would serve as Ma and Pa's. We both really really wanted to but we were incredibly worried that I would not be able to make the long Trek without seriously hurting my back. The Stake Pres. told Chad how they pray and fast about the names that are submitted and then issue the calls. I felt a peace rush over me as I realized that Heavenly Father is the one who issues the calls and He knew the state I would be in when it was time for Trek. I told Chad that I felt like it was the Lord's way of telling me that I would be ok by June and I already knew that the Lord does not give us assignments without providing a way for us to accomplish them. So we accepted the call and went to our first meeting the next day. I had goose bumps the whole meeting. I was so excited and could hardly wait for June to come.
Over the next six months, we made a lot of preparations, got babysitting all squared away, went on a few hikes to physically prepare, and studied our ancestors. When Trek time finally arrived we were anxious and ready. We were given an assignment to find someone to walk in honor of. Chad chose his Great, Great, Great Grandfather,George Deliverance Wilson a I chose my Great, Great, Great, (Great?) Grandfather Isaac Morley.
The night before we left we were told that one of the boys they had put in our family REALLY did not want to go but his mother had given up her Christmas with him and promised him that if he went on Trek he could go spend Christmas with his Dad in Seattle. They stressed his great desire NoT to go on Trek and asked us if we would try especially hard to make his experience a good one. We agreed, but inside I was thinking Great, just what we need. A stubborn teenager who is going to whine and complain the whole time.
The next morning at 5 am we met at the Stake Center. There they called out the names of each family member, then we grabbed a sack breakfast and boarded the buses bound for Wyoming.

We were blessed with 7 children. (From left to right) Luke, Marcos, Breann,Dakota, McKenzie, Ashley, and Micah. Right off the bat I knew who it was that we had been warned about. He was not angry, or rude, or any of the other things I had expected him to be. Actually, he was incredibly kind and had a sparkle in his eye, but it was obvious that he would rather slam his thumb with a hammer than be on that bus. On the very long, long drive to Wyoming we had much time to get to know one another. We played a few get to know you games, but what really got the ball rolling was a deck of forbidden cards. Had Brother and Sister Ross, our Trek Headmasters been on the bus those cards would have been immediately confiscated. Thank Heavens they were not on the bus!
When we finally arrived we packed our carts and headed over for orientation. We watched a movie and talked about the dear Pioneers. The Spirit was strong, but so was the heat in that building. I was quite anxious to get back outside where there was a slight breeze.

Sister Johnson and President Hyre holding the twins while we square danced.
We returned to our carts and were then issued babies. We were blessed with twins, which I was later told were chosen especially for us. These were no thrift store dolls. A sister in our ward was given the assignment of preparing the baby dolls for us, an assignment that she took very seriously. She made each baby a beautiful patchwork quilt, bonnet, booties, and clothing. These dolls were adorable and the girls took to them very quickly. They were named Daniel and Isaac. That day, we made a very short 3 mile trek into camp. We set up camp and the wind picked up... A LOT! We sat down to eat dinner and the wind began to blow the tents around. The cover on my tent began to come loose and I was afraid it would come completely off so I stood up to go reattach it. As I stood up, all the food on my plate blew off and probably ended up 3 miles downwind. I went back in line but saw that they were running out of food. Dang! That rice crispy really looked good!
We then headed over to square dance. What a blast!
After we danced in a square for a while we headed back to camp and since the wind had died down we built a little fire. We talked and shared stories and soon headed to bed. The winds came for another visit. Chad went to go help someone with a tent and I was in our tent waiting for him. I will never really know what happened at this time but as the lights caused shadows to appear in our tent I saw 4 wagon wheels move along the side of our tent. Like I said, I will never really know what happened to cause this. It could have been anything causing the appearance but I feel in my heart of hearts that I saw something miraculous. I felt chills and I had a strong understanding of the fact that the Pioneers really walked and stood in the exact spot where I was. The winds that were making me crazy that night were so minute compared to the extreme difficulties that the Pioneers faced. The wind was horrendous. I began to say a prayer to ask that the winds would cease, but mid prayer I realized that I had been given an opportunity to have a glimpse into the life of a pioneer, wind and all, and I had better embrace it.
That night many tents collapsed and there was not much sleep to be had by anyone.
Early the next morning we woke,packed up camp, ate breakfast and started on our journey. We headed for Martin's cove. There we were privileged to see the area that the Willie and Martin companies camped during the horrendous winter. We heard from a man who told the story of an amazing pioneer, then we heard from his wife. The Spirit was indescribable as they shared the experiences that these two people really had, in the name of obedience. We sat there silently and Brother Ross asked us all to close our eyes and bow our heads and try to imaging the saints as they pulled their carts up that mountain over snow and rocks. I opened my eye slightly to itch it and saw a little white tag on Chad's arm. They had killed him. I knew they would because I really really did not want them to. Immediately my eyes filled with tears. They told us to open our eyes and those with tags represented the 1/3 of the saints who died in that camp. I looked over and saw that not only had my beloved husband been killed but my daughter as well. Now I knew full well that they were not really going to kill our family members, but my heart was full of sorrow for those who really did have to endure such great heartache. Those with white tags were to walk silently ahead as we trekked up to the burial site where those fallen saints were buried. I will never forget the Spirit that was present a that site. It was one unlike anything else I have ever felt. We walked down to the burial site while our tagged family stood along the path, silent and humbled.
I have forgotten to mention Micah, the one I thought would be complaining the whole time. Not only did he not complain, he pushed the cart the whole way. I would ask if he needed a break but he would say he was ok. I asked him why and he said he didn't want others to have to do it.
Next we came to the river. Because of the rains it was too full for us to pull the carts through, but we were able to walk through it. After that, we loaded the buses, and headed to our next destination. After we arrived at our next camp we set up camp, ate dinner, did some family skits, listened to Grandpa Hyre share a funny story, and hit the hay. Chad gave me a blessing that my back would not hurt and that I would be able to walk the whole way. It was a powerful blessing and I felt the love of my Heavenly Father. Chad and I both knew that I would not have any problems. That night was windy as well, but not nearly as bad as the previous evening. We were able to get a pretty descent night's sleep, and it was a good thing because we had a long day ahead of us.
The next morning as we headed out on our very long walk, I attempted to take Micah's spot so that he could have a break from pulling the handcart. With a little fancy footwork I was able to squeeze in before he had the chance. That didn't last long. We stopped after only about a mile to take a break and one of my daughters had to use the rest room. BTW, there were potty stations about every 4 or 5 miles so if you had to go before then you would have to let everyone else pass and then go on the trail. Not a whole lot of fun. Anyway, by the time we got back Micah had resumed his position. I told him I could do it again but he just smiled and said "I'm ok." Micah is very obedient, respectful, and sweet but he has had a rough life. He is a lost teenager but I could see a small, very small testimony deep in his heart.
We took a break and looked up ahead to Rocky Ridge. Have any ideas of why it was called Rocky Ridge. Yup, it was rocky. And it was the destination chosen for the women's pull. Brother Ross shared his testimony of his deep respect and love for the sister saints who had no choice but to pull their handcarts by themselves because their dear husbands had died or were called to be in other places. All of the men were asked to silently walk up ahead and were asked to notice the rocks that would soon be our path. After the men left, we shared a prayer as sisters and then Sister Zundel spoke about sisterhood. There were many girls who were crying and a few who were so taken by emotion that they actually sobbed. Again, the Spirit was abundant. We started up the hill and the men were at the top watching with their hats over their hearts. I felt a great gratitude for the saints who had small children. Since we had twins we made some slings so that we could still use our hands to push and pull the cart. I have four small children and I could only imagine how difficult is was for them to make the trek to Zion. It also must have been an absolute nightmare for their mothers who had to either carry them or encourage them to keep going. It seems almost impossible to me. Talk about Are We There Yet.
My daughters and I were about the third cart to make it up the treacherous hill and we pushed our cart to the side and joined our men to watch the rest of the sisters pull. I couldn't see my sons, but we found Chad and went and stood by him. I then looked up and saw a beautiful sight. My three sons, rather macho and manly, weeping. That's one of the greatest parts about Trek. Pride is no where on that trail. No one was wearing makeup, we looked atrocious, and even the manliest of men were weeping without the slightest concern for who was looking.
The rest of the day was quite difficult. We carried on until we got to our next break and lunch. By the time we got there it had been 7 hours since we had eaten and we had traveled roughly 8 1/2 miles. The need for us to drink plenty of water had been highly stressed, but by the time we were able to eat many were sick because of the lack of food. This is the one complaint I have for those who planned Trek, not enough food. I was ok but many of the teenagers, with teenage appetites, were famished. Our daughter McKenzie got very sick. She went into shock and was not able to walk the rest of the way. She was not the only one. It really put into perspective the things the pioneers faced. We were starving and were not sustained by a full sandwhich so how on earth were the pioneers able to go for months and months with only 8 oz. of flour a day? And when their rations were cut down to 4 oz., how could they possibly have gone on?
But, we continued on. Micah continued to pull the cart.
And we walked, and walked, and walked.
Aaaaaanndd walked.
There were times when I felt like I couldn't walk another foot, but then I would get a rush of energy and felt sustained to continue on. Oh blessed wind! It was hot but with the blessed wind it was not too bad.
Soon we could see camp ahead in the distance. We were less than a mile away. Micah had gone to the back to go to the bathroom and when he hadn't returned nearly half a mile later I went back to check on him. He was in the very back and did not look well. Out of the 27 miles we had trekked over the last 3 days, he had pulled the cart about 24 of those miles. I asked him if he was ok and of course he replied with a smile "I'm ok." He was exhausted and had given everything he had to give. I wanted to run with him up ahead to our family so that we could all walk into camp together but I knew that he would be lucky to make it into camp at all. It hurt my heart to think that he had been so strong the whole time, but in the end after he gave all he had to give, would be the last one into camp. But, so it was.
Less than a quarter of a mile away from camp my back began to ache a little. It was not bad, but just enough to remind me of the great gift I had been given. Had my back been hurting the whole time, there is a chance I would not have been able to make the trek. My feet and legs were killing me the whole time, but my back had not caused a second of discomfort until the very end.
The stake leaders and food committee cheered as we walked into camp, exhausted and hungry. It was a great feeling.
After we ate, had more skits, a devotional, and smores we went to bed. I was spent!
The next morning after breakfast we met for a testimony meeting. What a great testimony meeting. Many of the youth started their testimony by saying that they weren't going to come, or didn't want to come, but were grateful they had. There is a reason why stakes around the country save and sacrifice so that their youth can go on Trek. It can change lives. It changed mine when I was a youth and again as an adult.
We packed up camp and loaded the buses. The ride home seemed much longer than the ride to Wyoming.
I was so anxious to see my sweet kids and I couldn't wait to hold them, but I was not ready to give my Trek children back. I wished so badly that I could just take them all home with us and they could join our family. Especially Micah. He had a lot of friends, and he and Chad really got along, but for some reason he sort of clung to me. I have had the feeling that he is lacking in the area of a mother. He has a mother and a very good one at that, but I think there is a disconnect somewhere between them. I was told by someone in his ward that she is not around much and rarely comes to church. Micah used to go to church by himself, but over the years has stopped doing that. Like I said, he has a sparkle in his eyes and there is something there, but he's lost. He reminds me of myself at his age.
As we pulled into our neighborhood we could see our family and friends who were there to welcome us home. We got off the bus and Chad and I went on a search through the large crowd for our little ones. I saw my mom who was holding Landen and began to run. Landen didn't recognize me and didn't want to come to me! But Logan was happy to see us. Landen then realized who we were and came in for a hug. I missed my girls so much. What a great reunion. After we ate and partied a while we decided it was time to go home for a much needed shower. I heard "Ma" and turned around to see Micah. He came and gave me a big hug and I told him what a good kid he is and that if he sees me or Pa around town he better stop and say hello. He told me he would and I left.
Over the next few days I thought a lot about Micah. I was so blessed when I was a youth to have a Beehive leader who was willing to take a chance on me and invite me to church. It gives me chills to think of where I would be had she not done that and I wondered if anyone would be there for Micah. I prayed that Chad and I would have the chance to run into him again.
To my complete and utter surprise, we did.
A few days ago we were walking into Lowes and I heard "Ma." Again, "Ma!" and again "MA!" I turned around and saw two teenage boys looking at me. One of the boys had blue hair, both had many piercings, dark clothing, and tight pants (I will never understand tight pants on boys). They were looking at me like 'Hello! Duh it's me. Only problem was that I couldn't figure out who they were. Suddenly it hit me. Micah. He came up and gave me a big hug and we talked to he and his friend who was also a really nice kid, and far too quickly I found myself saying "Well, we'll see you later."
After I got home I wanted to kick myself. I had been given the chance to reach out to this lost soul and help and I blew it. It's difficult because it's not really appropriate for me to invite him to go shopping or something like I would have if he had been a girl, but I could have done something. Invited him to a baseball game or something. Now it is my prayer that we will again have the chance to see him so I can do the right thing.
All in all, Trek was indescribable. I will have memories that I will be able to take with me for a life time. I will be able to reflect back on my experience and forever remember the pioneers and their great sacrifices. I will never be the same.

Our Reunion

Waiting and waiting