Cuyler and I just got back from a 3-day trip to Wyoming. We went with 200 teenagers to the Martin's Cove area to reenact a pioneer trek, complete with 15 mile days, handcarts, pioneer costumes, tents and campfires, no electronics (besides a camera), wading through rivers, rattlesnakes, blisters, cow patties in the middle of the trail to dodge, & an occasional downpour. It was a lot of fun. We were the "Ma" & "Pa" to a small group of 8 kids we called our "family". We got some really good fun strong kids in our group.
I was blessed to gain a really strong testimony of pioneers- their sacrifices unto even death never made much sense to me. I knew they were following the prophet, but I was never really sure, had I been asked to sell everything I owned and walk from Illinois or Iowa all the way to Salt Lake City, if I would have gone. But after this trip I learned why these families were risking so much to go West. They wanted the blessings of the Temple. Mormons believe that families can participate in a sacred temple ordinance which will bind that family together for eternity, not just while living on earth. Having a husband & two kids I know why these moms and dads brought their families to Salt Lake City- to be sealed together as an eternal family. Just like they did, I would do anything for my family. Even walk through 18 inches of snow pulling a handcart and receiving tiny rations of food from October to December. I would do it. Now I know. The landscape was breathtaking and there was an amazing sense of history there. A strong spirit. Really strong.
Let's head west!
Somber Pioneers
Family Handcart- H for Hansens
Ma & Pa Hansen
5 comments:
The trip looks great - beautiful! You two look like you just stepped out of a history book - but happier (knowing you had only 3 days of pioneering?) congratulations on a trek well traveled. Looks like Abby survived and Colby too. She liked the snake story!
you survived!!!! yea! what a good ma and pa. thanks for your sweet words and the great pictures. love you guys!
ps - that was jane who just commented, not nate. woops! :)
That looks like a great experience. Cuyler is the first guy from our group of friends and family I would want on my team. He's the only one who could carry me!
heww
Hi Jess I haven't looked at your blog for months and was lucky to remember the address. But, I had to comment on your trek post. Jared and I were there last summer as a Ma and Pa. What a great experience (even with me being 6 months pregnant at the time)! I'm glad you guys had a great time.
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