Faith in Every Footstep

Chad and I just participated in the most amazing Youth Conference (June 26-28). This year our Stake and the Pasadena Stake reenacted the Pioneer Trek. Faith in Every Footstep was our theme. It was held in the San Bernadino Mountains at Riley's Ranch. I had the privilege of helping plan the trek with the Stake Young Women and Young Men Leaders. Most of my responsibilities took place before the Trek began so I was able to really just enjoy the whole experience. I think Chad and I had a little bit too much fun. Chad's responsibility was to take care of the horses. We called him the horse whisperer and when I wanted to tease him I called him "Stable Boy." He also was a Night Watchman (ask him about the snoring. Yikes!)
The Ranch specializes in Pioneer Treks. Actors came in each day to portray the central figures in early Church History. Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Porter Rockwell and Brigham Young brought our pioneer heritage to life. We all wore authentic pioneer clothing and pushed (and pulled) handcarts. The youth were organized into families with a Ma and a Pa. My sister Rachel and Bro.-in-law Rob, who happens to be our Bishop, cared for a family of about 10 kids. One of the highlights for me was being able to share a little about my Pioneer Ancestry. My Mother and Father are the first members of the church in my family. A few years ago I asked them to write their conversions stories as a Christmas present. I am so happy those stories are preserved to share with my children and future generations. Chad has a rich pioneer history. He chose Charles Decker as his ancestor (from his mom's side). He was a rescuer who brought in the pioneers from the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. When I first read his story I told Chad that he must take on his character because Charles had a beautiful wife that he had to hide from the Indians because they wanted her hair. This was obviously exactly like Chad and me (hee hee). Actually, when you look at the picture of her....well, let's just say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Another highlight for me was the Womens Pull. On the third morning of the trek Brigham Young's Character announced that the men were needed to help fight in what came to be known as the Mormon Batallion. The boys and men were sworn in and marched off for training leaving the women folk to pull the handcarts alone. Some of the girls were really scared because the trek had been difficult. On the first day we trekked almost 8 miles and on the second day another 5 miles up and down the mountain. We learned the meaning to the song, "Some Must Push and Some Must Pull." We all had to help each other move 13 handcarts down a steep hill and then right back up the other side. The carts were heavy and packed with all our gear. I believe that what really helped us was all of the boys and men cheering us on from the sidelines. A few Angels may have assisted as well because it was a miracle that we were able to accomplish this task. The trek was a wonderful experience and I was able to share it with my Sweetheart, Chad. I was also able to catch a small glimpse of what the pioneers must have gone through. They really did have to have Faith in Every Footstep. I think about the lyrics to the pioneer hymn, Come, Come, Ye Saints, "And should we die before our journey's through; HAPPY day! all is well! We then are free from toil and sorrow, too; With the just we shall dwell! " There were parts of the trek that I thought to myself, "If I had to do this every day for months and suffer the loss of loved ones, be constantly dirty, tired and hungry, then death wouldn't be so bad." But I came to the understanding that the pioneers came to know God through their difficulties. So, if Heavenly Father called them home they were ready. They had been through the Refiner's fire. But if they made it to the Valley then they would continue to build the Kingdom of God because of their great faith. "But if our lives are spared again to see the Saints there rest obtain, oh, how we'll make this chorus swell. All is well! All is well!" I am grateful for the Legacy of Faith that the Pioneers gave to me.