Miracles by the Mile--A Pioneer Trek

 "Pioneer children sang as they walked, and walked, and walked, and walked--

They washed at streams and worked and played;

Sunday's they camped and read and prayed.

Week after week, they sang as they walked, and walked, and walked, and walked,

AND walked."

--Elizabeth Fetzer Bates

Mariah spent a week re-enacting a pioneer journey across the plains.  This was an activity organized by our church to replace summer camp.  Its goal is to help the youth understand and appreciate the hardships endured by many, many families as they trekked across the country in search of freedom and a better life.  Many members of our church, including ours, has pioneer heritage in our genealogy, which makes the experience even more personal.  But all of us benefit from the sacrifices made by those who came before us, regardless of whether they were related to us or not.

Mariah made her own pioneer clothing to wear on the trek.  She brought limited supplies in a wooden box and was assigned a "family" to be with during the week.  Each family had their own handcart and supplies to push and pull along with them--no horses or oxen!  They had certain events that were simulated to help the kids experience a life-like trek experience such as a water crossing, a rope pull, a women's only pull, etc.  Even just walking and pushing the cart each day, the strong had to help the weak, and the faster ones had to wait for the slower ones.  The weather was very hot so they had to really pay attention to hydration and their bodies.  Mariah didn't have any problems and I received reports that she was quite a trooper.  No complaining, no whining, and lots of pulling her own weight.  I am well pleased with her effort!

When she got home, she was exhausted and dirty--all she wanted to do was take a shower and sleep.  She wouldn't let me take a picture of her, so here's her back (no, that isn't blood on her shirt).

Mariah enjoyed her experience and I haven't heard a word of complaining from her about it.  She learned a lot about how to appreciate what she has in her life and of the the hardships and sacrifices made by those who have gone before her.  I hope she treasures this experience and holds it dear to her heart.  It's good to have a reservoir of experiences to draw upon that make you grateful for what you have.