Rachel and I got a late start, so most people had already shown up by the time we got there. When we arrived, the first thing we saw was a bunch of people wearing pioneer clothes talking on their cell phones. It turns out that the dirt road we were planning on driving up was too much for some. We had several people spinning their tires in the dust, and one person who actually managed to high-center her vehicle. In true pioneer spirit we called AAA for a tow truck.
Finally, a rescue company was sent (via dune-buggy) to help the rest of us make our way up and over the treacherous pass in our air-conditioned-4-wheel-drive covered wagons. I tell you what, I don't know how those pioneers did it- we had to keep our windows all the way rolled up to keep the dust out and it got pretty stuffy in there. Just imagine doing this across the whole country- those brave men and women must have been tough!
When we finally arrived at the dirt parking lot we unloaded our handcart from the back of someones pickup and loaded it with all of our hot-dog buns. We then put our strongest men at the front, and with the rest of us following behind we trekked down the steep rock-strewn driveway all the way to the lakeside cabin below. This was the place.
The rest of the activity was actually a lot of fun. We had some outdoor games, and the kids loved exploring the surroundings. The location was beautiful and it really made me appreciate (again) where we live. After we got our fill of food we all sat around while some members of our ward told stories of their ancestors who, unlike us, were real pioneers and had to endure some amazing hardships and challenges. It was amazing to see the faith of the people in the stories, and to see the blessings that they received because of it. It was also kind of neat to me that I had never heard of these people or their stories. It really drove home the fact to me that they were ordinary people- and that they each experienced miracles along the way that helped to strengthen and support them when they were most in need.
It also made me think a little bit about my own life, and the lives of my friends and family. In a way, we are all pioneers. Even though we aren't risking our lives along a trail, we are each doing things that are new and sometimes scary to us. We are each trying our best to do what we think is right, and sometimes things don't always happen the way we want them to. But just like the pioneers, the Lord has always been there for us, and if we look back on our lives it is very easy to see the small miracles and tender mercies that have carried us through difficult or challenging times.
We have also been there for each other- just as the pioneers were. Instead of rescue companies with wagons (or ATVs), it is often a phone call of encouragement or a helping hand in a time of need, but these things mean just as much to us as extra men and rations did to the stranded saints. And just like the pioneers of old- we do not have to do this alone! We each lift each other, and hopefully in the end we all reach the same destination and rejoice in one-another's victories- because really it's a shared victory between all of us.
As I think about these things, the words of a primary song come to mind: "You don’t have to push a handcart, leave your family dear, or walk a thousand miles or more to be a pioneer. You do need to have great courage, faith to conquer fear, and work with might for a cause that’s right to be a pioneer."
It's true. And we are doing it. Pretty neat.
...But I'm still glad I don't have to push a handcart.
I love this post. Sounds like a fun activity and you learned something besides. I liked your insights. So true! Happy Pioneer Day to you and all your pioneer children. Did they sing as they walked and walked, or was the walk not long enough?
ReplyDeleteGreat activity for the family. They will remember this and probably not the high tech stuff.
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