Then & Now

4 years ago, I embarked on the Pioneer Trek with my stake. It was the summer before my sophomore year in high school. I did not know what was in store for me. All I knew was that I had to go purchase hideous clothes at Goodwill...and wear them the entire week. I also knew that I was going to have many spiritual experiences that week acting as a pioneer. Both assumptions were correct, I did have to wear ugly pioneer clothes and my testimony was also strengthened.

My stake presidency at the time was known for being hardcore. Everything they threw at us was intense. We roughed it those 3 days out in the wilderness. The hiking was very difficult and the food was minimal, very minimal. I nicknamed the pioneer trek FAT CAMP. (I lost just about 6lbs that week.) Our stake leaders truly wanted us to experience what the pioneers crossing the plains went through.

BEFORE:

 AFTER:

I was filthy, the kind of filthy where dirt is baked into the crevices of your skin, the kind of filthy where you have to take a shower for 30 minutes and that still doesn't get the dirt out of your hair. But it was all worth it because I had the best experience. I loved the close bond that I had with my trek family, I loved how close I felt to the spirit and I became I so overwhelmingly grateful for the pioneers sacrifice. I will never forget the experiences I had that week. All the dirt, sweat, and filth was worth it. every bit.

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James went on the trek just a few weeks ago. He is the same age I was when I went. Before he embarked on this adventure, I warned him of the dangers and also told him how much his testimony would be strengthened. I had prepared him! He was a bit skeptical because of the lack of food he would not eat, but went with a cheerful attitude.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Are you kidding me? The kid doesn't even look dirty! Needless to say, this year's stake pioneer trek was a lot easier. They realized that last time was a bit extreme, so they lightened the load. James had a great experience as well, but...

...I am happy to say that I survived the hardest Higley Stake Pioneer trek on the face of the earth, blood, sweat, and tears. Allelujah.