put your shoulder to the wheel, push along.

well the weatherman certainly didn't disappoint. it was HOT out there this weekend, but we had a great time. granted, i don't think i want to do it again next weekend. but overall, it was a wonderful experience. so much happened, it's hard to describe without recounting every single aspect of our weekend. to give you the big picture, jeffy & i, & a group of kids (ages 14-18) worked together as a family to pull a handcart, loaded with all of our supplies, about 10 miles. we encountered numerous obstacles: hard uphill climbs, lots of dirt, steep downhill slopes (which proved even harder than going up), indians, bugs & heat. at one point we "lost" all of our men & the women were left behind, to fend for ourselves. & we did all this, dressed in traditional pioneer clothes & carrying our baby (a doll with an egg inside).

it was amazing to see a group of people, who hardly knew one another, learn to work together so quickly & efficiently. despite the incredible heat (which was usually about 110 degrees), they were happy... singing songs, chanting cheers, telling stories & jokes. never did i hear a complaint or grumble escape the lips of anyone. at one point, in order to escape the heat, we found ourselves hiking through the night. & even though we could only see for a few feet out in front, which made it impossible to avoid large rocks & ruts, making our journey quite a bit more difficult - still, no one complained. instead, i saw genuine compassion & concern exhibited for each, & by each member of the group. i was amazed at the tenderness with which they treated our "baby" & impressed to the great lengths everyone (including the boys) went to, to keep her safe.

this was truly an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. i have learned things... about me, about my hubby, & about life in general, that i probably would never otherwise learned. and although my experience cannot compare to those experiences of the true pioneers who crossed the plains so long ago, i now have an even greater respect for them, & am truly amazed at their faith, endurance & ability to constantly "press forward" being "steadfast & courageous".