Monday, June 9, 2008

Pioneer Trek 2008

Landon and Marlee went on a Pioneer Trek Thurs. June 5th- Sat. the 7th. It was a difficult but amazing experience for both of them. After hearing all of the horror stories of the trip, like the fact that they didn't get to camp the first night until two in the morning, I thought for sure they would be very grumpy when they returned home. But when I went to pick them up at the church I saw nothing but smiles from them and all of the other youth and leaders. It was very touching to hear a beautiful chorus of "Come, Come Ye Saints" coming from the buses as they pulled into the church parking lot. I'm so proud of my kids and grateful that they were able to have this life changing opportunity.




Before the trek they were all clean and spiffy and ready to tackle the world (We found Marlee's dress at an antique store. It's a Jessica McClintock Gunne Sax dress from the seventies. And it just happened to be her perfect size. We got very lucky on that one.)


I love this after picture. They're not really mad, they just posed this way because they said that pioneers didn't smile in photos. I think if it was taken in black and white it would look quite authentic.



They were dirty, tired and hungry, but spiritually enriched and forever changed.





5 comments:

Andrea said...

What a lucky find on that dress. I was about to be impress that you sewed that for Marlee. Don't you love Treks? It amazes me what our kids can handle, I think we give them too little credit when it comes to their ability. Welcome home guys!

MaryRC said...

What an awesome experience for them. Can I send mine on one tomorrow? I bet it helps them to appreciate what they have in life. Zach is in a complaining stage at age 11, and his life is so "not fair". I think a trek would be great right about now!

Melinda said...

Way to go Landon and Marlee! You guys are awesome! I'm glad you guys got to experience that! Melinda~

TheShumWAYS said...

That is awesome they were able to go and that they had a good experience.

The Cranes said...

I hope all my kids get to go on at least one trek. Nate went on one as a youth leader (big brother--they wanted us both to go as ma and pa but I had a nursing baby) and he said it was a life-changing experience for him. In Arizona, our stake would have one next summer but I don't know about here in Utah... Tell Landon and Marlee that they are awesome for doing it!