Chupakabra's Trek 2010

This past week, Rex and I had the awesome opportunity to be a Ma & Pa at our stake youth conference. We treked for 4 days at Mosida Ranch in Elberta, Ut. It was the best experience - and if asked to go again tomorrow, I would. Rex and I were called back in December, and while I was excited then, it seemed liked a long time away. As trek grew closer, life got busy - we close on our house tomorrow - and we felt that four days off from work would be better spent working on our home. The advisary really works on you when something so spectacular in your life is about to take place. I knew we needed to go because the Lord had blessed us so much in our lives. We left Monday morning at 6:30 am and the youth arrived later that morning. I had been so crazy nervous about our families! I know myself well enough to know that some smart-alick kid and I wouldn't get along!! Our family was amazing! Our big brother was Tate - he had just received his mission call before heading to trek. And what an amazing missionary he will be! His testimony is strong and he will serve the people of the Phillipines with all of his heart. Our big sister was Courtney - the spirit just glows from this beautiful daughter of God. She is friendly, kind, and loving. Chelsea...what a chatter box - kind of reminds me of myself at that age. She knows and loves everyone she sees. Jess has an amazing sense of self. Her testimony and faith are strong! Kyle - I wasn't quite sure about Kyle in the beginning...he didn't talk much. As trek wore on I found out what a great youngman he is. He is a hard worker and fun to be around. Jacob...Jacob....Jacob...you gotta love him! Always joking around and keeping everyone laughing. It was awesome to watch his testimony grow! Little Sis Kelsey- an amazingly strong and faithful daughter of God. Her contaigous smile never left her face! Mitch...Mr. Cool in his aviator sunglasses. He was always willing to push or pull the handcart, help with meals and water, or just be there to talk to. Jessica - or GOOB as I liked to call her. She wouldn't even introduce herself the first day...but by the end of the day, her wonderfully sarcastic personality shown through and you couldn't help but like her. Levi...brought me to tears...after the women's pull, I watched as he gently took a bandana and washed his sister Chelsea dirt covered face! With these amazing ten kids, my faith and love for the youth of Zion was strengthened!!

I want to share a few of the wonderful experiences that I had on Trek. Now I know that everyone says that their family was the best. All I want to say is that I know my family was the best family for me. I know that the Lord answered my prayers! As we got to know one another that first day I realized how wonderful each of them are. I was thankful for sunglasses that first day as I felt the spirit so strong - the pioneer spirit was so overwhelming.

The women's pull was one of - if not the hardest - experiences of my life. As we struggled to pull and push our handcart up a hill in seven or so inches of sand, tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought of our beautiful pioneer sisters who with small children and little help moved mountains to get their families to Zion. Amazing Women!!

Our last night we shared a wonderful testimony meeting with our ten children. The spirit was so strong and present as we sat in that dimly lit circle and shared our love of the gospel, our trials, our aspirations, and our Love of The Lord. I was overcome with joy watching these beautiful testimonies grow and I prayed as we sat there that each of them would carry this spirit and testimony with them as they headed back into the real world. I love each of them dearly and think of them as my own! I am thankful for my Father in Heaven for blessing me with this experience!