Answered Prayers

As I drove to the ER to meet Mike almost two weeks ago, all I could (selfishly) think about was, "We have to go on Pioneer Trek!" (Pioneer Trek is a re-enactment of the Mormon pioneers who trekked 1300 miles across America in the 1840's for their religious freedoms/beliefs.) We were thrilled and excited when we were asked to be a Ma and Pa back in November. Since November, Mike and I have spent a lot of time physically, temporally and spiritually preparing for this trek. The day of his injury was hard in many ways, but the thought of missing the trek experience tugged deep in my heart and I shed many, many tears. However, there was a part of me that somehow, somewhere deep down, found a faith unlike I've never felt before. Though a lot of friends and family around me thought I was CRAZY, I knew somehow we were still needed on Trek. To make a very long story short. We just returned from three days on Pioneer Trek. Our good friend and neighbor Paul, joined us as a "grandpa." Paul brought his horse, and for three days Paul led the horse with Mike on top, following behind the handcart. It was not easy. It was difficult to take care of 12 teenagers, have a crippled husband, (our family name-named by "our kids" was 'The Crips') have a wheel of our handcart BREAK along the way, and endure all the other physical challenges that come with a pioneer trek. But, it was worth it! There are few words to describe the experience. I have a new found appreciation for the Pioneers and their faith and dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They did hard things. They did challenging things. They looked past their fears and their doubts and they had faith that somehow all would be well. I feel blessed to have participated and felt a small part of their struggles and joys. I know that Mike and I were meant to go on Pioneer Trek, and though it was a different experience than what I had anticipated for seven months, I know the Lord heard my heartfelt prayers 12 days ago, and as I was promised in a priesthood blessing that same day, I did indeed receive "the desires of my heart."

A BIG THANKS!
I have to give a big shout out to my parents! They babysat our four children for three days so Mike and I could go on Pioneer Trek. Of course there was no communication available (cell-phones etc.) and they dealt with such things as, a trip to the doctor with an ear infection, diarrhea, a child needing to be in a parade, a burping child (NOT allowed at their house!), and all kinds of other things! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! We are truly blessed!

Also-A big shout out to my sister-in-law Cindy, who patiently spent hours and hours, sewing my pioneer dress and apron. Being in the pioneer clothing enhances the trek experience, and I loved having such a beautiful dress. (There is no wonder why, when my brother Casey, called me while I was at the ER that I cried to him and said, "How will I ever face Cindy after she spent all those hours making my dress that I won't be able to wear....!) But I did wear it! And I loved it! THANK YOU!

I am blessed to have family members in my life who love me and are willing to spend so many hours serving me and my family.