Pioneer Trek

About six months ago, Chris got a call from our stake president's office asking the two of us to come in and see him. Immediately we both thought the worst, some stake calling that was going to keep Chris really busy. So with heavy hearts, we went in to see what it was. Instead of having a stake calling, we were asked to be a Ma and Pa on the upcoming pioneer trek. We were both so thrilled that it wasn't a stake calling for either of us that we said yes right away, thinking that we had dodged a bullet. Later, when we thought about it, we realized that it was going to be a little harder than we had anticipated. This particular trek was going up to Wyoming, at the actual sites of the original trek, Martins Cove and such where all those people died in the early winter storms. We were going to have to take 3 days off work, wear authentic pioneer garb, collect all kinds of camping supplies, and supervise 6 teenagers. Chris is not a camper, and he was sure to make that clear when he was called to be one of the young men's teachers, and I do not know how to relate or talk to teens, so between the two of us, we were in big trouble. We attended meeting after meeting about what to expect, what to do, how to behave and resigned ourselves to the fact that we were going to be tested a bit in this calling. Much as we may have complained, though, it turned out really well. We ended up having a pretty fun time, and this I attribute to the kids who ended up being in our family. They were all wonderful, helpful and funny and kind to each other. Also, Chris didn't mind the camping so much, we were well fed and had great sleeping pads. So it turned out well, and though I can't say that we'd ever want to do it again, we had fun.