Category Archives: pioneers

For Times of Trouble, Remember The Pioneers

Posted on
2
The Brigham Young Monument in Salt Lake City, ...

Image via Wikipedia

This weekend Utah commemorates the first pioneer arrival to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. On July 24, 1847 a weary and ill Brigham Young raised up on his elbow from the back of a wagon, looked out over a vast desert valley, and confirmed “This is the right place!” Soon, that same desert would “blossom as a rose” and Mormons throughout the world answered the call to leave their native land and “come to Zion”. Thus began a gathering of epic proportions which shaped America in powerful ways. The Mormon Pioneer exodus Continue reading →

Come, Come Ye Saints, All Is Well

Posted on
3

pioneer-wagonsToday is a special day. On July 24, 2009 the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley after years of persecution and an arduous trek of over 1300 miles - blazing what became known as the Mormon Trail. I have blogged before about Honoring The Mormon Pioneers, and my own pioneer heritage. It is something I treasure. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for their courage and determination to build a life free to worship how they choose, and raise their families in security. This video shares clips of movies reenacting that experience. It is set to one of the most beloved hymns of The Latter-day Saints – a song written during the trek that became an anthem of the pioneer legacy, and a song of faith and hope for all generations. “Come, Come, Ye Saints“.

My family and I will be making our own trek this morning. Since today is a State holiday, all of the Utah LDS Temples are closed. This posed a problem. We have been striving to attend a temple each weekend as a family. Instead of allowing our goal to be thwarted, we decided to take a family road trip to Idaho where we will get to attend TWO temples; The REXBURG IDAHO TEMPLE and the IDAHO FALLS TEMPLE . 2005-buick-rendezvousAs we embark this morning, I can’t help think of the contrasts between this experience and that of our ancestors! We will be driving in the luxury of our air-conditioned SUV, while listening to music on a radio. We will drive over 200 miles which will take us less than 4 hours. If we get hungry for a snack, or have to go to the bathroom, we will just stop at a gas station or Rest Area for a few minutes. When we arrive at our destination, we will attend not one, but two beautiful Temples of our God, and tonight we will be sleeping in a hotel with a swimming pool, showers with hot running water, and fluffy mattresses. praying-handsHow does one express enough gratitude for this? I can’t. I don’t know. It makes me feel so many mixed components of guilt and joy. I suppose the best way is just to go forward in faith and joy. I really can’t help thinking there is no better way for us to honor Pioneer Day. But, before I get into that fluffy hotel bed tonight, you can be sure I will be kneeling beside it with my family, and we will thank our Heavenly Father for the pioneers.

Honoring The Mormon Pioneers

Posted on
2

pioneer-wagon-trailOn July 24 the State of Utah will celebrate Pioneer Day. On this date  in 1846 the first advance party of Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake City valley, and their leader, President Brigham Young looked out of a wagon from his sick-bed, and pronounced “This is the right place“. I am grateful for their stories of courage and faith. This video pays tribute to the struggles and the triumphs of the Mormon Pioneers.

The song featured is entitled “Our Home Is There” written by Rob Gardiner

2009 Mormon Handcart Trek An Historic Event

Posted on
9
Trek

Trek

For decades, LDS Youth have experienced Mormon Pioneer Handcart Reenactments (lovingly nicknamed “Trek”). Sometimes, these super activities last just a weekend, sometimes an entire week or longer. This year, Brigham Young University is offering the chance of a lifetime, to participate in the ultimate Handcart Trek! They will be staging a re-enactment of the entire authentic 1856 Mormon Trail(1,400 mile) journey, offered as an official Study Abroad program through the University.

The Mormon Trail

The Mormon Trail

Participants will be traveling the USA Mormon Trail beginning in Iowa City, Iowa (the original pioneer staging point) departing on April 27, 2009, traveling through Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah, ending with arrival in the Salt Lake City Valley on approximately August 27, 2009. That’s 4 months of walking 15-20 miles per day (except Sundays), pushing or pulling a handcart full of supplies over rugged terrain in rain or shine! Participants will also be required to wear authentic period clothing, and will be eating authentic meals, singing and dancing each night around a campfire, and sleeping under the stars (in tents).

Get University Credit

The BYU Handcart-experience-as-Study Abroad course offers full college credit, and includes instruction in history, and other applicable topics. It is being broken up into two terms (Spring and Summer) and students may enroll for one, or both. (cost is $2000 per term)

Make It A Family Affair

pioneer-familyWhat I find particularly intriguing though, is that families are being invited to join the trek for week-long (Sunday to Sunday) intervals during this mammoth undertaking. There are only 80 spots per week available for family participants, and will be assigned out on a first-come basis (deadline for application is March 1, 2009). Cost ranges from $200-250 per person for the week-long adventure, depending on age. It also states “under age 3 free”. That made me chuckle. I think if you are crazy enough to actually attempt taking a 20 mile daily hike/ nightly camp out experience (with no showers or amenities) for an entire week with an ”under age 3″, maybe someone ought to pay you!

Groundbreaking Research

The BYU department of family studies will be conducting a research project as part of the trek. Each family member will be interviewed before, during and after, and will be required to keep a journal of their experience. The study wants to analyze “how wholesome recreational activities strengthen families”.

Be A Part of History

Bottom line, this is sure to prove a once-in-a-lifetime experience both for the students, and the families who join. You do not have to be a member of the LDS (Mormon) Church to be a part of  this historic event. All are welcome. However, BYU standards and honor code must be kept during participation.

To read more about the trek, or download an application, go to the official site: HANDCARTTREK.BYU.EDU .

Everyone can join in the fun by reading daily experience entries at The Mormon Trail Handcart Trek 2009 Blog . The blog is a place to keep up with the preparations, find free weekly training walks to join, or read all the amazing experiences once the trek actually begins!