Sisterly Advice for Trek

Jonathan left for his pioneer trek on Thursday and he gets back in just a few short hours.  They have had great weather this time.  And, judging from the pictures I've seen posted, everyone looks relatively happy and healthy.  Before leaving for trek, we worked hard to educate Jonathan on the Mormon pioneers so that he would have a respect and understanding for what they went through.  We prayed every night that he would have a spiritual experience while there and that this would help build his testimony.  All of this helped to send him on his way pretty excited and not as nervous as he was when they started talking about trek earlier this year.

Jessie sent him on his way with a few Trek tips and tricks:

• Double up on socks.
• Make sure your sleeping bag isn't too big.  You will be sleeping with your other brothers.
• Don't expect to be with someone from your ward.
• Take turns pushing and pulling the cart.
• You will be up early in the morning.
• Get to know your family.
• People will complain on your journey.  Ignore it and focus on what your are doing.
• Do not pick up sticks.  
• Your older brothers can be really cool.
• Dessert is pretty good!
• When it's time for bed make sure to sleep.  When it's time to get up, you gotta be quick.  
• Make sure you put on deodorant.  This isn't school.  You will sweat hard core and you will stink.
• Stay hydrated.
• Wipe the dirt off and change your socks.  
• If you are having problems or missing home, talk to your Ma and Pa.
• If it gets hard at times, remember to 'just keep swimming.'
• If you and your brothers and sisters don't get along, Ma and Pa will be there for guidance.
• I love you, Bud.

I love her sisterly advice!  We aren't sure why she was worried about the sticks, though.