Bridgitte asked about Pioneer Trek. I havent had an opportunity to write about it, and now it's been awhile. (You asked specifically about the Women's Pull).
This was all a re-enactment of actual events. An experience to help us appreciate what our ancestors have done.
At one point the Army came and took our men away. The Women were asked if we would continue on. We decided to proceed without our men. We had some really big rough hills to get up. The road was very rocky. The carts we pushed had one big iron wheel on each side. With a yoke in front. Two people would be in the yoke, pushing against a bar. The others would be behind. There were 5 girls in our family. The Mom (me) was not supposed to help push, but after the Men left, I decided it was time for me to jump on and help my girls.
The first group of girls (Ive heard) were bawling by the time they got up the big hill. But girls from the early carts started to run back and help later carts. The girls started to pray as they pushed. To pray for strength. They all started to work together with a prayer on their lips and in their hearts. Sometimes we had to put rocks under the back of the wheels and take a small rest. But we got it up the hill.
We women are lucky and blessed to have gentle-manly men around to open our doors and carry our suitcases. But sometimes I appreciate the opportunity to band together as Sisters and make a difference. Sometimes a sister is sick. One Woman shows up with dinner, another with desert, another to take her children away for the day while she rests. Sometimes it is a sister going through divorce, or a death in the family, or an injured child. Sometimes it is a sister pushing a handcart up the hill, and she looks around to see all her other sisters sweating and pushing with her.
God is on our side. He helps us accomplish our goals. And he blesses us with other sisters who are always ready to push our cart with us, or even for us.
The picture I included is of our handcart, at camp after we arrived. Sorry I dont have a great camera- its my phone razer. But this should give you some idea of the handcart.
I LOVE the strength of women pulling together! It is the strength of you, my fellow women, who totally unconsciously convinced me that I need and really do want to run a marathon. Thanks for that strength and optimism!
ReplyDeleteI fondly remember the woman's pull from trek - except the ma's were not allowed to touch the handcart at all to help. We pushed and struggled but we made it to our destination without the men and ma's help. A distinct memory I won't forget.
ReplyDeleteLove your analogy of how we sisters band together to help each other. You've been one of those sisters in my life.