I wasn't expecting my family to grow by dozens of grandchildren in just a few days, but that's exactly what happened on our ward's Trek.
Our small wagon train
This year, I had the incredible privilege of joining the youth from our ward on a handcart trek through the beautiful, and very challenging, mountains of Idaho. While I may have officially been one of the "old people," I completely owned being "Grandma Sundy!"
The top of the mountain was breathtaking!
I sang with them. I encouraged them. I loved them. Every morning, I woke them up with songs (whether they were ready or not!). I cheered them on when the hills seemed impossibly steep and reminded them that they were stronger than they realized. In return, they filled my heart with laughter, kindness, and hope for the future.
I'm in yellow!
We walked more than 15 miles, climbing mountain trails under the blazing summer sun. It was hot. It was dusty. It was hard. Our feet ached, our muscles complained, and sometimes the next hill looked impossible. But together, we kept going.
Twining with our bishop's wife...Stacey and I are trendsetters!
Along the way, we sang cadences that echoed across the hillsides, helping us find a rhythm for our steps and a smile through the sweat. Somehow, those songs made the miles seem shorter and reminded us that no one had to walk alone.
My "grandsons" picked me flowers!
These young men know how to make my heart happy!
One of my favorite surprises was discovering that I could still do hard things. I even put up my own tent! (With a little help from the boys in my trek family.) It may seem like a small accomplishment to some, but for me, it was another reminder that we are capable of more than we often believe. Trek has a way of revealing hidden strength.These young men know how to make my heart happy!
If I'm grandma... then these are my "kids."
The Graviets were "ma & pa" for our family!
And can we talk about the food? For pioneers, meals were often simple and scarce. For us, we ate like kings! Every delicious meal felt like a blessing after a long day of walking, pulling, pushing, and laughing together.
A WHOLE quail. I couldn't eat it all.
Most of all, Trek reminded me that family is so much bigger than the people who share our last name. For a few precious days, these remarkable young men and women became part of my expanding family. I admired their determination, their willingness to serve each other, their sense of humor, and their growing faith. Watching them overcome challenges with courage gave me so much hope.
My trek family!
I came home with sore muscles, tired feet, and a very full heart.
My grandsons loved showing me the lizards they caught.
I loved the blue on the belly of the lizard!
I'll treasure the memories of dusty trails, mountain vistas, songs, shared laughter, and countless moments of encouragement. Most of all, I'll treasure the opportunity to be "Grandma Sundy" to as many kids that I can! And I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
God is good!
Look at this amazing view He provided for us!
Between nature and my expanding family - I feel so blessed!
Look at this amazing view He provided for us!
Between nature and my expanding family - I feel so blessed!
