Little did she know, one of the stay-at-home leaders had called the emergency contacts listed on her registration form...a.k.a...ME. I couldn't stand the thought of Holly stepping off that bus and having nobody there to throw her arms around and share that joyous occasion with. I was going to do everything in my power to make it special for her.
I knew she would be tired, so I planned to bring dinner in a crock pot. We (the kiddos and I) also made a big sign to hold up for when she arrived.
We were told to be at the church at a certain time. Crowds of people were there waiting to welcome home their loved ones. Only...the buses didn't show up at the projected time. So, we all waited longer...and longer...and longer. The trailers came with the gear. We were excited thinking that the buses couldn't be much further behind. So, we waited and waited even longer. A few cars came with some of the leaders. We waited even more.
Getting a little restless...waiting and waiting.
Finally the buses came. Four to be exact...full of youth and leaders who couldn't get off fast enough. I watched as these youth jumped off the buses with glowing faces, having just been on one of the most rigorous, yet most spiritual experiences they have ever had, and ran into their families arms. I couldn't wait to see Holly's face...but we couldn't see her anywhere. She hadn't gotten off on one of the buses.
Is that Holly's bus? Nope!
My girlies were getting anxious (and more hungry by the minute) to see their Aunt Holly. The anticipated climax of cheering Holly on was waning fast. I told the girls to sit tight with the sign for a few more minutes while I looked around. The buses were leaving by now.
In the parking lot, someone caught me and asked who I was looking for and when I told her who, she pointed me in Holly's direction. And there she was...with her back to us. When she turned around, she finally saw her welcoming committee...Me and her four little nieces. They all ran into her arms, gave her big squeezes, and stayed by her side. She had not expected to see anyone there for her. She was extremely surprised and happy that we were there.
There she is...Aunt Holly!
The girls all took a turn trying on Holly's pioneer bonnet and apron. They sure were cute little pioneer children.
After she said her goodbyes (and after several people told me that my sister was "THE BEST"!) we headed to her house for dinner and stories.
Holly shared with us many of the many inspiring stories she had learned about on the trek...about those who had done it so long ago. She shared her experiences, the challenges, the fun parts, the not so fun parts...it made us all wish we could go someday.
One of the experiences that left an impression was the "Women's Pull", where only the women/girls in the parties were aloud to push/pull the handcarts up a steep hill. The men/boys could only call to them and offer assistance verbally from the side...no hands-on help from any of the males in the group. This proved to be harder for the men and boys than it was for the women and girls. The "Walk of Death" was other impressionable experience. (I think there is a better name for it, but I can't remember it at the moment). I believe Holly was in charge of this activity. While the "family groups" walked along the trail, various members of the group were singled out and given a scarf. They were told not to say anything, but just fall out of line. A little later, some with scarves returned to the group and helped push or pull a handcart or help others in their party up the hill, still being silent even though they were asked many questions by their other "family members". At the top of the hill, the groups were asked to turn around. There they saw, along the path they had just walked, all of those members who were given scarves. They represented the family members and friends who had along the way, but were still there as guardian angels helping them.
This story still gives me chills just thinking about it. I wasn't even on the trek and never have been on a trek of that magnitude, but I can still feel the power of the story. I am in awe of the courage and strength that the early pioneers exhibited. I am so grateful for their sacrifices and for the blessings that I know enjoy because of them.
Holly said it was one of the most amazing experiences she has ever had in her life and I am thankful for the opportunity my girls and I had to welcome her home and be able to experience some of them as well, albeit vicariously.
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