I descend from pioneer stock. This means almost ALL of my ancestors on both sides of my family emigrated to this country as it was expanding west from colonies into territories and eventually states. Many of these ancestors were early converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came to America in an effort to gather with other saints (or members). They came by ship and by train and then they worked their way across the west by covered wagon and handcart—they from Denmark, Scotland, England and Germany to the unsettled areas beyond the Rocky Mountains.

July 24th is Pioneer Day. The day that the first group of “saints” reach what is today, Salt Lake City. In Utah, Pioneer Day is a BIG deal. It is also a day that members of my church love to celebrate—regardless of where we live.

Today I’m going to tell you the story of Ann Temperance George—one of these pioneers. I’m also going to tell you about a local Trek event that my daughter and other teens participated in last weekend. I will also share a poem that one youth wrote.

16 Miles, 233 Smiles
Gretchen Carter

My feet sending up thick clouds of dust. Flanked by my family who held my trust.
Sweat beading on my forehead, my tired legs feeling like lead.

Muscles aching from pushing along. But the help of God has made me strong.
The Spirit bonding us in unity, the youth of Zion a strong community.

A powerful love for the pioneers, with their faith in God chasing all fears.
Lifting my chin as I pushed the handcart, I felt the Spirit speaking to my heart.

Women's Pull singing "There is Peace in Christ.” Tears in my eyes thinking of His sacrifice.
Times when I thought I just might quit, I was reminded that I could do it.

My ancestor's hand was on my back. Proof that He's there, keeping me on track.
I strive to let go of all my doubt, all the times I thought of backing out.

I realized I needed Christ to feel peace. I decided my doubt would now cease.
Never in my life has God left my side, I must not leave Him, I complied.

Trek has been full of great faith and great fun. Even through the dirt and dust and hot sun.
In the place of my ancestor made me realize, the faith of the pioneers never dies.

It sings in our hearts as we walk the trail. To our ancestors and Christ do we hail.
Never forget the experiences we faced, don't let the Spirit we felt go to waste.

Not after we trekked sixteen miles, angels watching our 233 smiles.

After sharing my story, I have 3 take aways for YOU:

1. Tell your story. Everything I know about Ann George Doney I know because of someone else. I have Ann’s story (gratefully) through other people, who knew her or shared experiences with her. I think often how amazing it would be to have even a few lines that she herself wrote.

2. Do some family history. Who are your pioneers? Who pushed ahead to change the course of your family line’s story and future. Who was your first ancestor to get a college education or to travel for work or run for political office or serve in a war?

3. Share the why behind your faith. A personal story based in WHY is always a powerful thing. People can question or criticize what you choose to believe, but they cannot argue with personal conviction or feelings that motivate your faith-based choices. Share your faith-filled why—especially with youth who are making their way in the world.

Just for FUN and because I found it on YouTube, here is a short video that highlights statistics of early Mormon pioneers mixed with images that depict modern pioneers.

It’s true that we all pioneer in our own unique ways and that is something to recognize and document!