Trek

I wish I could say that I was a supportive wife through the whole trek process. When I first found out that we may have to go I was a little bummed. When I first found out that Ethan was going to go and I was not invited (because they didn't have room for more women leaders) I was really really bummed. I put up a real stink about it and felt totally justified. I was not justified but here were my reasons to complain:
1. We still did not have a place to live
2. I thought it was lame that Ethan would used his "summer family vacation time" without the family and not really on a vacation
3. I hate being a single parent and being a single parent for a week left like a really long time.
Those are my reasons. Terrible reason, but there they are.
Luckily I married a wonderful man, who does what he is asked because the Trek experience was so positive for Ethan, for the youth that he worked with, and for Kelsey and I.
4. Ethan's knee was still messed up from the race and so I was worried about him hiking 35 miles in 3 days,.

It started Monday July 29th. He got home from work, ate dinner, packed, and headed to the church where he helped organize and pack everybody's stuff. After about 4 hours, he came home exhausted and ready to go to bed.
Tuesday, everyone had to meet at the church at 4:15 AM because the buses were leaving at 4:30. Ethan was up by 3:30 and out the door by 4:10. I'll tell you what, Ethan is the most positive person in the whole world, EVEN AT 4 AM!!!! He was up smiling, quizzing me about pioneers, making eggs, and whistling. When it came time to leave, he grabbed his travel bag, slung it over his shoulder, and while dressed completely like a pioneer in the pitch dark of morning shouted, "HOORAH FOR ISRAEL!!!" and left whistling some pioneer song. I mean who does that! I was so grumpy and I got to go back to bed.

Kelsey and I stayed very busy with weddings, shopping, cleaning, dinners, play dates, and the like. She was so good for me the whole week. Sometimes she wouldn't go to bed so we just sat up eating popcorn and watching TV, but it was really fun. It was almost like she could tell that something was wrong. She could tell that I was feeling very sorry for myself and needed a friend. She was such a happy girl and for that I am grateful. Thursday got to be a little difficult just because we both wanted Ethan home, but he came home Friday so with the help of naps, packing, and a wedding reception, Thursday flew by.

On Friday August 2nd, Kelsey and I just kinda waited for the call to tell us that they were close and approaching. The call came around 3:30 pm and we hopped in the car and rode over to the church. We live only 1 min driving from the church, but I couldn't have driven fast enough. I was so excited to see Ethan. Just like when he left, Ethan jumped off the bus smiling and happy. He was much dirtier, much more tired, very sun brunt, and smiled like who knows what, but he was so happy. It was great to see him!

 Kelsey was a little nervous at first, but once he took his hat off she started to recognize him. His bread probably threw her off. We gathered his stuff and headed over to where the rest of the youth were unloading and waiting for rides.
The moment I stepped into the youth circles, I heard nothing but "OH My GOSH Cami!!! Ethan is so funny!!" "You should have seen when Ethan..." "I wish you could have heard Ethan..." " Ethan, Ethan, Ethan!! It was hilarious. They had some very funny stories mostly about singing Disney songs, a broken stake on a tent in the pouring rain, and his debate voice. It was great to hear and a great reminder to me why Ethan went. He was such a good influence on the youth.
I can honestly say that I am grateful Ethan went. Despite my nagging and complaining, he was needed, and we were very blessed. I married Ethan because of his devotion and dedication to everything in his life and I am grateful that he didn't change this time just because circumstances were harder and his wife was so naggy!
I was asking Ethan about trek and he said that the best way to describe it would be positive. It was not a vacation, it was not fun, and it was not easy, but it was positive. He got to see all the pioneer famous spots in Wyoming, got great food, had fun games, and had a positive experience with our youth right before we moved. I can even say that I am a little jealous that he got to go and that I didn't. It seemed like a great experience.