A 22-Mile Hike to the Temple

The beautiful Gilla Valley Temple -- the hike started up in the mountains behind the temple.

This weekend I had the incredible opportunity and privilege of chaperoning a Youth Conference trip for our church. Youth Conference is kind of like a retreat for youth where they hopefully leave feeling uplifted, inspired, and closer to Christ. This particular conference did not disappoint. In fact, it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had!

For this year's youth conference, the teenage boys and girls hiked 22 miles through the moutainous desert down to the Gilla Valley Temple near Safford, Arizona. I was very moved by how focused and dedicated they were to the task, no matter what obstacles they encountered. It was nearly 90 degrees, some had severe blisters, most were obviously very tired. There was an enormous amount of dust. Their feet hurt. But they didn't want to quit. The temple was their goal, and nothing was going to stop them. I was literally moved to tears as I watched this amazing group of youth conquer such a difficult task. They were unstoppable.

This was a huge production. Two-hundred-and-fifty people (about 175 youth and 75 leaders/support), a doctor and RN on hand just in case, three meals, hundreds of water bottles and Powerades, numerous snacks, lodging, etc. It was so meticulously organized. The walkers of course went at different paces. The first ones finished, I believe, in four hours or so (they ran a majority of the way.) Others finished within nine hours or so, so a huge range. The best part, of course, was watching people finish. The youth said they could see the temple with about one mile left in the hike. This gave them the push to finish. By the end of the hike they were exhausted. They were ready to be done. They were happy. The overwhelming sentiment seemed to be: It was difficult, but it was worth it!

As they each finished the hike, they went and touched the temple. They had accomplished their goal! I was so proud that every single one of our youth finished the hike. Amazing!! A few had to get rides along the way because of severe blisters or other ailments, but they all finished, and that's what matters! Some refused offers for a ride even though they were falling behind the group. They were all dedicated and wanted to finish and make it to the temple. I unfortunately wasn't allowed to hike as I was a driver, and they didn't want drivers to be exhausted for the drive home. I did, however, walk a couple of miles with one young woman in our congregation. It was really neat to experience a little piece of the hike. I was so impressed with these youth! I'll never forget the experience and how symbolic it all was. They all encountered obstacles, but nothing was going to deter them from reaching their goal.

Many of the youth were limping today at church because they are so sore. Their bodies will obviously heal and they'll probably forget about the pain. What I hope they never forget, though, is how happy they were when they finished such a daunting task, and how their dedication helped them every step of the way. Today in church one of the young woman said that along the hike, she and her friends talked a lot about the pioneers and how they have so much more respect for them now, having experienced something slightly similar. Truly a great experience. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to go. It really changed my perspective on the youth and gave me a whole new reverance and admiration for them. They truly are a chosen generation, and it is such an honor to serve among them!