“Our long journey thus began in sunshine and song, in anecdote and laughter; but these all vanished before we reached its termination…. A trip to Oregon with ox teams was at that time a new experiment, and was exceedingly severe upon the temper and endurance of people.  It was one of the most conclusive tests of character, and the very best school in which to study human nature.” A quote from “Recollections and Opinions of An Old Pioneer” by Peter H. Burnett

On this day, May 22, 1843, 120 covered wagons, 1000 men, women and children and a herd of 5000 oxen and cattle set out on a journey that would test the determination, patience and grit of the pioneers who left Elm Grove, MO with minds set on starting a new life in Oregon. They were the largest emigration of people to take on this adventure at this time. There was an assortment of people from all walks of life – the farmers, the merchants, the clergy, the women and men who were ready to start new lives in an unknown land. There were fur traders, hunters, those who would use this journey to line their own pockets at the expense of others. Most were trying to make a new life for themselves and future generations.

The Oregon Trail is still visible in some areas of the country. Imagine the sea of white, covered wagons filled with a lifetime of belongings. Put yourself into the minds of those early pioneers as they left the security of a past life and journeyed into uncharted territory. When you think about it, this still continues today as people from foreign lands come to this country in search of the American Dream.

America is truly a melting pot – a place where borders are guarded, but still open. It seems that people still think of this as a perfect world. Those early pioneers were no different. They come from foreign lands originally. They were willing to work, sweat and suffer pain and loss to make a better existence for themselves and their families. The journey wasn’t easy. There were native American tribes, protecting their own lands. There were difficult passages to endure as they dragged through mountain passes, hoisted cattle down treacherous cliffs and endured the perils of rushing waters and wild animals.

Today, those lands are filled with cities of giant skyscrapers in place of beautiful forests. The roads that were cut through the mountains are easy to drive expensive cars through. Progress has changed the landscape, but there are still dreams to be fulfilled and new adventures ahead of us. The wagon train certainly met other problems along the way. Not only were tempers on edge but imagine the depression and feelings of hopelessness they dealt with as they ventured on.

We all have a journey to take in this life. How we muddle through and go with the flow has a lot to do with what we believe in. God has promised to lead us through our lives – not without problems or suffering – but always with His presence at the ready. Today, thank Him for your life with all its faults and worries. Thank Him, because He will get you to your final goal in paradise.