Can going West mean anything more than seeking a new adventure and leaving the past behind, just as the Oregon Trail folks did in the 1800’s? What did they take with them as they deemed a necessity? Clothes, good shoes, maybe even two if they had such a blessing. Probably a warm coat, and one or two coveralls, underclothing was limited as the women had to wash laundry daily and hang it on the back side of the wagon as it whipped in the breeze; or camped a few days to get the laundry done before pulling out before dawn. They were more concerned about their food supply then what they had to wear. Hunger can rip at the depths of your core more so than being cold.
Going West meant new terrain, mountains to climb and valleys to settle in to call it a new home if one chose to stop and stay abit; as some did not get the choice to see the Pacific Ocean. But they still went west, all the same. Stopping in the Rocky Mountains for a winter, would be a better choice than climbing those mountains even if it was spring time. But,as one moved further west, more opportunities faces the young man with a new wife, trusting he would be the man he set out to be.
Moving away from the prairies of Oklahoma, or Minnesota, one would be challenged to accept the new adventure that layed before him. He would prepare his mind to seek adequate work to provide for his families needs; he would supply spiritual growth as he deem necessary. He would plant food for the winter and store up the abundance for spring. He would build his home with a solid foundation and teach his children to work hard as he learned from his father in the home land. He never forgot his strong beliefs and upbringing to have integrity and fairness in all his dealings. His harvest was proof of his hard work and his family was the pride of his joy as he saw he was a good teacher.
Life is good! As his next generation carrys on to make a better earth we call home, he can revel in a job well done.
Moving West; new adventures lay before everyone of us as we make changes in our lives to seek a better life not just a living. Oregon, here I come.
