Trekking Through the Steppes—Faith and Pioneers in Mongolia

One of the unique blessings of serving as communication missionaries is the opportunity to attend and report on Church events in Mongolia. This week, we had the privilege of experiencing something truly special: a youth handcart trek.

While we’re familiar with the pioneer treks that thousands of youth participate in each year across the United States, it hadn’t occurred to us that youth in other parts of the world might also reenact these sacred journeys. Watching more than 200 Mongolian youth and leaders retrace the footsteps of the early pioneers was deeply moving. They walked to honor, learn from, and connect with the courageous Saints who sacrificed everything to reach the Salt Lake Valley.  

It was powerful. The youth demonstrated inspiring resilience, faith, and unity throughout their 30 kilometer (18 mile) trek. The leaders and volunteers who organized the event were equally impressive—creating an authentic, spirit-filled experience without electricity, gas, or running water. Meals were cooked, logistics coordinated, and hearts touched through sheer determination and resourcefulness. It was awe-inspiring.  

What struck us most was how the Mongolian plains, where the youth trekked, so closely resembled the familiar landscape of Wyoming where the original pioneers once walked—including the strong winds! It was a beautiful and humbling reminder that the pioneer spirit truly transcends borders.

One of the most inspiring moments came during the lunch stop on the trail. The youth pulled their handcarts into a large circle, and each group was responsible for preparing their own meal from scratch—starting with building a fire. They had gathered firewood along the way, but the strong wind made lighting the fires a real challenge. Still, they never gave up. With determination and creativity, some even used the wheels of their handcarts as makeshift cooking grates and the carts themselves as windbreaks to shield the flames. While a few worked to get the fires going, others chopped meat and vegetables. It was incredible to watch everyone pitch in, each youth contributing in their own way to make it happen. The teamwork and perseverance on display were truly remarkable as was the Guriltai Shöl (mutton soup with noodles) they shared with us!

As impressive as the trail lunch was, the meals back at camp were just as remarkable. We were completely amazed by the setup—they had ten wood-burning ger stoves going strong, making the task of feeding over 200 people look effortless! 

And yes, Mongolians definitely love to eat. One morning, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast around 9:00, only to be called over at 10:30 for “шорлог”—barbecued mutton bones—and бууз, delicious steamed dumplings filled with cabbage and carrots. By 11:45, it was time for тауван (fried noodles) and salad! It seemed like every time someone new arrived at camp, out came more food. 

Mongolians also love their meat—raw cuts hanging in the food tent might be surprising back home, but here, it’s just part of the process… and the results were undeniably tasty (well most of the results...the collagen and mutton skull that they picked to the bone we could do without)!

The camp area itself was also impressive!  We had tight quarters but it was fun!  J.D. had the opportunity to share the story of his great-great-great grandfather, James Laird, a pioneer with the Willie Handcart Company! 

And of course I have to include some pictures of the adorable kids!

As the youth trekked across the open plains, we noticed some buildings on the horizon. To our surprise, we were told they were in Russia—just 7 kilometers away! On the way home, our driver took a short detour so we could see the border up close. We never imagined we’d be standing that close to Russia—it was a surreal and unforgettable moment.

In other news, we are preparing to welcome new mission leaders at the end of the month. President and Sister Namgur and their wonderful boys will soon return to Utah after faithfully serving in Mongolia for the past three years. We recently gathered for a heartfelt farewell celebration in their honor. Their leadership and love have left a lasting impact, and they will be dearly missed.

Someone brought Russian ice cream (yes....lots to do with Russia this week!) to the potluck lunch....slicing ice cream seemed like a better way than scooping!  It was quite tasty!

We also had the chance to serve at the House of Mercy alongside two of our favorite missionaries, Sister Ellsworth and Sister Peterson. It was especially meaningful as it was Sister Ellsworth’s last day in the mission field. What a joy it was to serve together one final time. We wish you all the best, Kylee—you’ve made a beautiful difference here!

This week was filled with powerful reminders of faith, sacrifice, and community. From watching youth in Mongolia walk in the footsteps of pioneers, to saying goodbye to beloved mission leaders, to serving alongside faithful missionaries and witnessing the incredible hospitality of the Mongolian people—it has all deepened our love for this country and its people.

Moments like these make us grateful to be here, serving and learning every day. The gospel truly is a global message, and the spirit of the pioneers lives on—not just in Utah or Wyoming, but in the wind-swept plains of Mongolia, in the hands of faithful youth, and in the hearts of Saints around the world.