Oregon migration

Sometimes as a family we read together in the evenings. Recently we have been reading "Bound for Oregon" by Jean Van Leeuwen. It's the story of a pioneer family in America who immigrated from Arkansas to Oregan in the 1850's. The longer I listened each evening to their struggles, hopes and dereams, the more I asked myself how much these pioneers might compare to refugees nowadays. These pioneers struck out on their journey along the Oregon trail between 1840 and 1870. For many it was the last resort to escape the hardships back home. The author notes that much of this westward migration took place less than a decade before the civil war, during a time of increasing conflict over the issue of slavery. According to her, the journey was filled with trials that were overcome by a mixture of common sense, courage and personal faith. To what extent was the journey of these pioneers in America similar to the one that of refugees? And how much does God use this journey to build and preserve a people of faith.