“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.”

It was super tough to say goodbye to all those I love in Manchester but I love Carthage. I love the people. I love the ward. I especially LOVE sister Thomas! She is already one of my greatest friends and I’ve only known her 5 days! She is pretty much my twin and could pretty much be the next AP-for real. I am so blessed to serve with her! She has a ton of faith! The Lord has blessed us with tons of new people who are ready and anxious to progress in the gospel and interested in learning and growing. I love them all so much. One cool experience- we were at Stewarts and there was a loner guy on his phone. I went up and chatted with him. Turns out he’s MORMON. He and his family were baptized when he was younger and his name isn’t on the church list or anything. He is currently going through a divorce and his life just kinda sucks. He lost his Book of Mormon in the move so we were able to give him one and get his number and all that jazz. SO COOL. That is not a coincidence. That same night we were able to go knock doors! While doing so we met tons of cool people. 7 of them let us teach them and some let us come in their homes. They loved the message and were all so prepared. They said we could come back on specific days/times and were excited to build their faith in the Savior. It is cool how unique everyone is. The spirit is so cool in lessons because we don’t know what they need, but God does, and He can communicate that to us through the spirit! SO RAD! I can never get over that! It is such a blessing. WE have been so blessed. 7 new beautiful, solid souls to teach in one evening is not normal. That is a MIRACLE. It is all thanks to sister Thomas’s new missionary FIRE and FAITH! It is a sign to me that God needs us in Carthage to build His kingdom! I am pumped to continue to grow and learn and get to know these peeps! I have already learned SO MUCH! Oh my goodness the mission stretches you in ways you did not know possible. It is so tough and wonderful and emotional and BEAUTIFUL! It was so hard leaving Manchester but so great meeting the ward here!

I have thought a lot about mountains and temples this week. And of course I live on Mountain Lane! Haha Mountains are to tough to climb, but the process allows you to progress higher and higher. It brings you closer to God. Saturday was a hard day remembering all the memories of Terik but the experience of loosing him has been a backbreaking hike that has brought me closer to my Savior and my God! I know that Terik is up there, rooting us on and carrying us up this mountain. Bless his family’s heart. I love them all dearly and pray for them fervently and frequently.

I challenge you to climb a mountain. This could be literally going for a hike, going to the temple, getting on your knees and saying a prayer, pushing through a trial or working towards goals. I promise you it will be painful and difficult, but I also promise you with will be the most joyful experience. Why? Because Jesus Christ. Because He’s climbed that mountain before and He will walk with you and carry you every step of the way.

I know my Savior lives. I know He has overcome sin and death. I know the Gagon family will be reunited one day and I will get to see sweet Terik again and feel his arms around me. I know that as we choose to turn to Christ, we will find great joy in any circumstance. I love you!