I climbed a mountain!!! ⛰️

One of the activities my squad got to do was climb Mt. Yonah, located 30 minutes from the mission base in Georgia.

A 2½ mile climb up a winding path with dirt, rocks, roots, and gravel, while carrying our large backpacks, it was a hike to remember. The best part was doing it with a group of people that looked out for, and encouraged each other.

At the top we built a fire and roasted hotdogs before going back down.

I was reminded of a song called “The Mountain Song” by Tophouse. The question asked is why people climb mountains. Is it just to reach the top and see the view? The answer isn't clear, rather, the artist talks about how through all the beauty and struggles the best part was climbing with their friend.

Sometimes we are so focused on the destination we miss the beauty of the journey. I confess, the month before my trip it was hard to stay present, to say so many goodbyes, to experience different places for the last time for almost a year. Looking back, I'm grateful for those goodbyes and last moments. The journey is bittersweet, to enter something new means saying goodbye to what's behind.

I have a Friend who has promised to climb every mountain and valley. He is not afraid of the journey, rather He is excited to walk it with me. I trust Him, His plans are good. We'll do this together, no matter what comes.

I pray the same for you, that you would know how much Jesus wants to have a day to day relationship with you. That you would have peace knowing He will never leave you. May the God of the mountain and the valley be with you in the storm and the sun. Blessings, Emily