Sister Oswald and I were SO excited that we were able to 1. wear trousers most of the day and 2. be outside in the fresh air and away from the city.
The hike started off beautiful. Great day with a bit of a wind chill (nothing out of the ordinary). We kept going along when one of the elders had to stop about every ten mintues because he was cramping up. Every time we stopped I gave graditude for my health! It was frustrating because the hike was about 1 hr 30 mins up and about 30 minutes down. Due to stopping every ten or so minutes it took us longer.
The higher we climbed the colder the chill. No more than half way it started to spit down rain. Twenty minutes later we climbed and experienced snow.
Were we ready to experience snow? NO. We weren't ready for anything except for lunch! The zone leaders told us the plan was to get to the top, eat lunch, decide on a baptismal goal for the zone, take a picture for President and Sister Griffiths and head back down. No mention to weather or proper clothing. Fortunately we were provided with the proper materials later in the hike.
We reach the top, finally, and we experience more snow, numb fingers and faces, and wind. There was NO WAY I was going to sit and eat lunch on top of a freezing mountain and i'm pretty sure everyone already ate their lunch through out all the stops up the mountain. We took our picture and gathered together to discuss our number for the month of may. Elder Graves (ZL) sugguested 9, one baptism per companionship. In my mind I immediately said YES!!! when I heard everyone else say yes, I quickly responsed loudly so there wouldn't be any confusion. We offered a prayer to Heavenly Father and went on our way.
As we were climbing down I thought I would never feel warm again. I had more appreciation for pioneers. I knew I would finish and I knew I harm wouldn't come to my health, but I didn't know when I would thaw out. Step by step I took the path and before I knew it I could see the lake again. Sister Oswald gave a man a Book of Mormon to one of the hikers. Such a brave soul Sister Oswald is, she knows the power of the Book of Mormon and she is not afraid to share. This is my attempt of sharing the Book of Mormon. I know the Book is has power to change hearts and lives. May it be spread through out the world.
All good and freezing things come to an end. This view was ten times more beautiful seeing it for a second time. The lake view was the starting and finishing point of the hike. Oh how glorious was the moment when I knew I finished!
Hope everyone has a great week! Enjoy the sunshine and you summer!
~Sister Garlock
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