Going to Carthage was quite a moving experience to end our trip with. Being there in person and trying to imagine what it must have been like the day that the mobs came in and martyred Joseph and Hyrum is very overwhelming. It's hard to fight back the tears that so naturally fill your eyes. I remember when running my hand along the actual banister leading up the stairs that Joseph more than likely ran his hand along this very same banister not long before his death.
I've always wanted to see and visit all of these church historical sites and now that we have, you'd think that I'd feel a sense of fulfillment, but instead I feel a deep yearning to visit them again, and even again.. if I can. I really miss them and I'm so grateful for how they strengthened my testimony and broadened my understanding of Joseph Smith and the Saints during the time that they established all of these places of significance. If you haven't been... you REALLY should plan a trip around it. You'll LOVE it!
