Yesterday my pal Janeen and I braved the impending thunder storms and met up to go down to Utah County for the Open House of the Payson, Utah Temple. And what a great experience it was. The temple was absolutely stunning, and the crowds were small enough that we could really focus and ponder on what we were seeing.
Generally, a Temple Open House means huge crowds, hot weather, waiting in long lines, and a host of other annoyances that make the experience a little less than thrilling. But this time was just the opposite. I don't know if it was because it was the opening weekend, or the potentially unpleasant weather, but I appreciated it all the same. There was plenty of opportunity to walk around on the tour, and take a minute to really look around. In fact, when we entered one of the sealing rooms, there was a really great couple there that hosted and invited everyone to sit down and relax. Then they spoke about the purpose of sealing rooms, and temples in general, and their testimony of eternal families. I admit it even got me a little emotional.
After the tour, we were invited in to a large tent, where we were able to visit with missionaries and get some photos. This cute sister, Sister Roberts, was from Australia, and from the same ward as one of the cute sisters (Sister Masi) I met and got a photo with last summer. A very small world, especially I guess for Samoan/Australian Sister missionaries! (Sister Roberts also asked me to try and find Sister Masi and give her a hug. So here's hoping I can run in to Sister Masi and deliver the message.)
Janeen and I also had our picture taken in front of the green screen, but I must have typed in my email address incorrectly, since it hasn't arrived in my inbox... :(
Generally, a Temple Open House means huge crowds, hot weather, waiting in long lines, and a host of other annoyances that make the experience a little less than thrilling. But this time was just the opposite. I don't know if it was because it was the opening weekend, or the potentially unpleasant weather, but I appreciated it all the same. There was plenty of opportunity to walk around on the tour, and take a minute to really look around. In fact, when we entered one of the sealing rooms, there was a really great couple there that hosted and invited everyone to sit down and relax. Then they spoke about the purpose of sealing rooms, and temples in general, and their testimony of eternal families. I admit it even got me a little emotional.
After the tour, we were invited in to a large tent, where we were able to visit with missionaries and get some photos. This cute sister, Sister Roberts, was from Australia, and from the same ward as one of the cute sisters (Sister Masi) I met and got a photo with last summer. A very small world, especially I guess for Samoan/Australian Sister missionaries! (Sister Roberts also asked me to try and find Sister Masi and give her a hug. So here's hoping I can run in to Sister Masi and deliver the message.)
Janeen and I also had our picture taken in front of the green screen, but I must have typed in my email address incorrectly, since it hasn't arrived in my inbox... :(
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