Gila Valley Temple Open House

Last Saturday I had the chance to take my Young Women to visit the Gila Valley Temple down in Central, Arizona. We had quite the drama being able to go. Our first plan was to go with the YM and YW and stay over night with my sister-in-law in their brand new house but the Young Men decided they didn't want to go and thanks to HUD my sister-in-law's house didn't close in time so we had to rethink that plan.

My counsellors and advisors really felt strongly that this activity was worthwhile and important so we began working out a plan where we do the entire trip in one day! We left at 4:30 AM and we were home before 7:00 PM and it is 4 hours drive each way! We had some rules: two adult drivers per car, and we needed priesthood.

We have such dedicated priesthood! My sweet husband was willing to get up at 4:00 AM and load up all four kids and drive them in our car so he could serve as priesthood so that the girls could go. Jason Neenos was also as kind. He had plans to go to Phoenix with his wife Bryn but before I was off the phone with the Stake President he had already volunteered to miss the trip with Bryn and serve as our second priesthood holder. Add to that President Spencer loaning us his Beast (their Excursion) and Jenny and Jeff being willing to drive it we were good to go!

We had 10 young women, 4 kids, and 6 adults up and at em by 4:30 AM to head to the temple! The temple was beautiful, like every temple is, but this was even more so to me because I was able to experience with and through my children Ethan and Emma. I loved the joy I could watch in their faces as they felt the spirit walking through that holy building. Emma whispered, "it feels like God is walking behind me everywhere we go, and that makes me want to dance and sing!" After we left the temple we were escorted to the chapel next door for refreshments and oh was it crowded. The Cultural Hall there was stuffed to bursting with happy people discussing the beautiful building we had all just seen. Ethan said to me, "Mom it is very crowded in this room and very loud. It is much harder for me to hear and feel the spirit in this loud place. The temple was quiet and peaceful and I could feel the spirit everywhere. I can't wait to go back there." I love that my children love the temple and know that the spirit of God dwells there and that they want to return as soon as possible.

I love the temple. I am grateful for the work that is performed there by the power of God. I am thankful to be sealed to my beautiful family for time and all eternity. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who made that possible for us. I am thankful for a Savior who made it possible for me to be worthy, through his sacrifice, for those blessings.