Groundbreaking

I had not ever been to a groundbreaking of a temple site so for me this was an awesome experience. They started with the National anthem and continue with the prelude music and the program with Elder Wakolo, Elder Teh, and Elder Schmutz saying a few words before Elder Holland who basically said very clearly.

This is a very significan moment for the community in Urdaneta because it will never be the same. The temple here will represent what the tabernacle was for Moses and the temple in King Somomon's time represented. That was one temple in one location in a period of about 6,000 years. During the time of the apostasy that took place no temples were built but today in less than 200 years we have 161 operating temples and more to come.

He went into explaining that there are many Church buildings to worship but in the temple is where we make sacred covenants as the highest expression of our faith. Those who are able to attend the temple have demonstrated their true conversion. The temple is the goal for any couple who wants to get married forever and not just for this time. In the temple we also give the opportunity to those who have died to be baptized and we do it for them. In the temple we seal parents to their children. People will have a chance to enter the temple before is dedicated to see what it looks from the inside so he invited them to make sure they come when the temple is completed and an open house is underway.

After the meeting we went out to have lunch at the stake center with all the special guests who were invited. Later in the night is this is probably a moment in my life I will never forget was when I said goodbye to Elder Holland and he gave me a hug and kissed my forehead. That is the sweetest expression of a Christlike gesture toward me and I needed it!

Con amor,
Vero