OPPORTUNITY

Jerry & I had made plans for today (Saturday). We have been needing and wanting to go to Costco, so we planned on riding to Mesa, viewing the beautiful desert in bloom, shopping, and maybe looking for some Yard Sales. Well, yesterday afternoon we had a visit from Bill Mulleneaux. He told us about the open house to be held today for all of the workers on the Temple; for them and their families. He said he and Terri were going to be there from 9-11 am, and asked if we would like to relieve them and be there from 11am to around 1:30. I loved the thoughts of this, since he said we would be in the Temple. So this morning at 10:45, we arrived and parked in the Temple Parking. We went to the cultural hall in the new chapel first to receive our instructions and pick up our badges, which said "Usher". CB Fletcher, who is in charge of security, said we were mainly to watch for anything out of the ordinary and to especially watch for cell phones & picture taking, as there was to be none in the temple. The cultural hall was decorated very elegantly and beautifully, with furnishings and centerpieces borrowed from Sparks furniture. Tables were set up, and the visitors there were enjoying an elegant luncheon. Everyone was orderly and polite, and it was evident there were people of many faiths there. We stayed there for about an hour, watched the video that all visitors watch, joined a tour, and walked to the Temple. It is so beautiful. Especially the ceiling work, done in gold leaf, and the beautiful chandeliers. We took it all in. Then, we releived some of the volunteers who needed to take a break, and watched for cell phones. I only saw one lady get a phone out in the beautiful Celestial Room, so I reminded her about no pictures. All people were respectful and in awe of the surroundings. It was an unexpected and cherished day we experienced. Then, when the tours ended at a little after 2pm, we walked back to the cultural, and partook of the luncheon. This was held to show the workers how much they were appreciated. They gave the Temple their best work, and it shows. It is all we could have hoped for, and I am sure our ancestors are smiling and happy.

There was a train derailment last night and about 15 cars came off the track. This happened about 200 yards from the temple, ending at about 100 yards. We don't know what caused it. The cars narrowly missed the turnoff and road into the temple, but for whatever reason, it remained clear and unhampered. There were many RR workers there trying to fix the tracks. It was truly a sight.

I hope all of you can come and tour the Temple, and be proud that our ancestors have had a hand in making the work of the Lord move forward. We would love to have you visit or stay with us if you come.
Love, Mom, Aunt Linda, Grandma