A Visit to the Temple

Missionaries are allowed to go to the temple every three months.  Senior couples could probably go more often, but finding it would be a challenge for us foreigners. We were glad to accompany the Elders. Since Saturday is the "P" day for office workers, we all decided to go yesterday.  It took us about an hour to get there.  The temple is located in the Buenos Aires West Mission.

The temple is beautiful, and the landscape is manicured and colorful.  It looked a normal size from the outside, but we were so surprised that it was so small inside. We are so used to the bigger temples on the Wasatch front, that this one seemed so tiny.  There were 11 people on the session, so the five of us were about half the group. Headsets are available for English speaking people.  We both asked for one, but Rich found out that he didn't need it.  He was understanding and following along just fine with the Spanish recording.

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed walking around the temple grounds taking pictures after the session. We met Mary Kaye Doyle's cousin and wife who are serving there as the Temple President and Matron.   She had told us to look for them when we visited the temple.

In the picture with the Elders, we have added Elder Nelson to our office staff.  During this last transfer, Elder Clegg was informed he would be moving out of the office.  It breaks my heart. I've become attached to him, but I knew it couldn't last forever.  So, Elder Nelson is with us. . . being trained by Elder Clegg. When he gets grounded in what to do, then the President will reassign Elder Clegg to another companion.   Not only will we miss his knowledge and abilities in the office, but we have enjoyed getting to know him, and are glad we are connected through family ties.  He is a great young man, and we look forward seeing him again after our missions are over. The selfish side of me wanted him to finish up his mission in the office (he goes home in November).  But, he needs to be out among the people on a full time basis having more wonderful missionary experiences and bringing people to a knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Last night after returning from the temple, we attended a baptism of a young lady.  Elders Clegg and Valente taught her the gospel.  Elder Kroff and I sat in on a discussion with her one night, where she told how all the hatred and bad feelings she was carrying around for a lot of her family members, had now left her since she had started reading the Book of Mormon and studying about the church.   When she came for her baptism last night, she looked upset.  The Elders took her in a classroom to talk to her.  I was helping in the kitchen with the refreshments they always serve, and when I went looking for Rich, I saw him in the room with her and the Elders.  She was crying, and I thought that maybe she was changing her mind about being baptized.  Not so!!  She was telling them that all day family members had been calling her and telling her that she was a sinner and that she was doing the wrong thing, etc. etc.  No one from her family came to her baptism to support her.  She said that if she wasn't being baptized that night, that it would have been the worse day of her life.  

The Primary children joined in singing a song during the service.  We are so impressed that our ward is so supportive of new members.  So many people come out to witness a baptism and welcome the new member. The Relief Society Presidency is all there and they give the sisters a manual, and introduce themselves and welcome her.  The sisters bring cakes and goodies to serve afterwards.  It isn't like at home when we just have to drive a couple of blocks to get to the church. Some people have to take the train or public transportation to get to the church and they have to bring the food with them.  These members are so dedicated and supportive. Baptism are weekly occurrences here, and everyone is participating to make it special for the one being baptized.  It is amazing!

This is Evelyn Escobar (pronounced Evel-een), who was baptized.  Isn't she pretty.  The boy behind us wanted to join the picture.  Of course!  His name is Alex and he tells Rich that he is his adopted grandfather.  It was a good day.   This is what it's all about!