A Day Among Days


 
Where, you ask is this magnificent tree?  It is in a little town about an hour south of London.  And it is the grounds of the London Temple.  The grounds are extensive and gorgeous.  We took Angie (baptized in August) and Roshnee (baptized somewhat before Angie) to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.


It was so hard to roll out of bed this morning at 5.  But SK was certain that we had to leave by 6 in order to get there on time. We had been told that we were to be in the temple by 9:30 or we might be turned away. It took about ten minutes to get to Roshnee's home, where she was waiting by the door.

She is in her 40's, a mother of two daughters, and converted from the Hindu faith. Her fervent testimony of Jesus Christ is touching.  She is gentle and kind and has a soft voice, pronouncing English with a little bit of an accent - possibly French. Monday, Sister Hull from the office called to say there was another cancellation for the temple today, which gave us one more opening.  Roshnee immediately came to mind and she gratefully and immediately accepted the invitation.

The temple has not been open for long, and for baptisms only. Our appointment was for a 9:30 arrival and baptisms at 10. We pulled into the parking lot at 8:30.  You can see that it was a gorgeous overcast day, with frequent showers.  Waiting for us there were four young elders.  What can I say?  I love these young men!


They had also left their flats very early to be there. The tall one, Elder Hathaway served here in Oxford last year - with us - and baptized Angie. The one between him and Angie confirmed. Angie was hoping we could take the Oxford Elders with us, but they had to be in London all day today and were so sorry to miss. But I don't think Angie realized that we could get the ones who baptized her!

I checked with our mission president (smile) and got permission for both of them to be there, along with their companions.  They were so happy to be going to the temple today.  And once again, Elder Hathaway baptized Angie, this time for my ancestors - who lived within an hour of here, and Elder Wallis confirmed.

Angie is in her mid-thirties, from Dominican Republic and absolutely brilliant. She got her PhD in engineering here in Oxford I think. She is a researcher, and thinking of going back to college to get a degree in archeology, her first love. So often in conversations, she will listen thoughtfully, and then add her own input.  She can talk about anything, and she does so with humility and deference.  Even with the gospel, her knowledge outstrips most members of the church.

Besides the eight of us, there were only four other people in the entire temple!  A member of the presidency and his wife, and the couple who were in charge of the baptistry greeted us.  Later, while we were still there, the president and matron came in, as well as the other councilor and his wife.

Our great young missionaries conducted us around the temple grounds, took pictures for us, and conversed with Angie and Roshnee - as well as listened to and laughed at ALL of SK's jokes. 

When it was time to go in, all four changed into temple whites. Two did the baptizing, and then were in turn, baptized for some Madsen ancestors and a couple of mine. Elder Hathaway was so kind in the font.  He gently leaned them down in the water and lifted them out as though they were as light as a feather.

The elders solemnly performed the sacred ordinances with dignity. They all changed and we went out to the grounds again where the rain had let up enough for us to take pictures. We said goodbye in the parking lot a little before noon.  Just as SK was saying goodbye to Elder Hathaway, he put some money in the young elder's hand and whispered, "Get something to eat on the way home." He gave him enough to get each of them something at McDonald's.




Elder Hathaway - isn't he cute? I think he must be about 6'5"







The elders had at least a two-hour drive ahead of them, and there are still no restaurants where you can go inside and be seated. They were very grateful. So they must have driven through a McDonalds or something similar.

We had a lovely drive home. Roshnee had packed sandwiches and snacks for us, which was so dear of her.  Traffic wasn't bad at all, yet by the time we got home it was nearly four. I have sorted through the 70 photos we took, downloaded them to the computer, sent copies to the elders and Angie and Roshnee, we have eaten dinner, and we will soon join our Zoom zone conference call.

That kind of took our day....but what a day.





Comments

Erin said…
What a day! How wonderful!
May 13, 2021 at 11:46 PM
melissa said…
What a beautiful thing to be back at the temple. And especially with Angie and her special missionaries!
May 18, 2021 at 6:22 AM
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