Departing Missionaries Temple Trip

 The alarm went off way too early this morning. I was sound asleep and wondering why it was going off. I had walked nearly five miles total yesterday and that is hard on this old body. I was worn out, but the sleep felt so good.

We got ready and waded through Oxford's outgoing traffic, London's incoming traffic and then outgoing traffic, arriving at the London Temple at 10 a.m.

As we pulled into the parking lot, there were quite a few familiar faces, young elders and sisters milling about. About the time we got there, so did President and Sister Thompson and the APs. We all crowded in to the little Visitor's Center, where we said a prayer, and those who were hungry (OK, ALL of the young people) devoured large Costco muffins and juice.



We took some pictures and then headed over to that beautiful temple, entered and attended a missionary session. I cannot quite describe the joy I felt in being there. Sometimes I just need to be in the temple. The workers had assembled clothing for everyone. It is a little thing, but I was elated to find a bundle for me with a dress that hit my ankles!!!

We walked up to the session, settled in our seats and watched the film. I hadn't seen this one, but I can only say that it was deeply moving, the filming was magnificent, the music so beautiful and the narration struck me to the core. The more I learn about the Savior, the more in awe of Him I am. I can scarcely explain.

Afterwards, as tradition dictates, we walked outside to the front of the temple for pictures. Then we returned to the visitor's center where we enjoyed a lunch made by the office couples, Hawaiian Haystacks and brownies for dessert. SK, shamefully said to the people at the table, "They aren't as good as my wife's brownies!" He doesn't even like brownies!







Somehow, it just looks like SK and his friend Elder Roskelley are up to something.



We visited for awhile during and after lunch with young missionaries we love, finding out what their plans for the future are, and how they are doing with everything. Later we had an interview with President and Sister Thompson. They wanted to know what we do in Oxford, in order to help them decide whom to assign here. He said some get their assignments from Church headquarters. They spent at least a half hour with us, which was very generous. They answered our questions, and asked what they could do for us. 

It was sweet and it was sad to say goodbye. But the one thing we know for sure is that there will be reunions. Dave will insure that. There is already one scheduled for Utah in October, and one in London next year.

We retraced our route home to Oxford, this time taking 2 1/2 hours instead of 1 1/2. Traffic near London was awful!

Despite the traffic, we are both deeply grateful for the beautiful day we just spent.

We arrived home around 8, had a light dinner, and now should be packing. 

I may just go to bed.

Comments

Erin said…
Sounds like a beautiful and long day! It is such a relief for the temples to be back open.
August 23, 2021 at 6:45 AM
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