I Love to See the Temple

After a long two years, we were able to go back to the temple this week!  

While the temples were closed, we had a number of missionaries that were not able to go to the temple before beginning their missions.  Last December, Elder and Sister Warren and Elder and Sister Beck were able to accompany 13 missionaries to the temple.  We were happy that they were able to go with the missionaries, as they both were returning home soon.

Over the last six months, more missionaries have arrived that have not been to the temple.  Recently we were advised that we could book to take them when the time was convenient for us.  Since we no longer have any Senior Couples, we asked if we would be able to accompany them, and received approval!  It took a few weeks of making arrangements and hoping the travel restrictions would continue to allow the trip.  We are so appreciative of our representative at the Area Travel office, Izra, who arranged the flights and hotel and shuttle drivers to get us around in Manila and they also drove us home afterwards, as there are only flights every other day to Cauayan right now.  We also needed to get everyone here and figure out where their companions would stay while we were gone.  It seems like everything becomes a big production these days.  

It was a week of Firsts for many of these missionaries: First time in a hotel, first time on an airplane, first time at the temple.  We could feel and see the excitement and it was a joy to be part of it all.

We flew to Manila Tuesday morning, stayed overnight, and went to the temple Wednesday morning.  The vans would be picking us up in the morning at 5:30 am.  We told all the missionaries to be in the lobby by 5:15 am to make sure we could leave on time.  I diligently set the alarm for 4:45 am and we went to bed early.  Before the alarm went off in the morning, I received a text.  Who could possibly be texting me that early?  I almost didn't check it, but then decided I should.  I picked up the phone.  The clock said 5:54.

5:54???  Oh no!  How did this happen?  The text was from Sister Bolante. "Good morning Sister Craig :) The van is here na po."  I quickly responded that the alarm had not gone off, but we would be there soon.  We jumped out of bed, threw on our clothes and threw everything else in the suitcases.  It was all a blur.  We ran to the elevator and got downstairs.  I wanted to just drop the key and run, because there was a line, but the man at the desk said I had to wait to sign his form.  I was dying.  I didn't want my mistake to ruin their day.  4 Sisters and the driver were waiting.  The rest had already left in the other vans, thank goodness.  We were finally loaded in the van by 6:20 am.  

Then there was the miracle.  The 40 minute drive through Manila only took 20 minutes!  We were there in time to breathe and de-stress.  

It was pouring rain all day in Manila on Wednesday, but it did not dampen our spirits.  It was a wonderful day, and we are grateful.  It was so good to be back in the temple.  It was a time for reflection and re-grounding.  When I first sat down in the temple with a minute to think, my mind went to our crazy wake up, and I wondered if I had forgotten something in the room.  There would be no way to go back to get it.  But then the feeling settled within me that it didn't matter.  Anything I might have left behind in my rush could be replaced.  I was in the House of the Lord, and did not want to think of the world.  I relaxed and focussed on better things.  The temple is where I go to find peace; to feel closer to my Father in Heaven.  It is the place where I have received answers to my prayers and have made sacred covenants.  My years as a worker in the Calgary temple have been such a blessing, and I have truly missed being there.  It was wonderful to see the faces of these young people as what they had waited for for so long had finally come.  Two started their missions over 6 months ago and waited and waited to go to the temple. Their eyes danced with excitement.  And my eyes were wet as we greeted them in the Celestial Room, feeling overwhelmed with love for these wonderful young people we get to serve with.  

Another day never to be forgotten.

By noon were were on the road back to Cauayan.  There are only flights 3 days a week, so driving, although very long, was the better option than staying another day.  We did not anticipate waiting for 45 minutes at Jollibee  for our take out, but I guess that is what happens when you order for 18!  When we stopped for supper at McDo in Solano, President Craig said everyone was getting the exact same meal this time.  It shaved some time off our earlier wait, but we still waited.  I think the staff wished they had closed early before we arrived!  We arrived back home at 10:30pm.  Ten and a half hours on the road to drive home.  

Oh! And the alarm?  I set if for 4:45 PM!