Wednesday was a special day. Our family woke up, dressed in our church clothing, and headed to the new Gilbert, Arizona Temple for a tour. The temple is currently open until mid February for tours before it is dedicated in March. You are encouraged to make a reservation, so I picked an 8 am tour.
We headed to Gilbert, picking up breakfast on the way (nothing like some donuts to start the day, right?) Then we walked over to the chapel neighboring the temple. This is where they showed a video about the importance of temples, the history of the Saints in Gilbert, and also a little bit about the building of the Gilbert Temple.
During the video, reverence didn't seem to be on Oliver's agenda. He was too busy pestering his sister (Melanie) and playing with Hymn books. What was a little humorous though, was that he noticed the moment the video was over. You could tell he knew he was busted, because he quickly folded his arms and said (not too quietly), "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen!" Nice try, Oliver. We all know what you were up to!
After the video, the escorts showed us to the Temple. The tour seemed to take on the approach of a long group playing follow the leader. It was definitely clear which way we should go. The temple was (and is) an indescribable beauty. There is just no other way to put it. It was a very vertical experience, with large stairways that showcase magnificent stain glass windows. It was definitely a memorable experience.
Upon asking the kids which rooms were their favorites, and just from listening to them talk over the last 2 days, I have determined the following:
Noelle is in love with the baptismal font. She is a little discouraged that she herself won't be baptized there, but is willing to wait until she is 12 to go. She has informed me that when she is 12, we will be going *a lot*.
Melanie is excited about getting married in the beautiful "marriage room for sealings". She really liked that room.
They both have told me how they felt the Holy Ghost in the temple, especially in the room with the bright beautiful lights. I would have to agree. The Celestial Room always makes an impression on me, and the one in the Gilbert Temple is definitely amazing. I'm really glad they have been able to feel the spirit and acknowledge that it was there, in the Temple.
I'm not sure which room was Oliver's favorite, but I have to say, he was extremely reverent inside the temple. It was like a 360 change from how he was in the church building. I have to believe it's because even he knew how special the Temple is.
Here are some pictures we took outside of the temple after the tour.
I'm so blessed to live so close to so many temples. When I thought we were moving to North Dakota, one thing that bothered me was knowing the nearest temple would be a 4 hour drive. How blessed we are. I'm so grateful for the temple and for the feelings to peace it brings to my life.
