I Love to See the Temple

Miracles are everywhere! Care to hear about some?

On Friday night, my host sister walked in while I was reading the scriptures and asked a little bit about them. I explained the origin of the Book of Mormon and a few of our beliefs. She seemed pretty interested- well she wasn't offended at least. My mom then came in and started asking questions as well. Tracy had already talked to her a bit about the church previously so she had a better background. She asked me where I bought my Spanish Book of Mormon, and I said that I could get her one! We stayed up late talking about the church and so I didn't get to sleep until late that night.

I woke up extra early (5:30) so I could have extra time to get to the church on time (they were leaving at 7:00). When I was waiting for the bus to get me to the church, I had a distinct impression to take a taxi. I at first argued, thinking that a taxi is much more expensive (30 pesos vs. 5 pesos) and I didn't want to take a taxi all by myself. But, I did it anyway and got to the church at about 6:15 with lots of time to spare.

What I didn't know is that I was right on time because they were really leaving at 6:30. This is another thing that typically happens in Mexico- times change a lot.

The leaders in the ward were asking me where the other girls were and I was explaining in broken Spanish that they we thought we were leaving at 7:00, not 6:30. I also didn't have a cell phone because I lost it in Cuetzalan and haven't had time to replace it (yes Dad, I'll get right on that). I didn't have anyone's phone number on me so I couldn't call and tell them about the time change.

Luckily, the leaders of our ward are INCREDIBLE and waited for two of the girls to come at 7:00. I would have told them to go ahead without us.... but I really wanted to go to the temple. I wasn't about to back out.

The Oaxaca (pronounced wa-hawk-uh) temple is about 3 1/2 hours away so we arrived about 10:30. It was so nice to see a familiar building in the middle of Mexico! All of the temples are so beautiful!

We met a really nice missionary couple in the temple! They were incredibly talkative and fun. It was different because in the temples in Utah (at least the Provo temple), you don't really talk during baptisms. But, the Elder talked with Sylvia and I a lot. It wasn't bad, just different.

Sylvia and I pretty much bought everything in the Distribution Center across the street. I am so excited about all of my purchases! I bought my family a Book of Mormon and some other general Mormon pamphlets that I plan on giving to them when the time is right. They may not accept it, but they are extremely open to many religions. If they don't read the Book of Mormon or the other publications now, perhaps it will have a purpose in the future. I'm not sure what the outcome will be yet, but I know that I was sent to this family for a reason. If anything, I have already been incredibly blessed being in their company.

At the Distribution Center, I also bought Preach my Gospel, the Liahona, Gospel Principles, and a picture of Jesus Christ. I'm so excited to dive into all of these different publications! How awesome is it that we have these things available for purchase almost anywhere in the world!

I feel so rejuvenated because of that temple trip! I can't wait until next month when we go again! I feel the Spirit so strong when I go and I receive so many answers that I've been looking for. If you haven't gone in a while- I would strongly encourage you all to go!