A Temple Visit...Alone!

Well, of course there were other people in the temple, but this was the first time that I have gone to the temple without Gary and/or Jena since before Covid.  Before we had kids and Gary was traveling so much, I usually went to the temple by myself.  Then during children raising times when we lived near a temple, Gary and I would go together once a month or so.  When the kids finally were all in school (which for us started after Jessica was in college and Jena started kindergarten), I often went to the temple during the day by myself (not that I was a weekly visitor or anything.  That is a much more recent occurrence.) Anyway, I got into a flow of going to the temple by myself--often planning to get there to have extra time in the chapel before the session as well as time afterwards.  During our missions, we all three went together and since being home, we have tried to go most weeks.  It has been great.  And being with Jena in the temple is like being with someone famous.  She gets so many smiles and waves and hellos as we walk through the temple.

But this past week, Jena was sick and we decided to have Gary stay home with her (because she was not liking all of the things she was missing because of her cold.)  So I went by myself and I remembered some of the things I love about that as well and I had two very sweet and spiritual moments there in the middle of the whole experience of being in the House of the Lord.  

Gary has been going to the temple by himself--both to serve and to do sessions (and to study) over the past six weeks.  I think I might start going by myself from time to time as well. After all of these years, I can truly say that I love to be in the temple.  What a blessing for us!

In other news, they have announced the Dedication date for our Syracuse Temple (June 8) and the Open House to be held starting May 10.  You are all invited to join us for the open house.

In more "other news", Gary was called and set apart as a Syracuse Temple worker.  He will be serving on Saturdays from 5:30-10:30 pm!!!  Can you believe how late they will be open?

We also found out that our former (and well-beloved) stake president, Jim Brandt and his wife have been called to serve as 1st counselor and assistant matron of the Syracuse Temple.  They are perfect for that job and I look forward to seeing them in the temple.