Temple Trip

(Ill post pictures when I have internet again. Stay tuned.)

This morning we woke up at 3am to join our ward on an old bus for a five and a half hour drive to Mexico City to attend the temple!!! This temple experice was unlike nothing I've ever experienced. Ruth and I went with the youth to the rear entrance to do baptisms. The door was locked! And after a little while a man came to the door and opened it (we could see people inside the lobby) and said, "What is wanted?" I was so confused that I

All I could say was, "We're here to do baptisms?" He gave me a confused look, and closed the door.

A minute later our bishop knocked on the door again. The same man came to the door and gave the same request. This time he had a clipboard with him and proceeded to tell our bishop that the baptismal font already had someone there. Where was your appointment? The bishop pleaded and explained that he made an appointment 2 weeks ago for our youth. After much deliberation and waiting, they agreed to let us in, but only if each youth only performed 1 baptism. Our bishop was gracious and in we went! 

The font area of the temple was bursting at the scenes and very chaotic. That explained so much. 

Ruth was quickly handed a jumpsuit (very large) and then we chatted for about an hour while we waited her turn. You should have seen the look of surprise on her face when she got in the font! A mixture of joy and shock, as the water was ice cold! At least the shower was a little bit warmer, if only a little. She was shivering just a bit.

I've gone to the temple with Ruth every month since January. I've never seen so much joy and excitement as I saw here in Mexico City. And never so many people! And to be here with the wonderful members of our ward has made everything that much sweeter. 

After being with Ruth I switched places with Daniel in the visitor center with Ruth, Tess and Kate so he could have a turn. As I walked around I couldn't get over how many families were there! I had a realization that hundreds of families had come to the temple today. The Mexico City temple complex is large, and boy do they ever need it! As I watched, a seemingly endless stream of saints were flowing in and out of the temple. Truly incredible. 

Then to top it all, after Daniel finished we went across the street to a little stand selling sandwiches. All of the customers (at least 100) were in Sunday clothes and had clearly come from the temple. The sandwiches had cool names like "Moroni," "Nephi," "Laban," and "Coriantumur!" Ruth said her sandwich was one of the best she'd ever had. 

Now we are back on the bus with around 4 hours to go. I'm grateful to have a minute to write thos post before I forget how heavenly this temple trip has been. I love Mexico!