A Place of Love and Beauty

After missing a few weeks at the temple, I was back, and what a lovely day to be back!

Emilie, one of the bright shining stars of our YSA program went through for the first time today (as she prepares to leave on her mission to Manchester England.  She absolutely sparkled with excitement to be in the temple and to be able to serve a mission.

Another one of my favorite young women, Natalie also went through.  She is an multi-talented artist and creates wonderful and meaningful works.  She also sings and plays the piano, and acts.  She is amazing.  She and Emilie had the temple preparation classes together and so planned today together as well.  

Emilie asked me to be her escort, which just means that I was her companion throughout her experience today.  It is what her mother or grandmother might have done....but she is the first member of her family to join the church, so I was the surrogate grandma.

There were 12 YSAs on that session....just there to be supportive to Natalie and Emilie.  Afterwards, we were all together in a beautiful part of the temple.  I looked across the room at SK and noticed he was getting broken up.  It was wonderful to be there with all those young people we love.  I wish I could take a snapshot and get everything in it....the colors, the mood, the spirit, the joy, the feeling of kinship.  I will have to rely on my memory and unfortunately, it is not that reliable.

We went out the front temple doors there were several there waiting outside....YSAs who do not yet have temple recommends.  They had their coats on and were patiently and happily waiting for Emilie and Natalie to come out.

Just coming out of the temple with Emilie and Mark - a dynamic young man who is happily part of our YSA program.

I wish I could have a similar snapshot of that too....but the above photos will have to suffice.