Open House

Mike and I participated in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. We signed up as ushers. Mike was assigned to push those that were in wheelchairs and I was a greeter. I was the first usher people saw as they walked past the recommend desk.

When I signed up, I thought we would be near each other but that wasn't the case. We both had great experiences while working in the temple. Since Mike was helping someone in a wheelchair the line was slow moving for him. He got to enjoy the details of the beauty that was inside the Temple.

My experience was fantastic. I was so happy to greet everyone and welcome them to the Temple. I had showed the way in where to go. I stood for 5 hours. My legs did not like me but just when I couldn't stand any longer I felt like an extra boost of energy to keep going.

Another thing that felt was the love the Savior has for me. Let me preface this comment with some background. Since I have lived in Utah, I have always wanted to see people I knew if I was out in a public place. I know it sounds silly but in AZ I know I would always run into people. But in Utah there is never a chance. Also when we go out, Mike seems to run into an old friend, girlfriend, teacher, co-worker or missionary companion. I have always wanted that experience. Now you know the history I will tell you the rest of the story. As I was standing in line a gentleman came through the line, he looked familiar, but I didn't know how. Again being from AZ and not growing up in Utah it seems impossible. Well as I looked closer I started to recognize the man more. I stared and him for a minute, then it hit me. It was Mr. Ellsworth from Irving Elementary. He was my reading teacher in 2nd and 4th grade. I asked him if he knew me. It was a long shot, I know. But he was also in my stake growing up. When he looked at me funny and asked me what my name was, I had a hard time saying my maiden name. It eventually came out and he remember who I was. I was happy. I felt validated that someone knew me. Then as I was greeting more people I saw this young mom walk through. She smiled at me and I seemed to recall her smile. I thought this is crazy I don't know this person. Then I just blurted out didn't you dive for Tempe High School? She answered "yes" looking at me funny. The she said my name and remembered who I was. We chatted for a moment and I learned the she lives in Ogden. Again my spirit was high. I couldn't believe it again that I saw someone that I knew. It never happens to me. As I was greeted some people I saw two ladies hurry past me to the office doors where the Temple President's office was. From behind they looked familiar but I didn't know how. It wasn't until they came back through the doors I realized who they were. One of the ladies looked like my Great-Grandma Wood. Then I saw the other lady. It was my Aunt Judy and her daughter Lila. They were part of the Temple staff. We hugged and said hello.

Amazing! I felt blessed and so loved that I could be a part of the Temple Open house. I feel my Savior's love, the Love he freely gives me. I'm so glad that he knows who I am and what my deepest wishes are. ( I never expressed these feelings about wanting "to see people" to anyone)