Time in the Temple

Yesterday I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful couple from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  She spoke Swahili and French; he spoke Swahili, French and a wee bit of English. However, he could read and write English really well.  So, we managed to get along just fine.  They had come to Johannesburg to go to the temple for the very first time along with their three children.  I asked them if they had other members of their ward or stake there and they said no - it was just the five of them.  I told them I would meet them when they were finished and take some pictures.  After working with them for 1 1/2 hours to prepare the paperwork they needed to have their ordinances done in the temple, I felt I needed to attend their sealing.  So, after we closed the centre, I walked up to the temple and surprised them.  What a wonderful experience for me to be a part of their special day.  AND, when their beautiful children came into the sealing room all dressed in white, it was like looking at three angels.  Of course, the ordinances were performed in French but I understood what was happening.  There is truly nothing more beautiful than to watch an entire family kneel at the altar in the temple and have all of their hands touching across the altar as they are sealed together as a family for, not only in this life, but in the life to come.  Then they stood in front of the mirrors that reflect to infinity representing the eternities.  I felt so blessed to be able to witness this and share in their joy.

The father is the bishop of his ward and was absolutely delightful and couldn't stop smiling and saying this is the happiest day!  I could not get more than a hint of a smile out of the rest of the family, in front of the camera or otherwise.  Here they are:  the children are 11, 9 and 6.  

We have two couples being reassigned and one couple going home, so all of the sisters got together Monday for lunch.  The restaurant, which used to be a culinary school, is called "Olives and Plates". The food was served looking like a picture - in fact, a lot of people took pictures of their food.  I had spaghetti and meatballs and they even managed to make that look gourmetish!

We have now been in South Africa for three weeks!  I already have a deep love and respect for the people here.  I love helping them with their family history and getting names ready to take to the temple.  Elder Renland, one of the new apostles, used to be the Area President over Southeast Africa. He gave a video presentation that basically said, "Family history consultants and genealogists, etc. are now words that we do not use - we are temple workers".  That is so true - we are temple workers doing the preparatory work necessary for all to be able to receive those saving ordinances found only in the temples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.