This was a pretty phenomenal opportunity. For over a year the Montreal Temple has been under renovation which has meant we haven't had a temple near by. With the Montreal Temple closed, it actually put us the furthest from a temple that we have ever lived (just under 5 hours without traffic - it took us over 6 hours which is still closer than many people so I certainly do not want to complain but should be grateful we were still driving distance!). When it was announced that there would be a full open house and rededication of the temple we were pretty excited because that would mean that we would get to take the kids through the open house beforehand. So on November 14, 2015, it would be the first time that we are in the temple together as a family. So exciting.
We certainly did not anticipate that both Jason and I would get to be part of the process of the temple rededication in a small part. They turned out to be great opportunities to be involved. I was able to help some very talented people put together a temple cultural celebration with the youth of the church. It was a great opportunity and I am so impressed with how much dedication and work everyone put in to it. And it was a real pleasure to watch the youth rise to the opportunity and really soak in the blessings of the occasion. The show turned out wonderfully and I know it will be something the youth will remember and treasure in their hearts. There is so much talent, hard work and dedication that really came to life when the youth added their faith and love for the gospel and temples. It was a great moment and wonderful event.
Jason was able to help out a bit with the AV team which entailed contacting units in western Canada to make sure all the correct data was had for the rededication broadcast. Then he helped pack up all the equipment at the temple after the last rededication session was had. We didn't get to attend the temple for the rededication sessions (you watch the broadcast at one of several chapels if you are not given tickets for the temple) but Jason was at the temple as the last session ended and got to be at the doors of the temple as President Eyring left - a moment I'm sure Jason will remember. There were AV duties to be done at the cultural celebration but seeing that I was busy with the celebration all day, Jason did a great job taking care of the kids and even watched the broadcast of the show with them live which the kids really, really loved. When they picked me up afterwards, the kids were pretty tired as it was a late night, but they were simply gushing about their favourite parts in the show.
Of course, beyond a doubt, taking these precious little ones into the temple for the first time was my favourite part. The kids were counting down until the day that we would get to go. When we first moved to Montreal we would drive up to the temple and have picnics in front of the temple after church on Sunday. During construction there wasn't the opportunity to do that as it had become a full-fledged construction site. So they were extra excited to get to go in. It was also pretty lovely that we were able to invite along a school friend of Jason's that the children adore having over.
Before we headed into the temple, we first watched a little video that gave information about temples all over the world and what temples are used for. Then we headed to the door of the temple, put special little booties over our shoes (to protect the beautiful new floors inside) and headed in. And it was beautiful.
It sunk deeper into my soul while in there that we are a temple people focused on eternal families. And I simply love that families are eternal. It's an incredible and beautiful truth to know. I loved getting to tell the children about the first time that I remember getting to go into a temple. It was the Edmonton Temple and I had driven there from Calgary with my parents and younger brother to go to the open house. I'm so glad that they chose to do that. I was 13 and I remember it being cold. And I remember how the beauty of that building struck me along with how peaceful it was in there. So unbelievable. I made a little promise to myself that there was no better or more beautiful place to be married. And 9 years later I was married for time and all eternity to Jason. The journey to get there was an adventure - but that's a story for another time.
The kids were in awe. The renovations were stunning. They added paintings to the instruction rooms and details in and around the temple that made it a little more personalized to this area. The big kids are anxiously awaiting when they turn 12 so that they can visit the now rededicated temple and participate in baptisms for the dead.
There really is no place on earth quite the same as spending time inside the temple. It has acted as my haven and place of learning and inspiration many, many times. I feel so grateful to be cultivating a home environment with Jason that we strive to model after the temple where our children and those around us can feel safe and loved. It is a daily blessing to be part of the love, laughter and learning within these walls. So grateful to share the experience of the temple with the children in a new way during the open house and cultural celebration.
We celebrated afterwards, and took a greater opportunity to talk about temples by going for brunch. I know I say this a lot, but I really do feel so lucky with the vibrant wonderful personalities of my children. We have many learning moments each day and I adore spending time with them. It is a real pleasure to see them grow, learn and apply their unique selves to everything. It's awesome.
This is a moment I hope will be woven into the fibres of their hearts. I love this family. And I love temples that make it possible for us to be together forever.
