Working at the temple was my first service choice.
I had to wait a month and that turned out perfectly.
It gave me time to get myself oriented and Randy adjusted to his family search assignment.
I currently do just one shift per week.
I spend some spare time there doing
various ordinances, watching, listening, feeling, learning.
Sao Paulo Temple
On Wednesday September 3, I met with the President of our temple.
His name is President Puerta. He "interviewed" me and set me apart.
I had an endorsement form signed by Pres. Costa
saying I am worthy and qualified to be an officiator here.
He told me that this paper is really all he needed so there were not a lot of questions.
He told me that this paper is really all he needed so there were not a lot of questions.
This man speaks English reasonably well.
I tried not to smile when he kept calling me "Hobyn Hall"
That's how they pronounce "R's" :)
But I was smiling the whole time I was there. I could feel the love just oozing out of him.
It is my deepest pleasure and privilege to work here on Friday mornings.
I am always nervous before a shift because of the major language barriers.
However, it doesn't take long for me to take a breath, relax and just "do my best",
regardless of the many questions and challenges that come up.
Something I am really good at -
helping them as they struggle to pronounce English names :)
Everyone is so accommodating, instructive and kind.
Something I am really good at -
helping them as they struggle to pronounce English names :)
Everyone is so accommodating, instructive and kind.
This is the only place in the city where I don't get rattled, irritated, offended, or frightened.
I only feel serene. I am just happy to be there and do what (I think) I am told.
Even if it's different from last time, even if it doesn't make sense.
Even if it's different from last time, even if it doesn't make sense.
A good reminder of how I would/should like to feel always.
One week, it was especially difficult for some of the new sister missionaries and myself.
They arrive on their P-day in a bus from various missions or the CTM.
At the temple we have typically, Portuguese, Spanish and English at any given time.
It can cause some confusion and these girls are here maybe for the 2nd time ever.
They are a little nervous also.
I was feeling sympathetic and disappointed that I was not more helpful to them.
After the shift, I saw two of them in the cafeteria.
They were happy and anxious to find and "speak" to me
and wanted to thank me and say they felt my strong spirit.
I was so surprised and pleased.
In each temple there are procedures
that the Temple Presidency devises that work well for that particular temple.
The ordinances are the same of course,
but there are other actions that help things run smoothly and consistently.
So each temple and even each "shift" has it's own little "personality".
But always we are told to follow the spirit
and our best judgment in making specific decisions.
We must take great caution in correcting or criticizing other workers and patrons.
Last week we learned in our training meeting that Pres. Monson taught that
many times "it is better to break a rule than to break a heart".
I LOVE that thought. Excellent counsel.
One week, it was especially difficult for some of the new sister missionaries and myself.
They arrive on their P-day in a bus from various missions or the CTM.
At the temple we have typically, Portuguese, Spanish and English at any given time.
It can cause some confusion and these girls are here maybe for the 2nd time ever.
They are a little nervous also.
I was feeling sympathetic and disappointed that I was not more helpful to them.
After the shift, I saw two of them in the cafeteria.
They were happy and anxious to find and "speak" to me
and wanted to thank me and say they felt my strong spirit.
I was so surprised and pleased.
In each temple there are procedures
that the Temple Presidency devises that work well for that particular temple.
The ordinances are the same of course,
but there are other actions that help things run smoothly and consistently.
So each temple and even each "shift" has it's own little "personality".
But always we are told to follow the spirit
and our best judgment in making specific decisions.
We must take great caution in correcting or criticizing other workers and patrons.
Last week we learned in our training meeting that Pres. Monson taught that
many times "it is better to break a rule than to break a heart".
I LOVE that thought. Excellent counsel.
a favorite temple quote from Pres. Packer-
Come to the Temple
"No work is more of a protection to this Church than temple
work
and the genealogical research which supports it.
No work is more spiritually refining.
No work we do gives us more power.
No work requires a higher standard of righteousness.
Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection,
both individually and as a people.
It is in the ordinances of the temple that we are placed under covenant to Him—
it is there we become the covenant people.
and the genealogical research which supports it.
No work is more spiritually refining.
No work we do gives us more power.
No work requires a higher standard of righteousness.
Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection,
both individually and as a people.
It is in the ordinances of the temple that we are placed under covenant to Him—
it is there we become the covenant people.
if we will enter into our covenants without reservation or apology, the Lord will protect us.
We will receive inspiration sufficient for the challenges of life."
What more would I want?
the following are photos I found on the internet
is our apartment complex
not really as close as it looks here but I like the photo
For all of August the temple was closed for some renovations.
These guys in white travel the world, year round,
to work on temples that need major stuff done.
They don't look too busy in this picture but
each of them has a "specialty" and they are all from the Salt Lake area.
to work on temples that need major stuff done.
They don't look too busy in this picture but
each of them has a "specialty" and they are all from the Salt Lake area.
We would see them at different restaurants at lunch.
They stick together and look a little unusual in their outfits.
We spoke to them a few times.
Interesting work!
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