Temple #12 Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA! This temple was so cool! It reminded me a lot of Columbia and Raleigh but the people here were so cool. Also as we got there it was foggy and about 60 degrees, and as I walked in the temple, I felt a huge warmth fill my body that I know is from the spirit. I just wanted to take this post to thank my mom for being there for me, and helping me fulfill this dream! I love the spirit I feel when I go to the temple, and I hope this adventure helps inspire people to go and do the Lord's work.

Temple # 8,9,10, and 11 Provo, Jordan River, Oquirrh and Salt Lake !

Haha ! These are really late, but there's been a lot of trips lately! Especially my trip to Utah. I was so blessed to be surrounded with houses of the lord and happy to have the opportunity to visit 4! The Provo temple was beautiful. I went around sunset and the stunning rays enveloped the spires. It was about 5 minutes away from my dorm, and made me so happy ! Imagine all the times I can go there ! Also in Utah, to get baptized in the temple, you can go in anytime from 5-8. I was in and out in 15 minutes! It was so cool being at my future temple.

Then I visited the Oquirrh Mountain and Jordan River Temples! They were about 5 minutes apart but really different. They both gave a really cool spirit and a sense of sanctuary. I felt completely happy and at peace.

Last but certainly not least is the Salt Lake City Temple! WOW! Okay I always thought that people made such a huge deal about it, but when you see the specific workmanship put into each doorknob, or chandelier, it brings you back to the sacrifices that people made to make that beautiful temple! Also I got to go through it with one of my closest friends, Rachel. It was truly breathtaking and left me with a spiritual high all day.

Temple #7 Palmyra, NY

WOW! The Palmyra Temple reminds me of a scripture in Job 3:19; ...The small and great are there...
This temple had such a beautiful spirit, mostly because of it's location. Minutes away from the sacred grove, the inside had detailed stain glass windows of trees. The coolest part was that in the font, when I looked up there was a stain glass window above the font, and it looks as if Joseph Smith was looking to heaven from the sacred grove; with overlapping tree branches. It was such a beautiful experience. Also the temple president was the sweetest old man, and as we were leaving he called to me and asked me to wait for a moment. He brought me the new picture of their temple, and remarked about how the clear blue sky reminded him of me. "A sky for a Skye.", he said.

Here is a link to the Temple information, truly a beautiful story! http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/palmyra/

Boston Temple #6

Honestly one of the most breath-taking temples yet. It was sunny, warm and the temple was shining! We were there a little early, but after the baptisms,  I spoke to one of the temple matrons, and a young women president. The temple matron had a similar situation to my mother and how it affected her children. She told me about how much they struggled and some of them ended up leaving the church. I feel extremely blessed to have the faith that I have that keeps me grounded in life.The one truly inspiration thing was the young women president. Lately I have been really trying to seek all of my answers in the scriptures as well as prayer. The sister, with tears in her eyes, approached me and asked how she could get her young women to love the scriptures as I do. It was such a gratifying thing to hear, because of the long hours that I have spent searching for answers. It truly made me appreciate the tenacity God has given me for the scriptures.

Temple #5 Atlanta GA

This temple was BY FAR my favorite. It is so beautiful and picturesque. We went in, and the spirit was just crazy. The sun was shining all over the stain glass. The people in the temple were soo sweet, and the men who were confirming me really had the proper authority. It was so inspiring and a light of my day. This temple was bigger, but as each temple, has it's own unique spirit and light. The man that baptized me was from Delaware, and was so so strong in the gospel. Every temple strengthens my testimony more and more. 

Temple #4 Raleigh NC

This temple reminded me so much of South Carolina's, although, upon arrival, the car's thermometer read 108 degrees! As we walked in, and waited in the foyer. The older couples waiting in the foyer started to talk to us, and I told them my story and goal as we discussed different temples. They were the sweetest people ever. That day I was baptized for some very close people to my family. The man who baptized me went to high school with Vai Sikahema. Also the stake president who was attending was the only member in his family, and the youth had oppritunities to be baptized for his ancestors in Italy. You could tell how earnest he was to see them come out of the water. It was such a beautiful experience, and the temple was such a warm and perfect place.

Temple #3 Manhattan,NY

This temple was a totally different kind ! First of all seeing Angel Moroni from the sides of all the reflective skyscrapers is magnificent. We walked in, and, as always, met the sweetest little temple lady ever! It was so gorgeous inside and has such great curb appeal. As I walked in and saw the font, the spirit just washed over me. Definately a new favorite !

My Mission

To visit every temple in the United States. There are 66 existing operating temples, and 10 being built. The red pegs on the map symbolize the temples being built, with black, blue and navy representing the existing temples. The red flags in the last pictures are the temples I have visited, and the blue yarn is the route/order I have taken.

Temple #2 Columbia, South Carolina

That afternoon, my mother and I decided upon this mission. We ventured to the Columbia Temple and were running a little late. (In the pictures are my niece and nephew) We walked in and were greeted by a woman dressed in all white. "We were waiting for you! I'm so glad that you made it." She cheerily said. We changed quickly just in time for the last young man to exit the water. My mother was baptized first, and as she exited the water, I could see a smile plastered across her face. Dripping with water, she watched as I entered the font. As I was finishing the temple worker said to me, "Do you know anybody from France?" A little stunned by the question, I said no. "These people will know you by name when you cross over the veil. They will bow at your feet because you have saved them. Just as you know the name of the man who baptized you, they will come to you and know you by name." This old man's words made me smile even as I write now.

Temple #1 Washington D.C.

My first time at the temple. It was so beautiful and breath taking. The sun shone all around the pillars and the sky was a vibrant blue.When we entered the font, we had to wait a while because the ward before us was running late. I sat on an upholstered bench and watched the baptisms. Then a member of the temple presidency came out to address us. He stood right in front of me and my mother and said, "Hello." in a cheery and kind tone. He began to address the room, but for some reason, he was talking straight to me. I could feel his kind heart and see myself glowing in his eyes. He spoke of realizing our potential as queens and kings of the world. Realizing how truly special we all are, and the divine purpose we posess.After the talk and the baptisms, I was confirmed. My favorite part includes the line, "...recieve the holy ghost...".Everytime I hear those words, I instantly feel the person's gladness and rejoicing spirit.