Step Back in Time

This morning we drove from Orlando down to Fort Lauderdale.  We checked into our hotel then headed over to see the temple and met up with our mission president and his wife.  Turns out we got a great hotel location that is super close to the temple.  Since there are just a handful of us, we went to Chili's for a late lunch together.  My dear friend, Blanca Jiron whom I met as she was a new member in my mission, joined us there.  I was expecting the question of why I wasn't married yet, but as everyone got to talking and reminiscing, it turns out that a LARGE number of missionaries and members have either left the Church, left their spouse, gotten divorced, are on their second marriage, etc., and that my position is enviable.  A strange turn of events!

Our first view of the temple. It's a peachy color and small, but so beautiful.

I went for some frozen yogurt and a chat with Blanca afterward and then we all met up at the hotel again to head over to the cultural celebration which was held at a nearby college.  We were a little concerned with President and Sister Warren being able to drive and find the event so I actually took over driving their car and Blanca joined us.  Heather and Christie followed behind and we headed over.  The kids were so enthusiastic at the celebration and cheered so much that as Elder Kent F. Richards (soon to be new executive director of the Temple Department) was acknowledging the leaders in attendance, he had to pause after each name for the cheers and clapping to die down.  President Uchtdorf, Elder Christofferson, Bishop Stevenson, Elder Rasband, and Brook Hales were all there.

Elder Richards conducting.

 

President and Sister Warren accidentally got their hotel at a far location out by the beach so we drove them all the way out there, stopping at a store so they could stock up on food, and then headed back to our hotel.  It was so good to see Blanca again!

After the cultural celebration.