Payson UtahTemple Groundbreaking!

Back in January of 2010, President Thomas S. Monson announced a new LDS Temple that would be built in Payson Utah!  We were so excited because it is only ten minutes from us, and will now become the temple in our district!  When we returned from Texas my sweet friend in the ward told us that the bishop had announced he had twenty five tickets available for those who wanted to attend the groundbreaking.  Our family had been talking about this for months, so I was so excited to know that we now had tickets to be able to participate in the dedication! The night before the dedication, the rain began to fall.  I knew we would have to get there quite early and it made me a little nervous wondering how the girls would handle the long wait in the rain.  We did experience a few tears.  Not from the rain, just an itchy tag that bothered the neck of  the youngest. It was quite a sight with a blanket of umbrellas covering the congregation!  Even with the cold and damp weather, there was excitement and spiritual warmth that encompassed us! The dedication service began and the brother saying the prayer asked that the rain would subside for the remaining of the service.  A few minutes later the rain stopped!  It was so awesome!  Sister Janette C. Hales Beckham made the comment that the rain had fallen to cleanse the ground for this magnificent Hose of the Lord.  She also said that this temple would be special, and mean even more to each of us as we took part and participated in the building of the Temple!  Elder Oaks who was presiding talked about his ties to Payson, Utah. He was raised, attended schools, and was baptized in Payson.  He married his sweetheart (who was from Sp. Fork) who he had met at a Payson High School basketball game.  He said he was so excited  and honored when Pres. Monson extended the call to him to dedicate this Temple sight.  As the dedicatory prayer was given I couldn't hold back the tears!  The words were powerful, and the spirit was so strong!  He also spoke to the youth and told them that this could be the very Temple that they receive their endowments and be sealed for Eternity in!  After the turning of the soil with Elder Oaks, Stk. Presidents, government officials, 12 yr old deacons, he welcomed anyone who wanted to turn the soil to come forward.  The girls thought that was the most exciting thing!  Later that day I overheard Kaitlyn talking to a friend and sharing her experience.  Her voice was filled with excitement! She was talking so fast as if  the words wouldn't come out fast enough for her!   Sis. Hales was right!  I can already see that this experience has made this Temple extremely special to our girls!