On Saturday evening we sat down with our friends--Sipho from Zimbabwe and Irene, a foreign exchange student from Italy--to watch the opening session of General Conference. When the saints from all over the world were welcomed to the session, we felt special knowing we had 3 countries represented in one room, and 4 if you include Belgium. 
You can imagine the excitement we felt as President Monson announced the 5 new temples. One in Philadephia, PA--YEA!!! And one in Rome, Italy! What an amazing thing. Irene, a convert of 3 years, travels 7 hours to attend the Switzerland temple. Now it will be only 4 hours. She was thrilled and blowing heartfelt kisses to the prophet on the big screen. 
The more I think about a temple being built in Rome, the more gratitude I feel for the truths we know about the gospel spreading across the earth. As we naively drove into Rome last April, we were stunned at the blatant pornography being displayed along the main, and only, road leading into the city. It was hard it imagine the wickedness of that city. And now, they are getting a temple! The righteous will prevail!!! There is no doubt. Also, Rome is the center of Catholicism with Vatican City a stone throw away. Isn't is great to know that one of our beautiful temples will soon be there to bless so many.
And, a note about the Philadelphia temple--Ever since Elder Wallentine has been there, he has commented how ready the people are to accept the gospel in Pennsylvania. They have seen miraculous things and watched many people join the church. Now, they will have a temple, too. The work of the Lord is progressing and to sum up one of my most favorite quotes--"No unhallowed hand will stop the work. . ." It is true!!!
Tonight these 2 sisters will come to our home again for the Sunday Morning session. Irene is going to make us pasta for dinner. Fun--a cooking lesson from an Italian!
We are looking forward to being fed--Spiritually & Physically!
3 comments:
Hey Shanell!! I'm so happy you were able to watch conference! That's neat that your friends were there too. It was very uplifting wasn't it. I came away from it feeling hopeful. I loved President Uchtdorfs talk about hope. Anyways. It is so fun to see pictures of you guys. Hope all is well! Love you! P.S. Did you see that Lisa has started blogging too? Now we just need the rest of the family to join!
Cool! I'm so glad the internet allows people all over the world to watch conference from their homes (assuming they have internet, of course). When I was in Austria, the only option was to catch two of the sessions at the chapel because the other two were broadcast at such weird times. Hooray for modern technology!
I'm so glad I found your blog (through a cousin, another cousin, then sister!) I haven't heard from you guys in a while and have really wondered how life out there has been treating you. I love your analogy to the canning. You're on a great start lining up those preciously packed jars! I really love you guys and hope you're well.
~Tara
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