The Temple

I went to receive my endowments on November 23, 2012 in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. I was really excited, as at that point, I had had the desire to go through the temple for over a year. I thought the year of 2012, with its trials and learning experiences, was to prepare me for the temple. Little did I know that I would be called to serve as a missionary, AND that I would be able to go to the Lord's house to receive my endowments.

I woke up bright and early that Friday morning, dressed in my new black, pleated skirt and a purple sweater. My mom ironed all my temple clothing and I was ready to go. As I was driving from Provo to South Jordan, I could not help but have the biggest grin on my face-I was so excited. I felt like I was ready and prepared.

I met my mom at my grandparent's house and we headed to the temple to receive instruction from the temple matron (what a sweet lady) and to do my initiatory. The initiatory was my favorite part of the endowment process for me. While it is different, the blessings and spirit that were prounced and felt were beautiful and beyond comforting.

We then waited for the endowment session to start. I was joined by my parents, my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and my sweet cousin, Hillary. That is when my heart started to pound and my palms started to sweat. I knew what I was doing was right and good but I was still so nervous. Since the endowment is sacred, I honestly did not know what was about to occur. It seemed like we were waiting in the chapel for an eternity. However, after I received my endowments, I realized that there was no need for me to worry. At all. While the temple endowment is different, it is not weird, at least it wasn't for me. Oddly, the endowment session felt very familiar, and normal--the veil is definitiely thinned in the temple, and it was for me that day. It is simple, and not elaborate, yet very sacred.

Since I received my own endowments, I have been able to attend quite a few times to perform endowments for the dead. Each time, I learn something new and the endowment becomes more meaningful and more normal.

To those who are preparing to enter the temple: be calm, and do not worry. Focus on the words, not on the unfamiliarty of it all. Go again and again. And don't be afraid to go by yourself. The temple workers are there to help you. The first time I went by myself was the day after I received my own endowments. I was very nervous, as I had just went through not even 24 hours earlier. On the drive to the Provo Temple, I said a quick prayer to my Father in Heaven that He would help me, or that someone at temple would help me. I prayed for comfort and peace that it would be a good experience for me. Since that temple was unfamiliar to me (I had only been to the baptistry previously), I of course was a dork and started walking the wrong way to the dressing room. A lady (probably around my mom's age) quietly pointed me in the right direction. We got talking and I told her it was my first time by myself. She immediately told me that she would help me. I knew right then that she was the answer to my prayer. As I came out of the dressing room, she was  there waiting for me. It was a really neat experience for me that taught me God does in fact answer prayers, and that He does not leave us hanging in our moment of need. I am so grateful for that sweet lady and her willingness to help me.