Why we are here-- really.

Why are we here in Cebu?
Not the tropical weather.
Not the lack of snow.
Not the challenging traffic.
Not to get away from our darling grandkids. (That's the biggest sacrifice.)

This is why: God has blessed us so much in our life.  We are so grateful for our knowledge of Jesus Christ and His love for us and for each person on the earth.  About this time last year, we decided that it was time to start our mission application, time to give back to God by serving him fulltime.  We didn't know then where we would be called, but we requested and hoped for this assignment in the Cebu Temple.  When our call letter came, it was almost surreal-- we had not dared to hope that we would really get to come back to the Philippines.  And coming to this beautiful, sacred temple is a dream come true.
We love all the temples that have been built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), but it is so rewarding to see the faith of the Church members here, since Ron was a missionary here in 1969-1971.  At that time, there were 6,000 Church members in all of the Philippines; now there are over 700,000.  We have been able to meet many people who have some connection to those people Ron taught and loved here so long ago.  Temple work is such a blessing to all of us, as it prepares us to return to our Father in Heaven.  This video (narrated by Ron's cousin, Bill Walker) explains why we love the temple.

And here are some photos of the inside of the Cebu Temple.  They're copyright by the LDS Church and were published by the Church in 2010 when the temple was dedicated.  Before a temple is dedicated, there is an Open House for the public to tour the temple.  After the dedication, only those LDS members who live the standards of the Church may enter.

Front desk, where the members enter

Foyer, where Ron and I wait for each other at the end of our shift. The staircase is breath-taking!

Baptistry

Bride's room.  Many of the couples who come to get married can only afford their own fare,
so we have dresses, veils, shoes, and silk bouquets for them to use.  More on that in my next post.  

Instruction room.  I love the tropical mural.

This is a sealing room, where marriages are solemnized for time and all eternity.

This is the Celestial Room, a place of contemplation and prayer. 
I love to spend some time here each day talking with Heavenly Father.
We are His children, and I know He loves each one of  us.
He sends me peace and comfort as words and ideas come into my mind
through the warmth and guidance from His Spirit.
I invite you to ask God if He loves you, and feel the warmth of His answer.

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