March 14, 2020
Saturday
Temple Closure Announcement
March 14, 2020
The Corona virus has disturbed the lives of so many people around the world. It has caused hoarding of supplies, sickness and even death to many people.
Yesterday we got an announcement from our Prophet concerning adjustments to all temples world wide. The message is copied below. With only live ordinances being done in the temple by appointment only, there won't be much of a need for us and our help here in Arequipa. There are 4 other couple missionaries, we are the only American couple. The others are Peruvian and part Peruvian. We can see we will have a lot of free time. Wayne and I have chosen to go home to do a few projects and spend the time with our family until the temple opens back up, then we will come back to Arequipa to finish our mission.
It is sad for us because this last week has been our best week. We are finally feeling like we are needed. It has been hard for us to be here for a few weeks then off for two weeks while the temple was closed for cleaning. We serve in the temple for about 5 hours each day. The morning shift start starts at 8:00, with two sessions, one at 9:00 and one at 10:00. We are finished by about 12:30. The afternoon shift starts at 4:00, with a session at 5:00 and one at 6:00. By about 8:30 we are finished. We either serve on the morning shift or the afternoon shift. It leaves a lot of free time for us. We have never had so much time with nothing to do. Now with the temple being closed, we decided we will spent the time at home. When the temple opens back up, we will come back to continue our service and do what we can to help.
It's kind of sad because they really do need our help and we are just getting to know the workers. They have discovered what we know about helping in the temple and have been so happy when they realize we are great help.
Wayne bought our plane tickets last night. We fly out Monday 3/16/2020 in the afternoon and will arrive in SLC Thursday 3/17/202 at about noon Tuesday. Happy Birthday Tami!
We will serve in the temple today, then we will have two days to get packed up, clean the apartment, and we will be headed home.
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I need to add this little moment and sweet tender mercy.
Today we served on the morning shift at the temple. This afternoon, Wayne decided we should go back to see if there was anything we could do to help on the afternoon shift. Wayne went to see where he could help and I went to the women's dressing room to see where I could help. I was so happy to see Sister Gomez in initiatory, she was the coordinator. I exclaimed, "Hermana Gomez!!" I gave her a big hug, we cried about Hermano Gomez passing away. I talked the best I could with her, then I went to find Wayne so he could see her too. It was such a sweet moment and a little tender mercy. We didn't talk much, but it was so good to see her. Wayne ended up officiating one of the sessions. He said the people had to sit every other seat because of the virus. It is just weird and seems so crazy and kind of sad too, because there were a lot of people there wanting to do a session and only half as many could. I helped in the laundry and baptistry. It is interesting to me that by chance we saw Sister Gomez. We haven't done two shifts in one day at the temple the whole time we've been here, but tonight Wayne was inspired and followed the inspiration to go over to help, making it possible for us to see Sister Gomez. We knew she lived in Arequipa and thought we might see her while we were here. This afternoon was the last chance we had to see her and Heavenly Father helped it happen. I'm so thankful for little moments like this that help us to know that Heavenly Father is aware of us! So glad Wayne followed the prompting to go back over to the temple tonight to help.
Just a note about Brother and Sister Gomez, they served with us in the Trujillo temple. Their apartment was across the hall from us. We'd hear their blender going early in the morning and their Peruvian TV and music. It was always fun to see them leave to go the the Mercado to get groceries. Such funny but humble members of the Church.
| Dear Brothers and Sisters, |
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| Rapidly changing health conditions around the world have been a source of growing concern. Many governments have placed restrictions that have required the temporary closure of a number of temples. As we have prayerfully sought to balance these limitations with the need to carry on temple work, we have decided to make the following temporary adjustments, which are effective March 16, 2020 for all temples around the world. |
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| Church members will be provided with instructions when they schedule their appointments for living ordinances. Individuals with currently scheduled appointments will be contacted by temple staff. |
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| Steps will be taken in all temples to minimize the risk of spreading disease, including reducing temple staff, limiting guests at living ordinances, and following guidelines for interacting with patrons. |
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| Additional information will be provided to temple presidencies, and further adjustments will be made as necessary. |
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| We look forward with great anticipation to the time when temples can again operate at full capacity and extend the blessings of temple work to members and their ancestors. |
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| Sincerely, |
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| The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
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