Jensen Missouri Mission: A Great Visit

The day of the Cultural Celebration, Blaine and Joyce and Lora, and Scott, Jodie, and Jodie's parents flew to Missouri. Jeff and Ali and their two kids drove from Michigan. We were busy making sandwiches and gathering with the missionaries, so we weren't able to see them until after the celebration. Jodie's parents, Max and Shirley, served their mission here in the Visitors Center. Ali did too, so they were really excited to come see the new temple. It was so much fun to have them. We were able to get some really great seats at the Cultural Celebration for them, they were really close to President Monson!

Blaine, Joyce and Lora stayed with us while everyone else stayed in a motel nearby. Sunday was the temple dedication. We had to be in different rooms in the temple, but we were all able to go at the same time. Jerry and I were really the lucky ones, we were able to be in the Celestial Room with President Monson, Elder and Sister Holland, and Elder Walker. Thanks to Elder and Sister Deshler! We felt so blessed to be able to be there! It was a once in lifetime experience.

Sunday afternoon we had dinner in our apartment. It was so nice to be able to visit with everyone. Jodie's parents were especially kind and fun to get to know a little better. We had such a great time with everyone! Quinn and Ella kept us entertained. It was just so great having everyone here.

Monday morning Jerry and I got up early and went to the very first temple session ever held in the Kansas City Missouri Temple. I am still wondering how someone like me could be so blessed to have such great experiences! There we were with everyone who had served on the Temple Committee. Such a wonderful privilege! After the ceremony, we all met at the stake center for a special brunch with the Deshler's. They gave each of us a beautiful picture of the temple, a box of chocolates and a white umbrella from the temple open house. After we ate, we all shared our thoughts and feelings about this amazing event.

We spent the rest of Monday eating, and visiting church sites . . . the Visitors Center and Liberty Jail. I wish we would have gone to the jail on Sunday. After the dedication, President Monson wanted to visit the Jail. Our sister missionaries prayed him there! Really!

Tuesday was Adam-ondi-Aham day. We took wheelchairs and pushed Blaine and Max around. It was great! We had lunch at our favorite hamburger joint in Hamilton, "Past Times". Then we drove to Far West. Dinner was at "Buffalo Wings". Sometimes I think we center our life around where we are going to have our next meal! (Is there anything wrong with that!?)