Gilbert Temple Dedication

We have had a very special weekend. Today was the dedication of the Gilbert Arizona Temple and Pres. Monson and Pres. Eyring came down. Last night was a "Cultural Celebration" put on by the youth of the Temple district- over 12,000 kids! You know how LITTLE it rains in Phoenix- well, last night it POURED! We haven't had any rain for months...so we are always glad to get some. The celebration was broadcast on tv and you could see the rain bouncing off the kids. I felt sorry for the kids playing violins and hope that the violins don't warp! Today we went with the Nays and also a newer member of the Church (Ishmael who had been Muslim) to the dedication at our stake center- I am so glad that they broadcast these to the Stake Centers here so everyone in the valley can see and hear the dedication. There were 3 dedication sessions and we went to the first one at 9 am. They check the green cards (gotten from the Bishop ahead of time) at the door to the stake center and we needed to be there about 1/2 hour early. They showed pictures of the different temples and the rooms on the screen until the actual dedication started. The music was a lot of Primary songs which was special since kids 8 years and older could go (which meant Savannah also got to go). This is such a gorgeous Temple- I included some of the pictures of the stained glass windows. These show the agave plants and there are even these pretty stained glass windows in each of the 7 sealing rooms(yes, that's right- 7- and one of the sealing rooms can seat 100 people!) . It is the largest Temple built in the last 17 years!

In the Celestial room is a chandelier with Swarovski crystals that is 18 feet tall, 8 feet wide and weighs approximately 1,500 pounds!

It is great to know that the Prophet was here with us in the valley. I love going to the Temple. And especially doing my family work. It is special to have a fourth temple here in Arizona and by the end of this year we will have one more in Phoenix dedicated. And then another one in a couple years in Tucson! WOW- 6 Temples in Arizona! What a special place to live!!