Calgary Temple

I have had the unique opportunity that most youth do not get, to attend two temple dedications. The Vancouver temple in May of 2010 and the Calgary temple this last October. This October my family went on a tour of the temple before it was dedicated.  I was later able to attend the temple dedication via satellite.  It was nice to experience this with my family. The temple is a very spiritual place in which I can go to feel close to God, the ordinances performed there have blessed not only my family but so many others.

My experience with the events leading up to the Vancouver temple dedication was much more exciting than the Calgary temple. The night before the Vancouver temple was dedicated. I performed in the temple youth celebration (TYC),  TYC consisted of songs and dances performed by youth from all over BC for the prophet of God in Langley. To see him so close was amazing, but even more amazing then performing for him was being less then10 feet from him in the temple.  My parents were in the choir for the corner stone ceremony. Because of this we were able to go into the temple for one of the dedicatory sessions. Our family was able to get sits in the sealing room across from the room in which the prophet was directing the dedication. After he finished the dedication my siblings and I met him at the door to say hello and he said to us "What good looking kids, must have attractive parents". Ya thats right the prophet said I was good looking.  Two days later. The first day the temple was open we were able as a family to go into the temple to have my sister sealed to us for time and all eternity.

The Announcement

Growing up I never gave much thought to a mission. It was something that the boys did and girls who had nothing better to do at the time do. As my guy friends began to leave on their missions and share their experiences. I started to feel like I was missing out on something amazing. Going on a mission wasn't part of the plan.  21 years old seemed so far away.  I thought I would be well into my schooling to become a dance teacher and hopefully be in a serious relationship with the man of my dreams.  

Today President Monson made an announced that has changed my life. Today he announced that the age that young women are now eligable to apply for mission service is 19 years old.  I didn't get to hear this announcement live like so many LDS youth. When my mom called me at work to share this exciting news. I knew this was meant to be. There as no doubt in my mind I was going on a mission. 

https://www.lds.org/youth/video/welcome-to-conference?lang=eng