Smile Because It Happened: Week Three

Helllllloooooooo Everybody!!!! (Yes, I used a Despicable Me reference),

I have 2 pieces of very exciting news.

1) I was able to visit the Mexico City Temple today! *Crowd cheers* It has been under construction/renovations and only recently has opened up for Open Houses. We left this morning around 8 and got there at 9 (the traffic here is worse than Houston traffic if you can believe it). We first went through the visitor's center which has a statue of Christ, called a Cristus, and information about temples, what the basic beliefs of the Church are, and the history of the region. We weren't able to read/see everything but we did watch a movie about families. I nearly started crying because the family portrayed reminded me of my own family.

I won't lie, being away from my family and friends has been difficult; I sometimes really struggle with homesickness, but all I have to do is pray and the Lord helps me. If I'm learning anything, it's how much the Lord loves His children and what He will do to help us.

Anyway, we then were able to take a tour of the temple. It is the largest one I have ever been in and it is just stunning. If you ever have the chance to attend a temple's Open House, please go. The Spirit is clearly there and you know that it is a house of the Lord.

Okay, now that I'm kinda calmed down from my excitement, let me explain to those who may not know what a temple is or why they're important. Part of my religion is the belief that our spirits are eternal. We lived before with our Heavenly Father and we chose to come to earth to gain a body. Part of mortality though is death, the seperation of the spirit and body. At that point, our spirits go to a waiting place where those who had the gospel of Christ teach those who didn't. We (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) also believe that certain ordinances, or sacred acts performed by the priesthood authority, and covenants, or sacred promises with God, are necessary to live with god again. The first of those ordinances and covenants is baptism.

Now, we know that our God is a just God and that He wouldn't keep anyone from returning to Him for a lack of knowledge. As such, He has provided a way for those who died before knowing, or accepting, Christ to get that choice. In the temple, we perform those sacred ordinances and covenants in behalf of, or in proxy for, those who have died without those things. In the temple, we have the opportunity and blessing to help our brothers and sisters have the ability to choose because they couldn't/didn't here on earth.

Temples are very sacred/special to me and other Latter-Day Saints. We believe that they are literally the house of the Lord here on earth. As such, it is a very special blessing to be able to attend and do the work in His house. That is also why it was so exciting for me to go and visit one of His houses today.

2) The other exciting news hasn't happened quite yet. Tomorrow, the CCM will be visited by an Apostle of the Lord, Elder Christoffersen (I really hope I spelt his name right, but please double check me on LDS.org). We will be having a special conference with him and he will speak to us! I also have the extra blessing of being in the choir who will sing before the conference!!! I am so excited to be able to use the talents the Lord has given me to help invite the Spirit into such an important meeting!

Again, for those who may not know, my church is a bit different from others in one major aspect. We believe in modern, LIVING, revelation from God. That means that we have a prophet, like Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, and many others from the Old Testament, on the earth again. Our church is led by Christ, as reveled to the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He, along with the First presidency (a 1st and 2nd counselor) and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (12 men who are called to the office of apostle in the priesthood) receive revelation on matters of doctrine and the Lord's will for His church now. It is a great blessing to me to have communication from God today because it clarifies points of doctrine, such as temples, and also helps us live in our constantly changing society. I know that the prophets are called of God and that they have the authority of the priesthood to do their jobs. (I keep mentioning the priesthood; I don't have time today to talk about it but if you're curious, please look at Mormon.org or LDS.org).

I would not be a missionary right now if I didn't believe this. I know that my mission was given to me directly from God, as reveled through His prophets. I was called by the living prophets to do my job. These simple statements help me get through the tough times.

My life has been very exciting, as always, this past week. Thank you all for your love and support as I strive to share with our fellow brothers and sisters the gospel that I hold so dear. I already love those I am going to meet and talk with because I know that they're also children of God. He loves them and wants them to return to Him as much as He wants me to. I love the Lord and I love this work.

I can't wait to hear from you all again soon! Have a great week! =)

Love,

Sister Lindh