On Saturday, July 21st, our temple closed for three years. John and I were lucky to attend the week before the closing, and even better yet, we managed to get three of our family names completed. We also finished up Kathleen Bennet-Galo’s husband’s work. She was very anxious for us to do this for her since the temple was closing. Kathleen is a member of the Dargaville Branch, although not very active since she has to care for her 93 year old mum who is in a wheelchair.
The temple will be going through some major renovations that include not only being gutted and remodeled inside, but will be strengthened and made earthquake safe on the outside. Actually, the baptistry font is just about the only thing that will not be changed. It will be very beautiful and strong when it is completed, but I feel bad for those people who will not be able to attend the temple for three years. The temple is such a blessing for all of us!
That last week people were coming and waiting in line for an hour to get on a session, and when they did get on, the sessions would have over 200 people. I know because we were on one of them! It was a great week and we feel very blessed to have been able to attend this temple during the last nine months!
Mission to New Zealand 