We got in!

I must be doing something right because I have been so blessed this week. There were a lot of things going on this week for the re-dedication of the Laie, Hawaii Temple. I began seeing these blessings Tuesday evening. I had been grievously sick most of the weekend and into Tuesday. I had asked Curtis to give me a blessing Tuesday morning because things didn't seem to get any better. I had a very important biology exam to take that night and I knew I needed all the help I could get. I had caught some sort of flu or something, because it kept me from focusing my mind, which prevented me from studying. I got really worried because of my exam, but luckily, I had studied a lot in the past few weeks in preparation for this exam. Thank heavens I didn't wait until the last minute to study, because I wouldn't have been capable. 

The blessing that Curtis gave me was a great help and reassurance. When it came time to take the test, I just said a prayer asking for special help because I felt I had earned it by living right and studying a lot beforehand. During the test I felt terrible. I thought for sure I was going to get 40% or worse. To my astonishment, when I looked at my grade, I got a 72%, which is really good for that class. I immediately offered a prayer of thanks because I knew I did not get that grade on my own. I spoke with my Biology Professor and he congratulated me and told me that I am still ten percent above the class average, so that is some more good news. 

As the week went on I began to feel much much better. When the weekend came, I got sick again and it kept me from having too much fun. I slept most of Friday night and all day Saturday. We watched Harry Potter Saturday night and really enjoyed that, even though the theater was the size of a rich man's game room. It was pretty small ha ha. While at the movie, I got a text from a member of the bishopric of my ward and he wanted me and some of my roommates to assist in moving the furniture back into the temple after the dedicatory services. What a rare opportunity!

Sunday morning we went to the early morning Dedication services. Only bishops and stake presidents were aloud to be in the temple for the dedication, the rest of the members were in stake centers around Hawaii. Truly a remarkable spirit there. After the services ended we went directly to the Temple parking lot to help with parking. As the next session was about to begin, we decided to walk up to the temple doors and see if they could squeeze us in. Yet again to my astonishment, we got in! They had folding chairs every where they would fit all throughout the temple. We stayed in the lobby and watched the session on a plasma screen. I never got to see the Prophet, but I did get to be in the actual temple as it was dedicated. That was enough for me.

After all that, I went back to my apartment and collapsed on my bed. I had gotten weak and sick and needed a nap real bad. I woke up just in time to head to the Temple to help move the furniture back into place in the temple. I knew I was sick, but I wouldn't let that get in the way of this rare occasion. On my way over to the temple I had forgotten completely of my illness. Serving in the temple was incredible. We went into every room, carrying alters, benches, lamps and anything to every single room. The most astonishing thing about this experience is when I entered the temple after it had been dedicated, I noticed it had a completely different feel than it had when I went through the openhouse. It was a much more solemn and heavenly feeling. Something I hadn't felt in a while. I love being in the temple. I got to go from the very tip top of the temple to beneath the pipes and water valves in the basement. It was a very neat experience and I will remember it for the rest of my life. My name will be going on the church records for having assisted in this event. We signed a paper. It wasn't until I was walking home that I remembered that I was sick. I am coughing a little now and sneezing a bit, but I never once even thought about it in the temple. What a miracle!

Curtis and I are planning our trip to Kauai this coming Wednesday morning. We are really excited. It is going to be an intense adventure.

Have a great day!