Some SHOUT OUTS are down below!! :)
This week has been really interesting. I have met so many people from all over the world (again...I am learning that this is the norm). My favorite bunch of people were a group of people from New Jersey. Two couples were out in Salt Lake on a road trip. They were fabulous. One of the couples was actually celebrating their 43 wedding anniversary! Who-ah!! (Al Pacino). I asked them what they thought of Jersey Shore (from MTV). These wonderful Catholics were unamused at the depiction of their lovely New Jersey. :) They were sassy. Loved them. They wanted to know more about some of the buildings at Temple Square and some of the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
One of the things that we talked about was the construction of the temple. People--let me tell you. Since I have been here, I have learned SO much!! Early pioneers arrived here in Salt Lake City in 1847 from the East Coast of the United States. When these early members of the church arrived in the Salt Lake valley, they got to work. The construction of the Salt Lake Temple began in 1853 and wasn't finished until 40 years later in 1893. 40 YEARS. That's 40 years of hauling huge granite from about 20-25 miles away. That's 40 years of sacrifice. 40 years of dedication to something tied to purpose. And there are SO many more stories associated with the construction of the temple. Ed, one of my New Jersey friends got the picture. He made a really great point. He said that "when we have a WHY in our lives, the HOW will always eventually follow". That is what it was like for these early pioneers. They were building a temple. They knew what they wanted, but more importantly, they figured out why they cared so much. And I presume that learning HOW they would build the temple took all 40 years.
I figure that's what my life is like. I know that I want to be happy. I love learning. I miss my pet tortise Tonka. I am excited that my sister is prego! I know that I want to be my very best self, every day. HOW all of this will play out, I'm not sure. But I know that everything will work out.
After dedicating 40 years of their lives to something, these people that helped build the temple left behind such a wonderful legacy of living a life driven by PURPOSE. When we infuse our life with purpose, it helps make every minute meaningful...and worth all of the blisters.
I know that's true. Thanks New Jersey friend, Ed.
AND---I met MORE Danish people!! HOORORRRAAAYYY!!!! I loved them. AND they also gave me their e-mail address so that when I go back to Denmark, after my mission, I can go visit them.
And I met a few sour people. Here's one now.....
Me: "Hi! Welcome to Temple Square. Would you like me to share a little bit more about this beautiful building?"
The husband: "Sure. That sounds great. Let's go talk with my wife over there"
The wife: "Oh great...
Me: "Is everything alright Mam?"
The wife: "Just tell me about the building!!!"
But hey, after a 15 minute conversation, she was able to ease up a bit. They lady was having a bit of a bad day. It reminded me of when I was restaurant hosting at Willow Street. Sometimes, we meet people in the middle of their bad day. I am just glad that Sister Montano (my companion) and I were able to help them relax, even just a little.
And there are regulars here at Temple Square!! WAHOO!! I love the regulars. Many of them have some issues--but hey don't we all. (Thank you SSU psychology department). I love talking to them!! This one guy, Abdullh, has gold teeth. He loves to watch the movies here at Temple Square and always carries a Bible with him. One day he told Sister Montano and I a little about us. He looked deep into my eyes and said, "You...you're strong. I can tell. Hmm...." Thanks Abdullh. Temple Square is fabulous.
SOME SHOUT OUTS!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY INEZ!!!!! NESSI!!!! :) JEG ELSKER DIG!! TILLLYYYKKKEEE!!!!! JUBBIIII!!! HURRA!!!
--Mom, Dad, Brett and Nicole-- THANK YOU for the letters, notes, LOVE and support!! I will be responding to you all today hopefully. You have no idea how fortunate I feel that you are all there for me. DOT the Dove. Classic. Loved it. Keep Dot Alive!! :)
--Maire!!!! WOMAN!!! Thank you SO much for your fantastic "love on stationary". Yep. Stationary. You're fancy. I love you. You'll be getting a letter from me back real soon. Sorry it has taken me YEARS to get in touch with you....the dust in my life is quasi-settling.
--LAUREN MARLEY QUINN.... You've really outdone yourself. I laughed. I cried. I took notes. (If that isn't a book title, I don't know what is). THANK YOU. I miss you. Response will be coming sooooonn...Boyfriend pillow= priceless. Thank you for not cutting off the order phone number.
--David--You're wonderful. Thanks for the e-mail. It was just what I needed. Keep shaking things up in the casinos. You never know who you were meant to meet. :) Thank you!!!
--Tiff...I'm going to write you a letter. Check your mail. Hahah!!!
--Grandma and Grandpa--Thanks for the letters! You're so sweet. I love hearing from you. LOVE YOU!
I hope everyone has a wonderful week! Let's not pre-judge people. Especially people from New Jersey.
.....Keep it real......
~Love~
Sister Amy
