Called To Serve Charlotte North Carolina: 12 Oct 2017 Serving in Washington DC Temple

Well, let's see, we were called way back in August to serve in the Washington DC Temple. I have said I need to get a blog started, I have tried to get another blog started. Couldn't get it done, don't know why, however I just decided to add to the old Called to Serve Charlotte and start this page as the DC temple page. To get caught up, I had been serving in the Palo Verde Ward Bishopric (working with the deaf group) since getting home from the last mission 2 yrs ago. Patty wanted to serve another mission, but I was hesitant until I knew, (hopefully by inspiration) it was time to leave. It is a major decision to leave the family again and leave the deaf group we'd been serving. I made an appointment with the stake president and after talking with him we both decided together as it were, to put our papers in. President Lewis (East Stake President), President Thies (Rincon Stake President) Patty and I all felt it was the right time. Let me add, at least on my part, I prayed often about this and truly felt it was right. Now where to serve, (where the Lords wants us of course), however we did look to see where there was a need. We found that the Washington DC temple needed help serving the deaf patrons. We called the temple and spoke with President Colton and his counselor President Swift. They were excited to have someone interested in working with the deaf patrons, so we put our papers in and with the support and reccomendation of President Colton we were called to serve in the Washington DC Temple! For the most part the family was supported, so we made plans. The call said we would serve from 22 Sept 2017 to 4 March 2018, which is when the temple closes for 2 years. We (Patty) wanted to get a head start so we planned on leaving by the 8th of September, allowed us some time to stop in Branson Mo. to visit with the Bennett's. This we did, arriving in Branson Saturday 9 Sept 2017. We went to church with the Bennett's on Sunday, went to the lake on monday and made plans to see some shows the next few days. There are a few LDS entertainers in Branson and Jim & Marilyn can get discount tickets, beside the fact that she works part time for the Dutton's. Anyway we enjoyed a show with the Dutton's and a group call Six, who are LDS brothers. On Wednesday we went to Silver Dollar City and enjoyed a day at there. We are grateful for the hospitality and friendship of Jim and Marilyn and Jamie and CJ. We got up early (by Patty's standards) on Thursday and headed out. We traveled to Columbus, OH, stayed the night leaving Friday morning for DC. We arrived in DC around 3:30 pm. When we got here we were meet by a group of missionaries who gathered together to help us unpack. This is a standard they set as new missionaries arrive all the others gather together and help them unpack. Since arriving we have been busy, the1st week I helped with the temple clean up, it wasn't my assignment yet, but I wanted to do something beside shop and spend money. The next week was our week to clean, and we did, everyday. What a blessing it is to be in the temple everyday. So something to mention, before we left we had a list of missionaries that were called to serve here. We noticed some names we knew like SLADE. Come to find out Wayne and Sue Slade are here along with Wayne's sister Gari Gillespie and her husband Arnold. They live in Eagar now. We connect with William Rufus Slade, kinda the same with Toby (Leland James Slade) whom I worked with on the railroad for years until his death from cancer. I miss you Toby, you were a good friend. Anyway Wayne's other sister Pat Nelson, from Gila Valley and her husband will be arriving here next week. Renee Coombs and her Husband Steve are serving here. She is related through the Slade and Lee sides. Steve & Renee Coombs know Steve Slade very well. Going back to Pat Nelson she served with Aunt Dorene in the Gila Valley Temple. What a great blessing it is to get to know all this family and friends. From here on out to date we have been serving in the temple. I will try to condense this part, as it is a lot. When you serve here you learn by fire, meaning we were trained in the temple the 1st day then you're off to serve. The training is good, but you are expected to already be knowledgeable in the ordinances. So most of the additional training is particular to the DC temple. Here is what counts, they are the most humble, patient, loving and kind group of people, it makes learning fun and easy. Everyday is special and your "line" changes everyday. We are so blessed to be here. Today (13 Oct 2017) is the first day we will work with the deaf in the temple, however I have already had a couple of experiences with deaf patrons. I forgot to mention on our first Sunday here Gladys Knight was here and did a "fireside". It was really good, like a ol' time revival. Will follow up later. Now for some pictures.
Until next time stand in holy places,