Mattie's First Temple Trip

Last Saturday, January 21, we took Mattie to the temple for the very first time to perform baptisms. It was such a wonderful experience. We started off not knowing if we were going to be able to go as the night before we had a small ice storm. That morning the roads were surprisingly decent, so we took off. Once we got there, the person who greeted us said all of the sessions had been cancelled due to the ice storm. We were sad, but Matt said the important part is that we took Mattie to the temple even if we weren't going to be able to perform any baptisms. Normally when plans don't work out, I am upset. That day, however, I felt peace and decided to just enjoy being at the temple no matter what happened. A member of the temple presidency came out and said he would try to figure something out for Mattie since she had traveled such a long way and this was her first time attending the temple. He came back and said everything was in order and both Mattie and Drew would be performing baptisms. Matt and I had trouble getting family names for the kids, so we asked if we could do names from the temple. This ended up being a beautiful experience. A brother at the temple had family names he needed baptisms for, and was so grateful to Mattie and Drew for doing these. Mattie was so moved by his tears as he thanked her personally for making the drive to the temple that day. As Mattie was changing into dry clothes in the shower room, she was recounting her feelings and experiences to me. She said she loved the feeling of being in the Lord's temple. She said all of the things that mattered to her at school or with her friends seemed to slip away and become not as important. She also said she felt so good and was so happy we got to come that day. I could see true happiness on her face and was grateful she felt the Spirit so strongly.

Mom, Drew, Dad & Mattie

Dad and Mattie

Drew, Dad & Mattie

Nana, Drew, Aunt Sierra & Mattie