Cebu City,
Cebu,
Philippines
30 August 2010
In June, Pres. Monson came to the Philippines to dedicate the new Cebu City Temple. The cultural event the night before and the dedication itself were televised via closed circuit broadcast. To say the least, both events were awe inspiring and meant so much to the wonderful saints of the Philippines. As we are nearing the end of our mission, we had a desire to visit that temple before we returned home. After getting our mission president and area president’s approval we jumped on a plane Monday and flew to Cebu. It was just a one hour and twenty minute flight. Our friends in the ERC office in the city arranged a hotel room for us.
Tuesday morning we arrived at the temple about 8:30 a.m. The temple sits high up on a hill and it was majestic! It is not a large temple but gives the appearance of being bigger than it really is. We went inside and were impressed from the very entrance all the way through the building. It is well appointed and makes you feel you are truly in the house of the Lord.
We had not been able to attend the temple for about nine months so our first session was very special to us. As a special treat, we had two recently returned sister missionaries from the Angeles mission join us for the second session. They had both served in our zone and they had made an effort to come to the temple to be with us. One brought her twin sister who had just returned from the Cauayan, Philippines mission and we had a good visit with all three. What special people the Lord has strengthened in this area.
We had a great time at lunch with the sisters, they asked us if we had any referrals for husbands! We told them to keep the faith and keep searching for the right one. We also told them to be sure to visit the Cebu ERC office for help in finding jobs now that they are back in the real world. We said our goodbyes and then we walked over to the ERC office to see the team that has responsibility for this area. They are very busy helping, coaching and training many people. The office was full when we arrived. We were impressed by all the things they are doing.
On Wednesday we took a short tour of the city to see some of the historical sites – Magellan’s site where he planted his cross for Spain in 1521 and then at another site where he fought his last battle and was killed by the natives and chief Lapu-lapu. (He was no longer gellin!)
We will never forget our visit to the Cebu City Temple – what a treat.
Elder NB & sister MB
3 comments:
What a nice picture of the two of your in front of the temple. I remember being so thankful to attend the Washington, D.C. temple at the end of my mission also. :)
I love that temple. I am grateful the timing worked out that the temple was dedicated before you left the Philippines. Thanks for sharing your experiences!! Love you, Melissa
You both looks so beautiful and happy. What a wonderful experience to be at the Temple! It has been fun to read your blog. Wendi is better at commenting. Know we love you and pray for you each day.
When will you be home?
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