I remember sitting in the Stake Center when the Snowflake, AZ temple was announced. It was sort of a shock that Arizona could have two temples. It seemed a privilege only Utah and it's large LDS population was worthy of. And that's when the buzz started, at least for me, about when a temple in Tucson would be announced.
Gila Valley Temple
Years later when the Gila Valley temple was announced, the speculation became fierce as to why Tucson had again been passed over for a temple. Not enough full tithe payers, not enough worthy priesthood holders. Our Stake Presidency encouraged us to become temple workers in Mesa to prove we could staff a temple in Tucson. We needed to show the Lord that we had the committment and were willing to sacrifice for that great blessing.
I wrote in my journal the day the Gila Valley Temple was dedicated in May 2010 how grateful I was for my Arizona pioneer heritage. Many of my ancestors had settled that land and built the Church up there. I recorded the words Pres Eyring spoke about the new Bountiful Temple strengthening and changing the whole LDS community in that region. How faith, hope and charity had dramatically increased. And I longed for the day Tucson could receive such blessings.
Then new temples were announced in Gilbert and Phoenix. Five temples in Arizona, and yet, not one in Tucson! It was heart wrenching! And quickly becoming a constant topic of conversation. Just earlier this week my mom shared how her stake council had questioned the lack of a temple in Tucson, bringing up dangerous road conditions along the freeway to Mesa as evidence that it was their time.
And now, here it is! The announcement of a temple in TUCSON, ARIZONA! One of the happiest days of my life. Not even joking. All day, every time I think of it, I tear up. It's just that AWESOME! I cannot wait to walk through it, to see my mother's dream of becoming a temple worker come true there. Such a huge blessing. I am so grateful! So, so, sooo grateful, and SO EXCITED!
I was so excited! I even thought of it before he announced it, but thought with the Phoenix and Gilbert one that Arizona was going to have to take a break from getting temples. It makes me want to move back there (we are in Pittsburgh) when Clifton is done with school. I am so curious where they will put it.
ReplyDeleteI got chills all over when I heard the news. I'm so excited for Tucson!
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard that, I totally thought of you! My dad is a temple worker in the Vancouver temple and absolutely loves it!
ReplyDeleteWe kind of had a hunch about a temple in Tucson. Someone had made a comment about the church purchasing a big lot of land back in March and I think it was in or very close to Campbell Ward boundaries? Too bad we moved to Phoenix. Still very exciting though.
ReplyDeleteI was also so excited (even though, as you, don't live there). And although I only spent 5 years of my life there, Tucson has such a special little place in my heart. I even got emotional at the announcement! So exciting!
ReplyDeleteIt made my day too! I'm glad to hear I wasn't the only one who got teary eyed. Jon thought I was being a little too emotional and said he didn't freak out as much as me when the Gilbert temple was announced. I think its because he always had the Mesa temple so close, but we've been longing to have one down here for so long! Its going to be so amazing!!! I saw pictures from where its supposedly going to be built and its perfect!
ReplyDeleteAnd now its finally happening!!!
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