On Saturday morning at 4:30 am, Mr. Nielson woke up the four older Nies
and drove the four hours (complete with a speeding ticket),
to South Carolina to serve in the temple.
Being twelve is a significant age for kids in
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
because they are eligible to serve in certain parts of the temple.
Nicholas has been looking forward to this opportunity for years,
especially since his older siblings have been so
enjoying their temple experiences.
(Gigs forgot his tie and had to wear one of Mr. Nielson's).
(Claire HERE)
(Jane HERE)
(Oliver HERE)
Months leading up to Nicholas's temple visit,
we had family discussions and answered his questions like;
what do I wear? Where do I go? Who is with me? Is it scary?
I am so glad he has older siblings who can show him the ropes!
I explained to Nicholas that holy temples are places where we can feel
closer to God and His love and mercy.
It is NOT scary, but it will be new, which might
feel scary at first, but it won't always be that way.
God wants us close to Him and has provided temples
for us to do just that.
Usually, Mr. Nielson and I take our new 12-year-old
children to the temple together.
But this trip would have to be different since the temple is so far away,
and I didn't want to leave Lottie all day.
(I couldn't leave Lottie in the hands of Angus).
But being there with his older siblings is even better for him anyway!
(Find out what twelve-year-olds do in the temple here)
"Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God,
a place of holiness and peace separate from the world's preoccupations.
They provide a place for Church members to make
formal promises and commitments to God.
They are also where the highest sacraments
of the faith occur — the marriage of couples and the "sealing."
of families for eternity." (here)
* * * * *
At the end of this week, our family is planning on taking another
RV trip, this time up North to our Sleepy Hollow, NY destination.
We've been there before and loved it! It's a must-see destination, especially
in October! Along the way, we will visit Revolutionary War spots and museums,
see our old house in New Jersey where Oliver was born,
and the beautiful Manhattan temple.
