On a typical day we go out the back gate of our house and walk along this lovely flower garden that lines the sidewalk. There are all varieties of beautiful spring flowers.
We never get tired of admiring the stately Mesa Temple on our right.
On our right, directly in front of the temple, is a beautiful reflecting pool which is also lined with gorgeous spring flowers.
We approach the Visitors' Center from the North which also has its own reflecting pool.
Glorious palm trees add another element of beauty to our route.
Inside the Visitors' Center we're met by our "Trainers", who are like Assistants to the President in the regular mission field. These young sisters are invaluable to us! They know everything there is to know about operation of this Visitors' Center. Sister McKenna (right) is from Boise, Idaho, and Sister Falcon is from Mexico City, Mexico.
At the Back Greet (the entrance closest to the temple) the Pecks are on duty. They are a service couple who live in the Mesa area. The amazing thing is that Sister Peck is 85 and Brother Peck is 87! They put in 5 shifts a week for at least 3 hours - usually more! No rocking chairs for this youthful couple.
What an example of devoted service they are to everyone at the center.
At the Front Greet (the side closest to Main Street) are Sister Livingston and Sister McKenna. They keep track of all visitors who enter through the front doors. The Christus statue is the first thing guests see when they come in this entrance.
A new senior couple arrived at our Visitors' Center on January 27th. They are the Jenkins from Vernal, Utah. They'll be serving at our center for 18 months.
Another missionary who arrived in January is Sister Lewis from Salt Lake City. She will also be with us 18 months.
Outside the front entrance of the Visitors' Center the workmen are already putting up equipment for the Easter Pageant which begins on March 27th. It seems a little early - but what do I know?
The large stanchions will hold the spot lights for the performances. We're really looking forward to it - everyone tells us it is an amazing production.
Looking up at the temple on the southeast corner we discovered a surprising thing - there are Dutch people in wooden shoes who are 'symbolically' walking to Zion from their native country. There are two windmills in the background. When I was in Holland I always said it was a good day when I saw a windmill. Now that I'm here I see two every day! That means every day is a doubly good day!
We certainly feel blessed to be living and working on sacred temple grounds. There is such a peaceful, special feeling here that it truly lifts our spirits.
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