Now that we live on an island we live somewhat far from a temple. Feeling like those latter-day pioneers you read about in the Ensign, I feel the need to share what it takes for us to get there.But before I do I must express a sincere appreciation for the Boston temple. Not too long ago, the closet temple was DC. This was a once a year 10 hour car ride (sometimes bus) for the members of our branch. Having the Boston temple is indeed a great blessing! And I do understand many many members world wide have it a whole lot worse than we do. This is a mere inspirational message to our families who live so close, to go as often as you can to the House of the Lord.
We wake up at about 5 am. We park our car and wait for the 6:30 bus to the ferry. We get on the ferry ($30 round trip) at 7. We arrive off island by 7:45. We hop on another bus to take us to the nearest car rental. We walk to the car rental ($50+gas $25) and by 8:30 we're on the road. Feeling foreign in a new land of highways, billboards, and Targets we enjoy our 2 hour drive to the temple. We rush to make it into the 10 am session. After, we do some sealings then enjoy a relaxing lunch of clam chowder in the cafeteria with our friends from the branch.
At about 2 we begin to load up on groceries, hitting Sams Club, Super Wal-Mart, and any other stores we need to. There are no chain stores on the island; Mc Donalds is considered a delicacy. No Target, Gap, Sams, or Quiznos. At about 6 we load up our suitcases (literally) and rush to make it onto the 8:30 PM ferry. We return the car and struggle to carry all the cereal boxes and toilet paper etc we've accumulated, by hand (last time it also included a rowing machine) onto the boat. By 9:30 we've made it back to our car on the island. By 10:30 we've unloaded and hit our pillows hard, grateful for a day to serve in the temple and have the chance to save on groceries.
So that's that. Does that inspire you? or is this a pathetic attempt to look extra holy? Either way... get to the temple!
"sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven", i feel spoiled that the temple is only 10 minutes away for us.
ReplyDeletelove,
mom
Boston temple... sounds dreamy to me! Boston is my favorite city in the entire world. I am very connected to Massachusetts... seriously, there is something in my blood that wants to be there. I took a trip there in 1995 and felt like I was home. I had no idea that our ancestors from Grandad's side came to that area from Ireland and stayed for generations. Too cool! So even though that kind of a day stinks for all you had to do, I love that you get to be a little connected to Boston. We had the same temple experience living 3 hours from Louisville... total pain, especially when that includes hiring a babysitter for 8 hours. Yikes! I love to see the temple! I LOVE living down the street from one. Awesome.
ReplyDeletei'm with tracey... LOVE living down the street from the temple... HUGE sacrafice on your parts. we take such easy thing for granted. alas, the suitcases full of food make me laugh... VERY resourceful though!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michelle....Love the suitcases. Great idea. What an exhausting day, but VERY rewarding, I'm sure! Good for you to go. I know we totally take advantage of having at least 4 drivable temples. Some may take a few hours, but it's nothing compared to what you have to do. Not to mention the cost. Sheesh. I'm sure you know you are truly blessed for doing the Lord's work! Yes, you've inspired me. :) Love you!
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