Kaytee to FINALLY get her temple

On the glorious Easter Sunday of April 4, 2021, Russell M. Nelson, the world’s living Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the church currently has 41 temples under construction or being renovated; groundbreaking for 21 new temples took place in 2020; then he revealed the location of another 20 temples soon to be constructed around the world.    

As everyone regained their composure, he listed the following:

·      Grand Junction, Colorado (their third)

·      Farmington, New Mexico

·      Elko, Nevada

·      Yorba Linda, California

·      Oslo, Norway (I’ll bet Aspen Bair and all of her family are over-the-moon excited)

·      Brussels, Belgium

·      Vienna, Austria

·      Kumasi, Ghana, Africa

·      Mozambique

·      Capetown, South Africa

·      Singapore

·      Belo Hoziante, Brazil

·      Cali, Colombia

·      Two more in Mexico

·      Smithfield, Utah (where Charlene was born and reared)

·      Casper, Wyoming

·      Burley, Idaho

·      Eugene, Oregon

·      … and, Helena, Montana

Within seconds of the announcement of a temple in Helena, my phone rang and in a nanosecond, Kaytee and I were both sobbing uncontrollably, overcome with gratitude for a  loving Heavenly Father who has answered so many of her prayers over the past 6+ years.  When she was finally able to talk, she said her phone lit up with a dozen calls from friends who were as excited as she is!

Our baby girl lives in Anaconda, Montana. Currently her temple is Idaho Falls, Idaho – about 3 hours from her home.  Of course, she could attend the Spokane, Washington temple … its only 6 hours away so for five years, she has been asking prayerfully night and day for a temple closer to home.  “Honestly, Heavenly Father, I don’t care if its Helena or Missoula … just please, can we have a temple?”

 We all know how much she has wanted this to happen - and for how long!  After every General Conference, I get a call with a sarcastic question.  “Oh, sure, Utah gets another temple.  I mean, come on.  You really need another temple?  Twenty isn’t enough?”

 

When he heard the announcement Michael texted her a humorous question, “Is this close enough for you?”  In answer to his question, Helena is about 75 miles from Kaytee's home but she and Josh are looking at property in Deer Lodge, which would bring them to only about an hour away.

 

I can’t help but wonder if the Lord simply guided Church leaders to a temple site in Montana because He was weary of her constant pleading, but I am so grateful to know my Heavenly Father answers prayers.  Kaytee says she is even willing to come turn over a shovel full of dirt to get the process moving along!

 

I love this girl!!!