One of the highlights of our service in the temple is to participate in some way in the sealing of a new eternal family. It is not unusual for a priesthood holder to serve as a witness, and a temple worker often gets to dress the children, if any are involved, and bring them to their parents, but Jan 2, 2009 was a very special occasion, as that was the first sealing that Gerhard performed.

Victor Macedonio Cardeña Rosado and Alicia Hoy Balam are very special young people, both returned missionaries, and full of energy. They met while they served as Young Adult representatives in their wards, but didn't become interested in each other until Alicia invited Victor to a dance on a dare from a mutual friend, Landy Dominguez, and Victor's plans for that evening fell through, so he accepted Alicia's texted invitation.

They had several meetings with Gerhard about the date, the dress, the guests, and the last time the question was , Who will sit on Victor's left since his mother isn't a member? The day of the wedding, he asked if I would sit in that place of honor.
Two more of our "children" have been sealed for time and eternity by the power of the Holy Priesthood found in the House of the Lord.