The temple reopened on January 20, 2008 after being closed for two weeks.
During this time Gerhard and Elder Smith worked with contractors and maintenance people who saw that painters and carpenters worked from morning until after dark to repaintwalls and moldings, polish floors, revarnish furniture, change lighting and generally beautify the interior of the temple. Some days Gerhard was at the temple for twelve hours.

The cooling system, the water pumps and filters, temperature regulators --all were checked and repairs made. He placed many calls and sent emails with pictures to the offices in Salt Lake for instructions.

Brother Oropeza saw that materials and files in the office were checked and updated. One huge problem arose when the Temple Department sent word that the shipment of ordinances performed in 2007 had not arrived. Pres. Dyer remembered packaging the records; the former first counselor was certain that the package had been taken. Perhaps "divine intervention" best describes the finding of a box in a warehouse and its subsequent discovery in Salt Lake addressed to the floor where the department was located last year. There was major rejoicing of everyone involved.
My assignment was to contact the obreras, especially those who had not been coming to ask if they had problems in fulfilling their assignment and how we could help them. This was frustrating as many did not have phone numbers listed, or they no longer existed, but I had many good conversations and we had new lists of workers ready when the temple re-opened.

Sister Oropeza, Sister Smith and I cleaned and repaired clothing and other items, so we kept busy while the men were at the temple and we enjoyed working together.



We all learned a lot about the physical side of keeping up a temple during this busy time.

My most important learning was that whole-hearted service to the Lord and His children requires frequent renewed commitment. At the beginning of this new year, I have committed to really study (not just read) the Doctrine and Covenants daily, and to apply the counsel of the Lord in my own life. To show my gratitude for the blessings our family has received, I want to increase my faith in Christ and "fill my bucket" to be able to respond to the many sisters who share their concerns.