Actually, I think the picture of the young Otavalan couple would be better. She made the wedding dress and did all the handiwork herself. The handiwork doesn't show well, because it is embroidery all in white, with small beads as well. Her younger sister is dressed in what is typical sunday or formal dress in Otavala, with a hand embroidered top and black skirt. We see whole groups of Otavalans coming to the temple with the women all dressed like the little girl.
I have told you of all the interesting sights in Ecuador, but let me tell you about the temple. Debbie and I spend a fair amount of time in the baptistry. A typical day will see 1,000 to 2,500 ordinances done in the bautistereo. That is combined baptisms and confirmations. Bus loads of people arrive from all parts of Ecuador and some from Peru and Columbia borders when our temple is closer than theirs. We have had Saturdays with 30-35 youth in the baptistry with their leaders, and the two waiting rooms full with 20-30 youth in each one waiting for their turn. This past week we saw people arrive with thousands of personal file rather than temple files. On Tuesday we accomodated one stake with a 5 am endowment session. That meant being at the temple at 4:15am. (up at 3:15) & a total of 7 endowment sessions that day. On Friday we had so many people for the first session that we ran an extra session, so two started at 8:00am and then the regular sessions at 9, 10, 2, 4 and 6.
With all of the baptisms, somebody has a lot of laundry to do. We do it. We wash, dry and fold it, and restock the shelves. We do the same for the initiatory. When the regular workers get behind, we help with folding other items as well. Generally on a Saturday when there is a big crowd in the cafeteria, Debbie and I go to work in the kitchen for an hour or two until the rush is over and the regular employees can handle things.
We have learned the veil ceremonies in Spanish within the first 2 weeks, and I enjoy being a veil receiver. Debbie is often a presenter. They have tried, but I refuse to be an officiator in an endowment session. Not only do I not want to do it, but I think it is better for Ecuadorians to be seen up in front of Ecuadorians. That is my story and I'm sticking to it. I prefer my behind the scenes work.
Generally there is no chance to get bored in the temple. And always it is a great place to be. Even though I am not conversational in Spanish, I seem to have made a connection with the other temple workers. I enjoy my associations there and even though there is a certain repitition, there is still plenty of variety, and I look forward to what each day will bring.
With people travelling for up to 8 hours to get here, and many making a financial sacrifice to be here, it is an honour to be a part of their special and sacred experience. I feel as though I am standing on the edge of eternity (which in fact, we all are). It is a thrill to look across the parking lot at 6am on a saturday morning and see 6 tour buses parked there and hear the excited chatter of men, women and children in their Sunday best milling around and anxious for the door to open. They are grateful to the people who help to make it happen, and their spontaneous "gracias" , for just being there makes it all worth it.
Elder Ripple
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