My Kansas City Temple Experience

The building of a temple in Kansas City is no small thing for my family.  Our excitement began at the announcement in October of 2008.  We first visited the home of our temple when it was a simple piece of land.  My family of 5, with 3 little boys, stood in wonder and looked at the land where our temple would be built.  We pondered where the walls might be and how tall it might stand.  Would it be large like San Diego or smaller like Chicago?  It didn't really matter to us.  The point was that it would be close. 

Our family made regular visits to the temple site for various family home evenings.  We rejoiced as we saw the foundation laid.  Much excitement was had over simple accomplishments in the building process such as plumbing and framing.  The excitement stemmed from our knowledge that the pipes we saw protruding out of the foundation would someday fill the font.  The elevator shaft was something to celebrate as well as the structure began to rise above ground level. 

We continued to visit our temple.  The Burnesons awaited it's arrival like expectant parents - eager to see what it would look like and how it would feel.  As the walls and spires went up, the anticipation of the angel Moroni grew.  Daily visits to the temple site followed reports that the statue would soon top the Eastern spire.  Delays due to wind only grew my anticipation.  Fortunately, the Lord knew when the time was right.  When the statue was removed from it's crate and raised to it's current home atop the temple, I was present with my 3 boys in tow.  Wrapped in blankets and surrounded by friends, we cheered as this milestone in the journey was met.  We now had an angel watching over us, trumpeting to all the glorious news of the gospel. 

A benefit 5k walk/run was later held at the temple in which so many gathered to do good and to unite in purpose.  So many friends set there sights on the temple that day.  We worked hard together to meet goals, fellowship, and enjoy the beauty of the temple.  While I mostly walked the 5k, my children ran with all their might in the children's races.  Their excitement for the temple was growing and they were starting to feel of the importance of this building.   At every opportunity we talked about the temple, visited the temple, and prayed for the temple.  We talked not just with family or with church members, but we shared our excitement with neighbors, colleagues, and friends - even strangers.  I wanted everyone to know of our temple. 

After a long wait, and a miraculous journey, the open house was announced.  What a joy it was to receive an invitation to serve those who would visit the temple prior to its dedication.  To stand in a hallway and usher the way as individuals and families continued their tours was a sweet experience.  Even more special was the opportunity to serve as a tour host and witness to many my love of my Savior and the blessings we can receive in His holy house.  The spirit burned with in me that day and my love of missionary work grew ten fold as I saw individuals begin to understand gospel principles.  I saw countenances change as friends felt the love of the Lord. 

I was able to complete a tour of the temple with my husband and our three children.  What a precious thing it was to introduce to them this house of learning.  My ten year old understood that great things are taught in the temple that bring us closer to Heavenly Father.  My six year old knew that our eternal family began in a sealing room in the house of the Lord and our family would be together forever.  My three year old discovered that the temple is a bright and happy place.  My husband and I held each other close and enjoyed a taste of what it will be like to be in the presence of our father in Heaven having our children by our side - a truly forever family.

The joy of the temple experience was heightened as we prepared for the dedication.  I remember mentioning to my boys, as I tucked them into bed the night before the dedication, that the prophet was now in Kansas City.  I could feel his energy and his spirit.  It was a special time and I wanted them to remember it forever.  I was able to attend each of the 3 temple dedicatory sessions at the stake center; the first I attended with my husband and our first born son.  What joy it was to sit with my eternal companion and my son in an extension of the temple as the cover stone was cemented into place.  The chapel full of white handkerchiefs at the hosanna shout was an experience that overwhelmed me.  Each session was beautiful and uplifting.  I felt so grateful for our prophet, for our newly dedicated temple, and for all the sacrifice that has been made from the beginning of the restoration that my family might enjoy this sacred house. 

On the Tuesday following the dedication, I had the opportunity to attend the first session of baptisms in the font of the Kansas City, Missouri temple.  I was pleased to meet the temple matron and her assistants.  These sisters greeted me and my sister in the gospel with such love.  They truly had the spirit of Christ with them.  The spirit in the room was so strong as the the first sister, Sister Shriver of the Liberty Stake, stepped into the font with her husband.  The presence of many ancestors was felt that day.  The spirit was almost tangible.  I could feel of a great celebration on the other side of the veil.  There was so much joy in the work that is going forth in this temple.  It was a sacred experience that I will never forget.

I am grateful for this building that my husband and I can grow closer to each other as we grow closer to our Savior.  I am thankful that I now have a place so nearby that I may go to often in order to feel close to my Heavenly Father and hear answers to my prayers.  The experiences we have had in watching this temple grow have increased the testimonies of my children and strengthened my own.  I will never forget these days and I will remember them with great fondness as I continue to come to the house of the Lord!

Emily J. Burneson