Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Trip to Burley, Twin Falls

I've lived in Utah long enough to consider it home. Going back to the Mini-Cassia area, where I grew up, doesn't feel as much like going "home" as it used to. But Spudman time is a different story: I love the Spudman! I won't bore you on the specifics of the triathlon, as I'll likely write more about it on my triathlon blog. My brother B.J. took second overall, again, and my youngest sibling Edward took fifth overall and first in his age division. My sister, brother, and brother-in-law's team took second in their division, and my sister-in-law's team took first in her division. Kulani and I just finished, which in itself was a big accomplishment, especially since Kulani broke his collar bone barely six weeks earlier.

But after the Spudman, we took a trip to Twin Falls to see the new Twin Falls LDS Temple. They did a good job of welcoming people to the temple. As my friend Randy would say, the temple didn't catch fire when B.J. set foot in it, so that was good. (Just kidding, B.J.) The guide did a good job of giving Bible references for the different ordinances and symbols in the temple, so people not of our faith don't think we're "up in the night." I found it interesting that the protesters outside the temple had a poster that read "Sacred or Secret." That made me laugh. If the temple were truly just secretive, why would the LDS church allow people of all faiths to walk through it and explain generally what goes on inside? I think those protesters should feel ashamed. I don't think any of my good Christian friends would approve of protesting outside a temple open house. Can you imagine protesters outside a Jewish temple or synagogue, an Islamic temple, or a new Christian church being built in a community? It's silliness defined.

One thing the Twin Falls Temple had that sets it apart was a mural of the Shoshone Falls and Magic Valley. It was all very beautiful. My mom got emotional as always having so many of her children and grandchildren around her. Afterwards we went out for Baskin Robbins ice cream and then a quick trip to Shoshone Falls. A mural is nice, but the real thing is even better.

4 comments:

Kim said...

Wow Cindy! I didn't know you are a triathelete! That's amazing. I am so impressed. Gotta love the power of blogs!

Angela said...

I hear the Twin Falls temple is beautiful. My sister and her husband are guides for the open house.
I agree with Rupert/Burley not feeling like home anymore. Do you ever feel like you want to move back?

I didn't think so...neither do I!

Morkthefied said...

The more I'm away from Mini-Cassia, the harder it is for me to imagine myself moving back there. But I do love the summertime there. The idea of being so close to the river is appealing. I also like seeing all the farm fields. But I get uncomfortable around some of the people. It's not their fault necessarily, but I sometimes get those old "high schoolish" vibes--where I suddenly feel so insecure. I hate that. And it's starting to feel so far away, too. Yeah, it's only a 3 1/2-hour drive, but that's getting more difficult to do. Not like the old days when gas was $1/gallon and no kids. So, those are my thoughts.

mariann and Tory said...

Loved the temple! It was awesome!