Kiev Ukraine

I just got back from the dedication of the Kiev, Ukraine Temple.  It was the most amazing, spiritual vacation of my life.  It was definitely an experience I will remember and treasure forever.  I love the people of the Ukraine--what strength, testimony, and spirit.

My husband served his mission there almost 20 years ago, and the country has changed a lot he says.   He was one of the first missionaries in the Ukraine, and it made his day, year, life to be able to go back for the dedication of this temple.  I've never seen my husband cry so much in his life.  He loves the temple, and he loves the Ukrainian people, and this was such a touching dedication.  President Monson was witty and adorable as ever.  I sure love our prophet.  And boy is it ever evident that the people of the Ukraine love him.

So thankful for this opportunity.

Returning to the Ukraine after all those years since his mission really meant a lot to Brian.  He's talked about it for as long as I've known him.  And he's always said how much he wanted to take me back there.  

When President Hinckley announced that their would be a temple built, back in 1998, we knew we had to go.  12 years later--they have a dedicated temple!  Amazing!

Timeline:

1991--Elder Boyd K. Packer dedicated the Ukraine and it was opened to missionary work.  In that prayer Elder Packer prophesied that they would one day have a temple.  In offering the prayer of blessing upon the land of Ukraine, Elder Packer said, "We are gathered here as missionaries and as members, a small group.  This gathering is prescient of the tens and hundreds and the thousands and the hundreds of thousands that will yet join Thy Church...in this land.  We see the day when there will be scattered in the villages here and there a member and yet another member and then a gathering and then a branch and, in due time, stakes of Zion set firmly and permanently upon the fertile soil of the Ukraine.  And in due time, the spires of temples will be seen across this great land." 

1992-1994--Brian serves as one of the first groups of missionaries in the Kiev, Ukraine Mission

1998--President Hinckley announces a temple to be built in the Ukraine

2007--9 years after it's announcement, ground is broken for the temple on the 97th birthday of President Hinckley, an event that was indeed a fitting tribute to the president that accelerated the building of temples all over the world.

2010--The dedication of the Kiev Ukraine temple.