Ukraine: I Love To See The Temple

On the way back from the ethno village, Mark and I got to ride in the car with Andriy, Katia, Halia, and Petrusik. As our route home took us pass the Kyiv LDS Temple, Katia pointed to this beautiful building and suggested we stop by. So I said, of course, yes! 

As we turned towards the main gate, we passed by the security guard. We stopped and Andriy asked him if it's okay if we go walk around. And he said something like "no, you can't". And I had to chime in at pretty much say something like, "Whaaaaaaaat?;))) sure, we can. We can walk around the temple grounds here just like around any other temple in the world". It was Saturday afternoon, the temple was not closed, but I think he was a bit weary of people just driving in and maybe not behaving respectfully on the temple grounds. I assured him we knew what we were doing.

This is Kyiv temple. It was announced in July 1998. But it took twelve years for it to finally be dedicated in 2010. 

It looked glorious in this beautiful Ukrainian weather! 

I was so grateful my family was supportive at visiting the place that is important to me. 

We took a few more pictures and then went inside to the front desk. I had never been inside the temple wearing just casual clothes. I came up to the front desk and asked if my non-member family could step in for a minute. They said that, of course, they could. So Katia, Halia, Petrusik and Andriy came inside to see how beautiful, light and magnificent the temple looked inside! It's one of those mysterious places for many people, but to us it's simply a very sacred place.

I found this neat short video about the reasons why the Latter-Day Saints build temples. 

I love to see the temple. And going inside is a very special experience indeed. We always feel so close to Heavenly Father when we go to the temple. 

On the way back home, even after such a short visit to the temple, we had a very good discussion about our believes and what other people believe. It meant so much to me that my family was open and willing to accept so many ideas that are close to my heart:).

Lyana.