GANS and the Switzerland Temple

3 - 8 Ottobre 2016

We were so blessed to spend a week in Switzerland at the Swiss Temple and with the wonderful young adults (GANS) from all over Italy.  They came from both the Rome and Milan Mission area, covering Sardagna, Sicily, Bari, Napoli, Rome, Milan, Como, and other scattered cities and villages in Italy.

After the fireside

The Swiss Temple

Since Switzerland is not only out of our mission area but out of the country we had to get special permission from our Area Authority who was Elder Patrick Kearon of the Seventies.  He granted both us and Coppia Fitzners (serving in Bari and from Canada) to go.  Think about it being in charge of 75 young adults from ages 18 to 30. Yes, they are adults and very capable but we were still of some service and help.

The Switzerland Temple serves a huge area of Europe for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Because of that there are numerous languages spoken in the temple.  All of the endowment - teaching sessions were done in Italian.  But they came be done in French or German.  About half of those in these sessions were Italian and the other half of us were scattered among the English, Spanish, French, and German language. There were headsets provided for us to understand.

Temple in German

In the temple we are proxy to receive ordinances such as baptism and sealing - binding families together for the eternities.  The baptisms were completed by about half of our GANS and the other ordinances were completed by the other half.  There were a few young people that it was their first time to be at at temple. I had the privilege of being the proxy for two of our Palermo GANS mother who died from cancer a few years ago.  What a gift that was.

These sisters are from Sardegna and this was their first time at the temple

The Mina brothers

On the grounds by the temple is a hostel owned by the church for those traveling to the temple. The rooms are dorm like with 2 to 3 sets of bunk beds and private baths. It is simple but comfortable.  There is a gathering room for talking and games. Also a large kitchen providing 8 sinks and 8 stove tops.  In the dining room, there is sitting for probably about 60. Fridges and storage bins are provided for food storage.  Everyone brought their own food and usually prepared their own or in small groups.  Although one night, a large group of 22 made polenta together.

Our room

The gathering room

Kitchen

Refridgerators

Dining room

Storage bins

Thursday evening, we all gathered at the large church building next to the temple for a wonderful discussion with the 1st counselor of the Temple Presidency and his wife, who are serving here for 3 years.  They are from Verona, Italy. There was a little basketball after this fireside.

Looking from the front of the temple

Friday evening, the Fitzners and us prepared hot dogs, chips, drinks, and popcorn for the crowd. Afterwards they enjoyed dancing and socializing together. I did not hesitate to encourage the young ladies to gather a few names and numbers of the young men and vice versa.  After all, my purpose is to get them on missions or married. Ha!

The Swiss Temple is beautiful inside and out.  Inside it is simple and white.  Outside the grounds are decorated with fauna and large trees. The back is surrounded by woods.  It is a beautiful setting for a beautiful feeling of peace and love.

The woods

Swiss flag flying

The group