Returning

ReturNing & TurNing HeaRts

One Year Following the Mesa Temple Rededication

By Emily Jex Boyle

The heart of Mesa, a renovated temple with beautiful grounds, has welcomed visitors to its gardens and corridors for over a year since its rededication. As if awakened from a deep sleep, the Easter pageant and Christmas lights returned, bringing crowds including curious children too young to remember either.

Among the thousands who participated in last year’s open house, one family’s story gracefully exemplifies the heart of the temple itself. As the event drew to a close, the Barry family attended the very last tour. Asked to share their thoughts from the experience, they agreed. As they exited the temple, the father, Armondo Barry, described the moment while in the bride’s room with his daughter, Alahna. It was a special moment in his words, “because on her wedding day,” he

Photo: Courtesy of Emily Boyle Among the thousands who participated in last year’s open house, one notable family’s story gracefully exemplifies the heart of the temple itself. As the event drew to a close, the Barry family attended the very last tour. Asked to share their thoughts from the experience, they agreed. This photo was taken at the end of the last tour.

Photo: Courtesy of Robin Finlinson The Barry family at the Mesa Temple in 2022. Alahna, Erika, Addyline, Joseph, Noah, and Alexzandra.

emotionally explained, “I won’t be able to be with her.”

Soon, the family wrote about the tour, including Armondo who wrote:

[W}e went back to the bride’s room…, my daughter sat down in one of the chairs and looked into the mirror. I stood behind her for those 30 seconds of eternity. As I looked at her…the Holy Ghost spoke to my soul and testified of

OCJ Kids is honored to partner with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Your gift of love will allow us to impact foster children all across Arizona in 2023! You have helped us LIGHT THE WORLD

for Arizona foster youth.

www.ocjkids.org

Continued on pg. 25

Photo: Courtesy of Erika Barry (DC temple pic 2022) Before Armondo passed away, the family planned to attend the Washington DC temple open house. Growing up this was his nearest temple. The family still went and while there, were able to feel that he was there with them.