August 25, 2016 - Kenya's cousin Porter Mattson came home from his mission to Guatemala
August 26, 2016 - Kenya's Aunt and Uncle Quinn and Gina Walker took out their Endowments in the Payson, Utah Temple
August 27, 2016 - Kenya's Aunt and Uncle Gina and Quinn were sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Payson Temple (Payton and Daisy were able to enter the temple, Quade was 18 and too old to be able to go in)
This is a picture of all of Kenya's Mom's brothers and sisters and their spouses, Kirk, Gina, Angie, Joseph, Jacob, Camille and Candace. And this was the first time that all of us were able to be together in the temple with our mom and dad, and our Aunt Joan!
It was Grandma and Grandpa Mattson's best day ever, and I mean EVER!!
Sister Berntsen's Group Email to the Mattson Family on August 1, 2016:
Hi everyone!
Not much to the last few weeks! Sister Ewell and I have been keeping busy this summer! In the month of July Kirtland had over 14,000 visitors! Met some of the greatest people in that. But we have been doing a lot of finding as well! We stopped by a potential this week that I tracted into a few months ago. At the time I didn't see too much interest in him, but we just thought we would stop by and talk to him. And he opened right up to us. He has been going through a hard time and is interested in the church and finding happiness. That just shows that this is really God's work. Its not up to us for people to be ready for the gospel, its up to God. But he makes it possible for those who are searching for the Gospel to find it.
Our testimony is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. I have seen my testimony grow and continue to watch it grow, and it has helped me not only in my missionary work but it has helped me realize all the good that has taken place throughout my life. The testimony of my family and friends have got me far, but now I am given this chance to strengthen my own testimony.
I love this work and although it is the hardest thing I have ever done, it is the most rewarding and amazing experience that I have ever had. I know that this church is true and I know that God chose Joseph Smith to restore the Gospel. I know that God lives, and through sacred temples we get to live with Him and our families for eternity.
Which brings me to the main purpose of this email... To congratulate my aunt and uncle, Quinn and Gina for their decision to enter the temple this week!!!!! They are more than ready for this and I know that the greatest blessings will come to them because of this. There is nothing more special than being sealed as a family for eternity. I am grateful for my parents who made that decision and the blessings that have come to me and my family because of it. I know that similar blessings will come to the Walker family!
God knows my love for temples so he sent me to Kirtland, where the first one was build! But I want to share with you all before you go with Quinn and Gina to the temple just how special temples are. Not only was the temple constructed here in Kirtland, but temple priesthood keys were restored. A man named Elijah appeared inside the Kirtland temple and conferred the keys of the sealing power to Joseph Smith. That sealing power is the power to unite families for eternity with one another and with God. I know that that happened and I know that that same sealing power is still on the earth and the Walkers will get to experience that sealing power for themselves this week! And I could NOT be more excited for them!!
Also, only low key jealous that Porter gets home this week and gets to go with them. But I have LOVED being able to write my cousin the past 2 years. His service is a big reasoning behind my service as a missionary, and I am so grateful for that. I know that this crazy family of mine is sealed for eternity. And after some Christmas parities I wonder if I still want to be included in eternity. But I have grown up around the greatest people and I just can't wait for this special day this week for the Walkers!!
I know that families are forever and I am so grateful that you are MINE. My love and prayers are with you all! Send me LOTS AND LOTS of pictures of this very special day! Love you all!!! :)
Love, Sister Berntsen
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