From YA Weekly
How the Temple Helped Me Feel at Home When I Moved Across the Country
The truths of the temple comforted me during a time of constant change.
Right after joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 19, I moved across the country from New York to Idaho. The culture shock surprised me, and I was confused by norms in my new religion and my new state. I felt adrift, pulled in a lot of different directions.
Even after getting married, I still struggled with loneliness. But that changed when I started serving in the temple.
I didn’t expect those temple experiences to help me overcome my loneliness or culture shock, but here are three ways they did just that:
1. Remembering the Savior
Serving in the temple helped me realize how much effort it takes to make the temple a priority. This allowed me to connect with the Church members in my new home and understand why and how they were living the gospel.
I started noticing that most people attend the temple to remember the Savior’s promises and become more like Him.
Sometimes it’s easy to focus on what everyone else is doing and to get wrapped up in the busyness of life. That’s why I had a hard time understanding everyone’s different way of doing things when I first moved. But Jesus Christ says He will give us rest if we rely on Him (see Matthew 11:28–30). So when I was overwhelmed, I realized all I needed to do was turn my heart to Him.
And being in the temple helped me do that the most! President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025) taught: “Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples. Each is His holy house.” When we focus on Christ, we can learn to be more charitable with ourselves and with the people around us.
2. Connecting with My Family
Family means everything to me. After I joined the Church, I knew the family I started with my husband could be eternal if we honored our temple covenants, but my parents and siblings weren’t members. They—especially my dad—struggled to understand my feelings and my faith, and they had a lot of questions that I couldn’t always answer.
When I was feeling lonely and overwhelmed about my family, I did an endowment session in Spanish, my native language. I thought about my dad. And I felt a strong impression from the Spirit that my dad would have the opportunity one day to learn about and accept my faith.
My patriarchal blessing also promises that I will feel closer to my ancestors in the temple. So I did a lot of family history work. My husband did proxy work for my grandpa from Ecuador, which fulfilled that promise in a very emotional way for me. I lost my grandpa when I was four, and serving him—and other ancestors—in the temple reminded me I’m not alone.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified: “Connecting with our ancestors can change our lives in surprising ways. From their trials and accomplishments, we gain faith and strength. From their love and sacrifices, we learn to forgive and move forward. Our children become resilient. We gain protection and power. Ties with ancestors increase family closeness, gratitude, miracles. Such ties can bring help from the other side of the veil.”
3. Knowing God Is Aware of Me
When I worship in the temple, I always feel a confirmation that God is aware of me, no matter where I am. I always feel a sense of peace and familiarity there, like coming home. This was so helpful during a time of transition. Being reminded of who I truly am and how He keeps His promises helped me find steady ground.
I know that each of us may be on different life paths, but as God’s children, we are all moving forward together on the covenant path toward Him.
If you find yourself facing a huge change in your life, it might be hard at first, but trust in Heavenly Father to help you adjust. Attend the temple often if possible, and if not, ponder and focus on the power of your covenants. Live as a disciple of Christ.
No matter what happens, know that He is guiding you and that your ancestors are cheering you on.