Temple Chaser

Unlike the local storm chaser...I have become the Temple Chaser. Since last Saturday at approx. 11:20 am, I have thought of nothing other than the location of the new temple to be built in the "Greater Kansas City" area. I dared to hope that it would be located on a hill not far from my house where once Boyd and I drove by almost 9 years ago and looking down at the skyline of the city from this primitive road, he said, "this is the perfect place for a temple".

Ever since I can remember, I have not enjoyed surprises or suspense. The anticipation of Christmas alone was enough to put me over the edge. I was the kid who secretly unwrapped all of the presents under the tree and then carefully re-wrapped them so know one could tell. I just couldn't bear the wait and not knowing.

Last night when I read that the temple would be built so close...and maybe even perhaps on that hill in Shoal Creek, I literally grabbed my purse and camera and ran out to my car to go look for myself. Surely there would be a sign indicating this sacred spot of land....I had to see. Val said she would like to go with me so I quickly drove over to her house and practically shoved her and her kids in my car....actually they were more than happy for the adventure.

The sky was clearing after a long day of grey skies and rain so the sun was radiant as it was beginning to set. We scoured the entire Shoal Creek residential development, and there is so much it's impossible (without a sign for goodness sake), to know for sure exactly where the temple will be built. At one point I considered contacting church headquarters and offering to hand paint a sign indicating the temple site...not really, but the thought did cross my mind. I even stopped to ask a construction worker if he knew what was to be built in the area he was working. He told me "apartments", so with that clue, I know we can rule out the large excavated property south of 152 and directly north and west of Clayview Club and east of the Shoal Creek!

So with clues in hand we set out to photograph this area and hopefully to capture the possible location.

And included in this area, is the same grassy hill that so long ago we dared to wish as the temple site. Right now it is home to skittish, camera shy cows and large round bales of hay. It would make the perfect place as you would be able to see Moroni from two freeways as well as having an incredible view of the city skyline itself. The area is surrounded by two golf courses and some of the most beautiful homes anywhere. It has easy access in several directions and the roads and round about being built are being lined with beautiful black street lights. It's just...beautiful.

And now, until the prophet actually breaks ground I remain in this awful suspense. Will it be a full sized temple? When can we see the plans? Will there be a Moroni? Will there be a new stake center on site? Will it run on a full schedule? Is it on that hill? Can I and will I have a part in this sacred building. I only dare to dream. The last time I was in the Omaha temple I literally cried in the dressing room as I changed from my whites. I didn't want to leave. It won't be long now when I can go anytime I want and remain as long as I like.

Someone pinch me...

and keep me in check because the suspense is going to kill me.

As I keep finding sites...I'll add info: http://www.thinklibertymo.com/enews/documents/ShoalCreekValley.pdfht

a great map that shows the magnitude of this development http://www.shoalcreekvalley.info/local.htm

another great site with info: http://www.ingramsonline.com/November_2001/Feature4_Shoal%20creek/feat4_ShoalCreek.htm

and a clue...notice the Commons...developed by Zion's Securtiy Corporation, coordinates are 435, 152 and Shoal Creek Parkway. Whether that is south or north, that is the question. (Also if you look at the bottom of this site, you will notice its creators are Zion's Security Corporation) http://www.shoalcreekvalleydev.com/commercial/

I'm just unwrapping a Christmas present.