When we lived in Texas the nearest temple was in Dallas, which was a four-hour drive from our home. Twice a year we would get a bus or a van and all the youth in our ward would drive up to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.

A boy has to be ordained to the priesthood, at least be a deacon, to go to the temple. He has to be at least twelve years old, to be ordained. Usually we get sustained the Sunday after our birthday and then ordained.

My ward was going to the temple on my twelfth birthday. We asked our bishop and stake president if it was OK and I was sustained the Sunday before my birthday. Then my dad ordained me on my birthday, the morning of the youth temple trip. A lot of other deacons could be there in the circle. I will always remember that. After that my dad