“The Family Story Activity,” Friend, August 2023, 30–31.
The Family Story Activity
“Can you tell me another family story?” Lorrain asked.
This story took place in Vanuatu.
Lorrain smiled as she sang the last words of the song. They had just finished singing time in Primary. Now it was time to go to class.
But first, Sister Taleo stood up. “I want to tell you about a Primary activity that is coming soon,” she said. “We want each of you to learn about your family. Ask your parents about family stories. Then at the activity, each of you can share what you learned.”
When Lorrain got home from church, she was excited. She found a big piece of paper and took it to the table. She couldn’t wait to learn about her family!
Lorrain drew a family tree on the paper. Mum and Dad helped her spell all the names. Then she glued pictures of her family members on the poster.
“Your great-grandma’s name was Lorrain too,” Mum said. “We named you after her.”
“Wow,” Lorrain said.
“Grandma Lorrain was a very loving person.” Mum smiled. “When other people in the village ran out of wood for their fires, Grandma Lorrain shared with them.”
Learning about her family was fun! “Can you tell me another family story?” Lorrain asked.
“Dad could tell you about the first time he went to the temple,” Mum said. “He was just six years old. He and his parents took a long trip to the temple in New Zealand.”
Lorrain loved hearing about the temple. “Tell me the story, Dad!” she said.
“First we got on a plane to fly to New Zealand. Then we rode a bus. It was a long journey.” Dad showed Lorrain a picture of the temple. “Finally my parents and I went inside. We were sealed as a family. That means we can be together forever!”
That made Lorrain feel warm inside. She was glad she could hear stories about her family.
Finally the morning of the Primary activity came. Lorrain helped Mum and Sister Taleo get everything ready at the church building.
Then they heard some exciting news. A temple would be built in on their island!
Lorrain was so happy. When she was old enough to go inside the temple, she wouldn’t have to travel far at all!
That night, all of Lorrain’s friends were at the Primary activity. The children took turns sharing what they learned about their family. When it was Lorrain’s turn, she held up her poster of her family tree.
“I really liked learning about my family,” she said. “I learned that I’m named after my great-grandma. I also learned about the first time my family went to the temple. The temple can help our families be together forever.” The warm feeling came back. “I’m so excited that we’ll have a temple here in Vanuatu.”
Lorrain sat back down with a big smile on her face. She was grateful she could grow more like Jesus. And she was grateful for the temple! She couldn’t wait to go inside someday.
Illustrations by Emily Davis