Baptism

So, even though this took place a couple of weeks ago and before I started my blog I still wanted to post about it. Many of you know that my daughter Jaiden (11) was baptized on Aug. 9. She had been meeting with Elder San Diego and Elder Brazil for a few months and decided that she really was ready to get baptized. After being so nervous for her interview and so excited for her big day, it finally arrived! She got her new dress on and her hair professionally done (thanks Terri) and headed off to get ready for her big day. Mike took her down to meet my dad (who would be the one to dunk her. I came a few minutes later with the other kids. We pulled in and the first thing I see is my dad walking away from the building still in his suit. I thought, what is he still doing in his suit? He should be dressed already! Then I got out and walked over to the big crowd that was standing not in the building, by the building! What in the world? Then they tell me,"The doors are locked and no one has the keys, we are trying to find someone who has some." Ok, I think no big deal, they will come let us in and we will be on our way. I even give the missionaries a hard time by saying,"What is this your first baptism, or what?" They give me that little polite chuckle and I go to tell the others. When I do, my brother has to go and be all knowledgeable and inform me that if the doors are locked and no one is here to let us in, then that probably means that the baptismal font has not been filled either and it will take about 40-45 minutes to fill! Thats when I freak out. I went back to the Bishop who says no problem we were thinking that maybe she could just do it in the Lawrences pool. At first I think he is joking so I say oh yeah that would be awesome, he says so we would just have the service there and as soon as someone came with the keys the baptism clothes could be brought over. Then I realize he is serious! So off course the first thing out of my mouth is ,"That's it, I am inactive again!" I thought he would die! So, Jaiden and I go to talk about things to decide what to do. She takes a walk with my dad and comes back and says,"Everyone told me it was fine, I could wait 'til tomorrow or next week and that would be fine, but mom I chose today and I am going to do it today. I will do it in the pool." Needless to say, it turned out wonderful! She was beautiful and it was amazing!

The spirit was so strong! Take that Satan! God 1 Satan 0! It was also a good lesson to all the little kids (and adults) to realize it doesn't matter where it takes place. It only takes water, the priesthood and the desire to do what is right. I am so proud of Jaiden and the decision she made and the strong person that she has become. I love you, sis!

Thanks to Sister Kari Lawrence and her family for opening their home to our family in time of need, we will never forget your generosity and assistance to make this wonderful experience happen!