A Long Time Coming

Years ago, when we were living in Pinckney, Jared and I talked about how we felt about baptism. We both were baptized as infants and thought, at that point, that that was enough. However, after awhile, we began to think that it was something we wanted to, and should do. Talk is cheap though, and we kept puting it off. We were going to have Dad Van do it, and just never got around to it. Fast forward over 4 years later. About a month ago it was mentioned that a baptism was scheduled for March 27th. I told Jared that I wanted to do it. I kept forgetting to talk to the Pastor about it, and eventually forgot about it until last night, when it was brought up at a youth group event I was at with Eben. Oops! Totally forgot. So, this morning when we got to church, I found Pastor Sonny and asked if I could still do it tonight. He said show up at 5:30 and we'll go from there. :)

I had been looking forward to it all day, and when it was almost time to begin the Baptisms I began to get so emotional. I was so excited! The congregation was singing and I was just trying to hold myself together. By the time Pastor Sonny called my name, I stepped down into the water and tried not to break down. He asked if I came to be baptized because of my faith in Christ and I barely squeaked out a 'yes'. He baptized me and under I went. I always hoped that it would be a "magical" moment, but part of me thought it probably wouldn't be. I couldn't have been more wrong. I came out of that water so emotionally charged. There were 35 of us tonight, so I had to keep moving, but as made my way to the changing room I stopped to just take it all in and to cry. It was so powerful. Even as I type now, I could cry. And I was so blessed to know that Jared, Eben and Aliza got to watch. I hope they will remember this and one day make the decision to do it to. Jared already has plans this summer for his Dad to baptize him, and I am so excited for that! Praise God for an amazing way to experience His power!!

I've included some pics of the fam {Nora's oreo face - just so you know what the black stuff is :) }and of course the last pic is of my baptism. I LOVE that Jared just happened to get me under the water. If you click on the picture it will make it bigger. The dark spot to the far left is my hair. I feel so empowered tonight! Even the chaos and normal frustrations of bedtime with the girls (mostly Nora) didn't damper it. I am so blessed to have been incredibly blessed by God tonight!! I wish all of you could have been there with me. I hope this post and picture will help you to feel like you were a part of it too :) I love you all!