two new Christians

sunday, january 20th brought us sunshine, fun, and two new members of Christ's Body.

it was a beautiful service, with many friends and family attending. seeing so much love and support for the girls was humbling.

the pastors asked the children of the church to come up to the alter steps and then invited B and S, myself and their father, and both sets of Godparents/sponsors to come up for the rite.

then Pastor J, who was ordained/installed last summer, baptized B. his first baptism. we are so honored to have been part of his pastoral journey in such a manner.

then it was S's turn. our senior pastor, baptized S. i remember when he was a young newish pastor and baptized A. i thought about how blessed we are to have him part of our community's growth over the past decade. it made me choke up as i considered how our family has grown in ways we had not dared to dream.

as Pastor J prayed over our family and sponsors, i found it hard not to break down. (it didn't help having Pastor R sniffle behind me-God love him for his tender spirit or when i made eye contact with B's lovely Godmother-silly me...why did i do that?) but what gripped me was remembering the constant prayer i had while going through the adoption process. i did not pray for bonding, or perfect grafting, or grateful children. i prayed that the Holy Spirit would fill these children with the knowledge of Him and call them to worship. and here we stood with my prayers being answered fully. it took ten months of  being part of our family for them to choose baptism. i would not push it or do it without permission. i felt we had to let them choose it for themselves. (i do not judge any who do gift it without consent, as it is just that-a gift) i just felt it would be more powerful for them to pick it on their own terms and in their own time. it was a act of patience. how richly He rewards us for our trust.

E recorded it on her nintendo 3Ds and put it on YouTube. it was a beautiful experience! http://youtu.be/Fe1KbpDfGMc

family picture

picture taking is not complete without the silly face photo

F and T with B

perfect sponsors we picked!

S and K with their God-daughter

not be left out of the fun

my mother organized the reception and many of my dear friends/family contributed yummy dishes and treats. we were awash in Love. thank you to all who prayed, supported, fed, gifted, and thought of our growing family through the years. you all rock! 

my husband, S, enjoying the last of the punch. don't ask!

LORD, THANK YOU FOR ADOPTING B AND S INTO YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THE GIFT OF BAPTISM. I AM THANKFUL FOR THE BLESSINGS OF ANSWERED PRAYERS. PLEASE HELP THEM TO GROW IN FAITH ALL OF THEIR DAYS. GUARD, GUIDE, AND PROTECT THEM ALWAYS. LET THEM GLORIFY YOU BY BEING STRONG DISCIPLES. JUST AS THEY COME TO YOU THROUGH JESUS, I ASK THESE THINGS IN HIS NAME. AMEN.