Luisa's Baptism

So this past weekend, my hubby and I took the long 12 hour drive up and back to San Francisco, for a special baptism.  The drive was LONNGGG, but definitely worth it!  Luisa, a beautiful 8 year old girl, had chosen to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She asked my husband, to baptize her, and he was truly humbled to have been asked.  We were so happy for her, and were grateful to share this special day with her.

We left Friday night, and were able to make it to San Francisco by Saturday morning. Initially, Will insisted on driving non-stop from Phoenix to San Francisco without any sleeping break, as well as insisting on being the sole driver the entire trip.  Of course, I was hesitant, but decided to let him have his way, as we set off for California at 7pm Friday night.  We drove non-stop till 4am, when he decided to pull off of the road and take a quick nap in the car for an hour or two.  I must admit, I was impressed at his ability to drive the whole way there and back on his own.  I wanted to help drive, but he was adamant that he would get motion sickness if he were to be a passenger.

When we were finally able to get to San Francisco, it was worth it.  We met up with some family, and had a good time visiting.  I took the morning to take Luisa out, and had a little photo shoot with her.  I may be biased, but I think that she is such a beautiful girl, and really radiates happiness.  I love being able to spend time with her and her family.

In the afternoon, it was finally time for her baptism.  We drove down to the church building together, and there were already LDS missionaries, and so many members from her ward family there.  Everyone there was so supportive and happy for her.  After she changed from her Sunday dress into her baptismal clothes, I couldn't help but to think of the symbolism of wearing white at a baptism, and how baptism washes away all of our sins, and makes us spotless. 

The baptism program started off in the usual way with an opening prayer, and remarks from a bishopric member.  Then, Luisa stood up in the front of that small room to sing, "I am a Child of God."  As she sang she looked so pure and beautiful; so sure of her divine nature and infinite worth.  She started off strong, with the piano softly playing in the background, but as she went on, I could tell that she was starting to get nervous with the crowd watching her.

As she began to sing the chorus, "Lead me, Guide me, Walk beside me, Help me find the way..." she started fumble over her words.  Then from the back of the room, someone softly started singing along with her.  One by one, the entire audience joined in and sang with her, never overpowering her soft voice but, supporting it and helping her along the way.  As we all sang together, there was an undeniable feeling of love from God in that room.  The evidence of the reality of the Holy Ghost was so strong, that I knew right then without a doubt, that Christ's gospel is true.  During that soft hymn, sung by an 8 year old girl, my testimony was strengthened of the truth that all are children of God.  What impressed me most as I watched her, was that I could tell she could feel God's love at that moment, and that she knew that she  truly was a child of God.

Luisa, and her Mum

After her solo, she sat down, and at it was my turn to give a talk on baptism.  Seizing this moment, I turned to her, and put my hand up to my heart and looked her in the eyes asking, "Do you feel that?  Do you feel this special feeling inside of you right now?"  She turned to me smiling, and said, "Yes! I feel the spirit."  

The rest of my talk was about the purpose of baptism, and it's necessity.  Even though there was a room full of people, I spoke to her, focusing on what I knew Heavenly Father would want her to know on her baptism day.