Easter Baptism!

My Easter was great! So good – and a bit stressful at the beginning, but it all turned out just perfect. Of course, first thing we had to do when we got the church building Sunday morning was to start filling the font – and I didn’t scald anyone this time! I was so proud of myself. Then it was really funny because as the Branch President was announcing the program, he got everything mixed up because the choir was singing as well as a special number from us later, and so everyone was correcting him and he didn’t know who to listen to. So first we sang in the choir, (which we make up almost half…), then I spoke, and I don’t know what has happened to me, but I was able to speak for my 20 minutes (actually, I think I went over) and wasn’t even all that nervous, didn’t write out my talk, only made a few notes, and was actually pretty coherent. I was amazed at myself. And everyone said they were really touched, so it sounds like it turned out pretty good. I, of course, spoke on the Atonement and how we make it a part of our lives. It had really stuck out to me in General Conference about how the ordinances of the gospel are how we access God’s power in our lives. So really it is only through the ordinances of baptism, partaking of the sacrament, etc. that the Atonement can really apply to us (at least the overcoming sin part – the resurrection part is a sure deal). If we don’t participate in those ordinances, no matter how much we repent and keep the commandments and do good and have faith, it won’t really do us any good. It’s just like getting out the utensils, washing your hands and cutting the cake, and then not eating it. We really do have so much to rejoice over because of the Atonement!

So after I spoke, Sister Bell and I sang, “How Great Shall Be Your Joy”. The accompanist messed up a little, but it turned out really well. I haven’t sung that as a duet for a long time. Then Sister Bell spoke, and she tied in the Atonement with humility and missionary work and did an amazing job. We then had to teach Gospel Principles class. And then after Relief Society, we had to run around and make sure everything was set up and ready for the baptism. And of course take pictures with all three of them all in white. So perfect. The actual baptisms were a little bit awkward, just with having three people in the font and one person saying the prayer and someone else dunking. But it all worked out and it was really special for Jerry to be able to participate in the baptisms of his wife and son. Then, this branch doesn’t really know how to do anything when it comes to food small. We had thought we’d have a few snacks, but it ended up being a whole luncheon. So funny.

And all throughout the day, we just had a million and one people trying to talk to us about different things, and I just couldn’t keep it all straight, and I just had to tell some people, can we talk about this later. But after everything was over, we got a chance to relax a bit and we had dinner over at one of our investigators houses – Bill and Diane. I just love them, they are so funny. It was a beautiful day, too. We sat on Bill and Diane’s front porch swing for a bit just enjoying the day. I really have been converted to that “front porch sittin’.” Oh, and we got so many little Easter gifts and baskets from different people, it’s a good thing you didn’t send anything…I’d never be able to eat it. The members here are just so thoughtful.

We were also really excited that there were several less active members that we have been visiting that came to church. We were especially happy to see this one family, who we had an especially powerful visit with the day before. They had recently experienced the death of a friend and it really hit them hard and they realized that they needed to come back to church, even though they aren’t perfect and have word of wisdom issues. The mom even told us at the end that she didn’t have any church clothes to wear anymore, but she was going to be there if she had to come in jeans. And she was, but not in jeans, she found some dress pants. I think they were really touched by the meeting.

We were also excited to see one of the Tuttle’s neighbors come to church with them and stay for the baptism. They are already being such good missionaries. When we went over to their house last night, Christian had a friend over who he’d been talking to about the gospel, and we taught him a little first lesson. So maybe we’ll have a little deacon’s quorum in a little while if Christian keeps inviting his friends like he has. So cute. I hope they call a young men’s president soon….

The rest of last week was just really busy with teaching appointments and what not. I’m so glad things have been so busy, so it’s easier to stay focused. We already have a pretty full week this coming week, too, so I’m happy about that. We also went to a little Catholic service called “Stations of the Cross” on Good Friday with our Irish investigator Cecelia. It was interesting… the Catholic Church does a lot of symbolic things to keep you in remembrance of the meaning and events of the Holy Week. In a way, it’s kind of like the Law of Moses, now that I think about it. Yet, the whole service was just so empty of any real feeling or Spirit. And Cecelia is aware of the emptiness of it (we talked about it afterwards) and that’s why she likes meeting with us, yet, she doesn’t really want to change. Hopefully, she will eventually. She’s amazing. I just love her. She’s someone I’m coming back to visit. :)

Well, that’s pretty much been my week. We’re going to go play with the Elders in our district today one last time before I leave. They are so funny. We took some great pictures the other day. I guess I’ll just have to show you them when I get home. I don’t know whose idea it was but they gave us all X-Men nicknames and informed Sister Bell that she was Wolverine, and I was Sabertooth. So we took some pictures acting as our characters. Oh, and did I ever tell you that there is an Elder in my district who looks like Mr. Bean? He’s actually from Mesa, so maybe ya’ll can meet him sometime. :)

Well, I better get going; laundry to do you know… But I’m so glad that George and Debbie loved the Easter Pageant! I’m sad I missed it this year… Anyway, love ya’ll!

~Melissa