Dressed In White

Tonight, at 7PM EST, I had my baptism by Elder Craig. It was such an amazing experience and a joyous occasion. Before the actual baptism, I had to arrive early and I got there at 6:20PM. Walked around lost for a bit until I finally found the Missionaries. I was feeling shaky as the time drew near. Knowing that this was the moment I had been waiting for. This was the moment I had been so excited for. I had an unbreakable smile all throughout the night. My cheeks were hurting so badly, but in a good way. Haha.

As I arrived, the Elders and I went to the baptismal font. This was the place I would be cleansed of my sins. I was shaking even more. It's like the feeling you get when you are so excited for something, that you just can't wait for it to happen! The font was filling up really slowly, and Elder Craig was hoping it would be full in time. It did, so no worries! Jessie and Lindsay were the first two to arrive. We took some pictures. Then I received a call from Kristin, and she was outside trying to find the entrance so I helped her in. I could already feel it now. This was about to happen. I was so excited. Still shaking.

Elder Craig said we needed to change into our white clothes for baptism. The shirt was a little too big on me, but it didn't matter. I was getting baptized either way! After we had changed and walked out into the baptism room, I was surprised to find so many people there. When we had walked in, there were only a few, but then there were many. Some didn't even make it, but I appreciate those who did. It really meant a lot to me to have the support, especially from those who don't even believe.

We took some more pictures, and were soon back in the room. I tried to greet and thank everyone for coming, but then we had to be seated. It was 7:10PM by then. We sung hymn #193 I Stand All Amazed, followed by the opening prayer by Laura. The talk by Elder Martz on baptism followed right after. Everytime he talked, I could feel him directing his words towards me. I really felt the spirit in the room. It didn't hit me until Elder Craig directed me to go towards the baptismal font after Elder Martz was done speaking. Oh wow!! This was it. We walked into the water, and he directed me as to what to do. The baptismal font was revealed to the whole group, with us in it. I took a glance and saw so many people staring down at me. As I hit the water and came back up, I felt so much happiness. The smiles just kept on coming. We went into the back and I really could not contain myself. There was just so much emotions running through me. I was simply feeling pure joy. I could see that Elder Craig was super happy with such a huge smile running from cheek to cheek. That guy always amazes me as to how much he loves bringing people to Heavenly Father. He asked if I wanted to pray, and so we did. It was the first prayer after my baptism, and it was amazing. I could feel the spirit so strongly.

We changed as quickly as we could, but probably still not fast enough. Even though the Sister Missionaries gave their testimonies while we were getting dried off, we still walked into a silent room. It was obvious, I guess we took too long. Haha. Mike gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Again, this talk was directed towards me. I could feel the spirit so strongly by this time. I see the love he has for God and Jesus Christ, and it really got to me when he bore his testimony. Gee got up and welcomed me to the Elders Quorum and complimented me on my "cool hair." Haha. Brother Blackburn welcomed me into the branch, and said that so many things were now open to me. I will be confirmed a member of the church on Sunday, and now I can start actively doing things for the church. I would be receiving Priesthood and my patriarchal blessing! I was excited. This was such an amazing night thus far. We sung the closing hymn #134 I Believe In Christ, followed by the closing prayer by Kim.

I didn't even get out of my seat before people started coming up to me to congratulate me. Sister Christenot, the wife of Elder Christenot and the other half of the military Missionaries, came up to me first. No matter where I turned so many people came to me and spoke about how happy they were for me. The spirit was strong. I was incredibly happy, and even though it has been awhile since I was at the church, I still had this unbreakable smile. I wish I could relive it again. There were so many people to thank that night. So many hugs to pass around. I stayed for another hour after it was over just talking, snacking on chips and dip, watching Josh teach people how to line dance. Haha.

Tonight was an incredible experience, one that will only happen once in my life. After my baptism, I felt new, fresh and incredibly happy. Nothing could get me down. The spirit was strong in me. The love of Christ is going to be forever with me and the convenants I shall keep for as long as I shall live. This is how I want it to be. This is my life to stand as a witness of God. I love everyone who came. It meant so much to have them. I love Elder Craig, Elder Martz, and Mike Austin. They are the best guys I know. They've helped me so much throughout this process to learn and to grow. I also love my girlfriend, Stacy. She inspired me, and introduced me to the true church. Never pushing me to do anything I didn't want. Let me go at my own pace. She's truly my angel.

I know this church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. And I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of the restoration. I say all these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.