Baptism

Baptism comes in stages.

Elder Rose, myself, Elder Oliver

First, you have to meet the requirements. Easy, attend church at least twice, so let's check that off. Super off, I had been going for about 2 months.

Second, Interview. Since I was found and taught by the missionaries, the zone leaders from north Charleston have to come interview me. The interview made me nervous, even though I knew all the answers.

My Husband and I

It was a bonus that I had met Elder Oliver previously. I like to make them bring in the day transfer guys for me to meet. I love people. We didn't do a lesson the night I met him, but I DID do my getting to know him game. I had heard of his companion, Elder Rose, and I am super grateful every day that Rose let Oliver interview me. I now love them both, but again, I love the familiar. Got through my interview with ease once I got to talking. I invited Elder Oliver and Elder Rose back down the following week for my baptism. They declined because they had prior arrangements, and I know that the life of a missionary is busy. I was sad, but I get it.

Elder Petersen, myself, Elder Wille

Third, the actual baptism. Ryan asked me all week who I wanted there, who to speak and all these questions. My head was spinning! I thought it would be a simple ceremony; I show up, get dunked, say a prayer and done. NOPE. There was an opening prayer, a hymn,  then Ryan and I went to the baptismal font, once we changed, we had two people talk, another hymn and then closing prayer.

Corey and I

I met Corey right after we set the date. He's a member of the church who was away at school, and he was here, briefly, before going off to California for more schooling. I am so blessed to call this guy my friend. He is was super excited about my baptism, and that in itself showed me again that I was making the right choice. This guy that I had just met was so happy, and before I told him what the defining moment was, he said the same words Kirby told me; "I just want you to be happy."

Corey spoke at my baptism, along with Brother Lynch. The sweetest and most helpful man I've ever met. He reminds me of my granddaddy so much, and my granddaddy was the best man I knew. Ryan was my choice to baptize me.

RYAN!

The ceremony group was small, but I love and appreciate everyone who showed up. I am blessed to know these amazing people, to show up for someone they barely knew.

A few members. 

I know this was silly, but I prayed 3 times that Elder Rose and Elder Oliver could come. I knew they had other things, but when I walked into that church Monday night, and saw them standing in the chapel, I felt my knees buckle. That made me lose all doubt about my decision. My nerves and anxiety just left my body. Surely that was no accident, and that's when I 100%, without a doubt in my body knew, that this was the right choice.

Forever the goofballs, Elder Oliver and Ryan.

Lastly, the Sunday after your baptism, converts receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It's a simple step, where the priesthood pray over you during sacrament meeting. Obviously, Ryan had to do that as well. There were also a few other members, and again, I couldn't ask for a better group of people to know.

These guys have been nothing but nice since I started going. Back when I had my septum pierced, a stud in my lip. When I still wasn't sure, and when I didn't really speak to anyone. The best place I have been for as long as I can remember. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints accepted me my first time walking through those doors, and I won't look back.