A few months ago Whitney had asked if she could wear her swim mask when she was baptized. She HATES putting her face in the water, and it's been a huge ordeal for her during swim lessons and swim team. We told her she couldn't. Then she asked about wearing swim goggles. She couldn't wear those either. We all wondered whether she'd have the courage to put her face in the water when she was baptized.
Fortunately, during our sabbatical we stayed with my brother's family in Rocklin, CA, and they have a swimming pool in their backyard. Whitney spent a lot of time swimming in the swimming pool and practicing putting her face in the water without any masks or goggles. We didn't ask her to, the determination came from within. By the end of our stay she proudly showed us how she could put her head in the water without anything on her face!
During the baptism service, Whitney's Aunt Julie spoke about the purpose of baptism. She did a terrific job and targeted her remarks directly to Whitney. I had the privilege of baptizing Whitney, she was very brave and she did a terrific job. She gave me a great big hug afterwards and was just beaming.
Grandma Wheeler gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. Similar to Sarah's baptism, she shared the book "The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket" and gave Whitney a soft warm blanket. She told a few additional stories as well of how the Holy Ghost has been a blessing in her life. After the talk, Whitney was surrounded by family and friends who hold the Priesthood as we confirmed her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Lastly, Whitney was given a warm welcome into the ward by Brother Huff, who was presiding at the baptism in behalf of Bishop Cleverly as our bishop was traveling with his family that weekend.
The baptism service was short and sweet. We're so grateful to the family and friends who came to help us share Whitney's special day. We're particularly grateful to Liz's mom who took care of Brooklyn during the service. She can be such a handful during church meetings, and Whitney's baptism was no exception. After the baptism we held a simple reception in our home, limiting it to family members and a few close friends.
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| Whitney in her white baptism dress a few weeks before her baptism |
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| We decorated a table for Whitney at her baptism |
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| Whitney and her proud parents |
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| Lots of love from Whitney's family! Unfortunately we didn't get all the family members in the picture who was there, but we sure appreciate the effort everyone made who was able to attend the baptism. |
