Taylin's Baptism--January 7, 2012

What a special day!  A day I will never forget.  I am pretty sure it is something will stick in Taylin's mind and heart forever.  She is an amazing gal and has always been on the tender side.  She amazes me at how in tune with the spirit she is.  Taylin started her day with a few materials to help document her day (i.e. journal, scriptures, book of remembrance).

This is all it takes for me to have moisture in my eyes.  

David and Taylin before the baptism. 

Here we are in our "purest" form.  We are in trouble.

My little comedians weren't up for photos.

We know being away it is hard to get everyone here.  We were so grateful to have family travel from Texas that could.  David's mom, Tona; Candyce, my niece (Ryan and Krissy's oldest) and my dad, Larry.

I asked Taylin who she wanted to participate in her baptism.  She asked leaders that she has looked up to and come to love to do so.  She did a great job.  I had her make the phone calls and ask everyone herself.  She did a good job.  There were some entertaining phone conversations I had to prompt some of her end of the conversation. 

I can't even begin to explain the flood of emotions that came with this experience.  She has been so excited and prepared for a long time.  The talks given on Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost were perfect and a perfect fit for Taylin.  Sister (Emry) Lewis taught about the covenants made when baptized and related it to a key.  If we brake the key how we brake the key, we can't get to our desired destination.  Sister Lewis also explained how we are promising to follow Christ and be His disciple.  She emphasized Taylin's strength of lifting one another's burdens.  Taylin is always watching out for others.  Sister Johnson used the comfort of a baby blanket to a baby as the Holy Ghost to her, the comfort and guidance it will be to her.  So much wisdom shared.  So precious!

Taylin asked me to sing, but I highly encouraged her to pick someone who could sing through the song without as many emotions that I might shed.  She chose a sweet girl in her primary that she adores.  As she was baptized, David got a little emotional during the prayer.  Taylin's emotions were stirred.  I quickly went to get her a towel and be ready when she came out.  I feel with emotion just thinking about her exit from the water.  She was full of joy and tears.  I asked her if she was okay.  She said, "Yes it is just so emotional."  Much embrace and tears and a warm testimony of this great decision and covenant she made. 

Taylin and Grandma

Taylin and Candyce.  Candyce came as a complete surprise to Taylin.  Taylin looks up to her cousin (in more than just height).  She was so happy to have her here.  This was a great sacrifice for my brother and his family.  This is a memory she will cherish.  Thank you to Tona and Dad for making sacrifices to be here as well.  We understand it isn't easy.  We love you all!

Since I am terrible at getting pictures, I failed to get a picture of everyone that was there.  That would have been ideal.  We had some friends from outside the ward come to support Taylin as well.  Our medical school friends/family (when you go through medical school together...you become family), the Cervantes and the Chapmans.  Their families were with them, but we only got a shot of these studious men that have carried their families through states and degrees.  We have been blessed to be able to remain in the same state and close to still do things together. 

Taylin, we are so proud of you.  May you forever remember today.  Remember the covenants you made and the feelings you felt and the support you had/have.  This will carry you through many roads ahead.  We love you very much!  You are a great example to your family and those you so compassionately befriend. 

(We went to get her baptism pictures a month later...because I am usually a month or more behind.  As soon as I can get some scanned onto the computer, I will post them.)