Emilia made the choice to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on April 25, 2015.
It was supposed to be a stake baptism but there were no other kids being baptized on that day so she got to choose the entire program (speaker, prayer, music). Her two older girl cousins spoke on Baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost.
It was a simple and rather quick program, yet still special and spiritual. Her dad baptized and confirmed Emilia during the same meeting.
I had been talking to Emilia about recognizing the Holy Ghost prior to her baptism. It was something that she had to actively seek to feel. Then, during her baptismal interview with the Bishop, she felt it.
Each evening our family pulls out a glass jar filled with plastic bugs and happy faces. We each take one of each and go around telling one thing that made us happy and one thing that bugged us that day.
I am so glad for that family tradition. When it came to Emilia's turn she mentioned whatever bugged her and then when it was time to share something that made her happy she told the family "Mommy, I felt the spirit! It was a warm feeling that started in my heart and grew into my whole body." It made my day! You can guess what made me happy that day :)
That same feeling she had in the Bishop office, she felt again coming out of the water and while being confirmed.
Stella woke up crying and throwing up on the day of the baptism. She was a good sport and did so well during the meeting. She was hot and tired and crashed on the couch as soon as we got home.
After the baptism we had everyone over at the house for lunch. The weather forecast predicted up to 90% chance of rain. I kept hoping the weather would hold up until after the luncheon, and it did. It was sunny, although still a bit cool and windy. Another answer to prayer!
Emilia received a new set of scriptures with her name engraved on them as a birthday gift from Todd and me. While Emilia was changing into dry clothes, we asked family and friends to write down their favorite scripture passage on a 3x5 card for Emilia to look up in her own scriptures.
Afterwards, in addition to her baptism book, she received a photo album with some pictures from the baptism and the cards from everyone. It was so neat to read over them with Emilia. I felt the spirit so strongly reading everyone's testimony.
It was really a sweet and special day for our family.
