Tio was in charge of filling the baptismal font. So I asked if we could tag along so that Isabel can see as many steps of the baptismal process as possible. So we went and turned the water heater on and started filling up the font. She got to turn the water on and was pretty excited about that. It takes about 3-4 hours to fill.
We ran to get a few last minute things we forgot and then got back to the house to get everyone ready. We couldn't get out the door as early as we wanted to set up the tables to eat at afterwards, so we just rolled with it and didn't let it ruin the reason why we were there in the first place.
When we arrived, we realized we were locked out. We were all going to come together and we forgot Angel had the keys, so someone called him and poor guy had all the food to bring, so they rushed to get there to open up. While we were sitting in the car (it was super windy and freezing), we were talking to Tio Jose Luis. Man is he hilarious! I can't wait for the day that I understand him completely. I am so much better now but he talks so darn fast.
We were supposed to start at 5:30pm. We got into the building around 6:00 and then started getting things going. Then we found out that AnaLaura was going to be late. Her kids have the chicken pox and are really sick. She was about to leave and then they said they wanted to come. They were very ad-emit about it and said that if they had faith and came that they knew Heavenly Father would bless them to be better. They had high fevers all day and Hiram had been throwing up too.
When they arrived everything got started. Carlos conducted and AnaLaura played the piano and flute. As the opening song was being sung, I looked at Isabel and she was crying. She's been so excited about this day for so long and especially to do it in Mexico. AnaLaura was playing the flute, which Isabel loves, I had no idea she asked her to play the flute.
The baptismal service continued with the cousins all singing a song together. AnaLaura's kids just stayed in back until Quique went and asked them to go sing. They did a beautiful job. Yes, they looked sick but you could tell they wanted to be there and sing with their cousins. It was simply beautiful! Abuelita was about to start speaking on baptism when AnaLaura starts running from the piano to Hiram in the back because he was throwing up. Poor little guy! There was a lot going on behind us and everyone trying to help but Isabel was focused on Abuelita and her message. the spirit was so strong.
Then it was time to go to the font for the actual baptism. Isabel was nervous that the water would be cold like it was for Papi and Tio but it wasn't. She got all shy when she went down in the water but when she got into place she was ready. Papi baptized her and she was just beaming when she came out of the water. We went into the bathroom to change and we were talking. She just kept saying over and over, "I'm so happy mommy. I'm just so happy." She just buried her head into me as she gave me a giant wet hug saying how happy she was. I started crying with such joy because she truly understands what just happened and the significance of it.
We waited for Papi to come out and then we all went in to the chapel together. While we were going in, Isabel asked Quique, "I'm getting the Holy Ghost now, right?" It was sweet. Then it was Abuelito's turn to talk on the Holy Ghost and it was lovely. After his talk, Papi confirmed her. It was a beautiful confirmation. The spirit was very strong. I thought it was neat because Papi started speaking in Spanish then changed to English then back toSspanish. I asked him about it later and he didn't even know he did that.
After the service we invited everyone to stay and have dinner, deluxe nachos. Man they were yummy! It was fun to sit and talk to everyone and be all together. Poor Hiram threw-up again during dinner and once again, everyone sprang into action to help. Laila and Andre looked a lot better and said they felt a lot better than when they got there.
It was such a special evening, the spirit was so strong and it was felt by all that attend. Thank you all that came to support Isabel and her decision to be baptized. We are grateful you came! We love you all so much!!!!
Those who attended are: Familia Loera Thal, Familia Loera Hernandez, Familia Gabaldon Loera, Abuelito, Abuelita, Maricarmen, Marco, Tia Maria Esther, Tio Jose Luis, Tio Carlos, Tia Elizabeth, Primo Carlos, Prima Alejandra, CuCu, Chelo, Lala, Humberto y sus ninetos, Obispo Dias y Karlita.
