Stefania's Baptism!

Stefania’s baptism has really been the highlight of this year. She awaited this day for a very long time. More than one year, indeed. I believe it has something to do with Sofia having been baptized in 2005. In her own words, she has always been looking forward to “the day when my sins will be washed away.”

Her baptism meeting was really beautiful. It started with my Mom offering a prayer. I was the first speaker, and Sofia followed next with a talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Gerardo’s sister Wendy and her family then performed a special number; they sang “I Want To Be Like Jesus” (Samuel, Wendy’s brother-in-law played the piano). Then Stefania and Gerardo proceeded to the baptismal font, and Gerardo baptized her. My father and Gerardo’s father acted as the witnesses of this ordinance. While Stefania and Gerardo were changing, we played a music video showing a series of pictures, from Stefania’s birth to the month of her baptism. Once both of them were back in the meeting hall, Gerardo presented Stefania with a treasure box and some tokens that would help her remember how the Holy Ghost can help her along her life. After this, a group of Priesthood holders confirmed Stefania a member of The Church of Jesus Christ... and she was conferred the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The meeting ended with everyone singing “I Feel My Savior’s Love” followed by a benediction by Gerardo’s father. I don’t know what else to say... the joy we felt to see our daughter being baptized and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost was greater than we can express.

Special thanks:
“El Apaw” (Gerardo’s father): for having traveled from Guatemala to join us
Lisa Dunham: for helping us with the baptism invitations
Tiffany Ivanovski: for putting together a wonderful video
Wendy Rojas (Gerardo’s sister) and family: for bringing the Spirit with your music
Samuel Rojas: for playing the Piano – you play like very few people can
Mamita (my mom): for your help with the refreshments
Kelly Vowles: for your useful tips and desert!
D’brav and Brenda Dunkley: for a fine job translating for us
Everybody who joined us at the meeting and everybody else who has assisted us in helping Stefania prepare for this very special moment – thank you ever so much!