These past couple weekends have been AMAZING! On March 10th, my Uncle Mike was re-baptized into the Church and his wife Gina was also baptized, AND her mom Sharon! It was SUCH a special day. The spirit was strong and I was feeling so thankful for family and the feeling of belonging I feel when I'm with them.
Mike was baptized first by my cousin Denny. I don't think I've ever seen Uncle Mike this happy. Aunt Julie, Aunt Nicole, and my mom were sitting together watching, crying tears of joy.
Gina was baptized by the mission President and I will never forget how her tears flowed. I was overcome with emotion when I saw her being overcome with emotion! It was easy to see this meant A LOT to her. The spirit was VERY strong.
Sharon was baptized by one of the missionaries who taught her, Elder Vomicil. I was so touched by her humility.
Bishop Estes asked each of them to bear their testimonies and each was special. I loved when Uncle Mike said he's finally come back and this is where he and his family will stay. Gina spoke much of her gratitude for those who have been good examples. I loved her humor. I also loved when Sharon said she has always believed in God and Jesus and she has always called Jesus her giant. She said that now, the sleeping giant has awakened. She said she had never felt this much love before and it was the best day of her life.
The baptisms took place at the San Rafael Stake Center and then there was a small gathering of friends and family at the Novato Chapel afterwards.
We had SOOO many laughs together as extended family-- that's something you can always count on with this clan.
Here they are with the Elder who taught Gina the discussions 4 years ago on his mission. He flew out to CA to be here for the big day. :)
Another neat moment was when Sharon, Gina's mom, received her first set of personalized scriptures. She was so thankful and emotional. She already had a copy of the Book of Mormon, one that the missionaries give out to investigators which she had put tabs in, but she was so excited to have her very own set with her name on them and scriptures markers and everything!
More laughs!
I will never forget our trip that night to Cost Plus with Carli, mom, Aunt Nicole, and Aunt Julie where we acted silly and the cashier teased us over the loud speaker. I laughed so hard for 2 days that it hurt!
Such an uplifting weekend.
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I know I said there were 3 baptisms, but then I realized there was a FOURTH-- my niece JANE was also baptized this month! Yay!
