It was such a wonderful experience to be able to see 5 people come into the gospel!
Saturday was the big day! Sister Rhodes and I were so nervous!! One baptism is stressful in and of itself.. but 5!! Holy Cajoley I was freaking out! We were so worried about having enough water in the font for Beau.. he is one big man!
But then we were worried about having too much water in there for 4 kids. 3 of which are terrified of water... So we were debating what to do... We just couldn't decide. I had this anxious/ nervous feeling and I just decided to say a prayer in my heart that everything would be ok. I decided to replace that fear with faith and just go ahead with everything. So, we filled the font just about as full as we could and the baptism began!
It was a wonderful surprize to have President and Sister Irion there! I love them so much and Sister Irion makes me cry everytime she cries because of me going home!
Sister Rhodes and I had to give the talks. I spoke on baptism and Rhodes spoke one the Holy Ghost. I don't usually get nervous to speak but this time, for some reason, I was.
It all went well and it was time for Big Beau to get baptized. Elder Crofts and Beau got in the font and Crofts said the prayer. It was like slow motion watching Beau get dunked.. and guess what? His elbow didn't go under!! My heart almost dropped.. I looked at Sister Rhodes.. we were both freaking out because we were scared that the kids would freak out.. but Crofts said the prayer again.. and this time Beau got dunked!!! Then it was Gunners turn.. time to find out if there was too much water! Nope! The water level was perfect! Dunked on the first time! Then it was Hunter's turn.. we were the most worried about him because he was the one that was the most scared of water.. he walked into the water no worries, no hesitations.. he was dunked and it went so smoothly! Then it was alyssa's turn.. she hesitated for a minute and wanted us to pull the plug in the font so that the water would go down a little.. she got in and was dunked and it went perfect.. then Austin and they were all wet!! I still can't believe how smoothly it went! They all did so well and I couldn't stop smiling! I am so proud of them!!
The greatest feeling in the whole world is seeing someone that you love so much take that step of faith and be baptized! And what is even better is seeing 5! It was so cool! It was also a really sweet experience to see all them be confirmed the next day! The spirit was really strong as the Bishop blessed the kids and gave them the Holy Ghost! That family has something so special about them. I will forever love them! Roxanne is trying to convince me to move back to Chatsworth and live with them! it would be so fun! All I know is that I am going to be a part of that family forever! The kids even call me Aunt Shaylyn! I love it!
So that was my wonderful week! I love being a missionary and my heart is breaking a little more every day because I am one step closer to going home. I can't believe that we are down to single digits! That is insane! But I am excited to see my family and to be able to turn another page in the story of my life! Thank you all so much for loving me and supporting me the whole way! I couldn't have done it without you!
Love always and forever,
Sister Shay
