E's baptism was scheduled for March 28th, 2020. Everything was ready to
go and then, Covid-19 came to the U.S and all of our plans changed. We
put a pin in it hoping that once the summer arrived the boarders would
open and Oma could fly down to see E get baptized. That didn't happen.
So I asked E what she wanted to do. She told me she just wanted to get
baptized and so that is what we did.
Because of COVID everything was different. We couldn't invite anyone from church to attend, only family members. There was no ward mission leader, primary presidency, or friends. Brother White (who presided) did so remotely via WebEx. this was our first baptism, so things felt a bit strange but at the same time there were SO many blessings.
The morning of the baptism we took our time! We all got up and dressed in a calm manner and then we went outside to take some pictures.
It was a beautiful day and we laughed and giggled as we got some family photos at the church by the house.
Gramma and Pa got to fly in from Vegas and what a blessing that was to have them there after son long being apart. It truly made the whole day brighter!
As mentioned before Gramma made E's dress and I could not imagine a more exquisite dress. It was absolutely perfect. I remember at Christmas time last year Gramma and E sitting on the couch looking at pictures of what E liked and what she didn't. E told her that she really liked this dress and Gramma copied it almost exactly. It is just perfect! Thank you so much Gramma!
E and her Pa. His little sunshine. these two have been close since the day Pa first held her in the hospital. Pa is one of E's very best friends. She always wants to be singing, giggling or sharing milk and cookie together. I am so very grateful that he was able to be here to help confirm E.
Daddy's girl for sure! I love sitting back and watching these two talk. They have the best conversations and I pray that they will always be close!
My little mini me in every way but looks! I see so much of myself and my personality in E and it is funny. She's my little best friend, my mini Mama my go to helper, my sunshine. I am so unbelievably proud to be her Mama!
And an mask picture because this is COVID!
Ms. Edge (E's second grade teacher) was sweet enough to come to her baptism. We accidentally locked her out of the chruch but she watched via zoom and we had the best visit after. E was so happy to have her there! Thank you for coming from the bottom of my heart!
E's blessing circle Papa Hensley, Daddy and Pa.
Joe & Pam Hensley (Papa & Gram)
I wish I would have slowed down just a touch more and taken a deep breathe before we started E's baptism. It was so special. I really enjoyed just having a very small gathering of people. Because of technology, we were able to have a lot of family and friends who would not have been able to be there see E get baptized via WebEx. It was amazing! All of my aunts and uncles from my side of the family were there. Jakobs brothers were all able to see. Opa and Oma Zapf and so many more. It was really amazing!!
I kept looking at E and thought, is this really happening? Do I really have an 8 year old girl who is this incredible? The answer is of course I do, but it felt so surreal sitting there watching her make special convenants with our Heavenly Father. I just felt the spirit whisper over and over, THIS is what it's all about. This family, these people, this journey back to our Father in Heaven. It was such a special moment for E, but as a Mama, it was very special for me too.
For remembrance sake here are a few tips if I (or anyone) has to to a virtual baptism again. 1. Have someone else worry about the computer and the guests signing in. I was so worried about people being able to see and hear that I got lost a bit at times. 2. We did not have a pianist or sing because of COVID and I was counting on the WiFi working at the church, that did not happen. I would definitely have a playlist with the songs downloaded next time. I had a blue tooth speaker and that worked out wonderfully. 3. Take notes during the confirmation. Sprout was running around and I was holding him during the confirmation and half way through it I realized I should really have been listening harder. None of these things was life or death and they didn't take away from the event at all, just things we learned from our first experience.
We came home right after we sanitized everything and had lunch and cake while we visited. It was such an incredible day and I was so thankful for the spirit that was there.
And a few (hundred) other pictures that don't really have to do with the baptism, but since we were all dressed so nicely....
Sprout wanted to be in every picture that Pa was in. SO cute!
Oh this boy is so dang cute!!!!!
Jakob and Dad trying to take a serious picture. Oh MY lanta.
This one reminds me of the picture they took at our wedding and it makes my heart so happy!
I stole E's flower crown.
Congratulations Peanut! So are so proud of you! You are so loved!
