July 15th, 2012 at the age of 13, I first got baptized. It was about two weeks after I had gotten back from camp in Iowa and I had decided that it was time for me to give my life to Jesus all the way. So, on this day, in front of my whole church, my Dad baptized me. On that day, I was renewed. I don’t deny that at this time I was ready to get baptized, but little did I know, at this point in my life I still had so much to learn.
Near the beginning of our time in Guatemala, a few people from our squad would come into my team’s room and we would worship each night before going to bed. During one of these times, I felt like that Lord asked me to get baptized again. I kind of pushed the idea away asking why exactly he would want me to get baptized again. Then one day, I decided to ask my team to pray about it for me. As time went on, it became more and more clear that the Lord wanted this for me.
A few of weekends ago, I had the pleasure of going to a beautiful beach found in El Paredon, Guatemala. We were there to celebrate my teammate Lexi’s birthday which was on Saturday and as we were sitting under the stars after having cupcakes, the Lord brought the baptism back to my mind. He really wanted me to get baptized again. So, after contemplating a bit more, I felt compelled to ask Lexi if the next day she would baptize me.
One February 10th, 2018 Lexi baptized me in the Pacific Ocean. It was quite simple which was exactly what it needed to be. It was truly so special and probably one of my favorite memories to this date. A complete renewal of my faith and such a big step for my future relationship with the Lord.
This time, I was baptized under a faith that is completely my own. Growing up in a Christian home, it was very easy to just fall under the faith of my parents. I am so thankful each and everyday that I was raised the way I was, but I am also thankful that my parents let me go in order to grow and develop the faith I started out with into my own. This baptism was a public confession of my new faith and my new roots in the Lord that I chose completely on my own.
The past six months have been months of choosing the Lord day in and day out, six months of trusting Him always, six months of digging deeper with him, six months of gaining strength and energy from the Lord, six months of growing closer and deeper in my relationship with Him, and six months of trying to say yes to everything He has for me. Through this, I have begun to learn who I am in the Lord and what it means to walk with Him every day. This baptism was just a small symbol to show that I have chosen Him one hundred percent. He has washed me clean and now I can walk in the freedom He has set before me.
Here are a few pictures:
Also, side note: My parents recently came to see me in the field which was so so amazing!! Be on the lookout for a blog about our PVT experience! Also, a little travel update. I left Guatemala this morning and I am currently in the states for a layover and then I will be headed to Ethiopia with a short stop in Qatar in between.
Love you all and thanks for reading my blogs and supporting me!
