This is a very special day in our family. Today Hayden was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. He has been looking forward to this day and is excited for what it means. I would like to take the time to write more but I know the grandparents are anxious for a report so I will hurry and share the basics now. Hayden chose to be baptized in the ocean, an Okinawan tradition that is still an option because there is not a good font to use in the church building. We tried to do it back in February but the wind was so strong that the current was to rough and the waves were too big to get in the water. So after much waiting, it was finally today. The weather made us nervous a few times today but it held out and ended up being wonderful. It was warm enough and the wind stayed down and it didn’t rain. We had only one set back, the tide was really low. Although we tried to read the tide charts and understand what they meant in the end we just to pick a convenient time that was after church and before dinner. We didn’t get it right and the boys had to go out really far into the ocean to get deep enough. They were lucky to have strong dads to carry them! First we sat up on the beach and enjoyed a talk about baptism. Then we moved down through this opening toward the water. At higher tide the water comes right up to this spot.
We stood here on this sand and they walked out until the water was deep enough, about 50 feet.

Once Hayden was settled in the water things seemed to really calm down and we were able to hear the prayer and watched as Hayden was put under water. His leg floated up, perhaps due to the current, or salt water, or his anxiousness to get out, who knows. So they got to do it a second time and it went smoothly. Tom then carried Hayden back to the waiting dry towel. Then I got to snuggle him to warm him up while we watched his friend be baptized.
While they all went to change we moved up off the beach and to a covered pavilion for the rest of the service. We felt very loved and there were a lot of families in attendance so we all sat and sang primary songs while we waited for the boys. Once they returned I gave a talk about the Holy Ghost and the boys had to try to crush a soda can that was empty and then one “filled” with the Holy Ghost. They were then confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Hayden said he had a great day. He got to choose chocolate chip pancakes for lunch and pizza for dinner and all his friends came to the baptism. Once the girls were in bed I sat with him for a while and we talked and he said it felt good. Most of all he said he was surprised that he didn't feel cold when he went under the water. He was so worried but he said he just felt warm. It was wonderful for me to be able to see Hayden take these important steps and I felt so proud to be his mom. At the same time I am overwhelmed at the responsibility to care for someone so important. He truly is amazing and has the potential to be anyone he wants to be. I want him to stay little forever but as he inevitably grows up I look forward to seeing the young man he will become!