April Family Fun and a Beautiful Ocean Baptism

     The last week of April our oldest son and family made the journey to visit us. Once again we had a wonderful time sharing our mission with our family. Kaleb, Kat, and kids arrived Saturday night and Maddux melted my heart as he ran to me saying grandma and gave me a big hug. He was barely a year old when we left. After giving hugs we went inside where we visited and the girls started chasing, catching, and playing with bukitkis (small lizards). It was the beginning of a fun filled week. We loved the time sharing the beauties and adventures of the Philippines and a taste of missionary life.

    A highlight of the week was witnessing Ayla's baptism in the ocean. The surroundings were beautiful and the Spirit was strong. We had a tender mercy during the baptism there weren't people walking past on the beach or boat traffic. Shortly after the baptism there were groups of people walking in both directions on the beach and a boat of people passed. We were thankful that we were able to have a quiet atmosphere for the sacred ordinance. It was a very special experience. That night Ayla was confirmed at the mission home. Kat began our confirmation meeting with a beautiful prayer; Bart gave a great talk on Baptism; Mia, Maddux, and Kaleb sang "A Child's Prayer" (Taitym had been singing all day but got nervous); Mia gave a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost that she had written herself; and then Kaleb confirmed Ayla a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After the confirmation Ayla bore a sweet and tender testimony. Since we didn't have family here we invited a few of our mission family to join us. It was an amazing day. We are so thankful for the privilege of being part of Ayla's special day. We appreciate Kat's family and the rest of our family for being supportive of Ayla's choice to be baptized in the Philippines. It was a day that we will always treasure.