I cannot believe how fast my baptism day is coming! It has always made me smile every time someone would bring it up but now I am starting to tear up, too! I have waited five years for this and it is now just 43 days away! I always knew my 18th birthday would be a special one, but my baptism just makes my life absolutely complete. I am so excited for the doors that will open up to me after I am confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
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| Salt Lake City, Utah Temple |
I have learned so much in the past few years! I wanted to share "my story" with all of you (in case you haven't heard it yet).
My conversion all started in 7th grade with a young man who had the courage to share the Gospel with me. We had just met that school year but instantly became good friends. I was amazed at how happy he seemed to be and I felt like I could be myself around him. I then became friends with his good friend, another young man in the ward, named Tyson. I remember getting a note from the first young man that mentioned something about the Church. I can't remember everything it said, but I do know that it simply stated the
first Article of Faith. I wasn't sure about it at first, but then this young man began inviting me to activities and then eventually to church meetings. I had such a great time with all of the wonderful people around me!
I began attending church regularly and started to meet with the missionaries. I will admit I was definitely nervous at first, but they always came to our door with a big smile and a welcoming handshake. I really grew to love all of the missionaries that taught me! I wish I remembered all of their names, but I lost track. I had some from Germany, Walla Walla Washington, Alabama, Kentucky... the list goes on! Even after I was taught all of the lessons, they still came to visit me. I was really impressed by how much they genuinely cared.
The time then came when they asked if I wanted to be baptized. I answered with a "yes" and we set a potential date. However, after discussing it with my parents, we broke it off. My dad requested that I wait until I turn 18 to make my decision. Honestly, I was really upset at first. 18 seemed forever away! I began to question myself and the things that I had been taught. Various things came up in my life that really occupied most of my attention and I didn't give the Church a whole of thought after that. I stopped going to church and I wasn't meeting with the missionaries anymore. I can honestly say that I have never felt so empty before in my life. I was focused more on the "now" instead of the big picture.
I then started receiving emails, texts, phone calls and house visits from various youth in my ward. Most of the time they just wanted to say hello and see how I was doing. I am really grateful for the love that they had for me even though I didn't always feel like I fit in. I remember chatting with Tyson a few times... he kept trying to get me to come back to church again. With many failed attempts, he still continued to try. I can never thank him enough for that! I remember this one chat in particular. We began talking later in the evening and the conversation continued into the early hours of the morning. I wish I remembered every single thing we said, but I definitely remember the feeling I had. We were talking about God's love for his children and my heart was so full! The next day, in Sacrament meeting, Tyson was either giving a talk or up to bear his testimony - I can't remember. But I remember him talking about the conversation we had the night before and how happy he was. I will never forget that he said I was like a sister to him. After that, there was not a single doubt in my mind. The feeling I had was just so... right. I felt such a pure peace that I had never felt before. I began coming to church every week once again and I was so happy!
Life continued on and I still wanted to be baptized. There were many times that I questioned if it was really what I wanted. But every time I wondered a little warm feeling would come over me. I knew it was what I needed to do. No, nothing about this journey has been easy. But it has been more than worth it! It feels like I am being tempted by Satan more and more as the baptism gets closer. He is trying his absolute hardest to destroy me and prevent me from making an eternal covenant with my Heavenly Father. I knew it was going to get harder, but I never imagined it would be
this hard. My faith has been tested time and time again over the past few years. This year has been the most difficult for me, though. The adversary knows how to hurt me, but he doesn't know my heart. My Heavenly Father knows me! He knows me better than I know myself and His love is life-changing!
I wanted to write a little thank you to the young man who introduced me to the Church. I have thanked him a number of times, but I just cant say it enough! Kaika, I know that you are a part of my life for a reason. Your friendship to me is priceless! Because you had the courage to talk about the Church to someone who knew nothing about it, you changed their life! And I know that you will change many more lives when you go on a mission. Thank you again!
And Tyson, thank you for your friendship as well. Even if it was a struggle to get me to come back again, you really helped me through some hard times. I can't thank you enough for the hugs when I was having a bad day, the random jokes to make me smile and especially for the genuine friendship that has lasted these past few years. You're my big brother! :)
Now a little message to my parents:
Mommy, Daddy... I love you guys so much! I will never be able to thank you for everything that you have done and do do for me. I am grateful for your love and how much you want to see me do well in life. I know we have our disagreements, but in the end, I will always love you! No matter what happens, you guys will always be my parents and you can never be replaced. I want you both to know that I am happy. You have always wanted what is best for me. I will always be your little girl! (Or your Maggot, even though I will one day progress to the name of "Fruit Fly".) I want you guys to be proud of me. I yearn so much for your approval of the choice I will soon make. Thank you for supporting me! Again, I love you!
Judging by how emotional I am writing this post, I better come prepared with a couple boxes of tissues for the baptism! I am overwhelmed with joy that it is coming up so soon!
