Bryan's baptism

Our sweet friend Bryan was baptized yesterday. He is a sixteen year old boy who has been taking the missionary discussions at our house since August. His older sister joined the church several years ago and he started asking her a bunch of questions during the summer. We kind of got involved because Chris is the YM President, so the missionaries would have the discussions at our house. After we had met Bryan, we realized that he and Trevor had played soccer on a couple of teams together, and so we actually knew him and knew his parents a little.

At first I just liked the discussions because the missionaries would come over on Sunday night's and I liked that because then I didn't have to worry about a Family Home Evening lesson (we have FHE on Sunday night's since it's the only night we are all home.) After a few weeks I forgot about the FHE lessons I was getting out of and really enjoyed the spirit the missionaries brought into our home. It was an amazing experience for the boys (and me) to sit in on the missionary lessons and to watch Bryan's learn about the gospel and develop a testimony.

Chris was such a great help in teaching Bryan. Chris joined the church when he was seventeen, so he was able to really relate to everything Bryan was going through; all of the questions and trials and feelings...it brought back a lot of memories for Chris.

I was really amazed at how supportive Bryan's family was of his baptism. His sister and her husband came down from Utah and his brother-in law baptized him. His parents were there along with another brother he has. His grandparents and some close family friends came to support him. I thought it was really nice that they were all at his baptism, but then his parents also came to church today for his confirmation. It was really cool.

I remember when he came over a few weeks ago and he had finally decided he wanted to get baptized. He was SO happy. There was such a change in him. After the baptism I asked how he felt and he said "I just can't wait for tomorrow to get the Holy Ghost." How cool is that? Chris was able to confirm him in church today but then I had to go to another ward for ward conference, so I haven't been able to get the "Holy Ghost" update from him.

I am so thankful for the opportunity that our family has had to go through this process with Bryan. Watching him learn about the gospel has been an unforgettable opportunity. Since I haven't been on a mission...yet...I feel like I finally had a "missionary moment," even though I really didn't have to do anything except sometimes read a few scriptures, make sure the house was suitable for company and occassionally share my desserts--but I'll still take it as a missionary experience.