This year we had BBQ at Dee's home with 3 families and cousins. There was lots of food and everyone had great time.
Normally I don't write about a baptism in our family blog unless it's about our family members, however this one is special. Ever since I've been called to Branch President, I am not only involved with our Branch youth, but also impacted some of the Kentland's ward youth. It appeared that Alex's mom is grateful that I made an impact on Alex's decision to be baptism. Alex requested that I confirm him a member of the church after his baptism; I was honored.
After I confirmed Alex a member of the church, his mom came up to me tearing and very emotional thanking me for 'pushing' Alex to set a date to be baptized.
This is the story of Alex. One day after church meetings in May, I was going around the chapel to check all the lights and locking doors, as I entered one room, the missionaries were teaching Alex lessons about the gospel. His mom's a member of the English ward and has been to church many times. As I opened the door, they were surprised to see and him and Cameron Axley recognized me and asked for me to stay and help with the missionary lesson. I had a bit of time so I stayed and participated in the missionary discussion. Cameron and I shared many stories and insights of the church and the gospel. It turned out to be a great lesson.
As the discussion ended, Alex, his mom-Holly, Cameron and I were walking to the back parking lot to go home, Holly needed to get back in the building. I kept talking with Alex in his car and realized that he does not have a baptism date, even after many discussions with missionaries. I was surprised and wondered what was procrastinating him to be baptized. So I decided at that moment that he should chose a baptism date. I was being persistent and after looking at some dates, I set a goal for him to be baptized in mid June. By the time his mom came back to the car and heard it, I didn't think much about it and left. I texted the missionaries of the goal to be baptized in June.
So apparently after some more discussions with the missionaries, they set a date of June 17th for Alex to be baptized. The date was confirmed and I was surprised that I was invited to confirm Alex a member of the church, but was genuinely honored. When I was invited, I had to decline going to scout beach camping trip but was totally worth it.
At the baptism, the room was full of youth and Kentland's members with Abbey and I from the Montgomery Branch. He was baptized by Bishop Turley. It was such a beautiful baptism and Cameron even gave a talk. Holly, Cameron, and I were very proud of Alex! We will keep having more discussions and activities with him.
SS had another great time at the Scout beach camping trip. This is also his last time as SPL leading the scouts.
The tradition continues to invite the neighborhood kids to come over for end of the school year breakfast. The kids love the waffles and crepes Da make. The kids grow up so fast!
