Step Three: Baptism

They want me to get baptized? Are they crazy? It's only been four months since I have been taking the lessons. "Just pray about it Mary. God will say yes." Very funny Elder Carver.

It's a big commitment. I always thought I was going to get baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church. I knew it was the right thing though.

What did I do? I prayed. What did God say? Yes.

How was I going to tell my family? At this time, my sisters weren't really talking to me (except Jennifer). It was the worst thing ever. Not having your sisters that literally raised you in every aspect just cut all ties and not talk to me.

The missionaries came over with eager attitudes waiting for my yes or no answer. "So...?" My response, "Well my parents know I've been going to Church and I'm sure my sisters do... but yes. I'll get baptized (again, not direct quote)." They told me that since I was seventeen I would have to get parents permission. Well, looks like I wont be getting baptized soon. They gave me the papers.

I went over to my mom's house and asked her if she could sign my papers. She wasn't really happy with the decision at the time because I acted so suddenly about it; I didn't think it through. I just left the paper with her and told her to bring it to Top Spot (where I was working at the time) when she decided to sign them. That night, she came and not so nicely gave them to me. Well at least she signed them, right?

A few days later the missionaries came over and I gave them the papers. Next question: when do you want to get baptized? Hmm. I have not one clue. I decided on my Birthday. What better gift to get than to get baptized. Needless to say, it didn't work out. There were things that needed figuring out. I ended up choosing November 9, 2007.

The days went by so fast. I started inviting my teachers. Without fail, every single teacher I invited (minus Annie) asked, "Aren't you already LDS?" Nope. As the days got closer, I started double thinking everything. Should I really be doing this? WHY am I doing this? I can still back out. I told Elder Carver and Elder Trubey that I was feeling this way. They kept telling me it was Satan. Back of homeboy.

November 9, 2007 was here. Most nerve raking day of my life believe it or not. I was so scared towards the littlest things. What if I let go when I go back in the water? Ron (Alyssa's dad-- the amazing man who baptized me) made me practice in the living room before we left to the Church.

Got dressed, braided my hair, wore little to no make up (for crying reasons), then left to the Church.

I had the best people involved in my program. I couldn't have been happier. Once I got there, I heard the baptismal font filling up. This is real. This time... no turning back. Elder Carver and Elder Trubey found me and were so excited. "You showed up (p.s. two funniest Elders anyone could ever ask for)!"

People kept piling in. We had to get more seats. Finally, an older lady came out and asked if I would go with her so I could get my baptism suit.

After I changed, I went out and sat by Ron and listened to the talk on Baptism. Afterwards, I made my way into the water (funny side note: there was a shortage in the pipes or something so the water level was very low-- and I'm tall) and got baptized.

The feeling after coming out of that water. It was that feeling I've been feeling for so long. The last puzzle piece was found and placed perfectly. I was truly happy. I was clean.

After I got changed and sitting back down I listened to the talk about the Holy Ghost. I couldn't stop smiling. I have made the right choice.

I was clean. I was one step away from fully following God's path.