OK, I finally got the pictures of Bumble's baptism uploaded and I have some time to tell you all about the blessed day. What an eventful day it was! We were blessed to have my sister Mari-Pat and my parents come down from Minnesota. My parents also brought along my niece and nephew, Sammy and Olivia. My children were overjoyed to see their Aunt and Grandparents, of course, but having their cousins here for the weekend was really what put the icing on the cake! They played round the clock till they dropped, and then were up at the crack of dawn to start again. It was wonderful to see them all having so much fun!
Andrew's baptism took place on Sunday afternoon. It was scheduled to follow the noon Mass - so about 1:30pm. The Baptism was to be followed by a reception at our friend's the Comeau's home. We had about 100 people expected, including us. When my sister arrived and I explained to her the plan of events she gasped, "100 people for a Baptism?" Typically in our family, as most, Baptisms are attended by family and a maybe a couple close friends.
Well, let me explain. When we felt the call to adopt Bumble we knew that it would only be possible with the financial help and prayers of many people. We have an amazing community of friends (and family) here in Texas and around the country. Many of them stepped in to help us fundraise by purchasing Samaritan Cards, helping us hold a yard sale, and donating goods and money. We also had so many that prayed us through the whole process and offered encouragement. We were beyond moved by everyone's support and in awe of how our God can bring together a community to aid a little boy in need of a home. Therefore when this very special day was upon us. The day Bumble was not only part of our family, but became a member of the church family - the Body of Christ - we couldn't help but shout it from the rooftops and have this amazing community take part in welcoming him! Thus it was time for a big celebration!
Well Sunday morning dawned and the plan was for my Mom, my sister, my girls and I to attend Mass at 8:00 am, and then the men and boys would attend at 10:00 am so we could begin the preparations for the party. We had food to make and then we had to transport all the paper goods and food over to the Comeau's and get it situated before the Baptism. We had brought over tables and chairs and tents collected the previous day - so that was done! Well at 7:40 am as we were preparing to leave for church, my dear friend Kelly called and sorrowfully said, "I have a house full of sick kids, they were throwing up all night. I don't think we can host the party later today." Wow - plan B! There was no real plan B, but one quickly got put into action. The party was moved to our house. Now we do not have the entertaining dynamo house like the Comeau's, but it would have to do. As we ladies went to Mass, Jon, my Dad and the boys went to the Comeau's to transport back all the tables, chairs and tents. Between them and the Comeau's they quickly had them dissasembled, loaded and unloaded at our house. Everything else quickly followed, and Kelly and another friend, Terri, came to help us whip the house into shape and prepare all the last food. Jon and the boys left for Mass at Noon while us ladies got redressed. I had laid Bumble and Peanut down for an early nap in hopes that they would get a little sleep before all the festivities.
We were all dressed and ready and after a whirlwind of a morning we were ready to head out the door and meet Jon and the boys at church. Wait - Jon took the van with the carseats! We have Bumble and Peanut! My sister and I anxiously wait at the house while my parents drive up to church and get Jon to drive back home to pick us up. This is when it really pays to be only a few minutes form the church! Finally we all arrive, shortly before the baptism is set to begin.
The Baptism was wonderful even though Bumble would not allow anyone other than me to hold him, or even look at Father when he was trying to bless him with the wonderful smelling Chrism oil. However, he didn't cry, even though he appears on the verge in several of the pictures. :) He just wasn't quite sure what was going on! Someday, we pray he will!
My sister Mari-Pat is Bumble's Godmother and our friend Ron Comeau is his Godfather. We look forward to their prayers for Bumble as he grows, and we pray that Bumble may always walk in the light of Christ that he received!
I am always moved at my children's Baptism's, but the Baptism of both Twinkletoes and Bumble were awe inspiring to me as I contemplate how the Lord brought them into our family through adoption, just as He has adopted us into His family. It is awesome that the Lord has brought these children to our family from half way around the world and that we have been entrusted to share His love and teach them about His saving grace. At Twinkletoe's baptism I didn't make it out of the church before the tears came. With Bumble's I made it till Jon led prayer back at our house and then the floodgates opened!
Here is a picture from the party! It all worked out! Most of the younger kids played upstairs and the older kids and teens gathered outside under the tents and played basketball. It truly was wonderful to be surrounded by so many on this special day! We count all of you among our many blessings! The day of Andrew's baptism will always be a special day because it also happens to fall on our anniversary. September 4th was also our 13th wedding anniversary...what a gift to baptize our 6th child on this day when the Lord brought us together to begin our family and our life as one! I love you honey! It has been 13 very full years and I treasure every one of them!
