Josiah Alexandar Huntington was baptised this Sunday, September 21, 2008.
It was such a wonderful ceremony with many of our dear friends attending. We feel so blessed to have so many loved ones here in Switzerland who support us and genuinely care about our family.
The Baptism was held in the Schwammendingen Chapel in north Zurich. It was held in English, although Meike Schulze was kind enough to translate the talks for our Swiss friends. (It gave them a chance to wear the earphones.) Joel conducted the meeting and Melanie Coombs played the piano with Jessica Rama leading the music. I forgot to print off the songs in English, so I wrote the lyrics on two gigantic chalk boards at the Church.
We sang "I am a Child of God" as an opening hymn. Alex gave a very sweet opening prayer. Then, Annette (Joel's mom) gave a wonderful talk on Baptism. She spoke personally to Josiah about the words, "Ordinance" and "Covenant". She also reminded him of the time when he was 3 years old and we were in an old church in England. There was only our little family in the chapel and in the background you could hear some quiet monk-chanting music. Out of the blue, we hear Josiah's little voice sing out, "I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ...."
Joel baptised Josiah with Blain and Dustin Aeschbacher acting as witnesses. While Joel and JoJo were getting changed, we played a video that I had prepared showing a journey of JoJo's life to this point with sweet primary songs as a background. It was fun to hear the children giggle at the pictures of Josiah growing up. Even JoJo bounded out of the changing room very quickly because he wanted to see the video and also see why everyone was laughing.
Blain, Joel's father, gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and bore his testimony of the real joy that is found in the Gospel. Josiah was then confirmed a member of the Church by Joel and Blain and Bishop Huwiler. Josiah was so reverent during the service and I truly feel he felt a change of heart.
We closed the meeting by singing "Teach Me to Walk in the Light" from the chalkboard, and Samuel gave a nice closing prayer. Josiah then darted out of the room into the gym to get first dibs in the refreshments!
Our neighbor Kirstie LeBow came with her 5 children, Nicholas, Phillip, Jennifer, Steven and Benjamin. The Goldschmidts, our dear Israeli friends, also came: Daniel, Emma, Ayellet, Eviatar, Naomi and Avashai. As a bonus, they brought one of Emma's (Huntington) school friends Constance along. Both families said they felt a warm, tender feeling and that they really enjoyed the service.
The only thing that could have made the baptism better would be if my parents, family members and close friends in America could have been here. We know that they were here in spirit, and it is their love and support that carries us through the distance.
I am filled with such peace and joy at this moment. I know it sounds kitchig. But, I have felt the Spirit confirm to me that God does have a Plan and that we are following that plan. I am so thankful for a faithful and good husband who leads our family in righteousness. I am thankful for outstanding children who believe in Christ and who love the Gospel. I am thankful for goodly parents and parents through marriage. I love living in this beautiful country of Switzerland. I marvel that God could make such a beautiful earth. I am thankful for dear friends and loving family members. Behold, my joy is full!
