Kendyll's Baptism

When we planned this family trip to Rwanda and Ghana, we were already in awe of all we would get to experience in a two week period.  Visiting all the students from Noel at Christian boarding schools.  Getting to have a feast and worship with them.  Bringing Gabe back to Rwanda one year after his adoption, and celebrating his second birthday there.  Getting to see Chase's Place FINISHED in Ghana.  Finally seeing our three girls meet their three Compassion girls.  The list went on and on of all the great things that were planned!

But, I sure love the way God has those moments planned that are not even on your radar...the ones that take your breath away, when they come so unexpected.  And are so absolutely perfect.

Kendyll has been studying and praying and ready for baptism for over a year.  That is almost embarrassing to say, because I have no idea what has taken us so long!  But, this last week, as we stood  by Lake Bosomtwe in Ghana, I knew why.  This was her moment.  This was her place.  And, it was absolutely beautiful in every way.

Last Sunday was already a special day, because sixteen of the children at Touch a Life, who we love so much, were being baptized!  And, it was an incredible thing to get to be there for each one of those!

These precious ones have been raised to new life and are precious brothers and sisters to us.

A couple of hours after their baptisms were finished, Kendyll found Mark and told her she wanted to also be baptized in the lake.  I was in a meeting, but she excitedly came and whispered the news in my ear.  What a sweet moment that was!!

There are those moments in life where time stands still and you want to remember all the details, and this was definitely one of those.

I got to pray a special prayer over my beautiful daughter, as we were surrounded by the children we love and so many others.  Then, Mark took her into the water of Lake Bosomtwe.

He told me later that Kendyll had asked if their talk in the water could be "just between them".  And, it absolutely was.

They talked for quite a while and prayed together.  It was a powerful thing to watch as Mommy.  :)

Followed by lots of tears and hugs.

It was a great celebration for our family, as Kendyll came out of the water and got hugs from everyone!

What a perfect place to make her faith known and be raised to new life...in Africa!!

And, I was just telling her today how special it is that she made this decision just two weeks before Easter, as we all stop to remember what Jesus did for us.  She has a new spirit and a new hope and a new life, and I'm so thankful for her precious heart for Jesus.

Kendyll Grace, we love you and are beyond proud of your decision to live your life for Jesus.  "When you unite your life with His---everything that belongs to Him now becomes yours.  His righteousness replaces your unrighteousness.  His Spirit fills your spirit.  His love becomes your love.  His joy becomes your joy.  His mind becomes your mind.  His desires become your desires.  His will becomes your will.  His purpose becomes your purpose.  His power becomes your power.  You are living out the love of Christ that dwells in YOU!"  (Follow Me, David Platt)