Saturday, August 27, 2011

The most amazing day....

Kamryn decided she wanted to get baptized in Colorado with the Hatch family there, and all of her cousins and in a lake.  We got up there, and looked around at lakes, and were told that a lot of lakes have leeches.  yuck!  We didn't tell Kam that, but she asked, after the first day there, if she could be baptized in a river like Jesus was.  Um, we can't deny that.  So we went on lots of hikes through the week and found a perfect spot.  It was loud because it was flowing down  through rocks right before the open spot that we decided to do it and there was a really old cool bridge above where we did it and then the water flowed into a huge tunnel.   We weren't able to get started til about 45 minutes later than we had planned, so the water was super chilly.
We started the meeting out with Uncle Sam giving an amazing talk about baptism and talking about what he remembered of his own baptism.  Then J took her down into the river.


 When they got down there they talked to each other for a long time, and like I said, it was loud, so we couldn't hear what they were saying, but I felt so bad that she had to be in the cold cold water that long, then finally, Jase got started. I later found out that she was just really cold and scared.  Jase told her she could wait and do it back at the lodge at one of the hot tubs, but she said that she wanted to do it in the river.....
 It was the most amazing thing I've ever been able to  witness.  It was such a beautiful place, and having the family there, and feeling the spirit stronger than ever.  It was perfect.
 Uncle Bishop Bill was there to conduct for us and he did an amazing job. It was as if he'd done a few hundred baptisms before.  ha!
 The 3 older cousins all sang "come thou fount"...even Jami, whom I had to beg and beg for weeks and weeks.  They did fantastic.
 Then Uncle Keith talked on the Holy Ghost. I was a little worried that he would use big words and say things that I didn't understand and couldn't explain, but he did perfect, and Kam understood all of it and gained a better understanding of recieving and having the Holy Ghost.  Then she was confirmed.
After that Uncle Bill let my parents share their testimonies since the whole family was together.  And I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd...including the little ones.  The spirit was SO strong there that evening.

 I am so grateful to be married to a worthy preisthood holder, and to have such amazing kids that want to make good choices to be happy.
Now comes the tough part....teaching (by example) repentance. :)



Photos by: Melissa Fullmer Photography

20 comments:

buba's bodacious babe said...

thanks for sharing this amazing story. I loved it when Kaitlyn was baptized in the pond. It def. makes it a little more personal. the picutes are awesome.... I really like the one where she's getting baptized with all the pretty green everywhere and the last one with J and Kam. Yes, you are very lucky to have such an amazing husband who hold the priesthood and can give you the cutest kids ever!

Lanae said...

cried thru that whole post! wow, what a special day. the pics are amazing.

Randa said...

Reading this and seeing those pictures brought back that feeling of the moment. Tears of the Spirit all over. That was extremely special.

Jerry and Charlsye Miller said...

That is so neat. What a special day. I'm sure she'll never forget it. It looks beautiful there. It would be amazing to get baptized there. It's her special little spot. :)

The Giles Files said...

absolutely beautiful. This is now my favorite post.

Cathy said...

What an amazing experience! How awesome of Kam to be such a choice spirit and choose such a unique location. I am sure with the spirit being so strong, your whole extended family won't forget that experience anytime soon. Too cool!!

modelhomefurniture said...

THat is so awesome! What a special experience for you all to share as a family.

Paula said...

Such an amazing experience that we will never forget. We could truly feel Heavenly Father's presence and the warmth of His smile on our little congregation. So very grateful for our family and so grateful for the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ that help us become better each day and closer to what He would have us become! Love you, Kam <3

Biddle Family said...

beautiful.. you made me cry!

Mauri said...

I'm crying just reading this beautiful post. What a wonderful experience for your family...

Susannah said...

That was the sweetest post I've ever read. thanks for sharing Kam's special day with us!

Unknown said...

That really was a sweet evening, mesquitos and all. I remember the tenderness we all felt towards Kam, braving the cold waters to make the most important step she will ever make in her life. Thanks for letting us have this memory to go along with all the other great ones from the 'HATCH THANG" reunion. Love to you Kam, Aunt Vonda

scooping it up said...

cried my head off at this post. just wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

. said...

That was so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

dani said...

Seriously, that was one of the most amazing family experiences I have ever had. The Spirit was so strong and it felt like there wasn't even a world outside of our beautiful, perfect bubble. Thanks Kam for deciding to get baptized there- it probably benefited us almost as much as her. Love you guys, love our family, love the gospel!

Alona said...

What a great experience for everyone there and for all the rest of us who get to read about it! Well done, Kristal! :)

Burgess said...

I cried just looking at the pics -- I would've been BAWLING if I was there! Awesome!

Amy McKane said...

What a beautiful setting, and wonderful opportunity! It will be a memory to last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing.

Jessica said...

completely amazing:)

Allred's said...

I haven't been to the blogosphere for a while and I just wanted to say, that I love this post, thanks for sharing, gave me some great goosebumps, and I love all the pictures, they really captured the moment perfectly!! Love it!