Hannah's Baptism

 I am so grateful for those that came to support Hannah on her special day and for those who were here in spirit. Hannah has been looking forward to this day for a very long time even though the pictures might say otherwise, haha. She was shy and scared and a little overwhelmed, but overall happy. I am so proud of her and the young woman she is turning out to be. I can tell she tries her best to be her best. She loves her savior Jesus Christ and is so happy to have the gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. She was so excited to wear her new white dress for all to see, and she looked radiant. We love you Hannah!

Brother Hortin who conducted the baptism said that the spirit is felt so strongly at baptisms because it is the first step--the gateway to eternal life. I feel the same way. Each time I attend a baptism there is always a strong presence of the spirit, and Hannah's baptism was no different, except I could feel it so strongly it was almost palpable. It wasn't until after we got home that I found out why.

 After I got Hannah dressed we came in the room and sat her down to be  confirmed. This picture is Grandpa telling Hannah a story about what happened at her baptism that day.

He asked Hannah if she knew who she was named after. She said yes, she is named after Elaine, her great grandma. Grandpa proceeded to tell her and everyone else that Great Grandma Pettingill had an assignment that day. Her assignment was to gather people--family to witness Hannah's baptism. He asked her if she saw everyone in the circle around her before she was confirmed, and he told her that Great Grandpa Pettingill, Great Grandpa Watson, and Grandpa Washburn were also in the circle with their hands on her head. Hannah has so many people who love and care for her on both sides of the veil.

I also need to give a shout out to Zander who gave the closing prayer. He was a ball of nerves and forgot everything he wanted to say, but was instead lead by the spirit to give a beautiful prayer on behalf of his sister and Logan, the other boy who got baptized with Hannah in our ward. It was truly inspired and felt. Thanks Zander.