Come Follow Me!

     Late last evening Kalina was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her dad.  The baptism was at 9:00 p.m. and was held at our Stake Center.  This is the small spotlight about her that was printed in the program:  'In the light of the St. George Temple and before the Dixie Sun had a chance to smile down on the springtime beauty of March 2001, our happy Kalina announced her turn on earth and became a member of our eternal family.  Kalina LOVES life!  She has a special gift of finding JOY in everything!  She has a deep love for family and friends.  Kalina enjoys singing, art, reading, writing letters, swimming, ice skating, soccer, softball, tennis, camping, and hiking.  Kalina loves the Savior and the scriptures.  As she was preparing for her baptism she said, "I am so excited for my baptism!  I've been waiting for it my whole life!"  We love you very much Kalina and are very glad you are in our family!'

     People in attendance were:  Uncle Talikavili, Aunt Louisa, cousin Atelaite and her husband Samu and their young son Loketi.  Grandma and Grandpa Everett were there along with Ephraim, Brenda and Madilyn; Selma, Josie, and Ellie; Martha, Anna, and Addi; Rachel, Riley Jo, and Kinley Drew; Misha; and Ida.  Friends from our ward were Paula, Va, Viliami, Fatai, Simote, Noah, and Anau Mounga and Ofa, Ulu, Koli, Siousi, Daniela, and Sesi Palu.  It was very kind of them all to come and support us.  

     Dad conducted the meeting.  Fotu played the prelude and interlude music.  Misha played the piano while Selma lead the music.  Ida gave the opening prayer.  Grandpa Everett spoke about Baptism and gave Kalina a beautiful puzzle called, "Hand in Hand."  It has a picture of a little girl that looks a lot like Kalina holding the Savior's hand.  Uncle Talikavili spoke about the Holy Ghost.  He did a wonderful job speaking in English.  Then the baptism happened.  Kalina looked so beautiful.  She had her hair in little while elastics around the crown of her hair.  Then it was pulled back in a pony tail (messy bun looking because of her curls) and there was a pretty white flower.  Kalina was wearing her bracelet and necklace.  She had love sparkling in her eyes and a bright smile on her face!  

Dad did a wonderful job with the ordinance and Kalina was fully immersed in the water to follow the example of our Savior.    It was nice to see so many of our little cousins gather closely to see the baptism.  Kalina dressed carefully into her new white dress that has a beautiful lace pattern.  Kalina then received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Then Kalina and her two other 8 year old cousins sang, "When I am Baptized."  Litia played the violin and I played the piano.  Then Kalina bore her testimony.  It was very simple and sweet.  The closing prayer was given my Grandma Everett.

     It was then time to head home and enjoy the evening and night with family and especially cousins.  

     As we were driving across town to arrive at the baptism, the Y was lit up on the hill.  Kalina said, "Oh, look, my prayers were answered!  They lit the Y just for me!"  I said, "Well, they light the Y for graduation."  Kalina said, "Oh, I thought they just lit it for special occasions like my baptism!"  Then I said, "Yep, they must!"  Kalina is so full of love and focused JOY!