4/12/1990

Yes siree! I was just spiritually re-vitalized! Tonight I was lucky enough to perform the first baptism of my mission and my life for that matter! And as my patriarchal blessing states: Baptism is something that I will be able to base the rest of my life on spiritually. It was intense I could feel the power of the Holy Ghost as I stepped into the font. Then Akama Kaoru shimai stepped down also. We were both a little nervous but got into position. I said the prayer slowly but surely to make sure I didnt make any mistakes. I was a little shaky but everything came out just fine with the help of the Lord. Then gently I led her down in the water and pushed until I saw that everything had gone under and then eased her up. The witness' then shut the curtain which meant that everything went fine. Then we just stood there and soaked it in for a moment. Akama Shimai felt it and knew what she had just partaken in: The symbolism of the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the necessary steps that must be taken to return to live with God again one day and to become like him. As I stood in the bathroom dressing room by myself in my wet baptismal clothes, I reflected on the experience that had just taken place and then my whole being started to tremor not from the chill of the water that was in my wet clothes-- but rather, it was from the Spirit of God which came to me to bear testimony of the truth of the ordinance which had just been performed. Everyone said how lovely the baptism was and how smoothly it went. It did feel good and I thank the Lord for the strength he game me and Akama Shimai in the baptism. I just want to let this feeling go throughout my body and be able to remember what a special occasion baptism is and the direction in which it leads peoples lives. This has helped my testimony grow and now I know how effective it is for others to view baptisms and see how special the performance is and the spirit that is there!