The Godfather, Part 2

Today was a very special Mothers Day for our family.  My sister Stefanie not only celebrated her first Mothers Day, but her daughter, and my goddaughter, Elliana was baptized as well.  Elli, is my second goddaughter, joining Viviana, and I couldn't be more blessed.  Both of these girls are amazing and I cannot wait to see them grow, both in stature and in faith.  

Often, baptisms are just a 5-7 minute event sandwiched somewhere in the service.  This was completely different.  Someone at Our Father Lutheran Church found a special baptism service with special songs, prayers, and sayings.  Elli's baptism was actually the first part of the service and went for several minutes, featuring three songs, including singing a version of the creed.  From there, the service continued with the lessons.  This was a very important event in Elliana's life, and our family felt that the service and the attention paid to it added to this special day.

 The baptismal font

The baptismal party during one of the readings.  I will be photoshopping out the candle, and will post the picture again once I figure out exactly how.

Also photoshopping this one, but it is the only one of the actual baptism.

Elliana and I.  

The Godparents, Tiffany (Mike's sister) and I with baby Elli

Parents, Godparents, Cachetona

With Pastor Boos

Proud Parents

Parents and Grandparents

Hill Family

My Cachetona

Now You May Call Me Uncle Chris

Welcome to my first niece, who will likely be the most spoiled baby in history. Mostly by my mother, but likely some from me as well.

Elliana Reese Demonbrun

Born 4/18/2012 at approximately 11:20 AM

7 pounds 4 ounces, 20 1/2 inches long

Better Than Doing Homework

I finished the first draft of my major project and sent it off to my proofreader yesterday, so I though I would visit Anapra today and take some gifts to one of the houses that Mayer Lutheran High School did this past December. The kids from Mayer sent down some toys, stuffed animals, coloring books, games, and learning items for us to take to them, so Jeff and I went over a couple hours early for the service and stopped by the house. Guess what, they were making lunch, so we got fed too. Fried Chicken. YUM!!

We passed out some stuff at the house, and then walked around the neighborhood delivering specific items to the neighbors who came to visit the group while they were working. You should see the joy on the faces of the children when they get packages from their friends in the states. In the Mayer group, there were two twin boys, one of whom worked on this house, which has twin daughters who are around 8 or so. They asked about their twin boyfriends, so we took the picture of the two girls and put it on each of the twin boys Facebook wall right there from my phone. The girls loved seeing that all happen.

Enjoy the pictures and have a great week. Exciting news coming soon.

Perla, one of the twins, showing a picture that was colored for her by a girl from the Mayer group.

Sara

Cristal, the other twin, showing her photo

Jeff passing out beanie babies to the kids

Perla showing her new toy

Cristal with her toy and drawing

Close up of the snuggle

Four of the girls who got drawings

My new camera has a continuous shooting mode, so Cristal wanted to see what it looked like when she did a cartwheel, so we did.

Then both twins wanted to do one...

Walking down to visit the neighbors

I don't know

Two of the neighbor girls who were on their way to a dance, which is celebrated each Sunday, but I forget what it is called.

Some of the family gave their chicken bones to the roosters and chickens. I'm a little weirded out by this, but whatever works I guess. I wasn't thinking once and gave a pig a ham sandwich.

Two of the boys playing travel connect four that was in the box of goodies.

Pastor Javier preaching at San Lucas

Children's Message

Rosy taking my picture taking her picture

Giving a ribbon and certificate to the Sunday School teachers

Panchis too.

Will You Be My Padrino?

You might remember last Easter, when Erin and I went to the service at Santisima Trinidad, and were asked to step up as Godparents for Julia, who had none and was about to receive her first communion. Well, I walked in this past Sunday for the service, and was asked again to be Padrino of a first communion. Naturally, I said yes.

This one was nice because I have known this boy for several years. His name in Josue and he lives at San Pedro y San Pablo, where the services are held. We have built his family three rooms, and one for his grandparents as well who lives down the street. I feel honored that these families think highly enough of me to ask me to be a part of their children's lives in this special way.

Additionally, all the baptisms, confirmations, and first communions are held on Easter Sunday at Santisma. This year, there were 11 baptisms and 6 confirmations/first communions. The church was completely packed, standing room only, even after Pastor Hernandez sent all the children to their Sunday School class immediately. What a great sight to see, and to be a part of.

One of our friends, Yoana, with her Easter basket. Later, I found out the egg shells were filled with confetti when they were smashed over my head.

Josue's sister, Genesis

Pastor Hernandez preaching

Baptisms

There was even a gentleman my age who was baptized and confirmed on the same day.

First communicants lined up

Josue

The new guitarists, you may have read the article on YLM's website

Take and Eat

Take and Drink

Josue

Josue with his Sister, Mother, and Grandmother

Tried to get them to smile

Another who had her first communion, and her mother asked me to take her picture. I'll print out and give it to her next time I go.