This past weekend, we traveled to Eugene to have Isaac baptized at our former church, Eugene First United Methodist Church. Our pastors, John & Debbie Pitney were retiring and we had known this all along. However, when we actually received the invitation to their retirement party, both Brian and I felt a strong tug to be there to celebrate them….and to have them baptize our baby.
Our midwife said she could allow the trip "as long as nothing too crazy happens during our birth…" Ha! Despite the curve balls that came up after our birth, both Isaac and I recovered remarkably well and we decided the trip could still happen. How crazy is it to travel with a 3-week old? Not actually that crazy, given a little caffeine here and there, and some awesome friends to help along the way.
 |
| Brian wore Isaac around the Seattle airport and let me catch some zzz's at our gate. |
 |
| Daddy is a diaper-changing expert in the Seattle airport |
We had a lot of support from friends, allowing this trip to go pretty darn smoothly.
It was definitely a busy weekend.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by The Volds for some hang-out time (and a nap for me) and then off to the Macemon's for a group dinner. The next morning we went back to the Volds for a breakfast with the Macemons, then off to a baby shower hosted by the Michnas. That evening we went out to eat at the (new) Bierstein. Sunday morning was obviously filled with church and the baptism, and then the Pitney's retirement party in the afternoon. Then, we had another dinner at Pizza Research Institute with the Macemons and Shelly. Lots of hustle and bustle and re-connecting with old friends.
Thankfully, there were lots of loving arms to hold our little guy!
 |
| Auntie Kim |
 |
| Auntie Shelly |
 |
| Auntie Diana |
 |
| Auntie Veronica (and I am Auntie Anne to her sweet Corby, who is 5 weeks older than Isaac - and has much less hair!) |
 |
| Auntie Rebecca (and sweet Nora). Rebecca and Michael provided us with EVERYTHING we needed for Isaac: a car seat, a bed with a crib attached, nursing pillows, their brand new car, and time and space to rest when we needed it. AMAZING HOSTS! THANK YOU MACEMONS! |
 |
Damon and Brian holding their babes.
|
 |
| My former boss, Lisa, and her husband Gary even came to support Isaac. |
And….finally, the baptism. It was as special as we thought it would be, including tears from more than just mama. It was a meaningful time not just because of our little Isaac, but because it was John & Debbie's final Sunday before retirement, after 40 years of ministry. We are so thankful we were able to make the trip and share in the emotional celebration. It felt so good to be back in our old faith community and be welcomed with open arms.
 |
| Brian introduced Isaac, including how he earned his nickname "Rocket Man" |
Debbie asked us all the requisite questions, to which we responded affirmatively:
- Do you believe in the unconditional love and grace of God available to us all?
- Do you trust in that love and grace in your life?
- Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and promise to live according to his teachings, serving him in all you do?
- Do you reject that which is evil in the world?
- Will you accept the power we are given to act with justice, love tenderly, to serve others, and to walk humbly with God?
- Through the example of your own life, and with the help of the church, will you guide Isaac to claim the Christian life for himself?
Then came the water….
And more reading...
And the sprinkle….
And John getting choked up…
And joyful celebration...
And showing him off to the congregation…
He was so peaceful and quiet-alert the entire time (thanks to being pumped full of extra milk beforehand!), so Debbie just kept on holding him through the children's time.
