Derek's Baptism

Because Derek turned 8, he had the opportunity to be baptized last Saturday. I sometimes wonder how much an eight year old understands about the covenants they are making. When Derek was preparing to be baptized and we were talking to him about it, he seemed to know what he was talking about and answered all the questions right. He seems so little, but I guess he is ready to make such an important decision. He has seemed like he has grown up so much in the last couple of months. Derek was so excited to be baptized. He woke up early Saturday morning, came into my room and woke me up and with the biggest grin on his face said "I get baptized today". It was like Christmas morning for him. He was so excited! He had to wait until 6:00 p.m., but he waited so patiently. I think it helped that our friend Abby Harding was baptized earlier in the day. We were able to see her baptized and then enjoy lunch with her and her family. Then we had our family come over for dinner and then it was finally his turn to be baptized. Wyatt baptized Derek. I'm so greatful that he is worthy to do that. We had a wonderful meeting and the spirit was so strong. Then we went to our house with family and friends for dessert. What a wonderful day filled with family, friends, and the spirit. Derek was confirmed a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints and recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday morning by his dad in sacrament meeting. We spent the rest of the day as a family. It was great. We gave Derek a set of scriptures and a tote to carry them in as a baptism gift. He was really excited. His scripture case came with a notepad so you can take notes as toy read your scriptures or in your classes at church. Derek was so cute. He was so excited to read his new scriptures. He read a few verses as soon as he had a chance, and then he made notes about what he read and drew pictures about what he read. I am glad he is so excited about being baptized and reading his scriptures. He is a great kid! We had an awesome weekend. I'm so proud of Derek for his decision to be baptized.