Russell and Eileen's Church Missions: BAPTISM

A little over a week ago our daughter Jessica asked us if we would be interested in participating in our granddaughter’s baptism program by recording our remarks on the Holy Ghost which would then be played prior to the baptism. We readily agreed and each of us prepared a short talk, video recorded them and sent them to Jessica.

Saturday evening we had the opportunity to witness our granddaughter Bailey’s baptism program/meeting in Utah via Skype. It was a wonderful experience! I (Russell) was totally unprepared for the feelings that overcame me as I watched as members of our extended family entered into the meeting. Perhaps it was seeing the family together for an important event, but for the first time since coming to Germany I felt really homesick. When we talked with Jessica and Bailey a few hours after the baptism I told them that we shed many good tears of joy during the meeting. We are very proud of Bailey and the decision she has made to become a member of our Lord’s Church. We hope that all our grandchildren will have this opportunity someday.

While we have talked over the phone with various members of the family and Skyped with Jessica and Heather’s families, as we caught glimpses of several family members we noticed changes that have occurred in the last year. Kalli looks to have really matured; it is hard to believe she is learning to drive. Today was the first time we have seem a full-length picture of Jessica and seeing her pregnant; we look forward to coming home shortly after the baby’s birth. Eileen was very emotional after seeing her parents. She has been concerned about leaving them in their old age; but it was comforting to hear her mother (Elsie) singing the primary songs and actually see both parents again.

Saturday was one of those great days you cherish. Not only did we get to participate in the baptism, we also went to the gym and played squash together. Eileen has been playing with another senior sister missionary a couple times a week and is better at it than I am; this was my first time. Afterward we enjoyed the beautiful spring weather by going on a bike ride down by the Nidda River. We are both feeling the effects afterward. We need to get in better shape.

Today we went to Darmstadt for stake conference. The meeting was translated into both English and Spanish. It was a great experience to listen to the local Church leaders and feel of the Spirit in the meeting. Several years ago Elder Uchtdorf gave a talk entitled “Lift Where You Stand,” about some men trying to lift a piano. That experience occurred in this building and a picture of the piano is attached below.