A New Birth!!!!!

On April 29, 2012 - the day before Samuel undergoes an extensive surgery to remove the remaining dead tumor tissue from his abdomen, we were blessed to celebrate his baptism! We would have made sure he had this opportunity sooner; but "life" had gotten so hectic and overwhelming in some ways that we had almost forgotten about it :\

We are so very grateful that Shepherd Christian Church - and especially the youth pastor, Pastor Julie - were so willing to help and have been so gracious in their love and kindness towards our family. Mom emailed Pastor Julie (almost in desperation!) on Friday to see about even the slightest possibility of using the church's facility for Samuel's baptism that weekend; and she responded with the full support of the church ministry that they would be honored to celebrate the momentous occasion with our family that very Sunday! "THANK YOU" yet again, is not nearly sufficient. We are humbled at their service to us, and we felt such genuine love that day...it was a BEAUTIFUL moment in life.

 Pastor Julie performed the "dunk" :)

 getting ready

Samuel's teacher, Mrs Palmer, reads his testimony...Dad is standing just to the side of the baptism pool waiting to receive his son

 Ava, Trinity, Julian, Samuel and Martin

 cousin love :)

extended "family" xo

 Ms Andrea (Julian's mom) and the kids

 Nonna!

 Uncle Kyle, Dad, and Martin

 Trin, Julian, Samuel, Tiranny, and Ava

 Pastor Tim + the proud papa

more of the awesome kiddos :)