Baptism

Brayden spent last week at Sambica. It is the most beloved camp of the summer. Brayden missed Sambica last summer due to his hospitalization, so I was very excited for him to experience it all this summer. Thankfully, he was paired with the most amazing camp counselors, Rigby (Noah) and Rocket (Mike). Brayden came home from camp every day talking about how awesome they are, and I got to meet them myself last Sunday when Brayden was baptized. Thank you, Lord, for bringing these men into Brayden's life at the right time!

Taylor and Matty have both been to Sambica before, and I know that they have been touched spiritually, but it was different for Brayden this year. By Wednesday evening, he came home and talked to me about accepting Jesus as his Savior. He expressed wanting to have a relationship with Him and the joy he was feeling about this change in his life. I have honestly never seen Brayden speak so maturely; I was taken back by his insight. 

On Thursday evening, Brayden said that there would be a baptism at Sambica on Sunday. He was considering it but was not sure if he was ready. Again, I thought it was a such a mature thing for Brayden to say. I told him it was his, and only his, decision. By Friday, Brayden came home from the final day of camp and said he wanted to be baptized on Sunday. I worried that the timing was bad because Tommy and Matty were in Portland for a baseball tournament, but I told Brayden we would go to the baptism regardless. I have learned that when your children want to take a step in their faith journey, you do not inhibit them due to crazy or inconvenient schedules.

The Liberty baseball team was eliminated from the tourney by Saturday evening. Bummer for Tommy and Matty, but I was relieved that they would be home to support Brayden on Sunday. When we arrived at Sambica on Sunday evening, I was surprised to see that only ~7 kids had chosen to be baptized. It  was very intimate and special. Tommy and I were able to stand in Lake Sammamish with Brayden as he confessed his faith in Jesus. To see him be so bold and so joyful was such a stark contrast to where he was a year ago. We are so very proud of this little boy. God has big plans for Brayden. I am lucky to be his mom and watch him grow in his faith!

Brayden and Drew with Rigby and Rocket