Immersion
There is no better way to experience a different culture than through immersion. Joline and I visited Western Europe for two weeks in 2002, but didn’t have a sense of what it was really like until we immersed ourselves in it for five months during the fall of 2003. Waking up each day knowing we weren’t returning to our familiar and comfortable lives a few days later forced us to live in the moment and embrace our new reality.
My longest prior visit to Uganda lasted two weeks. We are now eleven days away from our immersion into African culture. We are looking forward to waking up each day embracing our new African reality knowing we won’t be returning to our familiar and comfortable lives in Malibu a few days later.
Today, our sweet daughter Jennifer experienced her own immersion. A couple months ago, she asked us to begin studying with her about baptism. Initially, she decided she wanted to have a destination baptism . . . in the Nile River. While Joline worried about crocodiles, I loved the idea, convinced that it would provide a fantastic and unforgettable experience. A few days ago, however, Jennifer decided she didn’t want to wait until we got to Africa, but instead wanted to take this leap of faith at the church where Joline and I grew up.
Accordingly, after church ended this morning, our family and friends in Santa Rosa gathered together to celebrate Jennifer’s decision to immerse herself in the new life she has chosen to pursue. Few moments in one’s life can compete with baptizing your children. For the rest of her life, Jennifer will wake up knowing she won’t be returning to her prior life, but instead will embrace a new reality in her daily walk. Joline and I couldn’t be more proud.
What a beautiful day for hour family!
I meant your!
The angels are partying tonight. Love to all of you and happy birthday Jennifer!!
Wonderful! Praise God!
We love the photos! What a thrill to begin this new chapter. We are really happy for you.
Oh, happy day! This immersion, Jennifer, will bless the rest of your life in ways that will guide you and give you joy. I send my love and support of your precious life now and always as God continues our friendship together. Much love, Susan
Thank you so much for the pictures and the wonderful words. Jennifer we are so happy for you that you said ‘yes’ for yourself. What a light you will be and are in Christ’s work in the world. Bless you! Steve & Emily
We are so happy! Jennifer, welcome to the family sister!
What beautiful pictures of the birthday girl and her proud parents! THANKS for sharing. Jennifer, today is my birthday (secular birthday, regular birthday on the calendar). Many years ago I had a bd like yours! I have never been sorry for that day. It still means a lot to me when I think back on it now after many years. May God bless you immeasureably throughout your life with and in Him. bg
I am praising the Lord! Jennifer, I remember when you first came into the “baby” class at CBS. How God has worked in your life since then. This is such a beautiful day in your life that you will remember forever. I was about your age when I was immersed for a new life with Jesus and I remember it clearly (long time ago!)
Lots of Love,
Miss Becky
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So happy for you! Love to each of you! (Romans 15:13)
Yay! So happy for Jennifer! What a wonderful event to celebrate!
Praise God for the empowering gift of the spirit that now lives in you Jennifer.
Hello Jennifer!
Congratulations on this new part of your life in God and God in you! We miss you already but know we’ll get to see you this summer.
Love,
Stacy, Steve, Dominic and Ian
We are happy for you Jennifer.You have always been such a
Good example to others. We praise God for your decision to follow
Him. Love you.
Jennifer, we are so proud of you. Thank you for sharing this special birthday with all of us.
We love you,
Rich & Sandy Dawson
Emily, Phoenix and Mason Sainz