Edo and Mireille gave me the honor of carrying her into the sanctuary of Christus Triumfator, a Dutch Protestant church that Mireille goes to. I was supposed to walk very slowly because the center aisle is short. I think I did pretty well (thanks to my training as a flower girl at the age of 21, maybe? Angela, thanks for the opportunity to learn to walk in a dignified manner at your wedding!).
We sang some songs, the minister said some things, the parents responded. It was like a typical infant baptism that I've seen at my church many times except that in the Netherlands you also light a candle, and that's your baptism candle that you take with after the ceremony. But this baptism was anything but typical for me. I mean, I normally get a little emotional at baptisms (at any age) because to me they symbolize God's covenant. He promises that this person is his child, and he will not let go. The parents promise that they will raise the child to the best of their ability, and the church community promises to support them as well.
Seeing this happen with Julie was incredible for me. I felt awed and overwhelmed. I felt shame at my small expectations of God, forgetting that He is at work even when my heart doubts. I felt wonder at his love for Julie and all people. What a great God! What a great promise. His promise, one that will not go away. His words will not return empty.
I have loved and prayed for Julie's father, Edo, for as long as I can remember. And when Mireille became part of Edo's life, my heart included her with Edo. Then when news of Julie came, she was also added. I have prayed for this little one, loved her, hugged her. soothed her. She has been teaching me about living in contentment, learning how to trust that someone (Someone) will take care of me. To see this ceremony today was a part of an answer to my prayers and hopes and love.
I'm going to stop trying to describe it. It was, and is, incredible. Hallelujah.
I gave Julie a bottle before church, but we left the bib on as long as possible in case she decided not all of the milk would fit in her stomach...
Julie's dress was made out of extra material from Mireille's wedding dress - very cool
Edo and Mireille with Julie in the line for congratulations, with the minister behind
Julie looked so funny and cute in her dress tucked into the stroller
Mireille and Julie during some photos after everyone had left
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