The Big Weekend Part III: The End and the Beginning

In many ways, Jesse and Evelyn's baptism brings our adoption story to a conclusion. While we are, of course, looking ahead with hope and anticipation to the unfolding of the rest of the story of our life together, nevertheless, this event seemed to mark our coming full circle--a return to where we started, a homecoming as full and final as any could be.
We started this amazing adventure with our family, friends, and our community at Saint John's. And on the day of Evelyn and Jesse's baptism we were among so many who have made this journey with us. Those who were there to send us off, and there to welcome us back were also present (whether in the flesh or in spirit) on this day and joining with us as we began the lifelong and communal work of bringing these little ones up to know what is is to have life, union, and membership in Christ. (And, by the way, we won't be forgetting that vow that so many undertook to assist us in this business! Given that we're still trying working it all out in our own lives, we can't fathom going it alone...)
And then, finally, there is the way in which their baptism functions not only an sign of a grace already begun in their new lives, but equally, and in ways beyond what I could express here (or, probably, anywhere), a powerful sign of its ongoing presence in mine.