My Baptism in Maui

My Baptism

I asked Jesus into my heart on January 2014 in a gypsy village in Romania.  You can read the story here. I did not get baptized until two years later because I didn't feel like I was ready.  I didn't feel like I had enough faith to be baptized and admit even though I believed there was a God, the story of Jesus seemed too unbelievable to grasp. However, as someone would do with a new friend, I got to know Him, developed a relationship, and on New Years Day 2016, I was baptized.  

 

Backstory

2015 was a radical year in terms of my growing faith. I was no longer in a relationship that was not for me.  One of the best things that came out of that experience was my friendship with Laura. She was there for me when I was crushed.

Laura standing next to me moments after my baptism.  I am wearing the necklace that she gifted me to commemorate my baptism. Knowing I liked dainty jewelry, she found a local Maui artist that made this necklace.  Also knowing that God shows me signs by displaying shooting stars, this necklace was named "Hokulele" by the artist.  In Hawaiian it means shooting star.

 

Mid 2015, Laura was visiting a friend at the hospital when she turned the corner and ran into Kim, a friend we used to work with.  Kim and I would talk on occasion when we saw each other in passing at work.  She was a believer and I had told her I was a new believer. That day, Kim was visiting someone too and said God answered her prayers when she saw Laura.  She was going through a difficult time and needed someone to talk to so she felt God sent Laura to be just that. She also shared with Laura that she had moved to Maui and invited her and me to visit.  When Laura told me about the invite, I jumped on it!  

To be honest, I never really had a desire to go to Hawaii.  I admit I thought it sounded too touristy.  I thought, why go to Hawaii when you can go somewhere more exotic, like Fiji?  I do remember watching 50 First Dates when it came out in 2004 and thought, "yes, I can see myself in a jeep in Hawaii." (correction: Drew Barrymore wasn't driving a jeep but a VW Thing. I just looked this car up and I want one!)  Also, another time on the travel channel, they were highlighting tours in Hawaii and one of them offered biking down a volcano.  Once again, I could totally see myself doing something like that.  I say these things because I believe God sends me "snapshots" of my future. Both of these visions came true while we were in Hawaii.

Laura and I decided to celebrate New Years in Hawaii.  She asked me what I thought about getting baptized on New Years Day.  I thought it was perfect because I had been thinking about getting baptized.  She told me Kim's pastor was thrilled to do it. 

The fact that I got baptized in the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii is a story that comes full circle.  In 1981, my parents made the brave decision to escape Vietnam in hopes of a better future for me.  While at sea, our small crowded fishing boat was attacked by pirates and we were left stranded.  Everyone started praying to be saved and when their eyes opened, they saw a U.S. navy ship.  The USS John Young rescued us.  In 2002, the ship was decommissioned and later laid to rest at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii.  Never did I imagine God bringing me to Hawaii to be baptized in the same water.

"USS John Young DD-973" by Camera Operator: PH2(AW) GLORIA J. BARRY, USN - ID:DN-SD-01-05097 

My parents and me at a refugee camp after we were saved by the USS John Young.

I admit I had my reservations leading up to the baptism.  I didn't know this pastor and thought perhaps I should get baptized back home at my church so my friends and family could be there.  But, I felt like I would be messing with God's plan and also, as much as I wanted many of my loved ones at my baptism, it just felt right to do it in Hawaii.  

I have to thank Jannetta and Maria for the GoPro pictures.  Before I left for the trip, I had joked to them that I would attach a GoPro on the pastor's head.  Jannetta told me to do it because it was so me to do such a thing being a documentary person.  Also a HUGE thank you to Doug and Kim for taking pictures during the baptism.  Because of you all, I can share my baptism with the ones who weren't able to be there.  My baptism was at a beach in Lahaina, Maui.

 

Pastor Jay.  You are the coolest!

Walking into ocean.

Simply beautiful.

Even though I just met Pastor Jay that morning, I knew he was the one God chose to baptize me.

A moment in prayer.

I must hold my nose!

Going under!

Love my Laura.

woohoo!

Kim, her husband Doug, Pastor Jay, Laura

I dedicate this post to my church family at Trinity Dallas.