My Little Corner of the World: Evelin's Baptism

Sister K., Sister W. and I headed to Szeged for Evelin’s baptism. The Sisters were able to go because I was going and because it was Sister Kramer who found Evelin while streeting 6 months ago, and taught her for most of her 6 months of taking lessons. The ride to Szeged was truly beautiful. Even though our GPS doesn’t speak Hungarian very well, she knows where to lead us. She took us on a wonderful adventure! We traveled through many little towns and wide open countryside that was beautifully adorned with Fall colors. The best part was yet to come however. We went through one town and met a farmer with wagon full of hay coming down the street. In the next town there were more people riding bicycles than driving cars. We saw 80 year old women riding their bikes around town. Then we were out into the countryside again. After awhile, I noticed that the GPS showed that we were approaching a street called Ferry. We laughed about that and said wouldn’t it be funny if it was a real ferry? After a short drive, the GPS said, “In 200 meters, prepare to stop and board the ferry!” We all said at pretty much the same time, “WHAT! And then started laughing. It was so cool! We went up over a hill and came down to the ferry that would take us across the river. We drove up onto the ferry, paid our 600 forints (about $3.00) and began our lovely ride across the river. We felt like pioneers. :) It was a beautiful river crossing and we made it safe and sound on the other side. Then, we just continued on our way to Szeged.

Our first look at the ferry. Two cars were coming across as we drove up. Great timing!

Paying for our way across the river.

Traveling across the beautiful river.

The best part of this trip was Evelin’s baptism. Szeged doesn’t have a baptismal font, so she was holding her baptism in one of the Mineral Bathes. After a very nice program about baptism and a song by the missionaries, we went into the pool area. There were 3 large pools. The one in the center was where she would be baptized. The other two had people in them, who were splashing and laughing and having a good time. As we walked in, I thought, “this is so irreverent - how will they do a baptism in here with all these people?” But, as soon as Evelin stepped down into the pool, a big hush came over the entire area. The people stopped what they were doing and quietly watched. Then the ordinance was performed and we all felt the spirit sooo strong! It was an amazing experience! I will always remember how it felt! I learned that it doesn’t matter where the baptism takes place, the Holy Ghost will be there. It was wonderful!