Lutaaya's Baptism

Having Lutaaya baptised was one of the important things to do in my book as soon as we came home.  With Christmas and her birthday, I put off her baptism until things settled down a bit.  Too much stimulation and exciting times in her life can make her crave more, so it was nice to have a short break and then consider baptism dates.  So with a lot of planning and preparation, 27th March was to be the date.

Having Lutaaya baptised was a symbolic act in her Christian journey.  She has been brought up at the orphanage as a Christian and has entered into our Christian family.  Her faith is strong.  Her faith is REAL!  After all, she prayed for this adoption and look what happened!  She didn't need us, as her parent and Godparents, to stand and make a declaration of faith on her behalf.  She is more than able to make that stand herself.  But baptism is something that I felt we needed.  I needed to celebrate with my Christian family, the joy Lutaaya brings into our hearts.  I wanted them to see her faith alive.  So a baptism service seemed the best option for us.

Lutaaya had a dress made for her baptism.  A kind lady, named Julie, kindly made the dress as Lutaaya's welcome home gift.  Julie has a bridal shop in our town and it was such a thoughtful act for her to make this dress and give it us as a gift.  We certainly wouldn't have found a dress as beautiful.  So thank you Julie for your kind heart.

Lutaaya was so excited all day.  She thrived being in the limelight again.  Obviously she had four doting Godparents all day too.  Deciding on Godparents was a tough task but the choices seemed to jump out eventually when I gave some time, prayer and thought into it.  They are all special people in Lutaaya's life.  Uncle Cameron flew home from France for the day.  He had never met Lutaaya face to face as he left for France the week before we came home.  They've had many a skype chat though and instantly bonded.  Uncle Dan and Uncle Jason are two of my best friends.  Jason came to Uganda in 2008 with me.  He knew of the adoption process idea long before anyone else and I think when we were in Uganda, he realised the love I had for this precious girl.  Lutaaya loves her Uncle Jason, especially when she hangs off his arms and winds him up.  Dan is the sensible one (on times).  He was the one to sit me down and question the reality of the adoption going ahead.  He is the one I can count on in a crisis and is always there to help me out when I need it, and I hope he sees that as vice versa too.  I know he will offer the same to my beautiful daughter.  Then there's Lutaaya's one and only Godmother, Ellen.  Lutaaya knows Ellen as Auntie Ellen, but also as Mrs Waite, as she teaches at Lutaaya's school.  Ellen was the one who kept the support coming even on my darkest days during the adoption process.  While the home study was ongoing she kept me upbeat and sent loads of support my way.  She was always the person I could rely on for optimism, even when I was stuck in Uganda waiting for the Visa.  There was always an email saying, 'what can I do to help?'  And since bringing Lutaaya home, that support has remained.  In the form of friendship, optimism and also help with Lutaaya's schooling.  In seeing Ellen with her own daughter, I simply think, if I can do as good a job as she has, I won't go far wrong.

And here they all are with Fr John, who gave a wonderful service for the occasion.

Lutaaya is extremely blessed to have such wonderful people in her life.  Plus the people don't stop there and I want to use this blog to say a HUUUUGE thank you to everyone who helped make Lutaaya's day the success it was.  Firstly for everyone who helped with the food, my parents, grandparents, Aunties.  Sarah (and I think Steve) for making the rice and pasta salad.  Nancy and Sara, for the Welsh cakes that went down a treat.  Barbara for making the iced slices.  Abu for working so hard in helping tidy up.  Anita and Lorraine who took charge of the refreshments so we could meet and greet.  And finally for everyone who took the time out to attend and share in Lutaaya's special day.  Thank you for all the wonderful gifts you gave her.  She really is one very blessed little girl.  THANK YOU!