baptism

Today is the day I get baptized. I'm so excited and all my friends will be there!

“ Ai breakfast is ready!” My mom called from downstairs.

“ Okay I’ll be right down, I just need to get ready. Can you bring me dad’s navy blue T-shirt and shorts?... Or perhaps a blue skirt?” My mom comes up to my room with a plate full of pancakes and bacon. “ Thank you, but what about the clothes?”

“ Look in your closet, I selected your outfit already. I made sure it was charming but appropriate.” I took out a navy blue skirt that looked too big for me and a black sweater that went down to my knees. “ This is perfect, the water won’t make them see through now thanks mom.”

“ That's for afterwards the outfit should be in the left corner of the closet.” I reach into my closet and pull out black shorts and pants.

“ This is so unattractive. I'm a girl, I shouldn't wear this.” I sigh and put on the outfit. I slowly walk over to the mirror, nervous to see how it looks on me. I reach the full body mirror by my closet. “ Wow, this looks amazing. I'm so glad I put my hair in a ponytail. What do you think mom?”

“ Of course you’re stunning, I'm so happy you used to be so distant. I wanted to cry, in fact I think I did cry a couple nights every week.” My mom bought me a cup of orange juice and kissed my forehead. “ Remember no matter what you’ll always have my motherly love on your side and no other love is as strong!”

“ Don’t forget your dad loves you also. Ai.” My dad walks over and hugs me and so does my mom.” We’ve got about thirty minutes until we have to leave so be sure to eat up! Wait, you invited your friends right, you should message them to confirm they’re still coming.”

“ Okay i’ll message them in the group chat.” I pull out my phone and try to message everyone to confirm if they’re still coming. " Hey are you all still coming to my church today? Here's the address. I'd be really happy if you came!”

I sent the message and quickly ate the rest of my breakfast. “ Let’s go. I don't want to be late today. This is one of the biggest days of my life and I don’t want to miss it.” My parents finished their breakfast and started my mom’s 2012 Nissan Altima.

“ Let’s go, this will be a big day for everyone you know. We'll all witness you grow and change. Although this was a somewhat rushed decision, you seem serious about it so we’ll support you all the way!”

“ Yeah the last time she was this excited was when she started modeling.”

“ I remember back then she had the world’s biggest smile but about a year ago she became cold and distant. It was such a shock I started to cry but then when she came home a few days ago wanting to become a christian and get baptized it shocked me so much I cried tears of joy.”

“ I felt exactly the same…Well let’s listen to some music. Ai you can choose whatever you want since this is your special day.” My dad passed me his phone connected to the car's bluetooth. I open Spotify and search for christian music I find a playlist full of the most popular christian songs in Japan. Let’s see oh in christ alone let’s play it!

We listen to christian music all the way to church. “ Mom dad look they’re all here! My friends.” Everyone is standing outside the church watching as people drive by. Ken is wearing a tuxedo and bowtie. Akane is wearing a beautiful light blue sweater and black skirt. Mio is wearing a beautiful coral pink dress. “ Hey guys! I’m so glad you came!” I scream out of the car window.

“ We wouldn’t miss your big day!” Ken screamed back. My mom parked the car then I ran to my friends.” Thank you all for coming. This is one of the most important days of my life and I want all the people I love here with me.” I smile from ear to ear as we all walk into the church and head to the front pews. “ I’m excited. I've watched videos online to prepare but I've never actually been to a church before now.” The choir stands up and begins to sing as the pastor approaches the podium.

“ Ai Sayasui please come up to the baptismal font.” I walk up to the big tub they use to baptize people.” Please tell me and the church why you’ve decided to give your life to jesus." The pastor helped me up into the tub.

“ I am a model and I used to mistreat everyone around me… But my manager decided to read me some verses of the bible and they really touched me and made me want to change.” The pastor smiled at me.

“ Well then allow me to welcome you to our church family, I hope the lord will give you prosperity in your future career as a model.”

“On the profession of your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and in obedience to his command, I now baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The pastor dunked my head under the water then pulled me back up. The first thing I heard was everyone clapping.” In the name of the Lord, Welcome to the church family!” The pastor helps me out of the tub and hands me a towel. “ Okay Everyone, it's time to start the service!” Church lasted another hour before letting out. As soon as Church was over I went to change in the bathroom. I changed into the skirt and sweater my mom chose for me then headed back to my friends and family.” Let’s get something to eat. How does Sukiya sound?” I ran over smiling.

“Congratulations!” They all said to me smiling.

“ Well me and your dad will head home Ai so go to Sukiya with your friends we’ll see you later.” I waved to my parents as they pulled off.

“ Shall we go then?” Mio asked

“ Yeah!” This is one of the best days ever!