The Jordan River

Bright and early we were up, on the bus, and headed for the Jordan River where we could be baptized or re-dedicated. Six of the nineteen of us in the group decided to do this. Dan and I wanted to partly because our associate pastor, Erin Dougherty would be doing performing the ceremony.

Let me just say that the river itself was not what I expected. It was narrow in this particular section, with green water that wound silently along the bank. I think there are spots that you can white water raft, but that would certainly NOT be the case here. The water was very COLD.

To prepare for the baptism, you first change into a white robe (with your suit on under, of course) then file down with your group so that you sort of have a private

little area to yourselves. Then the pastor baptizes you, and then you climb out, shower off in COLD water and use a COLD air blow dryer to sort of keep yourself from getting a COLD. Dan said that the men's side had warm water! What's the deal?

I was baptized as an infant, so this was special in that I was making a choice and while I felt no need for the baptism itself, it was great to have to opportunity for a re-dedication ceremony and in the Jordan River no less! It really was a special moment. It was also great to do this with Dan.