Installation and Recognition of Baptism

Today was a big day for the Haldeman's. Bond was re-installed as Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church here in Janesville and the girls had their baptisms recognized.

In August 2008, Bond accepted a full time call here in Janesville where he had a previous 2 year term call. The congregation decided that he is an OK Pastor and that they would like him to stay. We also decided that this congregation is OK as well as a good place to raise children.
ABOVE: Grandma Nancy, Pastor Bond, Lori, Kidist, Bayat

We also had the girls baptisms recognized today. We figured since we had a special visitor from the synod office, Pastor Sara Yotter, assistant to the Bishop, we would take advantage of the situation and have her be Pastor so that Bond could be daddy. Let's see. . . . . I've been married to a Pastor for 14+ years (we are currently in our 15th year) and have watched oodles of baptisms. Today we were able to walk up and be in front and be with our girls for this special moment. It was very good!! I'm not sure the girls understood what was happening, but they wore their tradition Ethiopian clothing and a special necklace with a Gonder cross (the region from which they come) and their grandma came for the special event too!! (Grandpa was working, so unable to be there, but I'm sure he was thinking of everyone :-)) It was very good!!

Afterward, there was a wonderful luncheon prepared by members of the congregation and we were able to eat and fellowship with the congregation! The girls ate pasta with red sauce, hum. . . imagine that!! It's one of their favorites!! Oh, yes and cake afterward. . . . It was a good day!!