Baby Trumper and his mom Sandy. Trumper was named after Dave Truemper, the former Dean of Theology at Valpo

How could we say no to this face?

Sister Ruth Ellen Rebelein, a deaconess who teaches at a seminary along the coast of PNG.

After a very early morning, and almost 4 hours of waiting on PMVs, we finally arrive in Kwia, where we will spend the next two days.

This is the church that was just opened early that week. Inside, the pastor preaches. Trumper’s uncle translates for me since it’s in Engan.

Then they call forward all the people who will be baptized today, including Trumper’s mom.

Those awaiting baptism receive a blessing

Picture-taking time

Liz and I serve as camerawomen for those two days

Trumper’s family and friends

Time to head down to the river for the baptisms

The party continues

They even brought the generator so that they could use their instruments

I’ve never seen a baptism in a river before. Pretty exciting.

Up on the hill the people continue to worship

The people continue to sing

The pastor continues to preach

And Liz and I hang out, waiting for the baptisms

Finally, the baptismal service begins.

Each person is invited to share a bit of their testimony about the life they are leaving behind.

Then all head down to the water’s edge

Eight people are scheduled to be baptized today

Each person comes forward to receive God’s gift of grace.

There is something about full immersion that is really beautiful

And Liz and I were there to capture every moment

I think this next series of pictures is really neat. Gives you the feel for what we saw- #1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

Two guys were also baptized

I do love action shots:-)

The imagery of rising from the dead is very present

Trumper’s mother is the last to be baptized, or so we thought

However, a woman from the crowd is moved to come be baptized as well

Praise the Lord

The newly baptized receive a final blessing

And then it’s hugs and tears all around

And the kids waste no time in stripping down to play in the water- haha.

The we head back to the house where we will be staying to rest up for that night’s service. Isn’t it a beautiful house?

Hanging out on the porch

The next morning, after visiting with some of the pastors, we head to the house where they are preparing the pig for the dedication mumu.

Preparing the pig

And the fire

What a happy day

Liz hangs out with Sandy’s second oldest. Trumper is number 3

Trumper getting his pre-dedication bath and is none too happy about it

How to shorten bath time? Pee in the water. Haha.

Trumper’s all clean and back in his bilum. This is how most of the women carry their babies.

Lunch time. Yum.

Sharing a moment with Trumper before the dedication

Liz loves on Trumper a bit as well

Trumper’s Aunt Bella and two older siblings are also cleaned up and ready for the dedication

Had to laugh when they put the cake I’d made and the cinnamon rolls Julie made under a nice linen. They were just meant as a gift to be shared.

Time for the dedication. Sitting front and center

Other children who will receive a blessing sit close-by with their families

I tell the story of how Trumper got his name and read the letter Joanna sent

Then Liz talks a bit about Dave Truemper.

Liz also shares about the grace of God about which Dave Truemper proclaimed

Now we play “pass the baby.” They give Trumper to me and Liz…

We give Trumper back to the pastor (symbolizing the name came from our people and was acknowledged by God)

The pastor gives Trumper to the parents (symbolizing God giving Trumper to his family)

The parents give Trumper back to the pastor (symbolizing giving Trumper back to God)

The pastor reminds us all of how Trumper has become a bridge between two peoples

Then we all pray…

And we sit back down.

Then all the other children receive a blessing

The leaders of the church pray fervently

Time to cut the cake

I share how this cake is a gift we give in joy to celebrate the recognition of Christ’s desire that the children come unto him.

I cut little “fudge-sized” squares so that all the children can have a piece

The children come forward, and when they are done half the cake remains

Then the banana cake, to my surprise, is used as first communion for the newly baptized.

More cake remains so all are invited to partake. When everyone is fed, the past counts out the 12 remaining pieces and declares a miracle has happened

We head outside for a break, and I am amused by the toys some of the children have made

Later in the evening we gather for the dedication mumu. Lots of good food.

Each family group gets a share

Big smiles

Yum!

Coke anyone?

Lots of people

And all get fed

Thanks little Trumper for bringing us all together for this event. You are well loved.