Importance of Family by Anna Ruiz

This weekend was a very special one for the Guiterrez family. The entire family came in town for baby Diego's baptism. The whole family met at the grandmother's house in Chiguyante this Saturday to celebrate Diego being presented to God and to become a member of the Protestant faith. My host mother, Patricia, has an Uncle Hector who is an evangelical pastor, so they had the opportunity to baptize Diego in their own home. The night began with family gathering around catching up, laughing, and having a great time. A while later it was time to baptize Diego. Patricia's father is very ill and is in a vegetative state, so the entire family went to his bedroom so he could be present during the baptism. There was an overpouring of emotions from the Guiterrez family, but joy was the main emotion felt by all. Of course the blessing was in Spanish, but I could infer what was happening and Uncle Javier recapped the baptism to me afterwards. Basically, he blessed Diego and presented him to God. Also, Hugo and Patricia pledged a promise to support Diego in his Protestant faith. Also, Uncle Javier was blessed as Diego's godfather. Uncle Javier told me he has much responsibility being Diego's godfather, but he was very honored to be chosen. Following the baptism, there was a huge feast, including emapandas, seafood dishes, and a lot of meat! They kept laughing and telling me that tonight they will eat even "more" food, because it was a special night. Never did I expect how much I would be able to experience while I was here. I truly felt like I was a part of the Guiterrez family today.

Hugo and Patricia promising to support Diego in his Protestant faith

Diego being blessed by Pastor Hector

Diego and me after the Baptism!