Our Sunday at Liberty Baptist

We're unaccustomed to having trees towering over us. But either side of the dirt road was lined with their 5 story majesty. After my sister skid on the gravel into the church parking lot, my feet found a great amount of pleasure finding purchase on something that didn't jerk, jostle, or bounce. Those country roads are notorious for jerking, jostling, and bouncing. My sister's inability to brush her teeth while I was putting on make-up in the mirror delayed us enough to miss the grand tour of the new infant and toddler facility at Liberty Baptist. Instead, we were ushered into the sanctuary moments before the service began. And, as all good small southern churches do, we began with announcements. Announcements about how amazing the previous week's Vacation Bible School had been, about the generosity of the children in their giving during that week, and of the decision that was made to give those funds to the missionaries of the week: us! So we got to work our way to the front of the church (in 5 inch heels, since my flats looked bad with my outfit and I didn't have any heels in between, on slippery carpet...) and, after successfully arriving, were handed a generous gift. After navigating to the back, this time uphill, the service proceeded without further surprise. Immediately following service, we headed over to the fellowship hall, across a gravel parking lot and a grassy field (the things one does to look adorable...). Upon entering, we were presented with the most adorable baby shower. A nautical theme with emphasis on the octopus. Cupcakes were assembled and decorated to form the massive cephalopod.

Little pigs and a blanket were strategically wrapped and cut to form octopus snacks. A row of tables, centerpieced by a plush octopus, was scattered with burp clothes, fabric markers, and stencils, which resulted in our plethora of adorable burp clothes. The lovely baby shower had so much work put into it and was so thoughtful for them to do for us. Afterwards, we took our gift-cards to do some serious shopping for baby, and presently we're feeling pretty good about our level of preparedness. Now we just need to decide on a state to have the baby in...