Vivianna is a part of our Woodland Hills community, and you may have seen her at various events snapping photos as a volunteer photographer. Vivianna was baptized last year, and with baptism classes coming up, we asked her to share how she came to be baptized and what it meant to her.
I was born in Lebu, Chile, and do not remember any experiences or thoughts of God until I was 4 years old. I was adopted into a great Lutheran family and grew up in the same church until I was 19. I remember Sunday School every weekend, confirmation classes on Wednesdays and many mission trips.
At age 19, I became pregnant with the guy I was dating for two years. Being in an interracial relationship and unmarried damaged my relationship with the church. They had very traditional values, which led to lots of friction with them. I stopped feeling welcomed and felt more like God doesn’t accept me anymore. My relationship with the church and the guy all ended at once and my baby boy was adopted by an amazing family on the same day he was born. Then, 27 days later, my grandfather passed away. After being turned away from the church, and losing my baby boy and my grandfather in less than a month, I felt like I had lost my relationship with God.
After a few years of talking to my very catholic Grandma Hellen (not my actual grandma but she had that role in my life), things changed. She loved me no matter what and reassured me that God still loves me too. It wasn’t until I met my husband in 2013, that I finally went back to church, a new church. My husband and I attended the same church for about five years and even had our two boys baptized there. I stopped going to the church when I found out some of their values did not align with mine.
I attended a different church for two years, until I started Eating Disorders Anonymous, and found Woodland Hills. I quickly learned that God never left my side and never will. With God’s love and the community I found in Woodland Hills, I have been in recovery from my eating disorder for two years now.
Although my parents chose to have me baptized as a toddler; I chose to be baptized as an adult. I chose to recommit myself to God for always being in my life, and to prove to myself that I want to serve Him. The classes were eye-opening and informative, making me want to get baptized even more, and to have that strong relationship with God.
At the baptism, I felt like I was right where I needed to be. My parents, husband, my two boys, my brother and his family, my best friend of 23 years and my friend Lisa, who also attends Woodland Hills, showed up for me. They all showed me love and support for MY decision to get baptized. My mom asked me why I was getting baptized again, and I told her that this time it is my choice and I am recommitting myself to God.
Afterwards, I have been more open about my relationship with God, and have had more open conversations with my children, and even my husband, about him. I look at things differently, knowing that God is my savior, and my relationship with him is never-ending.
My husband attends a different church online, but has been to Woodland Hills for family events. He told me one time that he was watching me taking photos and talking to others, and he knew that I found my home, and God directed me to where I belong.
Vivianna, we are so glad to be your home and we do believe you belong here!
If you are interested in this year’s summer baptism, it’s not too late to join baptism classes. Sign up here.
