This was no ordinary Sunday. At least not for Jennifer and her family. As little baby Jimmy cooed and frantically reach for all the hands that were touching him, he was happy to be made a fuss all over. The ladies who were attending the baptism all marveled at how adorable he is. As Jennifer passed around homemade butter cookies in a favor gift bag, she heard some of them talking about her unmarried status. Nevertheless, today was about Jimmy, not her. Jimmy was her precious package now and she couldn't bear to part with him again.



The priest asked Jennifer to place Jimmy in the crib on the altar. The sixteen year old mother was sobbing ever so softly as she adjusted his blanket. She regretted so much for her initial thought of aborting it when she knew about Jimmy. It was only through God's good graces that she finally agreed to protect this life. Jennifer slowly touches her son's cheek and was rewarded by a big toothless grin. Father Adrian started the baptismal introduction. Jennifer wiped away her tears and hurriedly took her place among the congregation.

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?Anyone saw my sash? On no, where did I leave it?? Mala was scurrying down the hallways searching for it. At the back of the room, Nalini and Asha were arguing over the best ways to tie the ribbon. Mala nearly bumped into Sister Anita when she suddenly appeared on the door. In her hands was Mala's sash. Sister Anita's stern look was enough to make the whole company quiet down as they slowly went up to her for checking.

After making sure that they were at their best, three of them formed a line and marched discreetly towards the newly restored chapel at the back of the orphanage. Thanks to the community, the children there could now pray in peace and not worry about the roof collapsing on them. The flowers in the noontime garden were shining with morning dews lingering on the leaves of the jasmines and azaleas. The children and sisters had worked hard to make it so magical looking. It looks like a picture we saw in the bible, the Garden of Eden, thought Nalini to herself. She began to skip and dance along the pavement and was soon joined by Mala and Asha.

Being one of the strict sisters among the orphanage, she was about to open her mouth but she stop. She understood those children and had no intentions of breaking that joy on this special day. She, like them, were the children who were being left alone, abused and had lived a hard life from birth on the streets of Calcutta. It was here where she discovered there was some goodness in this world.

?Come in children. Here, take these favors and give it to your new siblings.? Mother Priyanka gestured them to the gift bags lying on the floor.

Asha opened it and her eyes went wide as a dollar coin, Chocolates! Her favourite! She hesitated for a moment but was nearly knocked over by the two friends who were pushing her to the front. All the children were excited as this was a very rare treat for them and it is the best thing they received since the beginning of the year.

?Alright everyone, let us pray together to welcome our new sisters to the family of Christ...?

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Seng woke up with a start, clutching at his chest and rasping hoarsely in pain. His lungs were threatening to shut down. In vain, he stared at the hanging crucifix above him.

As Seng began to reminiscence the past, he had to bite back his tears as he remembers the days of his youth. Back then, he was as fit and enjoying life to the fullest. Days could not have been much better with his business going well in the South East Asia Region and his beloved Ai Ling by his side. What a memorable moment it was when Meng was born. Alas, when Minna strode between Seng and his wide, it all fell apart.

It was heartbreaking to see the love of his life taking out a piece of divorce document and shoving it into his hands. He never saw her again.

Life with Minna was so glitzy to the extent Seng lost control of himself, ignoring his responsibilities to the organization he build. Eventually, he lost everything but Minna still clung to him like a parasite. With no one to turn to, Meng became the victim of abuse which he then ran out of his life too. Life got much worse when he turned to beers, drugs and women as he enjoys the worldly pleasures while venting his anger at God all the time. However, when Seng was diagnosed with cancer, he began to rethink his actions and wondered if it was too late for him.

He had fervently begged the nurses to bring a priest to him that Easter evening, for a chance to repent before he drew his last breath. There was a soft knock at the door. A young priestly man entered and held his hand. Seng looked up wonderingly at the familiar face, tears welling in his eyes.

The priest lifted Seng up ever so gently. Seng was weeping as he muttered the words of repentance from God.

?Our Heavenly Father forgives all, but will you also forgive me, father??

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Baptism ? an act of christening and renewing ones life without placing limitation on age, race or any earthly bounds. When we are given an opportunity to forgive our sins and welcoming Gods love, it is the best baptism favor we can give not only to us but the people around us as we share the ultimate gift of love.