Outdoor Baptism aka Jesus Tough Mudder Ice Bath

Ok so let me first start out by saying I had no idea you could get baptized again as an adult.

I know I was as a child, and didn't think you needed to again, or I should say that people did. It makes sense though to do it when you know what you are doing as an adult. 

So we are outside at a church service downtown overlooking the bay facing The University of Tampa, sunny skies, and super pretty view when the pastor announces that they are doing baptisms right then & there. (Note: This is only my second time at this church) 

My first thought was those people are crazy heck naa it's cold. Who would sign up for this outside today? 

I ask my friends if they have been baptized as adults, and they share with me they did in middle school & college. So it gets me thinking.. I could use a fresh start! Hmm maybe I should? 

As we are all praying I begin mentally fighting this & thinking sit down everyone will stare at you just sit!. Then all of a sudden I just bolt up! 

Before I know it I'm standing in line?! Naturally I'm not paying attention to the other people being baptized. I'm facing the other direction picking out my free shirt, and eating cookies (they left a plate unattended) Then all of a sudden I hear a splash, and the lady in front of me is totally dunked in! GASP!

Wait wait wait!  I was thinking it was going to be like how they baptized babies, and assumed they would just sprinkle water on my head. Right? right? nope! 

The pastor was taking pictures as people got out, and I thought umm I'd rather not. (Don't worry you got a preview below) 

Time to panic .. And begin to think I've made a terrible mistake, I'm way overdressed for this, I'm wearing skinny jeans, and my top may possibly be see though. Yep pretty sure it is.. 

 I glance over, and see people in workout shorts that clearly prepared. (See how I'm still thinking about how others view me)

Thankfully my smart friend Rosa convinced me with these eloquent words (she always knows what to say).. 

"Come on It's pretty much like the ice water obstacle you did during Tough Mudder you so got this" 

Lies the lady baptized before me told me.. 

1) "Oh It's not cold at all, it's pretty warm".

2) "The blood of Christ will keep you warm". 

Nope and nope it was cold, I froze the rest service, and almost killed my future husband with the heat cranked on high all the way home. (All the way home was about 5 minutes) I did get Tough Mudder freezing cold flashbacks but like the obstacle it wasn't that bad. 

Here is my Sofia Patrillo moment... "Picture it" 2013: Gasping for air I couldn't feel my legs when I got out of the Ice water obstacle,and my team mates had to kick my legs to get me to regain the feeling. 

I joke, and while it was not a planned it was a pretty cool/out of my comfort zone experience to just, let it go mentally and not worry about what other people thought (super hard for me to do). 

I'm not normal, and things like this keep life interesting! 

I walked away feeling like I got a fresh start, got a free t-shirt, and took about 9 cookies from the welcome table. (Thank you Publix)

Score!