9 I’m baptized. 2 Behind the pulpit is a baptistry. It’s a large pool built into 3 4 the building. Baptists believe in immersion. My mother 5 helps me dress in a 昀氀oor-length white gown. It’s too big, and I have trouble holding it up. 6 The water is deep and 7 lukewarm. I stand on a stepstool, so the congregation 8 9 can see me. The pastor is on my left. I have to show 10 I’ve grown in my faith by giving my testimony. I tell the people about how I prayed with my mom and was saved. 11 He then covers my mouth and nose with a handkerchief and holds me under long enough that I get scared and kick a little. I baptize you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. [a] 10 My best friend in the church wants to have eleven children. 2 She wears skirts, always smiles, and is soft spoken. I want to be her, but I keep messing up. 3 We are the only girls on a church 昀椀eld trip to The Wildlife Experience in Denver. 4 On the way home, I open the water bottle I bought and say the inside smells inky. 5 The boy sitting next to me says that he wants to smell 6 7 8 it. I say no. He pulls it out of my hands. I yank it away 9 10 from him. I can feel blood beating in my face. I yell, 11 “No means no, not keep trying.” No one in the car says anything else. 11 Sparks is now AWANA. We wear green shirts, and the bible verses are longer and more dif昀椀cult to memorize. 2 We still play games and sing 3 songs. I like the AWANA cheer better. AWANA! AWANA! AWANA WANNA WANNA! [a] Go to the Bible in Second Timothy, chapter two, and verse [b] 昀椀fteen. Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed! [c] [d] AWANA! (enthusiastic raise of the hand) 29 ■ PLAINS PARADOX