Hi, I'm Camille

I'm a mom, a teacher, a mentor and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a mom. I have six wonderful children. Our family has also provided a loving home for 21 foster children (not all at once! lol). We have 7 amazing grandchildren, 6 girls and one boy.

I'm a school teacher. I teach elementary school, mostly mathematics, in a high-poverty multi-cultural area of Seattle. I love my job, and I love making a difference in these kids' lives.

I collect ties. I wear one every day. Currently I have 1872 ties!

I love getting together with family, and traveling around the world to experience new cultures. I also enjoy genealogy, and have helped many families trace their family trees and locate information on their ancestors. Did you know I am 8th cousins with Elvis? ;)

Why I am a Mormon

Many of my ancestors have been Mormons almost since the gospel was restored in 1830. Several of my family were pioneers with Brigham Young, settling in the future state of Utah. I was raised in the Mormon Church, so it makes sense that I would be a Mormon now.

But I rarely do things just because it is expected of me, and when I was in high school I felt the need to find out for myself which Church to attend. I started going to other churches, I read, I attended classes, I listened, I argued, I searched, and I prayed.

I was in church one Sunday when the speaker urged those still searching to "experiment upon the word." To search the scriptures, then live its teachings for one year. At that time, review your life and see if you are happier. I took that challenge and for one year tried to live as my Heavenly Father wanted me to. As I approached graduation, I did review my life, and realized how much happier I was to truly be in my Savior's service. I knew how I fit in this whole world, and most importantly, that my God knew me personally and has a plan for my life. (The scripture reference for this can be found in the Book of Mormon, page 289, Alma 32:27-28).

I found truth in each and every religion I studied. I believe that my knowledge has made me a better servant of God. I also found that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) had the most of the pieces of truth, all put together. One example is our knowledge that God still speaks to us today through prophets, just like he did in Biblical times. It never made sense to me that there would be so many prophets in the Bible, but none now. Did God love them better? Had he run out of things to tell us? Neither makes sense. I know there is a prophet today that speaks with God for the good of all mankind.

One of those prophets, Ezra Taft Benson, once said, "If you put God first, everything else will fall into its correct place, or fall out of your life entirely." I know this to be true. I proved it my senior year. And my most cherished truth is my knowledge that God knows me personally. He loves me and cares about my welfare. He has a plan for my life. The older I get, the less I believe in coincidence.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

We go on missions because we want to serve our Savior, Jesus Christ.

It is not a requirement. We are not kicked out if we don't go. It is a personal decision for each one of us. I did not go on a mission. 4 of my 6 children went on missions. My daughter is serving in Argentina right now. I plan to teach about 7 more years, then serve a senior mission with my husband. I can't wait!

The word gospel means "good news". We are spreading the good news that Jesus Christ lives and because of his infinite atonement, we can all return home to our Heavenly Father.

One day I saw hamburger on sale at a great price. I called my friends and let them know, because I wanted to share my great find! Now if I am so excited about sharing hamburger prices, shouldn't I be even more excited to share with you and all my other brothers and sisters the answers I have found to the questions Who am I?
Why am I here?
Where am I going?

We are not trying to force anyone to change religions. We just want to tell you what we have found. If it strikes a note of truth in your heart, we would love to help you learn more. If not, we part friends.

How I live my faith

I take seriously my baptism promises to follow the Savior. I must be His hands here on earth, and nothing makes me happier than knowing I did something to make someone else's life better. The phrase "What would Jesus do?" is my goal and desire each day.

I attend church meetings every week, and I help with special needs children in our Primary, (like a youth Sunday School). I visit other women in our congregation monthly, offering my help and support. They know they have someone to call if they ever need anything!!

I also work as a Family History Specialist. We believe our families can be together forever, and we are all part of one big family tree, God's family. I help people trace their roots and learn about their ancestors.

I try to attend the temple each month, where I learn more about God's plan for me, and I make extra commitments to God to live a clean life and serve Him always.

For 14 years, I taught an early morning high-school religion class that we call Seminary. I tell you, you must really have a love for the Savior to be up at 4:30 and teaching a bunch of enthusiastic teens at 6 am every day!! But I loved it, and I was so impressed to see the commitment to Jesus Christ of these young people. We studied the Bible, both Old and New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants, a different book of scripture each year.

I'm definitely not perfect, but I try to read in the scriptures each day, and pray to my Heavenly Father, to both give Him thanks for my blessings, and ask for guidance.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Camille answered...

God has given each of us jobs to fulfill here on earth. Men do not bear children. They are not being discriminated against, that just isn't their job. We believe that the Lord has appointed men to be the holders of His holy priesthood.

I am a school teacher. I am not the principal. Is my job somehow less valuable than the principal's? I know it isn't, and I have no desire to give up my opportunity to be directly working with children each day. Similarly, I have a job to care and nurture my children, to create happy, successful, caring adults. My job is no less important than my husband's job to preside over our home and bless the lives of others through his priesthood power.

If you look at the Church organization, the Mormon Church has more opportunities to lead than almost any other religion. The Women's Relief Society organization is the largest women's organization in the world, and it is presided over by women at all levels: congregations, areas, states, and countries. We also lead in the Primary (Junior Sunday School) and in Young Women's (for girls 12-18). We preach from the pulpit as often as men do. We pray in our meetings. We serve missions. We are truly viewed as partners in bringing forth Christ's gospel.
Kara answered...

Women don't hold the priesthood in the church, as this is a teaching that has come from Jesus Christ. However, women have such a significant role to play in the church that personally I have never felt that this is an issue I am concerned with or even think about. My husband and I are equal partners in our family, and the church has such respect and reverence for women and their role in the world. Women in the church also belong to what is called the 'Relief Society' it is one of the largest women's organisation in the world, and fills me with such a desire to serve and do good that when we meet together wherever I am in the world I feel so proud to be apart of it.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Craig answered...

There are no restrictions. Any such practices have been done away with and all the blessings of the gospel are available to any individual who chooses to follow Christ. This is something I have studied and prayed as I have wanted to know for certain that equality is taught in this church. I have come to know for myself that it is. There is a rich history in the church of black and African membership and there are efforts to celebrate this and other cultural diversity.