Hi, I'm Maria

I'm half Mexican, half Peruvian and married a Frenchman. I live in Paris. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend. I was born in California to a Peruvian dad and a Mexican mom. I was raised bilingual (Spanish and English) and developed a love and passion for the French language very early in life! I got a Bachelor's degree in French and love teaching foreign languages, especially to children!

Why I am a Mormon

My parents are both converts to the Church and I (along with my six siblings) was born into the Church. My parents have been sterling examples of Christlike unconditional love. They have set the example of Christlike living and have left the choice of religion entirely to each of their children. Personally, even as a young child, I could feel in my heart that the Church I was attending with my parents was a good one. When I learned that families could be eternal, I knew that I needed to stay in this Church and continue to learn and obey the commandments. As I have grown, my testimony has been refined as I have little by little become converted to each of the principles that the Gospel teaches us. My testimony is my greatest treasure. I know that God lives and that He blesses all His children for righteous living. Living the Gospel has brought me great peace and happiness.

How I live my faith

My faith is my life. My faith influences every choice I make as a wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend. I know that Jesus Christ is my greatest example and I try to pattern my life after his. For example, I try to be the kind of wife and mom that He teaches me to be. I try to love my parents and siblings the way that He loved others. I try to be the kind of friend that is kind like the Savior. I attend my church meetings on Sundays and on other occasions in order to keep my faith strong. I also try to serve wherever I am called to serve in the Church. I am currently working with a small group of 11-12 year-olds to teach them the Gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the Holy Scriptures. I also work on a committee to organize activities for the women of the Church locally.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Fred answered...

No. Our leaders have always operated from the concept that if we teach one another correct principles, we will then make correct choices and govern ourselves. The Church encourages each person to carefully consider every issue and each candidate and to prayfully seek guidance and then to vote responsibily. We are encouraged to be involved with our communities and nation but the Church does not take political positions or endorse parties or individuals.
John Odell answered...

Of course the Church does not endorse political parties. Political parties do not represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But all the members of the Church are encouraged to participate in the political system and many have and do. We will be held responsible for our actions in the political arena just as we are in every other activity of our lives. I feel strongly that we have an obligation to support the Constitution of this land and that the Lord had a lot to do in its founding and in the freedoms that we receive from adhering to its principles. The Founding Fathers were inspired by God and we should be inspired by them. There are many criteria that we can use to choose political candidates but none are of more value than that recommended by modern scripture, namely, to search after honest and good men. I love our American Republic and our Constitution and try to support men or women who support the ideas and principles found in that document. According to the Declaration of Independence we receive our rights from our creator and must be ever aware that we do not turn our rights to the whims of men, however well meaning they may be. I am not a fan of political parties and consider myself a Constitutional conservative and very independent.

Why is family so important to Mormons?

Ben answered...

Because family is so important to God. Why do you think God intoduces Christ as His "only begotten SON in whom I am well pleased" and not something more formal like my servant, the Christ? Why in the scriptures is God referred to as "The Father" more than any other title? why is it that naturally we come into this life into a family, whether functional or not? Families are ordained of God. Agency and human nature is what may cause us to believe other wise.
Family ought to be our foundation of education in this life. I've moved around a lot. I've attended many different schools and one thing I've learned is that it is hard to focus on my goals if I don't have a social network providing acceptance and unity. A support group I can lean on and be there to be leaned on at school. It's a miracle that God has provided that support group for the important lessons in life.
If our families aren't what they could be, we can choose individually to be an example and a friend to them as far as possible. practice the principles of repentence and forgiveness. Understanding that our families are meant to be eternal helps us to not allow the small things to obstruct our relationships.