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Susan: Mormon.

Hi, I'm Susan

I grew up in Arkansas, I'm a Mom, a Grandmother, a Wife, a Spanish Teacher, soon to be a Senior Missionary and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love to dance, travel and learn new languages. I went back to school when my youngest daughter started school and have since earned both my Bachelor and Master's degree in foreign language. My husband and I have just been called to serve in the Guatemala City North, Guatemala Mission - so I am busy trying to prepare and also to learn Q'eqchi';!

Why I am a Mormon

I was very active in another church when, at the age of 14, I first heard about the Mormon church from friends at school. It intrigued me that they seemed to understand so much about what they professed to believe, and that they were able to find answers to my questions. I loved my Heavenly Father, but I always wanted to understand and know him better. Through the Church I was able to find answers, and develop a closer relationship to my Heavenly Father. When life has been very difficult it has been through my faith in God that I have been able to continue and overcome trials. .

Personal Stories

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

I was first married very young to my High School sweetheart and we had 5 children together. When I was 29 years old, and my youngest child a baby of 6 months old, he was killed in a motorcycle accident. My knowledge that earthly life is only a part of the eternal plan and that we are united as an eternal family helped me continue and carry on. I was later blessed to marry a man who had 8 children, together we then had two more children...yes that adds up to 15 in all! Together we have worked hard to raise our children with a faith in a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan for each of us.

What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?

I have tried to shield my family, but honestly I don't know that it has always worked. Sometimes we try our hardest and still the outside world bears an influence. WE have prayer and scripture study together daily as a family, make eating dinner together a priority so we can sit and talk. We keep pictures of the Saviour up throughout our home, keep the computer in a central location in the home and limit television and movies.

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

I have so much fun leading children's music at church or playing the piano when they need me. I also get to work with the HIspanic members and translating. Since my husband and I love to dance we have a great time chaperoning and dancing at the youth dances. Now that we have been called on our Mission I will be able to use my Spanish as I work the Guatemalan people. Hopefully I can also learn the language Q'eqchi' quickly to use with the indigenous community.

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

I am the only member of my family to have joined the Church, many of my ancestors never even heard of it, so they never had a chance to be baptized. By researching them out and having their work done for them they can accept those Baptisms, done in the Temple by Proxy, if they so choose because ordinances like Baptism have to be done here on this earth.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

My husband and I are currently preparing to serve a full-time mission together. It is our way of serving our Heavenly Father and his children. Through a mission we will also build a closer relationship to him, and to each other. By serving other people we are following the example of the Savior and sharing his love . We have been so blessed in our lives and are very grateful to share what we have with others. We have now received our call to serve in the Guatemala City North, Guatemala mission and are so extremely excited!

How has attending Church services helped you?

Being around other people who are trying to follow Heavenly Father's Plan and lead a Christian life strengthens me. Their support and love are important to me and I feel like they are my family. Sometimes when I need answers to my questions I hear those answers in the lessons taught, or find the peace I am searching for through the Spirit I feel in the meetings.

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you?

I'm working really hard right now on Patience. Seems like a lifetime endeavor! One thing I do that I am having some success with though is that when I get frustrated or aggravated with someone I try to sing a verse of a hymn to myself before responding. At least it is helping me to change my attitude which is a good start, maybe it is even helping me become more musical!

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

I try to share my testimony of the Gospel with my friends though the life I live. Then when they have questions I try to help them find the answers.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

There are so many times when I know I just can't make it, that something is too tough for me to handle, it is out of my control. Some days I know are going to be hard, and I need help! Through Prayer I can talk to my Heavenly Father and know that he does have all of the answers and can fill in where I can't. Then I am so grateful for the blessings he provides me, sI have to talk to Him and let Him know how very grateful I am!

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

A few years ago my first grandson died in the womb one week before birth. It was very difficult for all of us to lose such a precious child. The knowledge that families are eternal gave us the peace and joy of knowing that he is and will always be a part of our family.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

I think hope and Faith are a lot alike. I hope I can be a better person tomorrow than I was today, and I have Faith that the Lord will help me to reach that goal.

How I live my faith

Sing in the community choir, work out at the Gym. At Church I translate, English to Spanish, for our meetings, sometimes play the piano, work with the Young Women's group and will be beginning a mission to Guatemala in November with my husband. I also support the Mormon Guard.