01 Mar
Guest Post: Kate’s Story
Today is a very special Sunday post, with a story I’ve been waiting to share with all of you for a few weeks now. When I started writing Sunday posts, my intention was to share a little bit more about what makes me who I am. Each week I look forward to sharing a new facet of my belief system, and (most of the time) I enjoy responding to your comments and hearing your thoughts on what I share. Several weeks ago, I received an email from a blogger named Kate (she has a lovely little blog about her life in NYC, please head over and say hello!), asking me several questions about the Church. I answered, and a wonderful little e-friendship was born.
After I read this post on her blog, I decided to be really brave and send her an email inviting her to visit the nearest LDS Church. I have never done anything remotely like this before (aside from the two Book’s of Mormon I gave away in middle school), and my email was this awful rambling mess. Somehow she was able to see past my rambling and decided to accept my offer, so I set her up with the missionaries in her area. And yes, I did this all with me living in Dallas, and her living in NYC.
The rest of the story isn’t mine, it’s Kate’s, and she has agreed to share it with all of you. I hope you will take the time to read it, as it is beautiful, heartfelt, and sincere. I know that many of you are curious about what could make a person convert to the Church, and Kate has very generously offered to answer questions you might have. Thank you Kate, for writing this, and being willing to share your personal conversion story. I hope the two of us are able to meet in person someday soon.
When I tell my friends that I’ve decided to join the Church they pretty much all do the same kind of double-take. Yes, I moved to Harlem and became a Mormon. When you say it that way, it doesn’t make much sense. How in the world does someone move from Virginia, to New York City and end up joining a more conservative church? Even I have a good laugh about that.
When I was younger, my mother asked me why I thought we went to church. I told her I had no idea. She told me that she knew that she and my father couldn’t be everything to me so we went to church so my brother and I would know there was somewhere else we could turn when we needed something. I told her that church was the last place I would ever go. I didn’t trust those people who preached one thing in church and acted completely different outside it. My mom said, “I didn’t mean the church, I mean God.”
What my mother did for me in that moment was teach me a very important lesson. She taught me that while our church wasn’t necessarily right that didn’t mean that God wasn’t real.
Through high school and college I had a hard time believing. Most of my friends had been raised in churches that they completely rejected. But every now and then I would make friends who had incredibly strong faith. I wanted to know what that must be like. Sometimes I looked for churches near my college to go to, but I didn’t want to go without my family.
I started going to our college youth group with a friend. From there I also went to church with her a few times at a non-denominational church. I really enjoyed my experiences there, but I always felt like something was missing. Still, for the first time in my life I really knew that God was there for me.
In August I moved to New York. I missed going to church and really wished I had one to go to. But I never really did much about it. Instead I prayed on my own. I tried to read my bible but seriously lacked the discipline.
Meanwhile, my sorority sisters from college were getting engaged at an alarming rate. At one point I had 17 friends who were engaged. I checked again last night and counted 14. I was (and still am) surrounded by wedding fever. I discovered Wedding Bee and was obsessed. One bride stood out to me. She was the only LDS bride on the site. I was fascinated by the idea of a temple marriage, and wanted to know more. I found her personal blog and became an avid follower. Obviously I’m talking about Jenna!
When I got the e-mail from her offering to help me get to an LDS church I was really hesitant at first. I knew it would be hard for my friends to understand. But part of me also knew from everything I had been learning about the church that this could be a place for me. I agreed to go and handed over my personal information, hoping that she really was the sweet girl she appeared to be in her pictures. But then I didn’t really think about it too much. I went on with my life as I always did.
Then one night I got a phone call. It was Elder Leatham, a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We agreed to meet one evening and talk, and then I could come to church on Sunday. The missionaries came and brought me a Book of Mormon. They encouraged me to read it and to pray about it. What they said to me over and over was that I needed to find out for myself if everything they told me was true. They said not to just accept their word, but to really find out for myself.
I wish I could explain the way I felt at the end of that first meeting. I just felt so hopeful, so inspired. Going to church with them was the same way. I felt like I was coming home. As my lessons continued and I learned more about what a future in this Church could hold for me the more hopeful I got. I kept praying to know the truth, to know if this was what God wanted for me. Every time the answer was yes.
Over time the missionaries started talking to me about getting baptized. I knew this was something important to do, but I also knew there would be no turning back. Of course I prayed about it, but I also started talking to my friends and family about it. I knew they would all love me no matter what, but I wanted to explain why this was something I needed to do.
It wasn’t easy. One of my best friends straight up told me not to do it. Others were really confused, but shrugged it off. But I was consistently surprised by the friends who were just supportive. Maybe they didn’t understand, but they never shared that with me. They could see it was important to me and were willing to accept it. My parents still don’t understand. They were never against it, but they couldn’t see why I wanted to leave their church. However, they do understand that it’s important to me and that my decision has made me very happy.
So I set a date to be baptized (ed. note: Feb 22, 2009). There were some important steps I had to take first. One was particularly challenging, and I still struggle with it. Can you guess what it might be? It was giving up coffee. Of course I also had to give up tea and alcohol (and smoking and illegal drugs but those weren’t really my thing anyway). Sometimes I still want to have a sip of wine with my cheese, and I always wonder how much of a problem that would really be. And my coffee, wow. I still drag myself through the mornings without that morning jolt. It’s very hard! But I know even if we don’t understand the reasons, there is a purpose for the rules we were given.
As the time drew closer I began to get more and more excited. When the big day finally came I could barely sleep. Looking back, I don’t really remember the events of that day because I was so focused on what would happen at the end. It was a very moving and wonderful experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I wish I could have shared that day with my friends and family, but most of my friends live out of state so it wasn’t possible for them to be here. I was still surrounded by wonderful, caring people who have also become great friends.
Many of my friends have asked me what will change now that I am considered a “member” of the Church. For the most part, nothing will. The big changes in my life have already happened. And of course, now I am eligible to go to the Temple to do those ordinances Jenna has already shared with us (provided I keep up my end of the deal –keeping the commandments, etc.). This means that when I get married, I can be married in the Temple for time and all eternity. Nothing would make me happier.
I know that this path I’ve chosen will not always be easy, but I also know that it’s where I belong. I don’t just believe that the Church is right for me, I know it is. I know that I made the right decision and that our Heavenly Father will help me to stick with it when things get tough. I also know where to turn when I’m confused about things, or just need answers. Joining the Church was the best thing I’ve ever done.
Please let me know if you have questions or are curious to know more about my conversion story. And if you have any tips for kicking coffee. I would love those too!
Also:
I'm a farm-raised almost-crunchy stroller-pushing picture-taking lifestyle-blog-writing gastronomy-obsessed divine-seeking thrift-store-combing cheese-inhaling pavement-pounding laughter-sprinkling lover of individuality and taking chances.
Jenna
1Kate’s story is so touching. I sent her a little note to let her know how much it meant to me. I’m glad you were and still are a great missionary. I enjoy reading your blog and after tonights post I can honestly say you’ve had me laughing and crying while reading your posts. You are a doll!
Thanks for sharing, Jenna and Kate. When I was 17 I explored the LDS faith also so it’s really interesting to read about a conversion. I’m curious - what’s the average length of time a person goes through the process, from first speaking to a missionary/going to church to baptism? I see in Kate’s experience, it was about six weeks. Is that pretty normal?
Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2009 at 10:07 am
It varies for each person. I encouraged Kate to take her time and make sure that she was making the right choice for her. I know that my husband’s conversion was very quick as well! He wasn’t allowed to be baptized right away because he was a foreign exchange student, but he started serving and acting like a member very quickly.
Others can take years to convert.
I read a tip in a magazine that said that a single apple can give you as much energy as a cup of coffee. I have no idea whether that is true, or why, but she might find it helpful. Also, try replacing the coffee with water - hydration helps you stay energized.
3I have a question that might seem totally off base (as it has nothing to do with your conversion), but I’ve meant to ask it in the past and just forgot — your comment about coffee withdrawal reminded me again.
I always presumed that Mormons give up coffee, tea, soda, etc., because they do not consume caffeine. But obviously, this is not the case, as Jenna regularly consumes both chocolate and peanut butter — and both of these do contain significant amounts of caffeine (a 1oz bar of dark chocolate can contain more caffeine than an 8oz cup of tea) — enough that multiple neurologists I have seen have informed me that under no circumstances should I eat any nuts or chocolate because caffeine can trigger my migraines. So what is the reasoning behind eliminating coffee and tea, but permitting caffeine from other sources?
Amanda W Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 9:12 am
I have never heard of peanut butter containing caffeine. Unless the peanut itself contains it, all the peanut butter I have ever bought doesn’t have caffeine as an ingredient…interesting…
Julie Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 9:17 am
Amanda-
It’s not the peanut butter itself, it’s the peanuts. A few different forms of nuts naturally contain caffeine. I just used peanut butter as an example since Jenna has featured it in her daily nutritional stats.
Katy Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Here’s my explanation with the ‘no coffee/tea’ commandment - - - it’s all about addiction and turning over your control to an outside substance (which is also another reason why we don’t drink any kind of alcohol).
Sure, there is caffeine in other substances as well, which of course leads to a nutritional discussion into ‘moderation in all things’, but the common statement I hear is “well, there’s caffeine in hot chocolate, and you drink that!” But, when was the last time you heard someone say “Man, I just can’t get going in the morning without my cup of hot chocolate!” or “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my morning hot chocolate!” or the same with a piece of chocoloate or peanut butter. I know I don’t say that.
I can’t speak with certainity about everything little component of coffee/tea, but I do know that it’s properties are addictive. We believe in being in control of our bodies, not our bodies controlling us. So when turn over our agency to any substance - food or drink or illicit drug - we can no longer say that we are in complete control. I don’t need to partake of anything outside substance to wake me up in the morning or to have a good time at a party.
My own brother in law is a good LDS man, but he is completely and totally addicted to Mountain Dew Code Red. Granted, it’s not a drug and he could do to drink a lot worse, but it’s not about the drink per se - - - it’s that he can’t function without it. He has to have it or his body gets angry with him. The immense caffeine in it - and whatever else is contributing - has made his mind think it is essential to life. I know God wants us to be in control and to not be slaves to anything. There may be other reasons we don’t know of or understand yet, but I believe God knows FAR more about what is good for our bodies than any person on this earth (including myself) and that he doesn’t give us these commandments arbitrarily. I have faith that following the Word of Wisdom will benefit me greatly in the long run and I can already point to many examples where it has.
Hope that helps! (please tell me to stop Jenna, if I’m not giving you a chance to answer before swooping in!)
Julie Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 4:41 pm
So then what about people who literally seem to have an addiction to sugar? Obviously many people do not (for example, I can go weeks without anything sweet, and the enjoy a rare cookie as an extra special treat), but I feel like we all know someone who literally NEEDS to have something sweet every day. Would it be up to this person to assume that they have an addiction to sugar and that in order to be in good standing with the LDS church, they would need to cut out sugar? Or does it ONLY apply to alcohol, coffee, tea, and drugs, and addictions to other things, even though also harmful, are permissible?
Katy Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Yeah, I kind of new someone would make the analogy to certain ‘food addictions’. And hey, I struggle with my weight so my relationship with food probably isn’t the healthiest.
But, as opposed to alcohol, coffee, drugs, etc., sugar is a component in food and we need food to survive - plain and simple. Our bodies are temples so we are supposed to do our best to make them healthy, so if you have a serious, almost life-threatening addiction to sweets, you should do something about it, but - of course - food isn’t something you can just live without.
We should never let ourselves be hopelessly addicted to anything, but to me (and to the church leadership who don’t ask us about our twinkie consumption) there is an obvious difference between food (which is necessary) and substances like alcohol, coffee/tea, drugs, tobacco, etc which aren’t.
Katy Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Oh, and seriously, I’ve been making so many spelling errors today! Like ‘new’ instead of ‘knew’ in the previous post. I used to be a teacher and I’m cringing because I can’t figure out how to change it!
Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2009 at 10:08 am
We won’t judge you for it
When I get all passionate about replying to a response I sometimes type too quickly and don’t spell check so it happens to me all the time.
Chandler Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Julie,
Chocolate which is derived from cocoa does contain caffeine.
A “peanut” is not a nut – It’s a legume. Peanut butter does not contain nuts, nor does it contain caffeine.
—————-
Often discussion of religious beliefs gets muddled due to misunderstandings between two terms: principles and standards.
A principle, by nature, is abstract. It is not a rigidly defined boundary. A principle is similar to an equation – it addresses cause and effect.
Standards are minimum requirements or parameters – they are measurable and can be clearly defined. Obtaining a drivers license has minimum requirements. However, there are still plenty of poor drivers with licenses.
In the Old Testament “Thou shalt not…” was addressing minimum requirements or standards given to house of Israel. During Christ’s ministry he taught principles that exceeded the minimums stated in the Old Testament. Religious standards are minimum requirements not maximums. Standards can be exceeded and surpassed.
The principle of word of wisdom is to maintain a healthy body and avoid consumption of addictive substances. Those who apply this principle are rewarded with longer life, increased self control, and increased freedom. Some may consider the word of wisdom restrictive. However, consider the person who cannot stop consuming an addictive substance. Many people NEED some type of energy drink or cigarette to make it to the next moment. Dependence on a chemical is restrictive and limits personal freedoms.
In order to receive the ordinance of baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you cannot consume / use tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, or harmful, habit-forming drugs. This standard does NOT specifically address consumption of caffeine, the amount of calories you consume, or how many hours you should sleep at night. It does state the minimum level of self-control you should maintain to be able to be a good standing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Personal standards are going to be set at various degrees. Each person will create standards based upon abstract principles. A person seeking for self improvement will not focus on where the minimum is set. They will work to set personal standards that surpass minimum standards.
Maintaining a balanced diet, eliminating caffeine, and exercising regularly are personal standards based upon the principles of the word of wisdom. We must pick the battles of personal improvement. We cannot change everything right now. Improvement is a process not an event.
Avoid confusing church standards with personal standards. A person focused on principles will gain a greater understanding than someone focused on standards.
Katy Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Great explanation! That’s something my husband always focuses on - principles and why we follow them versus undue focus on just the ‘letter of the law’ and standards.
Jenny Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 10:30 am
http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/89
This is the online link to the scriptures and specifically the section (Section 89) of the Doctrine & Covenants where we are given the commandment of the “Word of Wisdom”. For any and all those who would like to read it.
Sophia Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 12:37 pm
But why isn’t that section on “eat meat sparingly, only in times of famine or winter” followed? Seventh Day Adventists are strict vegetarians, but they don’t have any scriptures that mandate it, but LDS basically do- or at least, a mandate to eat meat *very* sparingly, but I have only known one vegetarian LDS person, and she was on the internet. And strangely almost all the comments on her blog were from Mormons saying “oh, this is ridiculous and unnecessary, God gave us dominion over the animals” etc. etc.
Can anyone give me some clarity on why the hot drinks (clarified as coffee and tea) commandment is so strictly followed (isn’t it a temple recommend question, to see if you’re following the Word of Wisdom?) but the whole “rarely eat meat unless you have to” section isn’t?
Sorry that this is a little off topic, but the WoW discussion got me thinking of this question.
Katy Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I think about this ‘eat meat sparingly’ thing a lot myself. I think the reason the coffee/tea rule is followed so strictly and the meat thing isn’t as much is because “sparingly” is had to define. Some people would say that means only once a month, once a week, and some would say only once a day!
While God is explicitly clear about some things - like NO consumption of alcohol, etc - other things that aren’t so explicitly stated are possibly that way for us to use our own good judgement. If God feels the need to expressly define what “sparingly” means, He will and I will follow it. God doesn’t need to strictly command in all things, some things He wants us to use our own reasoning and brains on - it’s good for us to not have to be “micro-managed” by God on ev-er-y little thing = = if that makes any sense.
Having said that…this comes from the “Book of Katy”. We all know that consumption of too much meat - especially red meat - is not good for our bodies. I’m trying to limit a LOT more my consumption of red meat (I eat that rarely now) and try to choose alternatives as much as I can. As for the other meats, well, I try to get in as much grains, veggies, and fruits and only rely on meat as a part of that master plan, not as a vital component. So what’s sparingly? For me - that’s definately not relying on meat for every meal/every day and it’s even purposefully making non-meat options several times a week. With no specific “letter of the law” to follow in this counsel, we need to rely on the spirit of the law and that’s not to rely on meat as the main part of our diet.
(Sorry this is so long…)
As for the historical perspective, from what I understand when the Word of Wisdom came out (mid 1800′s), people did not have access to grocery stores and year-round fresh produce. I think it was natural for people to eat more meat in winter because not many plants or grains were available. So while the counsel has not changed, our access to so many food options has changed. We truly can live less dependent on meat because we have options year round for our nutritional needs (…like the Morningstar Soy sausage patties - those things are so yummy!)
Kasia Fink Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Hi Katy. I’m interested to know where you’re sourcing the ‘NO consumption of alcohol’ part. Didn’t Jesus turn water into wine? I’m confused.
Katy Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Without getting into a longer discussion on why I think the assumption about wine in biblical times is different than modern times - - because I seriously feel bad about monopolizing Jenna’s comment area - - I refer you to Section 89 of the Doctrine & Covenants where we read about The Word of Wisdom: it’s modern day revelation and Scripture that we follow in our church. That’s where we get the whole “no consumming alcohol” thing.
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/89 (starting around verse 5)
Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2009 at 10:13 am
The early Church actually used wine in the very beginning, but it was revealed to Joseph Smith that water should be used instead because his enemies were attempting to poison him with it.
Now I think that water is a much more practical choice over wine. It’s free, available all over the world. It’s important to remember that many of our members live in very poor circumstances and it’s wonderful to think that they can take the sacrament no matter what.
I think when it comes down to it, there aren’t a lot of reasons to argue FOR using or drinking wine. Yes, there are studies that prove health benefits, but many of our members live to very old ages even without drinking wine. I believe alcohol does much more harm than it does good. Too many mother’s leaving abusive husbands and families losing loved ones to drunk driving to make me think that ignoring that part of the Word of Wisdom would be a good idea.
Sophia Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Thanks Katy!
Christiana Reply:
March 3rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I’ve always wondered that too!
Amanda W Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 1:17 pm
so are you saying that there are peanuts that naturally contain caffeine or is it just other kinds of nuts? Regardless, I really like the answer that Katy gave to this question. She was right on.
Also, Congratulations to Kate! Being able to find faith in a specific church in general is a hard thing to do. As you have already experienced. Taking the step to be baptized and choosing to do what’s right for yourself is also very difficult. Hooray for you!
5Thanks so much Jenna and Kate for sharing this story!
And Kate, though I know your parents aren’t thrilled with your decision to be baptized, they sound like such wonderful parents. I think it’s so great that they taught you at a young age that if you felt you had no one to turn to, you could always turn to your Heavenly Father. That is such an important, eternal truth.
Having been raised in this church, I’ve never had to experience any hostility or feelings of abandonment from close family/friends by being a member of this church - I think God has a special eye out for His children that come to Him under these circumstances and you sound like a remarkably strong woman. (oh, and be sure to let us all know when you find that guy that will be lucky enough to take you to the temple-until then, stay strong and enjoy life - those things CAN coexisit!)
6Thanks for this guest post, Kate. I really like what your parents said to you about church… that’s something I might file away to tell my own kids someday.
7What an amazing story! Since my husband is a convert also I always like to hear what other converts turning point is about the church. There are so many wonderful blessings we are promised, but there is usually one that stands out the most. You are lucky to have family that doesn’t try to disown you. My husband’s family had a hard time for a long time (even while he was on his mission for almost a year) but has since decided he’s atleast got some beliefs and is living a great life. Congrats Kate…I wish you all the luck!
8Thanks for sharing this with us, Kate. Also, Jenna, you are a fantastic writer.
Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Thanks Liesl
Thank you for sharing this very meaningful story.
I think it’s very important to find a place where you belong and where you faith makes sense.
If I may ask: you were obviously in a quest for the right church for you. What stood out with the LDS Church that made you decide it was the one compare to others you might have been a part of/visited in the past?
Kate Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 5:18 pm
This is a rather in-depth question for me to answer. Two things stood out to me: the fact that we don’t hear the same person preaching at us every week. Members take turns speaking on assigned topics. For example, one week’s topic might be “family.” Then there are 2-3 speakers who share their experiences and thoughts and related scriptures. The process of sitting in a church to be preached at and told “this is the one and only way to look at this” just didn’t work for me. It’s always interesting to hear what other members have to say, especially since I go to a singles ward so everyone is about my age. It’s a great experience every week.
The second thing that I loved was the idea of eternity. In all other churches I know, when you marry it’s “until death do us part” or “as long as we both shall live” or “until the end of time.” That’s not forever, that’s just here on earth. And many churches preach that marriage doesn’t exist in heaven. I always struggled when I thought about that, and now I know that doesn’t have to be the case. The fact that I could, even as an adult who had lived almost 1/4 of her life without much regard for Heavenly Father’s commandments, still be given the chance to spend eternity with him just won my heart.
Cécy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Thank you.
R Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I think that it is great that you’ve found the knowledge of God’s constantly forgiving love.
One thing I don’t understand though: if it’s just about what feels right to you in choosing a church that teaches that marriage can be forever… wasn’t that countered by the whole eternal polygamy thing? It seems like it would require more faith to accept that than to accept that one is only married until death.
Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2009 at 10:14 am
This is a tough subject. I’ll try to cover this in a future post instead of leaving it to a brand new member like Kate!
Kate, I’m so glad that you have found a Church that feels like home. I think that’s wonderful and it really spoke to me. One time at a retreat a priest I didn’t know said “Welcome Home” and I lost it … for many reasons, but isn’t that what each of us are looking for?
For the caffeine thing, it takes time. I was exhausted for weeks when I gave it up. And had weird withdrawal headaches. Stay with it, it gets easier. Have you thought about vitamins in the morning? Sometimes that helps with energy.
Thanks so much for sharing your story.
11Congratulations Kate, I’m glad you found the place you belong.
12As for coffee withdrawal, I agree with Ellie about water. I’m not LDS, so I could drink coffee in the mornings, but it makes me feel weird, so if I’m having a hard time waking up/staying awake, I drink lots of water. Also some orange or other fruit juice, with their natural sugars, gives some energy.
I realized I should have mentioned this earlier - I don’t consume much caffeine - occasionally a cup of Twinings Four Red Fruits black tea or one of those Starbucks frappucino drinks that come in the glass containers at the convenience store (but only if they taste more like chocolate than coffee). I’m in my second year of law school, so sometimes this is particularly challenging. The thing that makes it easiest? Go to bed earlier. And get a really good pillow. If you get a better night’s sleep, you won’t even miss coffee.
13Thank you for sharing!
14I found your blog through a friend’s blog, and was deeply touched by your experience with Kate. Thank you for sharing it and for using this medium to tell others about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
15Tip for kicking caffeine addiction: make sure you’re really well hydrated. Feeling tired is often a symptom of dehydration, even before one feels thirsty.
16What a touching story! Thank you both Kate and Jenna for sharing. Jenna I am amazed by your ability to explain and share details about the church. I also being LDS am asked many of these same questions often, but you seem to make everything sound so plain and simple. I admire you for being so open.
17Kate -
Congratulations and welcome to the church! Even though I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my entire life - reading your story reconfirms to me my testimony and why I know the things that I do. Thank you for sharing your story, your testimony, and most importantly sharing yourself! I’d love to hear more about your first 6 months and first year and so forth (maybe in a future Sunday post). What can members do to better make you, a new member, feel welcome and what can we do to help you incorporate into the social parts of our religion? Although those parts are not what makes our religion what it is - it can be intimidating to understand the lingo or the little nuances that have developed in our culture.
Jenna -
Thank you for reaching out and for being such a great example to all of us. If only we all opened up as eloquently and plainly - then we truly would be exemplifying the Savior. Thanks again! I look forward to even more Sunday posts… and everyday posts as well!
Kate Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Definitely sharing your favorite movies or books with new members is great. I learned a great deal about the nuances from movies. There are so many acronyms to remember it can be hard sometimes. And I’m going to a singles ward so it seems like there are still tons of things to learn about in terms of how the social aspects work and I’m told that my ward does not fit the stereotypical mold of what a singles ward can sometimes be like. I’m getting used to the idea of guys holding doors and not being too shy to be friendly and caring. I’ve been very fortunate that everyone in my ward is really caring and they go out of their way to invite me to everything social that’s happening so I always know I’m welcome - and I mean situations where most people know that it’s implied that everyone is welcome.
I also was put on the Relief Society roll immediately after my baptism, and given a visiting teaching assignment (though I have two companions instead of just one like everyone else this time so I can learn how it works), and home teachers the week I was confirmed, and I even got a calling this past Sunday (Compassionate Service committee! It’s perfect for me!) so all of those things really help me to feel welcomed and included. Sometimes it’s important to remember that those things that you are used to are completely new to new members and we feel really special just having those things be part of our life.
I look forward to being able to give reports on my life in 6 months and a year. There have been so many exciting changes I just know that the future holds more great things. One of my friends from home commented that I even sound different (in a good way) on the phone. Pretty awesome.
Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Kate, in a few months, remind me to ask you to write a post on this. It’s SUCH a great thing for other members to hear. You have already given me a few ideas that will help me do a better job in my calling!
I think it would be great to find/hear a conversion story of a married couple.
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