Meet Sister Katherine Smith

Hi I'm Katherine I grew up in Phoenix, AZ. I just graduated from college after all these years. I'm a Mormon.

About Me I have three sisters who are my best friends. The things I enjoy doing most are reading, writing, and watching movies. I am married to the best guy in the world and I have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. I love hanging out with all of them as much as possible. I just graduated from college so now I have a lot more free time. I love family vacations at the beach or in the mountains. I was baptized when I was 17 after attending daily Seminary classes for four years with my friends. My faith in the Savior has carried me through some hard times. I love my life! Why I am a Mormon The examples of my friends caused me to ask, "What is it that is different about them?" I knew the answer was that they were happy. I wanted that too. I loved the atmosphere in my friends' homes. It felt different there. I could see that the Savior was central in their lives. I grew up in a religious home, but it felt like more of a ritual than a daily practice. During my teens, my best friend's father died, but rather than this experience throwing the family into a downward spiral they were able to understand that family relationships continue beyond the grave. I wanted to have access to those same sacred ordinances that bind families together forever. Personal Stories Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome? I was excited to be having another baby. We were expecting a little sister for our 3 sons and only daughter. The pregnancy had been difficult with all the usual nausea, heartburn, and discomfort. Labor proceeded uneventfully. Everything was fine. That is until the moment she came through the birth canal. Tragically, the umbilical cord ruptured, and our baby did not live. Despite our sadness and grief at the loss of our daughter, I clung to my knowledge that we had been sealed together in the Temple and that we would see this little baby again. The principle of eternal families helped me to overcome this painful trial. How I live my faith I love being in a church that has a lay ministry and where everyone has a chance to serve others. Over the years I have taught lessons, been a Cub Scout Den Leader, helped the Boy Scouts advance in rank, fed the homeless, and ministered to the needy. Sometimes the work I am asked to do is easy and sometimes I get to stretch out of my comfort zone, but always the rewards are great and I am the one who benefits and learns the most. Currently my husband and I are preparing to serve with and lead more than 200 missionaries for the next three years. I am looking forward to the many opportunities I will have to work with these wonderful young women and men who give up prime time in their lives to invite others to come unto Christ.