Kerri Stark*

I was approached by two LDS missionaries as I was doing a table for a cancer hospital in 2007. They offered me a pass-along card and invited me to come to the institute. The next time I was doing the same thing and I saw them again. After a few of these times, they asked me to take a Book of Mormon, which I did, but with the intention to put it aside and forget about it, and got my phone number, because I would always come up and talk with them whenever I would see them on campus. They called me to ask if they could teach me the lessons and if I would be interested in coming to church. It took about 4 months of lessons and missionary visits before I was baptized in February of 2008. I know this is the true church, because I have felt the Holy Spirit testify that to me over and over again. I know that Heavenly Father has a prophet on Earth, Thomas S. Monson, and I know that the Book of Mormon is a true testament of Jesus Christ. I am so glad that I met the missionaries, otherwise I wouldn't have the knowledge of any of this.
-Kerri

Mom's Christmas Letter...

Hi Jelli,

Its amazing how fast time has gone by... well at least this year, for me that is.  When you first left on your mission it was as if someone just turned the time to make it slower and I felt as if a big part of me was missing. Like my family was incomplete and my heart ached every moment but I knew in my heart that Heavenly Father had you wrapped in His loving arms caring and watching over you, but still as a mother its was just hard to know that you were away from home :)

I truely am greatful to my Heavenly Father for all that he has blessed me and our family with. You are such a blessing to my life and to our family. I know that the Lord has given you to dad and I to help us through this life and to help & humble me...well I'm not sure about me but LOL and to help me see life in a whole different way... I guess through your eyes.

These past 18 months we have truely been blessed and we have seen the Lords loving hands in all that we have been blessed with physically, mentally and spiritually.

There were times that I felt I was unworthy of His love and blessings but yet He has never forsaken me in those times when I felt that way. I know as an individual I have neglected some of my responsibilities and convenents that I have made with Him.. but yet He still loves me and continues to bless me in ways I cannot even begin to say.

I believe you have also helped with those blessings with your valiant service to our Heavenly Father and your strong testimony and love for the gospel and for our Savior Jesus Christ that we as family has been blessed and that I will be forever greatful.
Really excited to have you back home and to have another female in the house... lol... the guys may out number me but I still run the house lol you know what Im talking about.

Well I am greatful for those who helped take care and feed you while you were away from home.  As well as those who have touched and impacted your life for the better and helped you feed and nourished you spiritually.....

I will be forever greatful to them. Well we are looking forward to talking to you christmas day......everyone sends thier love and is so excited to see you!!!

Have a great day and continue to serve faithfully to the end...... much love and aloha!!!!!

Love you, MOM

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

I have been pondering how God is our Loving Heavenly Father & I often wondered what its like to be in that position. Daddy, I was going through the letters I got from you & all the memories starts to pour through my minds. The letters didnt say anything about the past but you mentioned something more of the future. You gave me counsels to stay on the right path. For some reasons, I start to ponder on the past. People may tell me stories about you & me. People say I have a spitting image of you but I may not see it that way. People often say that I act just like you but I cant really tell. But all that, I know I got something from you. I may not remember every details that had happened in my life but I remember you were there.

I remember the day I got baptized, we were sitting side by side wearing white. Smiling faces everywhere. You confirmed me on my head to recieve the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I may not remember everything that had happened during that special day but I do remember you were there.

I remember all those roadtrips for volleyball tournaments. I love volleyball as much as you do. I wore your number on my jersey because I wanted to play good as you. I may not remember if we lose or win. I know it was tireless games but I do remember you were there.

I remember stepping into High School, you warned me of temptations & challenges ahead. It was hard. I may not remember the choices I made. I know the disappointment by scratching behind your ears or proud by the smile on your face & that is how I do remember you were there.

I remember my Graduation day, finally made it! Sigh. I know the relief but I don't remember what exactly happened. All those Volleyball games, S.A.T.s, homeworks, & many more I have faced... what a relief! ha. I may not remember everything that had happened but I do remember that you were there.

I remember turning in my papers, the challenges of making the right choices to whether this is what I want or what the Lord wants. The moment I opened my calling, I do remember you were there. The spirit was so strong. Something I can never express but I knew it was something much more than I cant comprehend. This is something greater than I can ever imagine. Daddy, you were there the whole entire time of my life.

Now, whenever I think of how God is our loving Heavenly Father, you're the first to come into my mind, daddy. I look up to you for protection, for love, for guidance, for advice, for laughter, or simply a hug. I never thought of a position of a man stand where you are as a father, a husband, & a friend until now. A role that you played could relate to where Heavenly Father stands but only that He is more perfected & glorified. Daddy, you're my perfect imperfection. I dont count the perfections but I love you for your imperfections. You play a role as a father that no one can replace. As a mortal daughter, I consider myself that I was a "Prodigal Daughter" & that you still love me as I am, even though I made many mistakes. There are times you let me make mistakes & let me learn my lessons but you still love me. There are times I let you down where I didn't mean to but still you love me. I come to you with open arms but you ran to me with your whole heart. Daddy, I know what Heavenly Father is like because of that "LOVE" you have for me.

Daddy, you gave me hope to my vision. A vision where eternal life is because of that love. You're amazing. I love you, Daddy!!!!

-All my love, Sister Tonumaipe'a