Editor’s note: We are thrilled to welcome Diana, who will be a regular contributor at Mormon Women: Who We Are. We’ve asked her to tell a little about herself and what being a Mormon woman means to her. We look forward to hearing more from Diana in the weeks and months to come!

Mormon Women: Who We Are contributor Diana

I was born in California but grew up in American Samoa, where I spent my childhood climbing trees, snorkeling over the reefs, and wandering around in the rainforest. I left the island at 16 to go to school at BYU-Hawaii where I met my husband-to-be. Four years later I graduated with a BS in Biological Science and was married the very next day. We lived in Utah for 7 years, Indiana for two, and have spent the last eleven back here in Hawaii.

We have one son and four girls. In moving back here we have accomplished one of my daughter’s dreams, to live by the mountains and the sea.

I currently serve as First Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency of our local ward congregation, and love being with my sisters in that organization.

My interests include lifelong learning, walking on the beach with my girls, writing, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is the firm ground upon which I stand in an ever-whirling world. It has been the source of peace in times of hardship and joy in my everyday living. Through it I have come to know that I am a child of God, greatly loved, cherished.

One of the most meaningful practices in my life is to write, particularly in my journal. As I write, I realize the happenings of the day are often blessings, interventions, lessons from a loving and powerful God. Writing fills me with gratitude.

I absolutely love being a woman, a wife and mother. There is nothing in this world I would rather do. I often tell my family, “I have the best and most important job in the world!”

Being a Mormon woman has taught me who I am, God’s daughter with divine qualities and potential. Looking through this glass, I see myself as I really am, and I love what I see.