Dorothy Catherine Adams - better known to family and friends as Dotty - was baptized (and confirmed) by her father Roy Adams on Sunday, July 28 to become the newest member of the Bloomington 7th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The youngest child of Roy and Michaela and granddaughter of B3 Ward members Chauncey and Margaret Adams, is "a fun kid" according to her dad, "who loves to joke around with her brother Chauncey and sisters Ivie and Phoebe. She also loves animals - especially cats - reading and drawing and is looking forward to being in the 3rd grade at the duel-immersion Bloomington Elementary School where she is learning Chinese.
Through baptism, Dotty is now in "this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life” (2 Ne. 31:17–18).
This is the promise we are given when we come into His kingdom through baptism and when hands are laid upon our heads, the gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed upon us, and we were confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—which means we became “fellow citizens with the saints” in the “household of God” (see Eph. 2:19).
As members of the Church - and the B7 Ward - it is our responsibility to help Dotty continue to strengthen and grow her testimony.
On a warm late-July Thursday night, more than 100 B7 Ward members of all ages, gathered at the city pool (next to Dixie High School on 700 South) for food, socializing and pool play. The biggest draw for the littlest ward members was the exciting 330-foot long hydro tube and for the "boys" it was playing pool basketball. Thanks to those who brought cookies and chips to share and to the ward for providing 6' sandwiches and drinks. It was a fun evening and it appeared everyone had a good time and went home happy.
The day before the Southgate Stake Trek, the youth attended the temple and did baptisms for their ancestors. The next morning eighteen young men and women, three couples of Ma’s and Pa’s and many other stake and activity committee members from the Bloomington 7th Ward set out for three days in the Kaibab Forest near the Grand Canyon. On Day One we met our family and started making a banner for our handcart. Finally we had everyone loaded up and headed out. Along the way we were introduced to some vignettes which talked about couples trekking along the Honeymoon trail for weeks and weeks to get sealed in the St George temple. Another told of an old Indian who followed a couple for hours to warn them of danger. The last one talked about how they had to get water by digging a hole and straining the mud through cloth. That day we trekked 9 miles of which the last mile or so was all up hill.
First thing the next morning was the women’s pull. Sister Kerr talked to the women and said they were going to be asked to do something hard but the leaders had full faith we could do it. The trail was a tough uphill, rocky climb. Everyone was silent while the men and boys looked on, itching to help. Once a handcart reached the top the girls all rushed down to help the other carts make it up. At the top we had a little fireside and time to reflect on what we just accomplished. The rest of the day was about five miles.
Once we got to camp and set up we had the opportunity to play pioneer games, sack races, stick pull, and tug-of-war. The Ma’s and Pa’s were crowned kings and queens of the tug of war. After dinner we heard stories about Samoan pioneers who first joined the church in their families. Next was the hoe down. The youth got to learn different dances and change partners so they all had a chance to dance with each other. It was a great time and all the youth enjoyed themselves.
The next morning we set out on a mile hike. Along the way the Stake Presidency taught about covenants and staying on the covenant path. At the top of the hill there was a beautiful overlook of the Grand Canyon. Before we started trekking for the day President Bown asked us to kneel around him as he gave a priesthood blessing on the whole company, especially the youth. It was a powerful moment and a great experience. We only had a few more miles to trek that day until we reached the end and caravanned home. There were a few blisters, hurt feet and knees but everyone arrived home safe and sound.
