From El Salvador to San Diego: A Family's Tale of Faith and Perseverance

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Growing up, I always knew my family's story was special.

But it wasn't until I sat down with my parents, Kenneth and Delmy Rogers, for an interview that I truly appreciated the depth of their journey. Their tale of faith, perseverance, and love spans continents and decades, shaping not just their lives but mine and my siblings' as well.

As I share their story with you, I hope you'll find inspiration and practical lessons for your own life's journey.

The Unlikely Beginning: A Mission and a Conversion

My dad, Kenneth Rogers, grew up in Nampa, Idaho. Like many young men in the LDS Church, he decided to serve a mission. His call led him to the Central American Mission, specifically to El Salvador. Little did he know that this decision would change the course of his life forever.

Dad recalls his first impressions of Santa Tecla:

"We arrived on Good Friday, and my first experience of the day was watching the traditional parade through the streets of Santa Tecla. I received quite an education just from that."

Meanwhile, in that same small town of Santa Tecla, my mom, Delmy, was growing up in a strong Catholic family. When she was just seven years old, LDS missionaries arrived in El Salvador. Despite facing skepticism and even mockery from their community, my mom's family chose to join the LDS Church.

Lesson #1: Welcome New Experiences

My parents' lives changed dramatically because they were open to new experiences and ideas. My dad's willingness to serve a mission in a foreign country and my mom's family's openness to a new faith set the stage for everything that followed.

How can you apply this? This week, try something new that pushes you out of your comfort zone. It could be as simple as trying a new cuisine or attending a cultural event you're unfamiliar with. You never know where it might lead.

Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition

For my mom, converting to a new faith wasn't easy. She shared:

"Growing up after we joined the church was very difficult for us because all of our family was Catholic. It was hard for my parents to accept the gospel, and it was challenging for us because people, even our cousins, would mock us."

This early experience of standing firm in her beliefs despite opposition would shape my mom's character and prepare her for future challenges.

Lesson #2: Stay True to Your Convictions

My mom's story teaches us that staying true to your beliefs, even when it's difficult, builds strength of character and resilience.

How can you apply this? Think about a personal value or belief that's important to you. How can you stand firm in this belief, even when it's challenging? Write down three specific actions you can take to live this value more fully in your daily life.

A Journey of Faith and Love

Years passed. My mom, facing difficult circumstances in El Salvador, made the brave decision to come to the United States. With just $20 in her pocket and a prayer in her heart, she started a new chapter of her life.

My dad, meanwhile, had established himself in San Diego. Though he had dated other women, something kept drawing him back to the family he had met on his mission. As fate would have it, their paths crossed again.

My mom shares her perspective on their developing relationship:

"I was feeling lonely and wanted to marry a good person. I asked my Heavenly Father, through prayer and fasting, to help me find a man like Kenneth. I didn't ask for him specifically, but for someone like him."

Sometimes, the answer to our prayers comes in unexpected ways. What started as a friendship blossomed into love, and my parents decided to get married.

Lesson #3: Combine Faith with Action

My mom's story of praying for a partner like my dad (without realizing she was describing him) is a powerful reminder of the role of faith in our lives. But notice that she didn't just pray - she also took action by moving to the U.S. and putting herself in a position where she could meet someone.

How can you apply this? Start a prayer or meditation journal. Write down your hopes and the guidance you seek. But don't stop there - for each prayer, write down one action you can take to move towards that goal. Review your journal regularly to see how your prayers are being answered, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Building a Family and a Legacy

Settling in San Diego, my parents faced the challenges of blending cultures, raising a bilingual family, and navigating life's ups and downs together. They created a home filled with love, faith, and the rich heritage of both their backgrounds.

One of my favorite memories is of my mom volunteering in my elementary school class. The look of surprise on my classmates' faces when they realized I could speak fluent Spanish always brings a smile to my face.

Lesson #4: Celebrate Cultural Diversity

Growing up in a bilingual, bicultural household gave me unique advantages. It taught me to navigate different cultural contexts and appreciate diverse perspectives.

How can you apply this? If you're raising children, introduce them to a new language or culture this month. If not, consider learning a new language yourself. Even learning a few phrases can open up new ways of thinking and connecting with others.

Two Approaches to Courage

Throughout their lives, both my parents have demonstrated incredible courage, but in different ways. My mom left everything she knew to build a new life in a foreign country. My dad, in his own steady way, faced life's challenges with calculated risks and unwavering faith.

My dad shared his perspective on courage:

"My experience has been to try to keep my courage fresh all the time, not losing it, so that when I needed it, I would have a supply of it."

Lesson #5: Cultivate Everyday Courage

My dad's approach to courage - maintaining a steady supply rather than constantly generating it anew - is a powerful strategy for facing life's challenges.

How can you apply this? Create a "courage routine." This could include daily affirmations, regular exercise, or reading inspiring stories. The goal is to build your resilience consistently, so you're prepared when challenges arise.

The Legacy Continues

Today, as I watch my own children interact with their grandparents, I'm struck by the beautiful legacy my parents have created. Their story of faith, perseverance, and love continues to inspire not just our family, but all who hear it.

From El Salvador to San Diego, through challenges and triumphs, my parents' journey is a testament to the power of faith and the strength that comes from facing life's obstacles together. Their story reminds me that with courage, love, and faith, we can overcome any challenge life throws our way.

Final Lesson: Write Your Own Story

While my parents' story is unique, the lessons it teaches are universal. Whether you're facing cultural challenges, making big life decisions, or simply trying to build a meaningful life, their experiences offer valuable guidance.

How can you apply this? Take some time to reflect on your own life story. What challenges have you overcome? What dreams are you still pursuing? Write down three ways you can apply the lessons from my parents' story to your own life this week.

Remember, every great story starts with a single step. What will yours be?