Meet Kalani

Kalani and her mom, Teuila, arranging flowers
Here at Lakeside Presbyterian Church we are a family made up of God’s children.  As a young teen of this church I find it natural to help out and make myself available to lend a hand anyway possible. Since my mother, Teuila Tuiasosopo-Sanders, enjoys volunteering her time, it is no wonder why I do the same. My first recollection of being involved in the church was through coffee hour. My mother and I started out small by choosing a few weeks out of the year to bring goodies for after the service. When we realized that so many people enjoyed our choice in snacks we quickly took over the entire ordeal. Week after week my mother would prepare the coffee and I would prepare the refreshments. People marveled at my creative way of placing the cookies and fruits. After our term was up my mother decided to take on the role of providing the flowers. Now every Saturday my mother and I travel to the San Francisco Flower market to purchase fresh flowers for the next day’s service. Sometimes we stay until 2 o’clock in the morning making sure that the arrangements are just right.
Outside of my mother’s volunteer work I have also taken part in Lakeside’s living nativity scene as Mary. I, along with many other members of our church, played the different roles of Mary. Joseph, the three kings and so on. It was great to see how many people came by and clapped, or honked, at our nativity scene. Also, I tend to be a lay reader in the church service. At first it was a little nerve racking but after a while I got used to it. My involvement here at Lakeside is more fun than anything. It is great to know that I can do more and am helping our church thrive. By taking on duties, I am fulfilling my role here as a Lakeside youth member. It is gratifying to know that I can help our congregation in different ways, especially by simply being active. Lakeside is like my second family. I love the people here and they make me feel like I belong.