Conversion by the Sea
by Kelly L. Martinez

The word ‘convert’ has a particular connotation to members of the Church. On the surface, ‘convert’ is a word used to describe someone who has joined the Church that previously was not a member. But it is said that each of us – even those who have been raised in the Church – need to undergo a conversion in order to truly accept the gospel.

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I was raised in the Church and was baptized when I was eight years old. My conversion, however, didn’t come until I was nearly 20, when I chose to find out for myself by putting Moroni’s promise (Moroni 10:3-5) to the test. To say that my conversion was complete that early spring morning in 1987 would be false. I have been traveling through different shades of conversion ever since, but what I received then has been the core of my faith to this day.

But this is not an article about my conversion. It’s a story about Karla Ribeiro, who was a member of the BYU-Hawaii women’s volleyball team from 1997-2001, and who had played professionally in Brazil prior to that. Her journey to Hawaii began in Brazil; her journey to the gospel began shortly thereafter.

Brazilian Express

Karla went to BYU-Hawaii on a volleyball scholarship in August 1997. The BYUH coaching staff was aware of Karla’s skills prior to her scholarship offer, thanks to a video tape used in the recruiting of another Brazilian player. Eager to learn English and play volleyball, Karla headed for the Hawaiian tropics.

Her first days in Hawaii were less than ideal but were made easier because of her teammates. “At first,” recalled Karla, “I was very frustrated. I was not allowed to play because my paperwork wasn’t done. I wasn’t allowed to travel with the team. I had to stay at the school all of the time. My teammates really welcomed me with open arms and were very kind. It was difficult for me being away from my family for the first time and being in a place where I didn’t speak the language. My teammates helped me so much. My adjustment was much easier because of them.”

The kindness exhibited during this period sparked an interest in Karla. “I always thought there was something different about my teammates (who were mostly LDS),” she said. “The Church was definitely something that interested me. It caught my attention and was something I wanted to learn more about.”

Karla’s acceptance of the gospel didn’t come quickly or easily. She was raised as a Protestant but never attended church regularly. Eventually, Karla began taking the discussions and, a year and a half later, was baptized on March 6, 1999, by Jarinn Akana, the man whom she eventually married in the Laie Hawaii Temple on Sept. 17, 2002.

“The biggest thing that held me back from accepting the gospel was that I thought I would never have enough faith,” Karla said. “I was always taught that you’ve got to see something in order to believe it, and that is the opposite of what faith is. I was scared that I would never be able to exhibit faith. But I have learned that I can do it. I know from the bottom of my heart that everything the gospel teaches is true.”

The passing of her father several years ago has left Karla with a family comprised of her mom, two sisters and a brother. It pains her to know that none of her family members are interested in the gospel. “If they would wanted to know more,” she said, “then it would be easier for them to know why I have chosen to be a part of the Gospel.”

Broadcasting Vibes

Jarinn and Karla met while she was playing volleyball at BYUH and he was broadcasting the games on radio. His sister set the two up and the rest is history.

Prior to serving a full-time mission to Chile, Jarinn played a season of basketball at BYUH. Upon his return, he played three seasons at the University of Hawaii and now works for the NBA’s Denver Nuggets as the director of player development. The Akanas will live in the Mile High City.

Karla on the Court
As a player at BYUH, Karla excelled. Twice she was named to the First Team All-Pac West Conference (2000 and 2001) and once was honored as the Pac-West Conference Player of the Week (Oct. 2, 2000). Some of her career totals are amongst the best in BYUH history: 247 block assists (3rd), 289 total blocks (5th), .312 hitting percentage (6th), 83 service aces (6th), 42 block solos (6th), 842 digs (7th), 777 kills (8th), 1743 attacks (9th), and 316 games played (10th).

Her season highs include a BYUH sixth-best .402 hitting percentage in 1997 and an eighth-best 40 service aces in 1999. She redshirted the 1998 season.

The Here and Now

The 2002 season is the first that Karla has not played in for a very long time. When asked if she plays on her ward’s team, she laughed, then added, “I think my career’s over. I’m getting married, starting my eternal family and will become a full-time mother. That’s all that I want right now.”

One of the things Karla loved most about the gospel message was the concept that life is eternal and that this existence is but a part of a bigger plan. “I loved learning that there is much more to life than what is happening right here and right now,” she said. “We just have to go through what’s happening now in order to reach something much bigger and better. We go through so many challenges, but when you look at the big picture, the challenges are really so small. My desire to live again with my Heavenly Father and my eternal family helps me to do what I need to do.”

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Kelly L. Martinez is a freelance writer who has been a part of the Meridian family since 2001. In addition to Meridian, Kelly's work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Deseret Morning News, the Long Beach Press-Telegram, and several other newspapers.