Mexico, Monterrey West Mission

Mexico, Monterrey West Mission

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Missionary Farewell and Setting Apart!

Bryan's missionary farewell was on Halloween, October 31st at 11:00 a.m. in the Gunderson Chapel. His topic was "The Plan of Salvation" and he gave a wonderful, well-prepared talk. Bishop Goldsberry was his speaking companion. Our Prophet, Pres. Thomas S. Monsen, lives in our ward, and attends church here, as well as downtown, near his penthouse. On this day, Pres. Monsen was in attendance with his sweet wife in their usual place on the back row. We had our Stake Presidency there, as well. The Chapel and overflow were full and we were overwhelmed with the love and support of our family and friends. We had a luncheon afterward at our home, and in the true spirit of Mexico, served "Cafe Rio" salads and desserts! Though it had been cold and snowy the previous days, the weather was calm and mild. It was an incredible, memorable day.

Almost all of us! Karen and Wesley were able to fly out from PA, while her sweet mother-in-law tended the rest of the grandchildren and Cameron was busy with his residency. Of course, we feel that Michael is always with us...


Spending time at the temple with his sisters, Karen and Brooke, before getting setting apart later on that evening.


He's official! This was taken after he was set-apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.


Elder Warner with three sisters that adore him - Brooke, Karen and Michelle!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Nauvoo and Carthage Jail

Our family spent some time in Nauvoo and Carthage Illinois two weeks before Bryan left on his mission. The fall weather was mild and beautiful there! Because Bryan was an Elder, he was able to perform many (as in 50+) baptisms for the dead at the Nauvoo temple. We had the beautiful font almost to ourselves and it was a sacred experience. Later, we did temple sealings with family names that Michelle had found for us through the Family Search program. It was a beautiful day. We also visited all the church sites and pioneer homes on the lower bank by the Mississippi River. Bryan is an amazing photographer! Here are a few (I wish I could post them all!)

Adam-ondhi-Ahman


Carthage Jail. Notice the bullet hole through the door.


Upper window at Carthage Jail, through which the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. fell after being shot.


Outside view of the window where the Prophet fell. Notice the bullet markings around the upper and lower rims of the window.


Bryan and Michelle sitting by the final resting places of the Prophet Joseph Smith, his wife, Emma, and brother, Hyrum Smith.


Old pioneer cemetary. Love this place! It has a peaceful, reverent feeling to it. Many gravesites of little children are here, while their families lived in Nauvoo.