An Elder's words to his father before returning home......

Dear Dad,

How has it gotten to this point so quickly?  I feel emotionally drained. When we leave to work each day, I feel great. I feel like I'm in the middle point of my mission.  But getting home each night, it hits me hard. 

I dont want this to end. 

I don't. 

I know it has to. 

Will my life again, have such a fufilling purpose and joy? 

I don't know what to say, my emotions are all over the place.  We'll talk to you soon.

I love this work and I know of knowledge, it is the work of my Savior.  I could never repay Him for such an experience.

I love you,

Elder Warner

Week Five of the LAST transfer!

Good morning everyone!

I'll go ahead and share a little about this week. Well, rather than learn, I was able to apply an awesome principal.

In the first page of all my agendas, I write some kind of quote of how I expect that change to be.

In this transfer's agenda, I put what my mom wrote in one of her emails a few weeks ago, "Don't look back, and don't look ahead"....

There were a few nights this week where it was emotionally harder to get to sleep. I had my mind in the near future.

We had a family home evening with a less active family and their relative that's not a member.  The message I shared was a talk given by President Monson written a few years back. He quotes, (best translated in English) "If we gather enough tomorrows, we will find that we have collected many empty yesterdays."  What I was able to apply this week was this, there is no other day than today. Today is the day to make it happen. To do what you've always wanted. There is no time to wait until tomorrow. With this in mind, I have been able to end the days how I've always wanted. Preparing me for the next day.

GOAL 6 (last) ATTITUDE. — "Based on hope. There is something with purpose in learning in every situation. My attitude is based on how much I place focus on these learning opportunities. Search for them." 

I would say this has been one of the greatest principals I have come to learn and develop. I have countless journal entries on this attribute. Here are a few:

• 1-21-12 "Attitude, as I see it, is one's determination of expressing hope.  Attitude is the form of acting from the developed result, being good or bad.  Attitude is the solution of discouragement, the vaccine to conquering trials.  To me, the attitude reflects the character of someone, their talented gifts, but as well mirrors their weaknesses.  Attitude just might be the answer to everything, the cure to any concern.. (President Romney once sent me an email) "You too, will pass through the trial of not seeing immediate results.  And how you respond, will say more about you that had you had success week after week."  Whatever happens on any occasion is supposed to happen, it just all depends on what you make out of it."
• 1-25-12 " It was a colder, gloomy day.  As we began to work, I was convinced repeating in my head, that today we will find someone who will be baptized.  A few moments later, my companion expressed how rotten the day felt.  I tried to ignore it but I think the opposition of our thoughts and attitude is what made the day turn out to be .... Returning home empty handed."
• 5-25-12 ..."I don't doubt at all that one of the greatest solutions for lack of success would simply be from how we make each day to be."
• 8-14-12 ..."That there is no time to not be smiling… Things are so much easier when you make them easier."
• 1-12-11 (First day in mission field) "I remember as a kid driving past the missionaries and being so excited to see them. It hit me today that I am now one of them. I could not stop smiling while tracting tonight.  That was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I am so excited for tomorrow! I love these people here.  It will definitely be hard to try to help them accept the Gospel, but it will happen.  It will be an amazing experience changing these peoples lives, forever!  I love it."

My primary goal this following week is to focus on today. 

To make the best out of what is given.

Until next week.

Elder Warner

Dear Mom,

Hey, sweetheart.  How are you doing on this gorgeous day? Sounds like it's getting cold over there? It was a colder week but it's really pretty outside right now.

Things are going well, as you know. Maybe one of the most difficult weeks of my mission, but as always I was able to learn and apply life-learning principals.

It doesn't seem real to me that this is the last. I have never been so grateful to my Heavenly Father than I am now.

I hope you have an incredible week. I love you so much.

Elder Warner

Elder Warner with his MTC companion (L), Elder Vaughn and Elder Hemsley (R)

December 10, 2011 (Journal Entry)
Well, it was one of those rainy days, but I couldn't get the song, "I got sunshine in my soul" out of my head.  Where I am at, it's always good weather.  I love my mission.  I love singing hymns in the rain.  I love the cold water that soaks in through the worn-out cracks in my shoes.  I love walking into an icy cold cinderblock home to finish the day.  I love that I have clothes to keep me warm, unlike so many of these sad families.  I love that the Gospel makes me happy. I love the car that drenched me with water on the corner, as we waited for the bus.  I love that I have a family that's safe and secure, celebrating my little sister's birthday today.  I love that they love the Gospel.  I love the Lord and the companion that He has blessed me with.  I love that I know Michael laughs at me when he watches the cars splash giant puddles on me as they go by.  I love the spirit of Christmas.  I love that my family still remembers me.  I love my dad a lot.  I love my bike that doesn't have working brakes.  I love and I'll sing it out to everyone -
that I am a Missionary!!

Baptism at Week Four in Estanzuela!

Buenos Dias todos! How are we doing? I hear its about snow season? Still sweating over here. Awesome week! Let me explain. Well first, these are Hermanitas Carla and Daniela. We found them last week searching for a less active family. We never found where the family lives (being that the mountain trails don't have street names or house numbers) but we were able to meet a lady who is going through many trials in her life.  When we went back to teach her, her husband didn't let her listen to us, but there we were able to talk to the neighbor that shouted at us to come over.  When we went over and met Carla, Daniela, and their mom, they told us how in January the other missionaries were teaching them but they never were able to go to church. We started teaching them and they showed up alone on Sunday. We have been preparing them in this last week.  The mother loves it but her husband never got divorced and they never got married which impedes her progression right now. Other than that, the new mission program is heating up in Estanzuela! The members brought 3 new investigators yesterday that we are teaching!

GOAL 5 PATIENCE : "Gain the ability to demonstrate patience naturally. Overview the whole situation--think about every aspect of both sides of what (is) occur(ing/ed) CURE: TRUST/CARING There is no greater opportunity to learn the values of patience than on a mission. I have had many incredible experiences as I have been developing this attribute. I have seen 2 forms apply with me concerning patience:

7-27-11 Piedras Negras "....An investigator that we met about 3 weeks ago. He is sitting and waiting ready for us exactly on the hour every appointment we have with him. He has been to church twice, near the title of a golden investigator.  The only let down is that he expects a lot of time until he makes any such decisions such as baptism ... I don't doubt that one day, even if I'm not here to see it, he will make the decision to follow Christ.  At times disappointing, a relief of comfort is brought knowing that we have started something, that one day will be finished." (after I left the area, they informed me he was baptized a few weeks later).

8-22-11 Monclova "....I wonder what I'm not doing right. I have sacrificed all I can think of, obeyed each rule in strict obedience, and work till I sweat dehydration. But yet can't find anyone to listen to our message.." I have learned to be patient with myself.  Trusting in the Lord. I have understood that the Lord's timing isn't always my timing.

One of my most patient trying experiences was in Acuña last December. This applied more with being patient with my companion. I remember this one particular hill. I can still picture it perfectly. I can't remember the amount of appointments we had crossing that hill that we were late for because of the time it took to get up this hill.  Normally,  I would race up it and wait for my companion at the top.  Impatiently changing my vision from my watch, to my companion, this gave me plenty of time to meditate and think negative thoughts of my companion.  One day I was impacted from a few scriptures I read in personal study which changed my actions.

 

Instead of racing up and giving myself the opportunity to think negatively, I got off my bike and walked with him when he got off and walked. Instead of waiting at the top watching him struggle to adjust his bike chain, I returned back to get my hands greasy with him. In times of frustration, I complimented him. Instead of sticking things in his nose and ears to wake him up in the morning, I made him breakfast and hot chocolate to motivate him to start the day. There were countless of these opportunities and examples.  But what I learned is that by acting upon the opposite of our negative thoughts, it cures everything. 

You wonder why I love this work so much?!!

                                          Elder Warner

Week Three of Last Change

HOLA! How are we doing?  Just getting back from the Temple. It was an awesome last experience in that beautiful place. I pray I will be able to return one day with some converts. This week we had Leadership Council. We mainly focused on the new form of working, which nearly all of us have started with — through members.

There were a few quotes mentioned in the council that really grabbed me.

"Humility is obtained not by thinking less OF ourselves, rather by thinking less ABOUT ourselves." "Christ didn't preach what the people wanted to hear, rather He spoke the truth."  "If you learn discipline, you can learn anything." 

A member called us about a reference this week that we went to visit on Saturday.  When we went, the reference wasn't home so we talked to her neighbor.  Upon listening to her needs, we taught about the Plan of Salvation.  In the lesson, the lady commented on how she doesn't understand how it is possible that someone could die for someone else's sins, saying how she could never do such a thing.  I heard her say it but I didn't really capture it until taking the Sacrament the next day. That is when it hit me.

There was only One that could ever do such a thing. Maybe just like this lady, we don't comprehend what it means that there was a Man over 2000 years ago, being the ONLY, that died for our sins. Personally. 

GOAL 4 - WORDS. Description: words are very powerful and can leave either the most positive, or, destructive effect. Anything other than positive words are worthless.

Example  1: - I remember reading on a wall once, "Ciere tus labios si no estas seguro de lo que vas a decir es mas hermoso que el silencio." "Close your mouth if you're not positive that what you're going to say is more pleasant than silence".

Example 2: - ZL Council about emotional intelligence.
-"Learn to face Adversity"
-"Adversity is the opportunity to try yourself."
-"Difficult moments are the sweetest"
- Change "he had to change".. to....." I had to love him better"
-"I have the opportunity to change myself right now, to change myself   forever."

Example 3: - Acuña 12-9-12  "..Many of the members become inactive because of other members.  Sadly, we ran into a less active today that was a firm member with future plans to serve a mission. It was because of the actions and words of others that when a kid, left the church and now is a father of two little girls that drinks and smokes...."

Example 4: - Last Week (didn't go to church) 10-12-12 "We found a non-member mother of a less active son.  In this time, she is in desperate need of the message we share.  We mentioned to her of a member who lives around the corner.  She quickly realized it was a lady who, many years ago, got into an argument with.  As a result, her desire to assist church, dropped.  I thought about the example we put out there for others. At the time, our investigator didn't know this lady was a member of the church, but upon realizing so, her impression of the Church of Jesus Christ is the lasting impression of this member's mistaken example (words)....."

This week will be the best. Hope it is yours as well.

Love, Elder Warner

HI MOM!!! How are you??  How was your week? How are you feeling being a grandma of ANOTHER darling grandchild? You're such a cute grandma!  Well, to answer this email. I will be coming home, I imagine with some MTC companions that served in the East mission. If not, I will be coming home with Jordan Eyre, at least.  

Well, I got you a cute little something from a humble investigator this week. And my sisters.   

I'm loving my new area. To be honest, I cannot believe how incredibly fast time is going by. I laugh a lot with my companion. He's just kinda a goofy guy. The walking is insane. If there was ever an area that could prepare you to lose weight before you go home, it would be this one.

I talked to Hemsley today. I love the kid. We have kinda exchanged some of the hardest areas and shared a little about, how even though we may not be baptizing weekly, as long as we are working hard, being obedient and loving life we are very successful.  He has a great attitude about life that I would love to develop in my life.  He enjoys every moment and makes the best of everything.  Everyone who knows him, knows him as someone very happy and kind.

I think I'm in kind of an offset mood. Of course, I'm so excited to see you all but I don't know. I don't know how to explain it. I love my mission.

I love it. 

I love you. Talk to you soon, 

Bryan

Week Two

HEY!! HOW WAS EVERYONES CONFERENCE WEEK??

Mine was incredible! I will explain a little about it.....

We were able to go to the Priesthood session and both sessions on Sunday.

To explain how it was for me and the things I learned, I won't quote anyone or repeat what anyone said but rather my thoughts and impressions, or, my "small plates"...

In Priesthood session, I was able to understand that we as men are not fulfilling our duties and responsibilities of what the Lord expects of us. Perhaps many of us don't understand exactly what the Priesthood of God really is and what it means to possess such a thing.  We all need to further study and examine the scriptures to fully comprehend our responsibilities and the sacred privilege it is to have this Godly gift.  I understood and felt how needed we are to place an example for our families, and be worthy to guide them and protect them.  One of the greatest impressions I felt in these conference sessions, was that everything we do or say to some one else, we are doing or saying to our Lord Jesus Christ.

More than just the statement, it requires meditation to understand what that represents. Would we treat one of our family members, friends, enemies how we would treat the Man who suffered below comprehension for us personally? 

In the Sunday session, well I loved it.  There were a few topics that I felt and understood from each of the talks.  First, I noticed that each and every talk given, was a call to repentance.  Sometimes, we focus too much on the powerful stories and examples given but miss the point of the whole reason given.  They are to help us reflect on our own selves, to bring us down to a depth where we understand that we need to act now. 

In this last week we carried around an article with us by President Monson to share with the members and less actives to prepare them for Conference.  On Wednesday, we felt impressioned to visit a less active we found on the list of members.  At that moment we felt to visit her, we found her sniffling, covering up by saying she had a cold.  We sat down and told her why we were there and began to find her concern.  When we pulled out the article by President Monson she began reading, and instantly she broke down and couldn't finish the first paragraph.   It was obvious that she didn't just have a cold.  She is going through really difficult family problems and needed to hear what the Prophet reveals to us in these days.  She has an 18 year old son that sat down and listened with his mom.  They showed up alone on Sunday for the first time in 5 years of inactivation. 

GOAL 3 - ATTENTIVE LISTENING - explication: "Knowing a change with my one effort on this aspect is impossible, faithfully pray to develop the ability to press full attention in every conversation" (completion goal 3-11-11) Cure: placing ourselves in their situation.

MONCLOVA 11-27-11 (almost fallen baptism) ..."She was really excited yesterday for all her family to show up today and her trial was only a few of them made it. After sacrament we got to heart dropping " I don't feel ready" but I learned a really simple principal of the power of listening to feelings. Because of it, she couldn't wait to get in that white jump suit." 

ANAHUAC 6-18-12 (best friend's challenges)..."We woke up early to take an Elder on short changes to the bus station, it was hard seeing him go...  We struggled trying to keep him positive and up beat.  In the process, I learned that many people have personal trials that have to be resolved personally. I noticed council wasn't what he needed, rather someone to listen and to love...."

I hope you have an incredible week! I sure will! Love you all!

Elder Warner

Hey Mom!

How was your magnificent Conference weekend? Mine was incredible.

I will miss this sacred opportunity to hear divine revelation for the latter days while being the Lord's servant.  It will never be the same after this.

In short, I loved conference, I KNOW that President Monson is an authorized Prophet of God himself in this very day. Not only for the words he speaks, but from the countenance of his face and feeling I have as I hear from him.  We are so privileged to have this in our lives. I see and talk to so many people daily who have no idea what it is or means to hear what God is saying to us in these days.  For them, it was all in the past.

I love this work, did I tell you that? 

And I love you, tremendously.

Have an awesome day!!! Love you!

Bryan

Week ONE of LAST TRANSFER - BAPTISM!

HEY ALL!!! Where did that week go....?

Well Monday night I got the call, the A.P. said, "You're not going to believe the changes," and waited to tell me of my changes last.

First, lets start with the awesome baptismal picture!!

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the mission is going to completely change in these next few weeks. In the new area, the last missionaries elected what they called "the sister of the week" - awesome idea. By choosing one of the sisters out of the branch and giving her the missionary responsibility, she shared the Gospel with her little 9 year old granddaughter, Samantha. She is awesome and has learned a lot really quickly!

Now for the changes. I am back in the Roma Zone! That big building in the baptismal photo is 20 steps in front of my huge Americanized chapel. My area is called Estanzuela, being a large part of the famous Monterrey mountain, "The saddle". My legs have never been so sore!! Here are a few pictures of the area -- lots of hiking! The majority of the homes are unpainted, cinder block, 2-3 room homes. In other words, it's the complete opposite of my last area. I am loving it.

For my companion, his name is Elder Martinez. He has about 18 months in the mission and is from Oaxaca. He is a really good guy to work with.

This change is going to be a good one. We have been applying the new form of work here and working with many less actives and members. The members are awesome. From the size of the chapel and temple, you would never believe that we are only a branch of 30 - 40. But they are ready to work!

GOAL #2 - KNOWLEDGE : "Seek with full desire to increase my memory and the ability to memorize to enhance teaching skills. Likewise, this is impossible without the Lord. Always study and do all of my part to accomplish this aspect necessary for the rest of my life."

Well, as I made this goal, I had more in mind the principal of memorization. But later on, the concept of knowlege turned into something else:

4-7-11 Piedras Negras - .."I have never realized how absolutely imperfect I am until gaining a KNOWLEDGE of my Savior Jesus Christ. My emotional testimony of Him ensures me with the brightest of hope. Each day I am blessed with the realization of what I can better in myself. He suffered more than anyone could ever comprehend, to place an outstanding example of perfection. The more I learn of Him each day, I am marvelled in what He did for me."

(goal date 1-1-11)

My goal of knowledge brought me to a pure knowledge of what Christ did for me, what He does for me, and what He expects me to do for Him.

Things are going great over here. I am loving everything. Can it last longer?

Elder Warner

HEY MOM!!! How are you doing?!?! Still not a grandma of 8??? Hopefully this week!

How did these last few days go for you? Over here as you heard a little about, I'm doing awesome! Loving the change! To be honest, I fell in love with my last area and was very shocked at recieving the phone call but I know it's what the Lord needs. And you never know, maybe the family is waiting for us over here! But I am loving this area, I think I will definitely come home skinnier after this area.

Let me answer your letter in bold. I haven't gotten you package yet. BUT, Thursday is Leadership Council, which means I will pick it up on Thursday. Other than that, you asked how I feel about things on this last change. Well, first off at the bus stop, I was able to meet up with Elder Hemsley, which is always the greatest! We left all the missionaries and went to get a yogurt at a market and talk a little. He asked the same question. I didn't really know how to answer it. I feel good. I feel sad. My true feelings are that I don't realize that it's little time left. To me, I won't accept the time, I still feel like I have SOO MUCH time left. Maybe because there is still soo much work to do. Either way, to sum up my feelings I would say I have no clue. I am only worried about working in this marvelous work right now.

On a brighter note. I will have my hair how you like it for November. I would like to brag and let you know I cut it my self, as I have done my whole mission. I think I've gotten kinda pro..... watch out.

I am stoked for another week!! Love it, love it!

I hope you are doing well, love! You are the best mom ever!!!

Love your boy, Bryan