Letter dated April 27th, 2010

Hello Family,

Alright this week has been crazy! So much has happened and so much more is going to happen. The time goes by way too fast in here, It feels like you can never get all that you want to done. But we survive.

I'll start out by telling you about our Thai. Every week we have a TRC (a TRC is where we teach returned Thai missionaries the lessons). This week, instead of teaching the missionaries, we have a real investigator who wanted to know about the gospel. She asked one of our teachers and they came up with the great idea that she should be taught by us! Crazy HUH? Well my companion and I were a little over eager and we asked to teach her. So I'll let you know how that goes, it is on Saturday, the lesson is on the restoration, 100% Thai! This is the first week we have to do all Thai, before it was just bits and pieces; I really think we are ready though.

Alright, so the MTC is pretty dumb. I really hate getting close to people and then having them leave. We have become really good friends with all the districts in the Southeast Asia area, but yesterday the last of them left. It really is awful. We have seen 3 groups of English missionaries from our zone leave and now even our older Thai district is gone. We are now the oldest... the big dogs. I can't believe we get our new Thais in next week. I remember coming in and thinking how awesome our older Thais were at the language. I don't think that anymore. In the MTC they do this thing called SYL (speak your language) it is pretty self explanatory, it means speak the language you are learning as much as possible. Well our group has really been trying hard to do this the last week and we can already see the difference, we carry on conversations in just Thai and our class discussions are all Thai, it is pretty awesome the first time you answer a question without even thinking about what you want to say first. We still need a lot of work though! Brother Duval said we were his hardest working class. And he has been teaching here for over 3 years.

As you probably know, Tyler Haws is in the MTC now. He is going to serve in the Philippines. I was walking one day and saw him, so I decided to stop and talk to him. I'm sure glad I did, we are practically best buds now, just kidding. He did bear his testimony to me though, and I taught him about the importance of families (in Thai) it was pretty wicked!

You asked about who I am close with, I'd have to say my best friends here are elder McDonald, Elder Furr and of course my companion, but as a district we are pretty close. Elder Furr (you know him as district leader) is actually our new zone leader, and Elder McDonald is our new District leader. They are both really awesome and we have lots in common, including our love for BYU. We have practically converted our entire district to be BYU fans.

You never sent me Bennet’s address, so that would be nice too. I loved seeing his testimony in my book. In fact I love the whole book, tell everybody thanks for me.

Anywho, I'm not sure what else there is to say, if I think of anything i will send another email, I usually have a few minutes left when i log off.

I love you all!

Videos from the MTC

Introducing the district

Teaching the Thai alphabet

Letters from the MTC

March 30th (One week at the MTC)

(Waking up at 6:00am = Bloodshot eyes)

Subject of the email: Missionaries do not Fondle each other! (see below for explanation)

I love it here at the MTC. It is so so amazing! My companion is a Hoot, and I don't bother him. We even have the same sense of humor, so it works out great; however, he is Canadian, the only down side (just kidding). His name is Elder Ryan Martins Right now it is day 6 and I already know how to pray, bear my testimony, and carry on a brief conversation in Thai. If I timed it correctly Maren should have received a letter from me today, so if you want to see my testimony in Thai, ask her. I wrote it in the romanized text for her. I can't believe how fast they teach us here, and I don't feel like I'm falling behind either. I certainly don't think I'm great, yet - but I am able to keep up.

(Elder Martins, he's a hoot - Christian's companion)

New rule, no making fun or bashing on the Yankees in my letters! They are amazing, so I only want to hear the best things about them. Remember, these are supposed to lift me up.

(Class schedule)

Daily Schedule:
Wake up at 6:00 (just to get a shower)
In class by 7:00
Breakfast at 7:45
Then back to class until lunch at 12:30
Back to class until gym at 4:00
then dinner until 6:15
And then yes, again back to class until 9:00

(Christian with Bro. Saakha - language teacher)

We go to the temple today at 3:30, I'm really stoked about that. I'm hoping it doesn't make me homesick at all. Speaking of homesick, I do miss everyone, but I haven't been home sick yet. When you start to think of the whole mission it starts to make you feel overwhelmed at times, but I love it. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.

(District Elders at Provo Temple - Chris has now hit all the temples in Utah except the Monticello Temple)

Everybody loves my lava lava! I'm pretty sure they are all jealous and would have brought one if they had one. But I am the only one with them.

(Gym is closed - Lift Christian)

I love your spiritual thoughts that are in my letters. But if you want a theme for the week I will give you one. My talk for sacrament meeting this week is on the restoration. If you want that to guide your thoughts, that would be very helpful. My talk last week was on faith, and I thought it was actually pretty amazing.

(Elder Black and Elder Potter learning the language)

I love it here, don't worry about me at all. I'm really having the time of my life. The people are great, like my district is really close, we all get along so great, and you can really feel the bond we have and all are HUGE BYU fans. It honestly just feels like a giant EFY, TJ is going to love it.

(Showing off the band-aids from the shots)

Phom Rag Khun

(Sisters refused to show off their band-aids)

PS And the subject of the letter isn't that bad. That is how the MTC president told us not to scratch other missionaries backs during the huge fireside on Sunday, it was quite funny so I thought you'd appreciate it. BTW - My departure date is JUNE 7th.

(Elder Martins trying to figure Christian's sense of humor)

April 6th

The food here isn't the best, but what they lack in quality, they make up for in quantity.

We heard a talk by Elder Eyring on "choose you this day" I absolutely loved it. I know we had the scripture found in Joshua hanging up in our home my entire life but I never knew that it would be my favorite scripture when I came hear. I guess I had really never read it. I guess dad and I are more alike then we even knew.

(Too much time on their hands)

(P-day activities) (more p-day activities) (I'm not sure it is such a good idea to have the rag that cleaned the toilet that close to your face.)

Sundays are very relaxing, we try to not study language at all and make it a spiritual day, I love it. Between each meeting we have a two hour break so there is some good study time!

(His name is above all others)

April 13th Letter in its entirety:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I know my testimony in Thai (see below) isn’t long, but I have only been here 3 weeks – to the day. In this letter I wanted to share some of the spiritual experiences I’ve had while being in the MTC. I’ll start with one from last night. Every Tuesday night we have a devotional and important people come and speak to us. Up until last night they have just been people from the missionary department of the church, but last night we got a member of the Seventy. His name is Glen Pace, I’m not sure if you know him, but he had the most incredible atmosphere. He reminded me of Elder Holland, that’s probably why I liked him so much.

He started out his talk by asking everyone a very direct question. “Do you KNOW your Father in Heaven loves you?” It was quiet for the longest time, absolute silence. This question had us all thinking very hard. He then went on to say, “If the answer is yes, then how did you find out?” We were told to ponder when in our life we have felt Heavenly Father’s love for us, not been told it, not seen it in hindsight, but felt it at that very moment. He told us some very special stories about the deaths of his parents. He even asked that they not record his talk because of the things he was going to talk about. I think this is the first time I had felt physically exhausted from feeling the Spirit so hard. After the devotional we all just went back and slept, it was amazing.

The other experience I wanted to share just happened on Sunday, it was during our district class (aka Sunday School). While we were talking about Jesus the Christ, we were suppose to cover chapters one and two, we made it to page three. In the book there is a quote I really like, “He is extolled by Christian,
Mohammedan and Jew, by skeptic and infidel, by the world's greatest poets, philosophers, statesmen, scientists, and historians. Even the profane sinner in the foul sacrilege of his oath acclaims the divine supremacy of Him whose name he desecrates.”

I just thought that was such a powerful statement, especially when you are reading the book. It opens a lot of insight into Jesus Christ. I thought of how Satan works, when someone gets angry or hurt they don’t yell out Buddha or Muhammad, they use Christ’s name. I think that is enough to know that He is divine. Satan is trying to undermine him and pervert his name. I hope these two stories are a hint of Spirit we are feeling.

Today all the guys in our Zone are doing the Raisin Bran challenge. In case you don’t know what that is, I’ll explain. We have 2 bowls of raisin bran for breakfast, 2 bowls for lunch and 3 bowls for dinner. This should make things interesting because of all the fiber. I’ll let you know if I need new garments after today (just kidding).

They have decided to remodel the gym for the next four months so we do not get to play in it during our stay here. They opened the field last week, but it has been snowing quite often here. Our little district came up with a game to play in our dorm. I took a small video of it, we call it wall hand ball – it’s pretty intense.

I love you all,
Elder Warner

(Attachment of Christian's letter - testimony in Thai)

April 20th

About the Raisin Bran challenge, it was pretty intense. We had to eat three bowls of raisin bran for every meal, and then see who could go the longest without going to the bathroom. I came in second, and I didn't even make it until 10:30pm. Most people were out by 7:00 or 8:00. What most of us didn't understand was that fiber might impact your immediately, but that isn't nearly as bad as what it does over the next two days. We have all decided to NEVER do that again.

(Elder Seymour singing to his woman)

Our Phii thays (older Thais) are leaving on Monday, and we get our Naa(ng) thays (younger Thais) in a week from tomorrow. That is our halfway point in the MTC. The time goes by so quickly. In one week we'll be the oldest district in the southeast Asia area. I can't believe we're going to have a ton of people asking us questions about the language.

(Elder "JET EYE" mind tricks don't work!!)

One night about a week after I was in the MTC I really started to feel overwhelmed about the whole 2 years business. I prayed, normally I would just talk myself out of the emotional state I was in. This time i decided to talk to my Heavenly Father. The feeling of comfort I got after was absolutely incredible. It honestly hasn't been hard one day since then. I haven't been worried and I haven't been homesick. I know that If I do everything I can to serve the Lord then He will make up the rest. I know He loves me and He feels everything I feel. He is the best friend anybody can ask for, especially a missionary.

March 24th Dropping off at the MTC

We (Christian, Maren, Patrice and I) left Bountiful to take Christian to the Provo Missionary Training Center. But as is so often the case, first a meal. We headed to Mimi's and had breakfast/lunch. After eating we headed to Provo. So many times we have taken this trip to watch BYU play football and basketball, but this one is different, Christian is a little more quiet.

We drove up to the MTC with lots of missionaries standing on the curbs directing traffic. We stopped at the assigned spot when 2 missionaries opened up the back of the 4runner. His luggage was out in a second, Christian was out and just enough time to get a hug - Christian knows how to give great bear hugs.
Then off he goes with a set of missionaries, he is in Good Hands.

As we drive off I say, "That was slick." Maren breaks down in tears and says, "That was the worst thing - EVER!!!"

Really, it was the BEST thing ever.

March 23rd Setting Apart (Full Time Missionary)

Tonight was a great night. Christian loves his nephew Riley. Before going in to be set apart, I think he was taking some comfort that comes with little children.President Terry told us some things that he discovered about Christian, one of which was his ability to do hard things. In his blessing, he was blessed that he would be able to learn the language and do those things to make him a successful missionary.
We were together in the Stake High Council Room. President Terry, Kevin, Julee, Nathan, Josh, Katie, Judd, Jess, Maren, Andy, Grandma and Grandpa Warner, Patrice and I, oh and of course Christian.

I would like to know what was said to Julee.
Maren loves her little brother so much, she is trying hard to keep it together. I know that they have a very close bond.

Saying goodbye to Uncle Christian.

It really was a great night.

Thai Lotus Restaurant

After the Salt Lake Temple we decided that we would go to Thai Lotus Restaurant. TWO THUMBS UP!!Maren had taken a look at the menu and decided that her camera was going to be more enjoyable.

Now she is paying attention to the menu - she is sooooo glad that it is Christian going to Thailand.
Judd and Jessie on the other hand thought that was good eats.
The boy is spiritually and physically fed - send him on his way.

3/19/2010 Jordan River and Salt Lake Temples

Today it is warmer as we head to the Jordan River Temple. This morning we (Christian, Leslee, Patrice and I) are joined by Maren and Andy. This temple was built while I was in the Aaronic Priesthood and the members of the church donated to the temple building fund. I donated $600.00, I don't know why I remember that but I do. This temple was dedicated while I was on my mission.

The session that we were in, and I suspect all sessions of this temple are the same way, was packed. Patrice and I met a couple that attended the singles ward with us, back in the day. Then in the temple we met Andy’s old boss and my co-worker. He hired both Maren and Andy; therefore, he was instrumental in bringing them together. Christian is a great young man. I know there are those in heaven as well as on this earth that are very pleased at the man he has become. Those in the family that share his name can be assured that he has done nothing to defile their name. He fits his name, he is Christian to the core. He is and always has been more concerned for others than himself.

The only thing better than being with friends in the temple, is being with family. This has been a really great week and it is just about to get better.
As we head from the Jordan River Temple to the Salt Lake Temple we are joined by Judd and Jessie.This is the perfect moment for Patrice and me. This is everything we have ever prayed for.
We are so extremely blessed to be here as a family. Christian told me that he knows the temple is important. He knows this because of the things that he has felt in the temple but also because of the reverence it is given by his entire family. He then shared personal expereinces with me about Maren and Judd, and how they talked to him, individually, about why they think the temple is so important. He said both of them became very revernent when talking about the temple.

3/18/10 Ogden and Logan Temples

Today we left our home in Bountiful at 8:00am to head to Ogden. COLD COLD COLD, I am really sick to death of winter – ok sorry, didn’t mean to grouse about the weather. Christian decided it was the perfect day to wear his grandpa Poulton’s hat. Christian told me that he thinks the Ogden and Provo Temple look like birthday cakes with one candle on them. We had a great time in Ogden, the temples have a special feeling in them - all of them.

Christian mentioned to me today that he always thought people were crazy when they said they learned something new everytime they attended the temple; however, today he changed his mind. While we were in the celestial room Christian told me about a moment where he was taught by the Spirit and many things just all made sense to him. Christian said, that he had been to 7 temples in a short period of time, all of them the same, but it was today in Ogden that he learned something about his Heavenly Father, and the love that He has for him.
We left Ogden and headed to Logan - again with the pretty state comments. There was a haze as we came into the Cache valley. it was so pretty. As we got closer to Logan and could see the temple on the hill I realized that whenever I see a temple in my travels, I feel safe.

Many years ago the Logan Temple was refurbished and then rededicated. Like Christian, I had never been to this temple. I was expecting it to be much like the Manti Temple with murals and grand rooms with chandeliers. I have to tell you that I was a little disappointed. On the outside you have a grand building much like the Manti Temple, but on the inside you have early 70’s style – it is very incongruent. I asked an elderly temple worker and she confirmed that before the renovation, it was much like the Manti and Salt Lake Temples. How unlike the church to cover something so historical.If you know Christian, you know that he is a meat eater. The only bad meat is the meat that isn't on his plate. After leaving Logan it was decided that we needed to go to Brigham City and eat at Maddox. Christian and I felt a little out of place - it was the early bird special for the seniors. The whole place, including 1/2 our table was full of them - Remember, I think I am funny.

Draper and Oquirrh Mountain Temples

March 18th. Today we decide that we would hit the Draper and Oquirrh Mountain Temples. We needed to be at the Draper Temple at 9am for an appointment to do sealings. This is the 1st time that Christian had done sealings. It was quite a moving experience for us all when he was proxy for a father and Patrice was proxy for a mother and I was proxy for a child. I have always felt that Christian was more spiritually mature than I. I remember once right after his Grandpa Poulton died, He was just 3 years old. Grandma was having a pretty hard day, she missed her husband so much. She was crying and Christian went over and climbed upon her lap and hugged her. He stayed there with his arms wrapped around her neck for about 20 minutes. He then leaned back , looked her in the eyes and patted her cheeks and told her that he loved her. He has always been in tune to the Spirit.
Leslee also had a special experience today when she was proxy for the daughter as Christian and Patrice were the parents. She remembered being in the temple with her mother doing sealings where she was the mother and Gloria was the daughter. What a wonderful memory to have in the temple today.
No need to rush, we have plenty of time today - only have to drive across the valley. I am truly grateful!!!

This, like all other temples is absolutley beautiful; however, we found it to be an interesting experience. At all other temples we were greeted with a "Welcome to the temple" by everybody we met. When we left the other temples they would say, "Thank you for coming today"; however, at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple it was very different. When we opened the door the temple worker asked us if she could help us - it almost felt like she wanted to know what we were doing there. We have recommends, HONEST!!

When we got into the sealing room the sealer was such a nice man, very personable with Christian. I felt like he really appreciated the fact that Christian was there. He went out of his way to make it a special experience.

When leaving the temple Christian met the President. He gave him some wonderful advice. He told him, "Don't bother dating when you get home, come see me and I will have a wonderful young woman waiting for you here at the temple." It reminded me of Fidler on the Roof. The arranged marriage but deep abiding love. How did it work? Husband and wife being commited to God and each other - what a great way to make a marriage successful.; however, I am not sure that Christian is sold on the arranged marriage idea. Maybe if he could give him a short list to pick from.

Vernal and Mt. Timpanogos Temples

March 17th – Today we went to the Vernal Temple 8:00am session (we wanted to sleep in today). Oh my gosh – I want to go back to St. George, it was sooooo much warmer. When Christian was 2 years old we came as a family to Vernal for a long weekend. Patrice and I looked at the Vernal Tabernacle and were surprised at how rundown this building was. It was unlike the church to let one of their buildings with historic importance to fall into such disrepair. We commented on what a beautiful temple it would be; however, I don’t think we really thought that one day it would be.
What a beautiful little temple.

This is the 1st time that Patrice and I had the opportunity of being the witness couple. I think it was even more special because of the circumstances that caused us to be in the temple that day.
I am so grateful to Christian and the choices that he has made in his life to get him to this point. I am also grateful for Judd and Maren and the great examples they have been for him in his life. They, along with Andy and Jessie have helped him become the man that he is today.

2 peas in a pod

We left Vernal and headed to Mount Timpanogos.

This was also a very pretty drive; however, I feel like I have been driving forever. Bountiful to St. George to Manti to Vernal to American Fork to Bountiful in 48 hours with 4 temples in between, I am physically exhausted; however, spiritually charged. These 48 hours have been terrific – good company, good experiences, and good weather.

Oh look, two peas again. How can two sisters not look anything alike?
4pm. Just enough time to get into Salt Lake and grab a bite to eat. We decided upon Caputo's. It was soooo good. Christian let us know that he has spent enough time with us and needed a break, I am choosing not to be offended. We got home shortly after 6pm and he is off to be with friends. I guess that is OK since I plan to just go to bed, man I am tired.