Talking to Christian

Last night we are able to speak to Chris. It was so nice, he is doing very well. He bore his testimony to us, in Thai, and translated it to us. He also told us about many wonderful experiences he has had - We were able to speak to him until 2:30am when his plane took off.

While we were talking to him we discovered that his plane from Taiwan to Thailand had been canceled. The workers at the airport worked hard at getting them to Thailand. He has gone from a 26 hour layover to a 1 hour layover. OH MY GOSH - trying to make a connection, in a major international airport, with 1 hour to make your connection. He will have to be first off the plane and then run through the airport.

His plane departed on time and it arrived in Thailand on time. His flight to Thailand departed on time and it has now landed; however, I have no idea if he was on it. I am hoping to hear from him/President Smith, via email, letting us know that he is there safe and sound.

After talking to him last night there is no question in my mind that he is ready for the next 21 months. He has been blessed with the Spirit and he recognizes how it has blessed him while he has been in the MTC. He knows that God lives, he knows that Jesus is the Christ and has provided a "Royal atonement" for our benefit. He knows that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that he saw and heard what he claims. He knows that 15 men are serving on earth as Prophet, Seers, and Revelators, and he knows that they are "not sacrificing their time for a fairy tale." He knows that Thomas Monson is the only man holding all the keys of the priesthood at this time. He knows that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that all the scriptures are a blessing in our lives and will help us be better. He knows that when he was a child, he spake as a child, he understood as a child, he thought as a child: but now that he is a man, he must put away childish things. He knows to obey is better than sacrifice. He knows that if he has faith and works hard that he will be led to those that our prepared.

During the hours of talking with Christian, Maren and I looked at each other in amazement, it was wonderful - HE IS READY. Patrice seemed to know that he was already ready.

We asked him about the "Royal" comment when referring to the atonement. He said in Thai, when referring to God or Jesus that all they do is considered Royal - I think that is a wonderful way to describe it.

Check his other blog throughout the weekend for the pictures that he sent us, they really are great.