Mormon Helping Hands Day in Southern California !

Hello sweet mother!!

So in my area I have literally yet to see one white person.  That is not a joke.  It looks like it is Mexico! So awesome! I need to take pictures of my area and send them.  I forgot to take a picture of my apt but just imagine a tiny apartment with one bedroom and three girls.  Oh, showering in the morning is always an adventure...!  So we taught Jose on Monday and he accepted our baptismal invite.  And then, of course we ran into a problem. Jose is Hispanic and he is going to a Samoan ward.  So, we aren't allowed to teach him anymore because he needs to go to an English ward.  Talk about my heart breaking.  But I really hope that he will go through with everything still and go to an English ward because he doesn't speak Samoan.  But he is great and he is ready for the Gospel in his life.  We don't have many progressing investigators right now, but we are trying really hard to find them.  But we do have one whole family that is progressing! Seriously, I love them more than anything. They are amazing.  The parents are Antonio and Daisy and they have three kids. They are one of the closest families that I have ever met.  They do everything together, no matter what it is.  We taught them on Tuesday and it went awesome.  The spirit was there and it was such a peaceful feeling.  The parents told us that there was something different about us.  They have had Jehovah's Witnesses teach them and some others, but they feel different with us.  They said that they liked how we listened to their needs and how we don't force the doctrine on them.  That is the main point of being a missionary - listen to people and remind them that they have their own free agency to choose to accept our message or not.  They also said that they love the time that we are over there, because it is a time that they get to be together as a family. There is no TV on and no children yelling, it is a time that they get to focus on the Lord and be together as a family.  And we are lucky enough to bring that into their home.  They were going to come to church on Sunday but Daisy was feeling sick and so they couldn't.  They have a 10 year old girl named Vivian and she is amazing.  She loves learning about the Gospel and was able to explain to us about Joseph Smith and the First Vision.  They are an incredible family full of love.  They have so much potential.
A tender mercy that I had this week was at a family's house named the Reynas.  They fed us dinner this last week and they are a recent convert family of two years.  They went through the temple about six months ago and were sealed.  They told us how they were stubborn when the missionaries asked them to be baptized and how grateful they were for their persistence.  They said to us, be determined because in the end it is worth it.  They expressed to us how grateful they were for the missionaries and everything that they do.  Sometimes I feel like no one will talk to us, and hearing that from them made it all worth it.  It was a feeling of remembering why my Heavenly Father sent me to do this, because He knew I could.  We also met a man on the street the other day named Francisco. His wife died 3 years ago and he is old and alone at his home.  We are going to teach him, but when we were talking to him I was overcome with the presence of his wife there, but also strangely Michael as well.  My eyes welded with tears as my heart ached for this man. I can't remember all of your questions and I have to hurry, so sorry if I don't answer them!!  I have a goal of taking more pictures this week!!  I am going to do that, because I don't take enough.  I am trying to remember the most challenging thing that happened this week, but truly I cannot.  There were a lot of times that I felt tired or frustrated, but I don't know why.  What a blessing that is to me right now.  I can only remember the good parts of the week. So this week we went to Compton, hahahahaha!  Compton, mother.  It was to teach Jose. But I just thought I would share that with you.  A little scary. As missionaries, we have to do this thing called backing, where you back up someone who is driving.  So Hma. Zollinger was backing in Compton and the whole time she was like, I'm going to get shot!  It was quite the experience. I LOVE it here.  I cannot imagine myself anywhere else.

Street Light in Compton

I have been so spiritually uplifted, and I love it. I know, not only through my feelings, but knowledge that this is the true church on the earth. There is only one God, one church, and one baptism. And this is it. I know that without a doubt in my mind and am so thankful for that!  I am doing well here and am loving the people, the culture, and learning more about the Gospel and my loving Heavenly Father.  You are in my thoughts always momma.  I love you so much!  xoxo
Love, Hermana Warner

Mormon Helping Hands Day in Southern California!  This is an annual event, where over 40,000 church members combine with community leaders and citizens in giving service to the California community.  So happy Michelle was able to be part of this!

Hello, sweet dad. Here I am in Los Angeles with all of my sweet little Latina women.  It is amazing.  Seriously amazing. I think of you so much as I go throughout my day and wonder how you are. The spirit is wonderful here and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to share it with others. We had a lesson with a less active this week and her whole family was around as we read a scripture to her.  We didn't get much of a chance to speak because I felt that her family was doing all of the talking.  But when we left, my companion said, "I know we didn't say much, but I know since we were there, that the spirit was able to be more present than it would have been without us."  It is so crazy here.  There are so many people, which means that there are so many people without the Gospel.  I have always known that the church is true but it truly is so logical.  Learning about the apostasy and why the church had to be restored makes so much sense.  I love meeting new people out here, even if it is me just saying, "nos gustaria un tarjeta con usted, tenga un buen dia".  People are awesome. The members are incredible and love us so much. I wrote you a letter that I am sending today with some stories in it!!  I love your story about the inactive and non-member.  Embrace those people, seriously.  Find people for the missionaries, and take every chance you can get to share the Gospel.  It is amazing. Thank you for teaching me about the Spirit.  I have learned more from you than you will ever, ever know.  I love you more than words can say!! xoxox  Michelle

Mormon Helping Hands Day in Los Angeles!

Letter from the Mission President

24 April 2013
Dear Brother and Sister Warner,


Sister Michelle Lynn Warner arrived safely to this mission 17 April 2013. After prayerful consideration, Sister Shelby Ranae Moeller and Sister Kaitlin Elizabeth Zollinger were selected to be her companions. We make every effort to assign only the very best missionaries to be trainers, as these first few months are critical in the life of a new missionary. 
Enclosed are pictures of Sister Warner with her companions, Sister Baker and me.
During the course of her mission she will be transferred from place to place, therefore, we ask that all her mail be sent to:

Sister Michelle Lynn Warner
1591 East Temple Way
California Los Angeles Mission
Los Angeles, CA 90024-5801


We are excited and grateful have Sister Warner serve in the California Los Angeles Mission. Our desire is to help her succeed and magnify her calling. We will do everything possible to see that she remains healthy, actively engaged, challenged, and happy in her missionary labors. Please be assured that her welfare and happiness are of primary concern to us.

The enclosed information answers many of the questions frequently asked. And then for up to date news and information, you and your family can visit our mission blog: calamission.blogspot.com. Should you have any questions or concerns during the course of Sister Warner’s mission, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely yours,

Stephen R. Baker, President
California Los Angeles Mission

Michelle's first companions!
(Hermana Warner, Hermana Moeller, Hermana Zollinger)

Michelle with Pres. and Sister Baker, 
Presidents of the California Los Angeles Mission

First week in the Mission Field - CUDAHY, California!

Hola Mommacita!

Well my dear, I am going to try really hard to answer all of your questions. There were a lot.  But I know you are dying to hear, so I'll start off with this - I LOVE my COMPANIONS!  Yes, I'm in a trio.  But let me start with my trainer. The most amazing, kind girl, and an amazing missionary.  She is so obedient and works so hard.  I feel so so incredibly blessed to have her as my companion. We are in a trio because there were so many sister missionaries!  Her name is Sister Moeller and my other companion came the same day as me and her name is Sister Zollenger.  They both are so awesome and I see so much happening with our new area.  

Hermana Warner, Hermana Zollenger, Hermana Moeller (trainer)

So our area, it's called Cudahy (pronounced cud-a-hay).  It is the most Spanish area in the mission, I think.  Literally, I haven't seen one white person here, it's so awesome.  So we are whitewashing as well.  AND we have two wards! Choke!  So we have one whole Spanish ward and then we are over a Samoan ward (Katie will love that!).  Seriously the most incredible wards ever.  All everyone does is feed us.  On Saturday, the Samoan ward had an "eating" for a young man's farewell.  They had whole pigs in the back of the church and they fed us six different meats.  I am definitely not a meat person, so I almost died. Okay I didn't, but I am going to gain weight because all we do is eat!  Ahhhh. So yes, my area, members, comps, are amazing.  I have literally never been so tired in my entire life.  It's a challenge keeping my eyes open, and I have never slept so good!  We were in the car the other day (we're driving sisters) and I thought about how incredibly tired I was, but somehow I was so happy. I am still trying to catch up on sleep!   After we arrived to California from the MTC, we had lunch at a church and then dinner on our own.  We had temporary assignments for the night, which then ended up being our permanent assignments.   We live in the poorer part of town.  My apt. is really small, I'll send a picture of it next week!  My Sunday was great!  Very exhausting, but my companion said that I will get used to it.  I eat all the time... cielo ayudarme...

So yesterday during church at the Samoan ward this guy came up to us after Relief Society and said, "Hey, I brought my friend to church, we're having a lesson".  So we had a lesson, then and there!  It's was crazy.  He didn't seem interested at first, but then he was saying to us how sometimes he feels like something is missing.  Hello  -- the Gospel!  But he has had struggles in his life and I was able to share Alma 36:3 and explain why we have trials and how we are given them to make us stronger.  We have a follow up appointment tonight with him so pray for us!  I see so much potential with him, and his friend is very involved in it, too.  

Hardest thing of my week - rejection.  But it's not as bad as I thought.  I am here as a missionary of Jesus Christ, this is for Him, not for me.  Also, my Spanish is a joke.  When I sit in the Samoan ward, I feel like I'm sitting in the Spanish ward, it all sounds the same to me, hahah.

Best part of my week - learning!  I have learned SO much already.  I love this. Like seriously.  I have learned a lot of doctrine from studying but I have learned how to love others.  I love the members in our wards.  I love the sweet little Latinas that kiss our cheeks and feed us until we can't breathe.

We have a lot of potential investigators and have a lot of high hopes for this area and I cannot wait to achieve them.  I am sorry this is all over the place, but it's right there with my brain!! It's hot here right now and I wake up all night sweating because we don't have an air conditioner.  But it feels so nice in the mornings!  We run every morning and I love it.  Okay, I don't have much time left, but I love you sweet mother!  I loved talking to you and I keep thinking about it.  It was great hearing your sweet voice.  Don't stress about packages or letters!  We get them on Thursday at our district meetings, so if they get there before, then you should be good.  I love you momma!!!
xoxox Michelle

Hi Dad!!  

I am here. I am so happy, too! I wrote mom a novel so I don't have much time. I love my companion!! So, so much. I am in a trio and both of them are great. It is hot, hot, hot here!!  We have a lot of potential here and I know we will have success in this area!  How are you doing?  My days are crazy and filled. Members are incredible. I am in an area called Cudahy, the most Spanish area. Everyone is Latino, it is so awesome.  You are in my thoughts constantly and I'm always praying for you. This is so awesome!  Have a great week!

Hermana Warner

Hermana Warner and Syster Christensen one last time together 
before Michelle left the MTC!

She made it to LA!!

Sister Blair from Utah, Sister Ford from Washington, Sister Harrison from Kentucky, Sister Lyman from Utah, Sister ________, Sister Oldham from Arkansas, Sister Petersen from Alabama, Sister Powell from Utah, Sister Rudd from Idaho, Sister Warner from Utah, Sister Wright from Colorado, Sister Young from Utah, and Sister Zollinger from North Dakota have joined the CLAM.

Elder Casey from Utah, Elder Christian from Idaho, Elder Crane from Georgia, Elder Davey from Utah, Elder Ericksen from Utah, Elder Harris from Wales, Elder Moon from South Korea, Elder Spencer from Idaho, and Elder Tupouata from Tonga, have joined the CLAM along with Visa Waiters Elder Anglade from Utah, Elder Chriss from Utah, Elder Clawson from Nevada, and Elder Engebretsen from Utah.

Elder Chriss (third from right) is a fellow Titan from Olympus High School who will be serving with Michelle in Los Angeles while awaiting his Visa to Argentina!

Last week of the MTC! LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, here we come!!

Mom! Here I am at my 6th week in the MTC and I am LEAVING!!  Who would have thought that the day would come?!  I have heard just about every emotion of leaving lately.  And I have felt them.  But right now I am excited!  I am ready to leave.  I am ready to give people what I have been learning.  I am ready to be humbled more than I have ever been.  This week has been humbling.  I am here.  I am on a mission!  And I am going to be on a mission.  The MTC has been anything but easy.   I have never been more challenged in my life!  But I have never felt closer to my Heavenly Father in my life.  If I could just explain how I feel today it would take too long.  I am blessed.  That is all there is to it.  I have been blessed with hard times in the MTC and I am thankful for them.  Weird, I know.  But I learned early on that in life you have two directions to go.  You can be upset about a situation or you can grow from it.  I have felt both.  I'm not perfect, actually I'm the farthest thing from it!  But I have learned and progressed.  I have developed not just a testimony but a conversion.  I know without a doubt that the things I am about to teach are true.  And the reason that people don't believe that is because their hearts aren't softened to listen about Christ.  Our church is Christ.  I have felt Him lift a number of burdens since I have been here.  I have felt him forgive me for being short and for not being the missionary that I have the potential to be.  I have really come to terms with what I am doing, and I don't think I would have it any other way.  This church is awesome!!!  
How is your temple goal?  My session was great this morning.  The veil is so thin always there.  I have so much comfort in knowing I have my sweet angels surrounding me.  We had a departing devotional.  An Elder sang 'Consider the Lillies'.  I just cried.  I sat there with a flood of memories of my sweet, sweet brother.  I remembered who he was and who he IS today.  He is amazing.  I love him and I feel him.  It is still so hard for me to admit that he is gone.  I wish I could get letters from him.  BUT, I get to have him right by my side for a year and a half and he isn't leaving.  I am so thankful for him and for the plan that we have. I don't have a lot of time left so I'm going to hurry!!   Well, momma, life is so good!  I got my calling card and I cannot wait to hear your pretty voice!!!!!   Ahhh!  I can't wait!!  The church is true!!  
I will talk to you soon!! xoxo 
Love you!!!
Michelle 

Dear Dad,
I leave the MTC so soon, what the what?!  Life IS exciting.  Life IS good.  Time has come and gone.  The days are slow but the weeks fly by.  I can't even put into words what I have learned about myself, the Gospel, and my Savior in the last six weeks.  Heavenly Father loves me.  It is incredible.  We had 1200 sisters in our Relief Society on Sunday.  Spanish is hard, but it is coming.  I am just putting everything I know onto the Lord's shoulders, I know that I can't do this on my own.  It will take a long time to learn Spanish - conjugations, past/present tense, imperfect, preterite, subjuctive... just to give a few.  It is hard.  I have learned to love my companion. I love her.  I like that story you shared about the marble.  That is my biggest goal in my mission is to see people as who they can become.   You would have loved being a missionary while I am, we work directly through the spirit.  No memorized lessons, just meeting their needs.  I know that is how you are, you want to teach people, not lessons.  That is the motto of the mission.  I love my Heavenly Father more than words could ever express.  He has done so much for me.  I am thankful for my trials and how I will be able to help other people in their lives.  This gospel is so true!! I can't wait to hear you on Wednesday!! I love you!!!

Hermana Warner

Editors note from Michelle's mom:  We spoke to Michelle this morning from the SL Intl airport, just prior to her leaving.  She sounded wonderful!  She bore the sweetest testimony in Spanish, and we are so excited for her.  A picture of Michelle, along with all other arriving missionaries to the CLAM (California, Los Angeles Mission) should be posted in the next day or so, on to the CLAM mission blog: http://www.calamission.blogspot.com  

Michelle with her beautiful friend and Syster Adelide Christensen, who is going to Sweden!  She has loved having Adelide there at the MTC with her!

 

Michelle with her dear friend from Utah State!

Hermana Warner with her district and members of her Branch Presidency

One last picture with her district and their AWESOME teacher (front and center) before they all go their separate ways!

MTC - Week 5!

Dear Mom,

Your email today could not have made my heart any happier!  I can't tell you enough how much I love you.  So first off, they are building a temple in CEDAR CITY!!!!!  Hi, I'm pretty sure I cried tears of joy and thought of how happy you had to have been all day!!  How cool was that for you to be in the Conference building while that was being announced.  This morning at the temple we did initiatories, and I thought of sweet grandma doing them at the St. George temple.  She was sad that there wasn't a temple in Cedar then, but I know how happy she is about the announcement!  As I looked at the sweet older ladies while I was waiting in line, I felt grandma there with me.  I felt her sweet love to me.  She loved me so much, and I am thankful that I am able to feel her presence throughout my days.  And, just to share.... this morning was one of the most incredible mornings at the temple.  Since being here, I have developed an even greater appreciation for temple work.  I took the family names that I printed off in January and finished the last two.  Seriously, as I did them I sat there in awe at the peace I had in my heart.  Family work is so important!  I love doing others work, but there is something so special about searching for someone who has passed on to complete a beautiful work for them.

So I did get to see that Missionary special edition after the Sunday morning conference session!!  It was so cool seeing my friends on there!  I see my friends everywhere seriously at the MTC, and I love it.

Did you love Conferencia general?!!  Pretty much it was the best thing of my whole life.  I feel spiritually uplifted for a good six months.  I had soooo many favorite talks, but one that I especially loved was Elder Holland's in the Sunday afternoon session.  The man says, "Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief".  That is all we need in life.  We need some belief and we can go off of that.  He told about the boy that said, "I know that church is true, but I don't know for sure - but I do believe it".  Elder Holland teared up as he said, belief is all you need.  I reflected on it and asked myself what my belief was.  I am amazed at the way that my testimony of knowledge has developed into conversion.  I know that this is true.  We all have so much more faith than we know.  Think about it when you pray at night, you know that Heavenly Father is there and through faith he will answer your prayers!  I don't think I'll ever look at Easter the same after my mission.  Christ gave everything to us.  And I get to use His Atonement daily.

I got my travel plans!!! I think I cried tears of joy.... the time is coming!!!  I am scared to death but so, so very ready for this time.  I leave next Wednesday (17th) and my flight leaves at 8:45-ish.  So I am leaving the MTC at 5 a.m. so expect a call from like 6-8:30 maybe?  I will try and figure out more about it and get back to you.  I love P-days too, mom!!!! I love your emails.  I have a more detailed letter than I am sending today to you so expect that in a few days.  I cannot wait to talk to you and dad next week!!!

This gospel is the best thing that has happened to me.  I am so thankful that I have this opportunity.  It is hard, but the work is so worth it.   Vale la pena - it's worth it!  You are in my thoughts always, beautiful!!  Thank you for everything!  I LOVE YOU!!!!
Love, Hermana Warner

Dear Dad, How did you like conference?  It was amazing for me.  I got to see that highlight at the MTC!  Dad, there are 65,634 missionaries- and I am one of them!  It is amazing.  And I am happy.  The spirit is dwelling in me and I hope it never leaves.  I'm not perfect and I won't ever be, but I am trying everyday. Prayer is so real and I know that Heavenly Father hears them every time. I had a moment of discouragement one day.  We taught one of our "investigators"  and I was so worried about how I was going to invite the spirit.  I prayed so hard to have these feelings relieved so I could teach with the blessings of the spirit.  It turned out to be one of the most awesome lessons I have ever had.  I felt the spirit so strong.  I shared a personal story to my investigator, Jose, about when I prayed to know God was there and opened my Book of Mormon to Alma 36:3.  I began to cry as I shared this story.  It was another testimony to me that what I was saying was true.  The Gospel is the most beautiful thing that we have on this earth.  My testimony in the last four weeks has grown incredibly.  I still have so much room for improvement, too.  But, my faith is there and that's all I need.  I layed in bed last night and thought to myself, the importance of attitude on a mission. My mission is dependent on my attitude.  It can go both ways.  I remember every day what Bryan told me before I left - wake up with a good attitude everyday and my mission will be 100% different than what it could be.  I realized I am here to do Heavenly Father's will.  I pray for my future investigators every night and I pray that Heavenly Father has prepared them to receive this bright and happy truth!  I have learned more than I ever could have at home.  Meaning, how to rely on the Lord, get along with others that you usually wouldn't, patience, love and most importantly, how much Heavenly Father truly loves me. A mission is a reminder of how much you love your family.  I am so thankful for you.  I love that I am able to say that my parents are my best friends.  The church is true - you know that more than anyone!  If you get a moment to write/type some mission experiences, I would love them.  I have been thinking about how I didn't ask you enough about your mission.  This work is amazing and I can't wait to get out there!  I am happy and content! Thank you for your wonderful example!  You are in my prayers forever.  I love you daddy!  Hermana Michelle

MTC - Week 4!

Hola bonita Mama! Mom I have so much to tell you and so little time!!  I will try and squeeze it all in.  So I'll start off with Easter.  It was amazing having it here!  Like seriously amazing.  It was such a cool thing to be able to focus completely on our main principle in this church - The Atonement.  Easter is fun and full of candy and bunnies, but Easter is one of the most spiritual days of the year.  Christ was resurrected.  He came back to this Earth with His perfect body.  Ah it makes me so happy, I'm such a nerd.  So yesterday for Easter we did something that the MTC has never done.  We partook of the Sacrament as 3,000 missionaries at the same time!  Think about that, a matter of 3,000 missionaries were able to partake of the Sacrament in a fifteen minute time period.  We had Bishop Gerald Causse speak to us and he said, "I can bet you that Christ is looking at us right now and is just filled with joy."  Coolest thing ever!!  Later for the devotional we had Sheri Dew, sweetest lady ever.  I didn't want it to end.  She talked about us about being an influence on others and how to be a better influence of those that we teach.  She explained that the Savior is ALWAYS our answer.  In every little problem we have.  People don't rely on Him enough.  Sometimes we may feel bad about relying on Him too much, but that is why He is there, that is why He died for us.  So we can rely on Him.  She said the way that we know that we will serve a good mission, is when we love the Savior more than everyone else.  It was a beautiful day and I thought of you at work all day.  I hope you were able to feel the spirit with those sweet babies that you hold in your arms and in your heart.  

This week was way, way better!!  I have learned so much and am continuing to learn more everyday.  I am learning so much in relationships.   I still have frustrating moments, but following those moments are confirmations of the spirit.  I found a scripture, it's Proverbs 14:29.  It says, "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."  If you look in the footnotes technically it's saying, He that has self mastered himself and is patient and is of great understanding: but he that is quick-tempered of spirit exalteth folly.  Hi, that's my life in a nutshell.  You know more than anyone that I am not patient.  And most the times I don't want to be patient or admit that I'm being impatient.  I am learning how to be slow to be upset and how to love others more fully.  It is the most beautiful thing that could happen to me.  

I LOVED your package!!  Our lessons are going amazing.  The gift of tongues is real, let me tell you!!  I am growing to love my investigators soo much and I think that they teach me more about my testimony than I do.  I have gained a testimony just from the spirit that is in our lessons.  I told you about that too, in my letter.  We go to the temple on our P-days and we do temple walks on Sunday, so if you want to show up at my 9:00 session, I won't complain.  Just kidding ;)  But I had the coolest thing happen today.  I was in the temple and I was thinking about home and probably things that took away too much of my focus (like how I could've been married, etc).  I sat there and seriously plead with Heavenly Father to take those thoughts away from me because I want to be as happy as I can here.  Seriously, every thought I had afterwards was how I was supposed to be here.  Heavenly Father needs me.  I am going to find people in Los Angeles that need me.  And I need them just as much.  It is humbling and I am so grateful for those experiences. 

Two more weeks until I am in LA!! I leave on the 17th!  Spanish really is coming!!  Slowly of course, but surely.  I am picking up on my accent and on conjugating verbs pretty well.  Not great, but it's not as frustrating anymore!! I am able to teach in Spanish and get my point across.  There is no better feeling than when my teachers acknowledge my growth in the language (by the way, our 'investigators' are our teachers). When I pray, I know that my Heavenly Father will fill my mouth with words that He wants me to share.  I feel confident in it, and because of that, I am able to teach better.  When I feel like I'm struggling with Spanish, I remind myself that I am learning this language because Heavenly Father is preparing people that will be able to learn and understand through me.  I am here for others, that I am about to teach, how cool is that?!  I love my investigators and feel so much joy when I know that they are progressing.  And I literally FEEL SO much love for the sweet people I will have the opportunity to teach.  I think that my teachers here are angels sent from heaven - seriously. Well, my time is limited.  Te amo muchisimo mama.  Yo se que la iglesia es muy verdadera.  Jesucritso muerte en la cruz para nosotros y yo soy much agradacia por El.  El CCM es incredible.  Jose Smith es un verdadera profeta y el ensenaba los palabras de Dios.  Whatevs, it'll get there.  This church is beautiful and I love it.  Have a wonderful week my sweet mother and family.  I love you more than words can tell!! xo Hermana Michelle

Dear Dad,                                                                                                               The MTC on Easter was more than I could have ever asked for.  I have never focused as much I should have, on the importance of Easter.  I've loved Easter egg hunts at papa's and finding the Easter baskets in the dryer.  But, this was different.  We had Bishop Gerald Causse speak to us.  He said, "Why do we celebrate Christmas so much and skip over Easter so easily when Easter is what our whole gospel is about?"  El Expiacion, the Atonement.  Jesus literally gave everything for me.  For ME.  How did I ever deserve that?  In our Sunday night devotional, Sheri Dew spoke to us.  She was the second counselor in the Relief Society General presidency and was amazing.  She told a story about how she was driving home from BYU to somewhere (I don't remember) and it was a 12-hour drive.  She was driving through Colorado and they gave a blizzard warning so her and her brother chose another route.  Well, on the route they got hit by the blizzard as well and her car broke down.  After a prayer, a family drove by them and took them to a nearby motel.  In the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, her dad drove 6 hours to pick her and her brother up, and to follow them another six hours home.  I had tears as she shared this because I know you would have done something like that for me.  I can't even imagine how much my Heavenly Father loves me when I see how much you love me.  This Gospel is amazing and full of so much hope for others.  I am happy here.  I miss you more than words can say, but I am thankful everyday for this.  I hope your week is as good as you are.  There are 3,000 missionaries in the MTC right now - amazing! I love you so very much, daddy !

Love, Hermana Warner

Hma Quayle and Hma Warner

Olympus High missionaries at the world map

District Sisters

An Elder from Utah State that was in Michelle's student ward and FHE group,
going to France!