NEARING THE HALFWAY MARK

Madison visiting LISBON.

There are some days that you always remember, no matter what. I will never forget the day Madison was born 8/3/1990.  I CANNOT believe she is 23 now! TiMe FLIES…she is almost halfway through her mission already!

I am so happy to have gotten to video chat with her on Dec 25th. It was so awesome. (No i didn't get a picture of the computer screen when we skyped, but i think every other missionary mom did! I was lame. I was just too involved in the moment I guess.)CHRISTmas was started off right with the baptism of CAISER on the 22nd. 

Caiser's baptism day. Elders and Sister Warner and Bos.

This is Caiser, the one directly in the middle. Madison thinks he looks like a scary guy in this picture. I don't really, but she said he is super nice and that Portuguese people don't smile for photos. One thing I notice in all of the many pictures I have of her mission, the Elders and Sisters look SO HAPPY in all of them. The Spirit of Jesus Christ brings happiness to us all. It is in their countenances isn't it? I am amazed at the effort of each missionary and the sacrifice they make to bring happiness to every person. I am also grateful.

FRIENDS ARE GREAT!

Well, it has been about 8 months since Madison left our home. Yes, we miss her alot, but are enjoying hearing about her successful efforts in bringing people closer to our Savior. I have been thinking about all the things I am grateful for lately. Among the top of the list are great friends like you all, who support and love unconditionally. I can't express how thankful I am for you and how much of a great influence you are in my life and that of my children. You have shown me how to be a better person...how to forgive and nurture among many things.
This month is thanksgiving, that holiday we celebrate the bounty we have been blessed with, when we thank God for all things, and we rejoice with friends and family. one of my favorite quotes is

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough." 

Madison's letters/emails always contain her gratitide for her blessings, both spiritual and material. It seems living in different country has shown her what great prosperity we enjoy in this country. I know I find TONS to complain about with all the politics and failures in our government, but the reality is, I am grateful to be free, to have work, to be able to worship and live as I want. This is a blessing to me, this promised land. 

 I am grateful to see pictures like these because it assures me that life is good for Madison in Portugal and that she is the same Madison just improved through many spiritual experiences!

LIFE IN PORTUGAL

Here in the good ole USA we have A LOT of opportunity and prosperity not found in other countries. If you are like me, you may be complaining about our government and politics...but the reality is, we live in the promised land, and it is great. Madison reminds me each week how blessed we are to live in the USA.

She is still jumping!

Some interesting facts about people in Portugal in Madison's own words:

"Portuguese people are so funny. Let me tell you some fun facts...

They all ALL smoke, and they also all hang out their windows. No windows here have screens and so they will just open them and lean out to watch everyone below. Sometimes I will walk right by a window and all of a sudden there is a face! It usually always scares me. They will do that and have conversations across the street with each other. Everyone here is SUPER nosey! 

They also almost always serve their food to us cold. If we eat in a members house, the food is never ready when we get there.

They like to correct everything we say. They also talk really fast and a lot and they use crazy hand gestures and almost always hit me in the face. A man accidentially hit my...chest when he was aiming for my arm. Everyone feels the need to touch us... NAO TOCA DA MIM! (don't touch me!) I want to yell. haha. oi. Vida! 

But for real, I love the people here. It's so insanely different than America. But it's cool. It helps me appreciate things more." 

Night shot of her companion and a lady they helped out.

It has been awesome to learn all these things and feel more like I know a little about her life halfway across the world. And even though I miss her immensely, I am NOT sad she is there, spreading the good news about Jesus Christ and His redemptive power. I must admit when I see night time pictures I get a little concerned that she is out walking the streets in the dark...but I know she is smart and can take care of herself. I am a mom, what can I say?

This is the son of Solange, who got baptized last week.

"During the Master’s ministry, He called fishermen at Galilee to leave their nets and follow Him, declaring, “I will make you fishers of men.” May we join the ranks of the fishers of men and women, that we might provide whatever help we can."

- THOMAS S. MONSON

HASTENING THE WORK

"Every time you take someone figuratively by the hand, and introduce him or her to Jesus Christ, you will feel HOW DEEPLY our Savior, Jesus Christ, loves YOU and the person whose hand is in yours."
                                                    -Clayton Christensen

I know most of you reading this blog are LDS and friends or family of Madison. And for those of you who aren't LDS, I invite you to continue reading as this post concerns you! (The Lord is trying to reach you!)

I wanted to share a little bit about this great "work" of salvation that is happening all around the world and what the prophets tell concerning it. There is a great website hastening the work which has added to my testimony of missionary work in these latter days and I encourage you to Go Check it Out! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the FASTEST growing church in American history, according to US News and World Report. The number of fulltime missionaries is up to 80,000! 

General Conference was flooded with messages from prophets and apostles and other church leaders concerning the great hastening which Christ told us about in D&C 88:73:  "Behold, I will HASTEN my work in its time." 

We are witnessing that prophecy be fulfilled! What an opportunity to be a part of it! I loved the message S. Gifford Nielson of the Seventy gave concerning us and how we can be a part of the work. He said we must do 3 things:
1. Pray DAILY for the opportunity to bring someone closer to CHRIST and his gospel.
2. Pray for our ward missionaries and their investigators/less actives BY NAME.
3. INVITE a friend to an activity in or outside of our home.

And M. Russell Ballard warned us not to let FEAR and lack of FAITH hinder us in this effort.

So we, along with the 80,000 full time missionaries have work to do! Madison is working hard and finding many opportunities to teach. She loves having the support of members in her branch in Baxia da Banheira. I thank you all for your support of her and your many letters, emails and prayers.

WELCOME TO BARREIRO Baxia da Banheira

Here is a picture of Sister Warner and her new companion, Sister Bos

Madison is now in Baxia da Banheira, Barreiro and she loves it there. She claims it isn't as beautiful as up north but it still looks nice. I bet it is warmer. I saw some palm trees in photos online. But winter is coming...The town is right on the water.

Madison in Baxio de Banheira, Barreiro PORTUGAL

So Madison said that as far as the language is going…"it's cruzing!" and thanks for all the prayers! She and her companion live with two other sisters, Sis Dudley (who came with me to Portugal) and Sis Larsen (a newbie of one transfer). BUT sadly, her bed "sucks" so hopefully she won't need a Dr. soon. LOL

Moon as seen on one of her night walks back to her apartment.

They are talking with everyone, doing what they can to get things moving and being soooo blessed.  Madison said, "I'm starting to trust myself more and more, which is good because I'm happier and working hard. But it's TERRIBLE because we have to soley trust our Savior." 

Classic Madison photo...Men watching Futbol.

PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW

Sister Hancock and Sister Warner/ Villa Real-Regua Area

Life as a missionary is just plain tough! Just when you think you are getting to know everyone and settled in, you get transferred! Well, sometimes...Madison has been in Vila Real for about 5 weeks and is being transferred to Barreiro (south of Lisbon).  I think she is bummed, but in her own words..."God always has a plan." I know that she was sad to leave one investigator she had been working with. But hopefully the next missionaries will take over and love him as much as she did.

Barreiro is easily accessible from all parts of Portugal.
Lisbon, the capital city, is 5.8 miles away from Barreiro.
It is also well connected with all other Portuguese cities like Vigo,
Oporto and Seville. Population of Barreiro is estimated to be 54,700. 

Barreiro looks like a nice place and probably is more of a big city than her previous areas. I can't wait to hear about it. Of course she never gives me enough details about places and the culture there. I will have to wait until she gets home for that stuff I guess. Never enough time when you are a missionary either. Too many people to email and write on P Day.

Not sure if Madison is trying to dry her sweaty back or what? LOL

LEAVING THE NEST

Wedding before the baptism of an investigator.
Gotta do things in the right order!

Life as a missionary is never dull. The past month has been interesting. 

Madison had to be transferred by the President to a new area due to a "overzealous" investigator who was proposing marriage! So she is now in a new town, Vila Real. Her new area includes Regua which is a small town about 20 min drive away. It is beautiful and she loves it. Her comapnion was Sister Silva, who has since completed her mission. She was a great friend to Madison. On August 3rd, Madison's 23 b-day, she made her breakfast and a cake. Madison was so happy!

Sister Silva and Sister Warner
(Hopefully that is a mission phone...LOL!)

Then two or three weeks after that unscheduled transfer, the real transfers happened. She is still in Vila Real, but is now Senior companion (Sister Silva left) and trainer to a wonderful missionary (Sister Hancock from Hawaii...yes we are all jealous!) who has been out less time than she has. It is a bit daunting, but Madison is doing great and learning a lot. The language is a barrier at times, but her companion has a good grasp of Portuguese cause she studied it before her mission at BYU. It is a blessing. They have to travel between the two towns each sunday (and more) and attend two sets of sunday meetings. The branch is very small, only about 12 members come, i think... In her own words...

"so yeah, we are the only sisters here now, just us. And we have all of Vila Real and also Regua. yikes! Every time I get overwhelmed I just pray and I think about how God must trust me and he wants me to grow. I knew that something like this would happen. I had a feeling. I know that God always pushes us out of our comfort zones, so read Mosiah 23 and 24 and think about how all we need to do is leave our fears on the alter of sacrifice and cry to the Lord, ok!"

Madison in random corn field...? I like it though!

I am amazed at the outpouring of love from so many of you to her. She tells me how she gets letters and packages and emails. And how much that means to her and how it helps her get through each day. Thank you so much! You are awesome!

"I love you guys! Remember, like Domard (an investigator) says, you can open to any page of the BOM and be fed spiritually!" 
- Sister Warner

ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN PORTUGAL

Who said this would be easy?  Nobody, right?!
But difficulties in life make us stretch and grow in ways we otherwise wouldn't. So we must press on and endure. Madison is learning all about endurance. Speaking a different language, or trying to anyway, has its challenges. It is tough not understanding those around you and feeling "out of the loop" so to speak. 

This is the branch at a picnic.

Did I mention this is the point in a missionary's life when they wonder, "WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING HERE? I can't speak the language, I miss home, etc..." This too will pass. It's all good, they come out of it and then with only one month left to serve, they don't want to come home!

This is the Tiago who was baptized this month.

But all in all, serving is a blessing and the missionaries in her district have had 3 baptisms so far! They are getting to know the members and forming friendships. Madison mentioned that she complimented a branch members beautiful scarf and next thing she new that sister was giving it to her! Wow, she felt loved and grateful.

Are they cold or just in the missionary mode? (arms folded) LOL

A trip to the coast was fun even though it was rainy.

There is a lot to see and so little time to see it! But it is all about sharing the good news of the gospel and strengthening the members. As we go about our own individual lives, let us remember to do everything we can to share our happiness and what makes us happy with others! (the knowledge we have of God's Plan of Happiness)

LETTERS WELCOME

And wanted!

This just in.....an address to the Sister missionaries apartment!
You can write a letter to Madison at

Sister Warner

Rua Terras Da Santa Maria

Nº 1836 Hab. 42

Arrifana 3700-421

Portugal

(Postage for a letter is $1.10) happy writing!

SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW

This is so very exciting for Sister Warner to move halfway across the world to a foreign country and begin teaching all who will hear about Jesus Christ. It has been fabulous watching it all unfold and to be in the background cheering her on. I have been very blessed and happy she is able to do this. Portugal looks beautiful from her few pics so far. Very OLD and quaint. She is living in Sao Joao da Madeira, up near Porto.

Her first week in Portugal has been rainy and cool, but she has met many exciting people and her companion, Sister Valdez, has been out for 8 months. They live with another companionship in an apartment. It is all NEW, everything  there she has never seen before. (That is what I love about traveling and seeing places for the first time.) 

The missionaries across the world are very numerous now and 43 of them were in this one group that just came to Portugal! The elders have been moved out of this town and Madison and her companion are taking their place...missionary lingo is "white washing". (Who Knew?)

As I read her words I am inspired and reminded that

Our greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel.

TAKING OFF

This is it. It is time for Sister Madison to spread her wings and fly. She is ready, willing, and able. (I am so glad she endured the MTC and she only had 1 cold! )

With things winding down (or up depending on how you look at it I guess) in Provo, there isn't too much to add on this post. I will quote her letter and end it at that:

"This week as you read in O Livro de Mormon, remember that because you are doing that, you're healing your soul as well as showing God that you love him and are thankful. You do a lot when you open that Book and you don't even realize it! Share that love and light with the people in your life who don't have it. Afterall, Christ is the light and life of THE WORLD! "

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Well, the past 5 weeks in the MTC have flown by for the most part (although at times I think NOT FAST ENOUGH...I do miss her tons) and it will be off to PORTUGAL!

May 14th is the day...this is her last (but not least) week in the MTC.

 It has been a lot of the same things each day. I think Madison has already made some lifelong friends and had many SPIRITUAL experiences.

 I am learning from her letters each week also, so I look forward to more and more! She has a goal to finish the

B O O K  of  M O R M O N

before she leaves the MTC next tuesday.

I have been surfing the internet to learn all about PORTUGAL. Wow, what a gorgeous place! But enough pics for now I know there will be tons later on...

LISBON PORTUGAL

The Tamega River flows under a Roman-era

bridge in the scenic town of Amarante.

Photograph by Richard Klune/CORBIS

The Lord is helping her with the language. I can't wait to hear he speak it. I already told her when I talk to her from the Airport (yah! She gets

to call us May 14th) I want to hear something in Portuguese.

The next few weeks will be so exciting. Moving to Portugal and finding out where her first area will be...I know she is so ready to be there already.

Many people (non-members) have asked me about her and how she is doing. I had a conversation in the pool with a friend who said he believes in service to others. And even though he is not religious or a Mormon, he admires the service our church gives to others. I was so happy to see he noticed (and then  I thought...ok how can I change the fact that you are not Mormon! ;)

ANOTHER WEEK IN THE MTC

(Missionary Training Center / Provo, UTAH)

The news this week is GREAT! Sister Warner is fully integrated into the MTC and doing well. She did catch a cold but I think it is a little one. She also is picking up PORTUGUESE, but claims it is "crazy". Not quite sure what that means. Hopefully I will find out more in time.

I fully expected to miss my daughter, and I knew she would miss me too on some level. (I hoped it wouldn't be just things like, cooking for her etc...) This experience of not being able to pick up my iphone and text a quick note or talk to her whenever I want has taught me something valuable that I treasure. (More than the fact that I love cell phones!) And that is, that we, Madison and I, have become true friends! Not just mom/daughter friends, but real eternal friends. Friends who talk all the time, and tell each other things we don't tell others. I know this because now we can't talk or text 12 times a day, and I miss it.

 But 18 months is a blink of an eye RIGHT? It will go by so fast.

You can totally tell I have been crying! That's Okay!

Richard G. Scott and Gerald Lund have come to speak to the missionaries. What a treat! I know it bouys them up and strengthens them. She is grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary and is eager to teach others about CHRIST.

AND SO IT BEGINS....

Might as well start at the very beginning of this adventure.

     Madison, Nick and I set out for Utah...a 11 hour drive. I need to mention that I personally really felt some divine help in little things on this day. Starting with me miraculously remembering my wallet. I had put it in my church bag on sunday and forgotten to take it out and put it back in my purse. We hadn't left the neighborhood when I suddenly thought of it and was able to go back for it. I was so grateful for that!

     Later that night outside of Wendover, UT Nick got pulled over by the highway patrol for speeding. Madison was the spokesperson and related details of her reason for traveling to UT and her mission. Nick didn't get a ticket. It poured down rain on us in several locations along the route and we hydroplaned at one point but didn't slide off the road. Evidence of the

Tender Mercies of the Lord. 

     We spent the next day saying goodbyes. My grandmother, Verna Jenkins, is almost 89 yrs old. She lives in Orem so Madison has become gotten to know her better since living in Provo briefly. 

Joey Sanchez, Hannah Bennion, and McKenzie Gummersal all came over to say goodbye and give words of wisdom to Madison. 
Weds. we went to Provo and said our goodbyes up at the temple. It was a gorgeous day in so many ways. I held in most of my tears... It was great to have Madison's grandmother, Susan Warner there too!

Nick and Madi

I sure am glad I took her to the MTC. We talked about her just leaving from CALI alone, but I like the way we did this important Goodbye!



"This is why I'm here, because this is what Christ did. He sacrificed, loved, lived and taught in order for us to have the truth and know the way. I'm trying to be like Jesus, and it's hard. But it's the best (bayst). " -Sister Warner

The last wave goodbye...

Madison and Grandma Warner

Sister Warner and Sister Call, first companions!

Two Peas in a Pod !

 

6 to a room...It is awesome to think there are THAT many missionaries!

Sister Warner at Provo Temple, April 2013

The first week was new and exciting and EXHAUSTING. Madison is learning what she is made of. It takes so much energy and will power to give your life over to the Lord for 18 months. 

She writes, "I just keep reminding myself that I love my Lord and that if i can do this, my future family and many family's futures (in Portugal) will be blessed. It's hard to know what to say with the first week. I guess i'm just struggling with the battle between Madi and Sister Warner (Seesters Warner) and all that. I knew I would be humbled, I just didn't realize how severely and intensely. It helps to know that I have so much support from all the family and friends back home. Pday has been good, but it's still hard because it makes me think of home EVEN more. "On Saturday I had a break down wondering if i should really be here... I wasn't gonna write that but I figure, why not share that this is hard? But I have
faith
that the Lord will confirm it for me if it's His will.
So with time, it will get more normal and easy."