So this week has been a bit of a shock, in a good way though. We had our baptism on wednesday, and it was a wonderful experience. I was able to do a musical number for the baptism, and I think it went really well. The man was confirmed on Sunday, and I also was able to participate in that. What a wonderful experience it was. The man we baptized is such a great man. Right after being confirmed, he came up to us and asked us if he could have a calling, and this is after being a member for less than an hour. I know he will go on to do great things.
The reason I said this week was a shock however, is because of what happened last night. Last night the phone rang, and it was the mission home's number. We assumed it was just President Martin making Zone leader calls. Elder Walker answered the phone, and President Martin asked for me. I got on the phone with him, and he said "Elder Hunsaker the purpose of my call is to call you to be the new Assistant to the President." I was so shocked (That was the last thing I could possibly imagine him calling me for) that all I could say was "Okay." He laughed and seemed to realize how shocked I was, which cause him to reply "You may be surprised, but I'm not. I received very strong promptings about this." He then explained to me what my new duties would be and such. So there you have it, I'm the new AP. I was blown away, because I haven't even been on my mission 18 months yet. I thought that was pretty much a requirement to be an AP... apparently not. I'm kind of stressed, because from now on I'm going to be SUPER busy. I mean, I was already busy before, but that's nothing compared to what's coming. The Assistants usually are up until two in the morning and wake up at 6:30. I don't know how I'm going to survive that, but I'm sure I'll be okay. This means I'll be moving to Valencia next week. I don't know my new address yet, but I'll be sure to send it next week. Wish me luck! Love you all!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
"He shall restore."
It has been a really incredible week. We had Elder Golden of the Seventy come and visit the mission. He is a brilliant man, and knows the scriptures backwards and forwards. He talked to us about a lot of things, including how to increase the work in the mission, and about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. One of my favorite things he said was about how God knows us even better than we think He does. He told us that the name "Joseph" in Hebrew means "He shall add" or "He shall restore." The Name Hyrum means "My brother is exalted." God knew exactly who He was calling when He called Joseph Smith to be the Prophet of the Restoration. I thought that was really cool. Elder Walker and I also have our baptism this week on Wednesday! I'll be sure to let you know how it was. We also set another baptismal date yesterday! We will be having another baptism in mid-October. Things are going really well, and we are so excited for the things to come. Love you!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
ELDER GARRETT HUNSAKER SURVEY ANSWERS #3
WHERE DO YOU GO TO ANSWER EMAILS IN CANOGA PARK? WHERE IS THE COMPUTER LOCATED THAT YOU USE TO READ EMAILS?
We usually either go to the library or the Apple Computer Store in the Topanga Mall.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT APARTMENT LIKE?
Our apartment is a two bedroom, one bathroom. It's pretty small, especially since four of us live here. It's actually pretty gross...because missionaries have lived here for over 10 years. The apartments get really worn down after that long.
IS YOUR GPS WORKING? DO YOU USE IT MUCH?
It has been working really well, but it's starting to become a little temperamental. Probably because I've used it almost every single day for a year.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR COMPANION.
He has a picture of him getting out of the car at the MTC. The car right behind his is a big white van that says CROWBUS on the license plate. You can see him standing by the van and me about to climb out. He arrived at the MTC at the same time, right in front of us!
ARE YOU TESTING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FOUR TIMES A DAY? [NOTE: THIS QUESTION IS INCLUDED IN EVERY SURVEY. LOVE, MOM.]
Yes. Note: This answer will be the same in every survey. Love, Garrett
HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY TALKS IN THE CANOGA PARK WARD?
No.
WHEN YOU GIVE TALKS IN THIS WARD, DO YOU USE SIGN LANGUAGE?
No, someone else would just interpret for me. Because it's almost impossible to speak and sign accurately at the same time. It's like trying to think in two languages at once.
HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING WELL?
Yes. My health is still as great as ever.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANION DOING RIGHT NOW?
Reading the Book of Mormon.
WHEN YOU EAT OUT, WHERE DO YOU USUALLY GO? DO YOU TYPICALLY EAT OUT FOR LUNCH, OR MAKE LUNCH AT THE APARTMENT?
We usually make lunch at home, but when we do go out, it's usually to Subway or IN-N-OUT.
IS THERE ANY DOWN TIME, AND IF SO, WHAT DO YOU DO? CAN YOU PLAY GAMES OR DO ANYTHING RECREATIONAL ON ANY DAY OTHER THAN YOUR P-DAY?
Actually, there is quite a bit of down time. There will sometimes be hour to fill where we have no idea what to do. We try to find productive activities to do, though. Usually games and things are only allowed on P-Day.
WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? DO YOU LIKE IT?
We drive an '08 Chevy Malibu. I like it, 'cause it's probably the nicest car I'll drive for a long time.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PLAYED THE PIANO?
Last Tuesday. I actually get plenty of chances to play since every church building has about 30 pianos.
DESCRIBE CANOGA PARK FOR US.
Super busy, super crowded, lots of billboards advertising pornography and strip clubs...but that's more in the center. On the outside edges of the valley there are very rich areas. About half of our area is pretty rich, and the other half is downtown city area, where a lot of people are struggling to get by.
WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT SERVICE YOU'VE PERFORMED AND HOW DID IT GO?
We helped a deaf woman clean up her kitchen, and it went really well. She really appreciated it.
HAVE YOU LEARNED TO COOK ANYTHING YET?
No. I don't get many opportunities to cook. I almost always have cereal for breakfast, and sandwhiches for lunch. Dinner is almost always provided by a member family.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY REALLY BAD BOUTS OF HOMESICKNESS?
Yes. Not nearly as often as when I started, but sometimes it still happens.
WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT BLESING YOU'VE GIVEN SOMEONE AND HOW DID IT GO?
We gave our deaf sign language teacher a blessing because she wasn't feeling well. Sign language blessings are interesting to give; you have to take your hands off the person's head to sign the blessing to them.
WHAT'S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU MISS ABOUT HOME?
I really miss the formations of geese that fly over the house. Not sure why, I just really do.
[Mom's note...this is so odd because yesterday I was working in the back yard and a huge flock of them--they are Canadian geese--flew overhead. And I thought, "There you are. I remember you guys." R.J. was with me and we both stopped to watch them. So bizarre that he would mention this.]
IS YOUR COMPANION READING THIS?
Yes. I only read the questions to him.
ARE THE MEMBERS HELPING YOU GET CONTACTS?
No. Honestly, not really. I think we've maybe have one referral since I've been in this ward.
IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU NEED, OR WISH YOU HAD?
I'd love some more ties and white shirts.
WHAT WERE YOU DOING RIGHT BEFORE YOU OPENED THIS LETTER?
Cleaning the apartment.
IN ONE WORD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS WEEK?
Uplifting.
DO YOU STILL PLAY BASKETBALL IN THE MORNINGS?
No. I actually haven't played morning basketball since Ridgecrest. I usually just exercise in the apartment every morning. We sometimes play sports at the church building on P-day.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR MISSION THAT YOU REALLY, REALLY LIKE RIGHT NOW.
I love learning sign language, and the people we're currently teaching.
IS TIME STILL GOING BY QUICKLY?
I swear it goes faster and faster every month.
DO YOU THINK ABOUT PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE WHEN YOU GET HOME? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL DO...WHERE WILL YOU GO TO COLLEGE, ETC.?
It kind of stresses me out to think about that...but I would like to go to Utah State when I get back. I'm still deciding what my major would be. I think getting a job as an interpreter while I'm in college would be nice too.
RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE?
D&C 128: 19, 22 - 23
19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!
22 Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.
23 Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid brocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!
WRITE ONE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF:
KYLE: Love
EMILY: Thoughtful
RJ: Friend
ANNA: Brave
LIAM: Cobrademon...just kidding. Smart.
KATHRYN: Beautiful
MOM: Hero
STEVE: Strong
ARE YOUR SHOES HOLDING UP OKAY?
Yes.
TELL US ABOUT A GOOFY TRICK YOU OR YOUR COMPANION CAN DO, OR A FUNNY EXPERIENCE YOU HAD RECENTLY.
If we are ever in someone's house and we don't want them to know what we're saying, we wait for them to turn around and we sign to each other.
ARE YOU JUST SO GLAD THIS SURVEY IS OVER?
Why do you always ask that? I really like the surveys. :)
IS THERE A QUESTION YOU HAVE FOR US RIGHT NOW?
What are your favorite scriptures?
signed:
Garrett Hunsaker
We usually either go to the library or the Apple Computer Store in the Topanga Mall.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT APARTMENT LIKE?
Our apartment is a two bedroom, one bathroom. It's pretty small, especially since four of us live here. It's actually pretty gross...because missionaries have lived here for over 10 years. The apartments get really worn down after that long.
IS YOUR GPS WORKING? DO YOU USE IT MUCH?
It has been working really well, but it's starting to become a little temperamental. Probably because I've used it almost every single day for a year.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR COMPANION.
He has a picture of him getting out of the car at the MTC. The car right behind his is a big white van that says CROWBUS on the license plate. You can see him standing by the van and me about to climb out. He arrived at the MTC at the same time, right in front of us!
ARE YOU TESTING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FOUR TIMES A DAY? [NOTE: THIS QUESTION IS INCLUDED IN EVERY SURVEY. LOVE, MOM.]
Yes. Note: This answer will be the same in every survey. Love, Garrett
HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY TALKS IN THE CANOGA PARK WARD?
No.
WHEN YOU GIVE TALKS IN THIS WARD, DO YOU USE SIGN LANGUAGE?
No, someone else would just interpret for me. Because it's almost impossible to speak and sign accurately at the same time. It's like trying to think in two languages at once.
HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING WELL?
Yes. My health is still as great as ever.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANION DOING RIGHT NOW?
Reading the Book of Mormon.
WHEN YOU EAT OUT, WHERE DO YOU USUALLY GO? DO YOU TYPICALLY EAT OUT FOR LUNCH, OR MAKE LUNCH AT THE APARTMENT?
We usually make lunch at home, but when we do go out, it's usually to Subway or IN-N-OUT.
IS THERE ANY DOWN TIME, AND IF SO, WHAT DO YOU DO? CAN YOU PLAY GAMES OR DO ANYTHING RECREATIONAL ON ANY DAY OTHER THAN YOUR P-DAY?
Actually, there is quite a bit of down time. There will sometimes be hour to fill where we have no idea what to do. We try to find productive activities to do, though. Usually games and things are only allowed on P-Day.
WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? DO YOU LIKE IT?
We drive an '08 Chevy Malibu. I like it, 'cause it's probably the nicest car I'll drive for a long time.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PLAYED THE PIANO?
Last Tuesday. I actually get plenty of chances to play since every church building has about 30 pianos.
DESCRIBE CANOGA PARK FOR US.
Super busy, super crowded, lots of billboards advertising pornography and strip clubs...but that's more in the center. On the outside edges of the valley there are very rich areas. About half of our area is pretty rich, and the other half is downtown city area, where a lot of people are struggling to get by.
WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT SERVICE YOU'VE PERFORMED AND HOW DID IT GO?
We helped a deaf woman clean up her kitchen, and it went really well. She really appreciated it.
HAVE YOU LEARNED TO COOK ANYTHING YET?
No. I don't get many opportunities to cook. I almost always have cereal for breakfast, and sandwhiches for lunch. Dinner is almost always provided by a member family.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY REALLY BAD BOUTS OF HOMESICKNESS?
Yes. Not nearly as often as when I started, but sometimes it still happens.
WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT BLESING YOU'VE GIVEN SOMEONE AND HOW DID IT GO?
We gave our deaf sign language teacher a blessing because she wasn't feeling well. Sign language blessings are interesting to give; you have to take your hands off the person's head to sign the blessing to them.
WHAT'S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU MISS ABOUT HOME?
I really miss the formations of geese that fly over the house. Not sure why, I just really do.
[Mom's note...this is so odd because yesterday I was working in the back yard and a huge flock of them--they are Canadian geese--flew overhead. And I thought, "There you are. I remember you guys." R.J. was with me and we both stopped to watch them. So bizarre that he would mention this.]
IS YOUR COMPANION READING THIS?
Yes. I only read the questions to him.
ARE THE MEMBERS HELPING YOU GET CONTACTS?
No. Honestly, not really. I think we've maybe have one referral since I've been in this ward.
IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU NEED, OR WISH YOU HAD?
I'd love some more ties and white shirts.
WHAT WERE YOU DOING RIGHT BEFORE YOU OPENED THIS LETTER?
Cleaning the apartment.
IN ONE WORD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS WEEK?
Uplifting.
DO YOU STILL PLAY BASKETBALL IN THE MORNINGS?
No. I actually haven't played morning basketball since Ridgecrest. I usually just exercise in the apartment every morning. We sometimes play sports at the church building on P-day.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR MISSION THAT YOU REALLY, REALLY LIKE RIGHT NOW.
I love learning sign language, and the people we're currently teaching.
IS TIME STILL GOING BY QUICKLY?
I swear it goes faster and faster every month.
DO YOU THINK ABOUT PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE WHEN YOU GET HOME? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL DO...WHERE WILL YOU GO TO COLLEGE, ETC.?
It kind of stresses me out to think about that...but I would like to go to Utah State when I get back. I'm still deciding what my major would be. I think getting a job as an interpreter while I'm in college would be nice too.
RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE?
D&C 128: 19, 22 - 23
19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!
22 Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.
23 Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid brocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!
WRITE ONE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF:
KYLE: Love
EMILY: Thoughtful
RJ: Friend
ANNA: Brave
LIAM: Cobrademon...just kidding. Smart.
KATHRYN: Beautiful
MOM: Hero
STEVE: Strong
ARE YOUR SHOES HOLDING UP OKAY?
Yes.
TELL US ABOUT A GOOFY TRICK YOU OR YOUR COMPANION CAN DO, OR A FUNNY EXPERIENCE YOU HAD RECENTLY.
If we are ever in someone's house and we don't want them to know what we're saying, we wait for them to turn around and we sign to each other.
ARE YOU JUST SO GLAD THIS SURVEY IS OVER?
Why do you always ask that? I really like the surveys. :)
IS THERE A QUESTION YOU HAVE FOR US RIGHT NOW?
What are your favorite scriptures?
signed:
Garrett Hunsaker
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Reality of an Adversary
Hey there everyone! I can't believe I've been on my mission over fifteen months now! I'm down to the single digits left in months now! Wow... That's so crazy. Things have been going well, the other missionaries that live in our appt. had a baptism yesterday that we were able to attend. The spirit was powerful, and it really got me excited for our upcoming baptism a week from Wednesday!
Its been interesting, the closer our investigator has gotten to his baptism, the more hard things have been happening to him. One thing I have really been gaining a testimony of, is the reality of an adversary. Satan really is there, and trying his hardest to stop us from doing the things that are right. More importantly though, is that there is a God. He is our Father, and He is infinitely more powerful than Satan will ever be. If we trust in Him, and continue to follow Him, Satan will never be able to overpower us. I know that to be true.
This Wednesday, Elder Golden of the Seventy will be visiting with us. He will also be personally interviewing all Zone leaders. That means me! AHHHH! Yeah, I'm a little nervous to be interviewed by a General Authority, but it will be fine. I'll be sure to report on that next week. Love you all!
I did get the letter and survey from (you my family) on Friday. I wasn't able to send it off until Saturday afternoon, so it might have just sat in the mailbox until today. You should be getting it this week though. Those surveys are a great idea. The missionaries I live with saw it and said "Cool! I wish my family did this!" Anyway, thanks for sending it.
I loved hearing that Kathryn and Meredith gave talks about me. I'm honored! It means a lot to have so much support from you all. You also have my support. You are in my prayers every night.
Its been interesting, the closer our investigator has gotten to his baptism, the more hard things have been happening to him. One thing I have really been gaining a testimony of, is the reality of an adversary. Satan really is there, and trying his hardest to stop us from doing the things that are right. More importantly though, is that there is a God. He is our Father, and He is infinitely more powerful than Satan will ever be. If we trust in Him, and continue to follow Him, Satan will never be able to overpower us. I know that to be true.
This Wednesday, Elder Golden of the Seventy will be visiting with us. He will also be personally interviewing all Zone leaders. That means me! AHHHH! Yeah, I'm a little nervous to be interviewed by a General Authority, but it will be fine. I'll be sure to report on that next week. Love you all!
I did get the letter and survey from (you my family) on Friday. I wasn't able to send it off until Saturday afternoon, so it might have just sat in the mailbox until today. You should be getting it this week though. Those surveys are a great idea. The missionaries I live with saw it and said "Cool! I wish my family did this!" Anyway, thanks for sending it.
I loved hearing that Kathryn and Meredith gave talks about me. I'm honored! It means a lot to have so much support from you all. You also have my support. You are in my prayers every night.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Short but Sweet...
Happy Labor day everyone! This week has been pretty normal. We picked up a few new investigators who seem interested in joining the church, so we're excited about that. Our other investigator Danny is still excited about his baptismal date of Sept 21st. Next week is when we have Elder Golden of the seventy come to visit the mission. I'm pretty excited for that. I'll be sure to let you all know how that goes. Other than that, not much else to report. Love you all!
[Mom's note: We have sent off another "Elder Garrett Hunsaker Survey" and hope to have it back with responses for next post!]
[Mom's note: We have sent off another "Elder Garrett Hunsaker Survey" and hope to have it back with responses for next post!]
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