This is Garrett's mother writing.

In the last several weeks we have fixed up a bedroom, weeded the flower bed, and painted some closet doors, preparing our home for our son to come back to us.  Our house needed some preparation because the bedrooms had been taken over by growing teens, leaving no place for our missionary to sleep.  But our hearts needed no preparation.  We are ready.  We are more than overjoyed to have our son and brother return home to us. 

Yesterday we picked up a lot of Garrett's luggage and books from some members of the church who owned the guest house where he and his companion were living in Bishop, CA.  They had relatives in Layton and had driven the items  here in their truck.  How kind!  Going to their home was like meeting long lost family.  Everyone came outside...the couple from Bishop and their son and daughter.  Emily and I retrieved the items from their truck...it was very touching to see my son's possessions after two years.  He even had some dirty laundry for me, which made me smile but I was happy to take.  We thanked these kind people and drove our son's items home. 

Opening his suitcase was like uncovering buried treasure.  There were letters from family and friends, members of the ward, extended family, which we carefully marveled over.  Then there was his missionary reference books, photos, and a few trinkets we had sent for Christmas.  All of it back.  I unpacked everything and put it in the dresser in his new room.  In two days, he will be here himself.  It's hard to believe and yet having his possessions has made it so real. 

Having a missionary son has been one of the greatest joys of my life.  I understand what our Father in Heaven must feel when we return to his presence having lived a valiant life.  And the happiness in reuniting with the people we love most when they have been away "anxiously engaged in a good cause." I cannot wait for Wednesday morning.  We will post the video of his homecoming here.

Thank you, everyone for supporting my son on his mission.  Thanks to the members in the San Fernando mission who fed my son, cared for him, and gave him birthday parties and Christmases and Thanksgivings in our absence.  Thanks to the members in my own ward who supported him with letters and kindness, and extended family for sending him well-wishes.  Thanks to Hilary, for your  kindnesses, and although you and Garrett have moved in different directions we will always consider you a dear friend to our family.  Thanks to my son's terrific companions that he feels so close to he'll be rooming with now in college.  I'm grateful to Sister Martin, who called me frequently with questions so she could get Garrett set-up with the appropriate doctors for his diabetes at every new transfer location, and also gently informed me about the car accident on the freeway involving my son and three other elders.  Thank Heaven everyone was safe.  You were his mom away from home.  Thanks to President Martin for his example and total devotion to the mission.  You made a lasting impression on my son.  I am so grateful to so many, and most will never see these words and know of the gratitude I feel.

So today was the last day for me to receive an email from my son on his mission.  His message was only this:

Mom,

2 John 1:12

See you in two!

Elder Garrett Hunsaker

So of course I looked up this reference.  It is:

12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not ^awrite with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

What joy it will be!

I will have our Elder Hunsaker write one more post to end this missionary blog with his testimony.  And as I said above, we'll include his homecoming video.  Until then, I am signing off. 

With love.

Kristyn Crow